Christmas in Hampshire 2023! There are plenty of Christmas events in Hampshire happening this year. From Hampshire pantomimes for some great festive fun, to plenty of family days out and activities with those extra special Christmas touches.
Don’t forget to check out these places to see Santa in Hampshire as well as the Christmas markets in Hampshire.
Polar Festive Illuminations
Dates: 9th – 24th December 2023
The Isle of Wight’s favourite festive experience is back this December! Pippa the polar bear invites you back into her world of Polar as it returns to Robin Hill.
The Watercress Line Steam Illuminations
Dates – 24th November – 23rd December 2023 for Christmas Chart Crackers
- 27th December 2023 – 6th January 2023 for Pop Anthems Journey
Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas, pixel mappable digital LED train! It’s an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look magical both inside and out!
You will travel through magical ‘snow’ at one part of the ride and spot new light installations along the line!
There’s the chance to see the outside of the train at the start, middle and end of your journey to capture it by camera.
Glow Marwell
Dates: November 24th, 25th / December 1st – 23rd 2023
Glow Marwell invites guests to explore Marwell zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up our wonderful illuminations.
Christmas At The Brickworks Museum
Swanwick Lane, Bursledon, SO31 7HB
Date: 26th November 2023
See the Museum shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorations to begin the festive period. You can shop at the craft market and find out about Christmas’ past in the Victorian cottage display.
Enlightened At Staunton Farm
Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant PO9 5HB
Dates: 8th – 24th December 2023
A magical outdoor light trail for all the family to enjoy this Christmas!
Enlightened comes to Staunton Farm this winter. The grounds will be transformed into a magical illuminated light trail for visitors to enjoy with all the family. Book now to see mesmerising light installations and enchanting moments along a specially crafted route for our visitors this winter.
Hayling Winter Wonderland
The Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG
Dates: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 14th – 24th December 2023
Hayling Island Winter Wonderland has over 40 displays featuring animations and hand crafted scenes. You can even walk through Gingerbread Town. There are over 3 miles of lights and tonnes of snow to create the most magical Christmas experience in Hampshire. Visit Father Christmas in his house and receive an early Christmas Gift
You can stop at the gingerbread factory and Lenny the learner Elf’s house. Why not take a train ride through the Elf Village and look for the toys being made in Santa’s Workshop.
Your ticket price also includes entry into the Kidz Kingdom indoor play area and unlimited outdoor children’s rides. There’s even a seasonal drink and mince pie for the grown ups.
Cosmic Christmas
Dates: 16th – 23rd December 2023
Visit the Winchester Science Centre for a Cosmic Christmas this year where there is a Christmas space tale waiting to be told. The 45-minute live-action performance in the Planetarium auditorium begins with Santa on Christmas Eve.
Discover the adventures of Santa and Aster as they make their way through the Solar System. Watch as magical immersive experiences and exciting science surprises bring Santa’s words to life. What adventures did Santa get up to on his way to the International Space Station?
Christmas At Paultons Park
Dates: 2nd – 23rd December 2023
you can experience A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World.
Peppa and George will be in their seasonal outfits, there will be a Christmas show featuring Father Christmas.
See Peppa Pig World decorated for Christmas, complete with seasonal music. Santa’s Christmas Wish Show will have singing, dancing and fun! Twice daily Santa will be on stage.
Other shows include Frosty’s Snowtime Show and Santa’s Storytime. There will also be plenty of magical Illuminations around the Park. The Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree has its own light show every 15 minutes.
The Magical Christmas Adventure At 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
“Ahead of the Santa Annual New Toy Awards (the SANTA’s), Santa is excited to welcome you to visit the North Pole for a magical Christmas adventure, creating special family memories for years to come.
Encounter the fabulously entertaining world of the Elves as they prepare for their busiest night of the year. You’ll head over to Santa’s Lodge for a unique private audience with the big man himself; then there’s more fun in store as you explore his magical North Pole village of Sparkle Copse.
From toys to teddies, snowballs, and sleighs, immerse yourself in a seasonal extravaganza; take lots of fantastic photos and come away laden with goodies and filled with Christmas cheer.“
Christmas Trail At Itchen Valley
Dates: 2023 TBC
Father Christmas needs help to find his reindeer. Can you help? The trail costs £2 which includes a prize at the. end. The perfect outdoor Christmas adventure in Hampshire this year.
Christmas Evening Lights Trains
Dates: December 8th, 15th, 22nd 2023
At Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway you can see the festively decorated station along with the sound of jolly Christmas tunes in the evening time.
The trains will be fully illuminated and you can enjoy a ride around the country park in the dark with seasonal refreshments.
Christmas At Hogwarts (Tudor House And Garden)
Date: 2023 TBC
Step in to a world of festive magic as the Tudor House and Garden conjure up Christmas crafts fit for Hogwarts itself. Make and take your own spellbinding gifts, keepsakes and decorations.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Light Up
Dates: 30th November – 31st December 2023
On selected dates between 30th November and 31st December, the magical light trail will return to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
Pantomimes In Hampshire
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs At The Mayflower Southampton
Dates: 9th – 31st December 2023
It’s an all star cast at the Mayflower Panto in Southampton this year. Christopher Biggins and Ashley Banjo and Diversity will be starring in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Cinderella at The Theatre Royal Winchester
30th November 2023 – 1st Jan 2024
Cinderella in pantomime is brought to Winchester by the same team from last year’s amazing Wizard of Oz panto.
Peter Pan at The Kings Theatre Portsmouth
Dates: 1st – 31st December 2023
The Pompey panto for 2023 is Hook – The Further Adventures Of Peter Pan starring Barry from Eastenders and James Argent.
Aladdin At The New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Dates: 8th – 31st December 2023