Christmas Events in Hampshire & Dorset
Christmas! A time of festive cheer and goodwill to all. But it's also a great time to get out and explore. With lots going on throughout Dorset and Hampshire there's plenty to get you in the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the best places to find a little magic this season.
Hampshire
New Forest Christmas Fair
Where: Exbury Gardens
When: 1st & 2nd Dec 2018
The largest Christmas event in the New Forest will be taking place at Exbury Gardens this year, welcoming more than 100 traders and stalls to bring in the Christmas cheer. A traditional family day out, there are all kinds of wonderful gifts to purchase at the New Forest Christmas Fair, as well as plenty of tasty local produce to sample.
Illuminated Christmas Trail at Beaulieu
Where: Beaulieu, New Forest
When: 23rd Nov - 24th Dec 2018
Experience a magical, after-dark, illuminated trail through the grounds and gardens Beaulieu this Christmas. You will be greeted with a stunning display of sights, including the Wishing Tree and Tunnel of Light, all of which are sure to fill you with festive spirit.
Christmas at Paultons Park
Where: Paultons Park, Romsey
When: 24th Nov - 23rd Dec 2018
Christmas at Paultons is a special time of the year. You can meet Santa in his magical Grotto, experience Peppa Pig World in a festive setting and enjoy selected rides and attractions across the park. You'll need to book in advance for Santa's Grotto, so be sure to get your dates in the diary early to to avoid disappointment!
Dorset
Meet Santa on a Special Train Ride
Where: Swanage
When: 1st Dec - 24th Dec 2018
Father Christmas is keeping busy this festive season and will be making an appearance at Swanage Railway for their Santa Specials. The beautifully restored trains meander through the Purbeck hills and provide some fantastic scenes of the Dorset Countryside. On board you'll be served refreshments from Santa's helpers as well as festive entertainment taking place throughout the carriages. The man himself will be giving special presents to children too. Be sure to check which dates Santa will be at the railway and book your place for this fantastic festive event.
Winter Lights at Corfe Castle
Where: Corfe Castle, Wareham
When: 14th Dec - 30th Dec 2018
This Christmas soak up the festive atmosphere at Corfe Castle. Decorated with contemporary lanterns and beacons, Corfe Castle at Christmas is a treat for the senses. Join the Lord of Misrule and explore the castle grounds until 7pm (weather permitting) as Tudor traditions come to life. These events are taking place on selected dates, so make sure to check the website for Winter Lights dates before heading out.
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Where: Bournemouth Seafront and Lower Gardens
When: 16th Nov 2018 - 2nd January 2019
Not only will there be an illuminated Christmas tree trail, featuring over 100 trees and replicas from six cities around the world, you can also meet Father Christmas in Santa's Grotto, visit the ice rink, plus experience the showstopper, a 60ft walk-through animated wonderland tree complete with regular light and audio shows.
Make sure to check out the full list of dates and where to find each festive activity.
What's going at our parks over Christmas?
A highlight on our festive calendar has got to be our panto (ohhh yes it has!). This year our performance of Jack and the Beanstalk is sure to get the whole family laughing, cheering and 'booing'... But that last one is specially reserved for the baddies!
Panto Dates 2018 | Jack & the Beanstalk
- 8th December, 2pm - Oakdene Forest Park
- 9th December, 2pm - Shorefield Country Park
- 15th December, 2pm Oakdene Forest Park
- 16th December, 2pm - Shorefield Country Park
There will also be a whole host of Christmas themed entertainment and activities, including our Christmas spectacular performed by our talented entertainment team, plus our characters even have their very own Christmas Showtime too!
The great thing is that all these events are easily reachable from our holiday parks too! With all this going on locally you're missing out! Check out our special offers as there's sure to be a festive break to suit you this Christmas at a Shorefield park.
