11 awesome Christmas events in Hampshire 2021

Are you looking for some magical activities to get you in the festive spirit?  Or wondering where to find the best Christmas events in Hampshire for families?  Well, we’ve got it sorted for you.

There’s an abundance of awesome things to do with kids this Christmas in Hampshire.  Whether you’re looking for Christmas markets, illuminated trails, train rides, or festive shows, we’ve got something for you.

Here’s our round up of 12 awesome Christmas events in Hampshire for families. Plus, we’ve added some fun festive activities that are happening further afield.  But don’t hang around, some of them are selling out fast.

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ

• Dates: 13^th December 2021 – 2^nd January 2022
• Tickets:  Just turn up!
• Cost:  Free entrance

Firstly, we look at one of the newest Christmas events in Hampshire this year, the marvellous Christmas Village at Gunwharf Quays.

Here, there’ll be cosy cabin market stalls to explore, an epic Observation Wheel and carousel to ride, and – to keep you refreshed – an Alpine Lodge Bar and Swing Grill serving German bratwurst. Plus, kids will also have a chance to spot Father Christmas amongst the snow-covered trees.

Station Road, Alresford SO24 9JG or Station Road, Alton, GU34 2PZ

• Dates:  26^th-28^th November, 3^rd/5^th December,  10^th – 23^rd December 2021
  and 27^th – 31^st December 2021
• Tickets:  Illuminations at the Watercress Lane
• Cost:  £96 (family of four)

Marvel at the wonderful light show with different colours and flashing patterns, whilst sitting back and relaxing on one of our steam trains as it travels up and down our 10-mile line.

Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

• Dates: Saturday 4^th December 2021 to Thursday 23^rd December 2021
• Tickets:  Christmas at Paultons
• Cost:  £95 (family of four)

Of course, one of the best Christmas events in Hampshire for younger kids is a visit to Paultons Park.

Little children will love seeing Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas.  Then they can enjoy a selection of rides, meet Frosty the Snowman and watch Santa’s Christmas Wish Show.

Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

• Dates: Weekends until 18^th December and then daily until 23^rd December 2021
• Tickets:  The sky before Christmas
• Cost:  £3.50 with general admission

Now, have you ever wondered what Santa can see when he makes his annual festive flight through the stars on Christmas Eve?  The Sky Before Christmas discovers the stars and constellations that will be putting on a show on Christmas Eve before zooming off into space to deliver some presents to the different planets of the Solar System.

New Forest Activities, Baileys Hard Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YF

• Dates:  11^th – 23^rd December 2021
• Tickets:  Christmas Canoe Paddle
• Cost:  £51.50 (family of four)

What about joining New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on the Beaulieu River to find Santa this Christmas? Enjoy a 90 minute guided tour of the river’s beautiful nature reserve, with the river offering up some of its more stunning sights on a fresh winter’s day.

Theatre Royal Winchester, 21-23 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

• Dates:  Monday 20^th December 2021
• Tickets:  Santa’s Best Ever Christmas
• Cost:  £13 per child (includes a meet and greet with Santa and present)

Alternatively, join Father Christmas and friends in this brand new, festive, musical, interactive adventure to make 2021 Santa’s Best Ever Christmas!

It’s a family show most suitable for 2-7 year olds, where everyone will receive a present from Santa.

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ

• Dates:   Various
• Tickets:  Breakfast with Santa
• Cost:  £20 per child over 2 and £17 per adult

Luckily, Santa returns to the Spinnaker Tower this Christmas and he’s tucking into breakfast to make sure he’s full of energy for a busy day of festive preparations. Join him and his elves in the Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar for some festive fun!

Children can write their letters to Santa, sharing their Christmas wish list, before popping it into the post box and chatting with the main man himself. 

Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill Rd, Portchester, Fareham, PO17 6AN

• Dates:  18^th December – 23^rd December 2021
• Tickets:  A Victorian Christmas
• Cost:  £3.50 pp (includes entrance to museum)

Join one of our special festive tours and experience a military Christmas in a Victorian garrison. Firstly, step back in time and meet head cook Private Dobson in the kitchen as he prepares a Christmas feast for the soldiers.  

Afterwards, visit the barrack room, festively decorated with oranges, cloves and greenery, and learn about the life at the Fort for a soldier at Christmas, as well as Victorian Christmas traditions and ‘new’ fashions.  

Queen Victoria Country Park, Netley, nr Southampton

• Dates:  Monday 13^th December 2021
• Tickets:  Winter’s Tail at Chessington
• Cost:  £6 per child

Reconnect with nature this winter with Bear’s Winter Wander.

Find out about Bear’s woodland friends, including Robin, Mole, Squirrel, Barn Owl, Badger, Deer, Bee, Rabbit and Hedgehog. You’ll find riddles, games and puzzles to solve plus missing acorns and pinecones to find!

It’s £6 for each child taking part and includes a trail guide booklet and colouring pencils. Plus, their very own Bear to take on the walk and to take home afterwards.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, nr Petersfield, Hampshire

• Dates: 18^th – 24^th December 2021
• Tickets:  Santa Rescue
• Cost:  From £12 per child

At 06:32 on 1st December 2021 a group of rogue elves took Santa hostage. Can you use your team work and communication skills to free Santa and save Christmas?  Suitable for ages 6+

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1GE

• Dates: 10^th December 2021 – 2^nd January 2022
• Tickets:  Cinderella at Southampton
• Cost:  From £19.50 pp

You shall go to the ball next Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming.

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

• Dates:  Friday 14^th – Sunday 30^th January 2022
• Tickets: Winter Woodland Lights at the Hawk Conservancy
• Cost:  £57.50 (family of four)

Start 2022 with a sparkle at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, when it will become even more magical with beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.

What are your favourite things to do in Hampshire at Christmas?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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• 30 things to do in Hampshire with kids
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• A Christmas trip to Windsor Castle, England

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