Christmas Activities in Hampshire 2025 - Best Family Events & Festive Days Out 🎄

Looking for magical Christmas activities in Hampshire this festive season? From enchanting alpaca walks to traditional Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, and family-friendly events, Hampshire offers some of the South's most memorable Christmas days out. Whether you're planning a romantic date, family adventure, or unique Christmas experience, we've curated the best festive activities Hampshire has to offer in 2025.

Top Christmas Activities in Hampshire 2025

🦙 1. Christmas Alpaca Walks at Hensting Alpacas (Our Top Pick!)

Experience the most magical Christmas activity in Hampshire - walking adorable alpacas through frost-kissed countryside while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies! This unique festive experience combines outdoor adventure, adorable animals, and authentic Christmas spirit.

What Makes This Special:

• Unique Christmas Experience - Unlike crowded Christmas markets, this offers genuine quality time in nature
• All Ages Welcome - Perfect family activity with children 8+ and grandparents
• Complimentary Festive Treats - Mulled wine and mince pies included
• Beautiful Hampshire Countryside - Walk through Itchen Valley Country Park (16 Green Flag Awards)
• Perfect Photo Opportunities - Christmas decorations and alpacas make unforgettable photos
• Weather-Proof Fun - Walks happen rain, snow, or shine!

Location: Hensting Alpacas, Itchen Valley Country Park, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ
Dates: Throughout December until Christmas
Price: From £31 per person
Perfect For: Families, couples, unique Christmas gifts

🎅 2. Winchester Christmas Market

One of the UK's premier Christmas markets in Hampshire, Winchester's festive market transforms the historic cathedral city into a winter wonderland.

Highlights:

• 100+ wooden chalets selling crafts, gifts, and food
• Stunning cathedral backdrop
• Traditional German glühwein and festive food
• Street entertainment and carol singers

Location: Winchester Cathedral Quarter
Dates: Mid-November through December
Price: Free entry (purchases vary)
Perfect For: Shopping, atmosphere, festive food

More Info: Visit Winchester Cathedral Christmas

🎄 3. Paultons Park Christmas

Home of Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive decorations, themed rides, and special Christmas events.

Highlights:

• Meet Santa in his grotto
• Christmas-themed rides and attractions
• Festive shows and entertainment
• Perfect for young families

Location: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
Dates: Selected dates November-December
Price: Theme park admission applies
Perfect For: Young families, theme park lovers

More Info: Visit Paultons Park Christmas

🎭 4. Christmas at The Mayflower Theatre

Southampton's premier theatre hosts spectacular Christmas pantomimes and festive shows perfect for family entertainment.

Highlights:

• Professional pantomime productions
• Classic Christmas shows
• Family-friendly entertainment
• Traditional theatre experience

Location: The Mayflower, Southampton
Dates: December through January
Price: Varies by show
Perfect For: Traditional Christmas entertainment

More Info: Visit Mayflower Theatre

🌲 5. New Forest Christmas Markets & Events

The New Forest hosts multiple Christmas markets and festive events throughout the season in its charming villages.

Highlights:

• Village Christmas fairs
• Craft markets
• Forest walks with festive atmosphere
• Local artisan goods

Location: Various New Forest locations
Dates: Throughout December
Price: Free entry (purchases vary)
Perfect For: Countryside lovers, shopping

🏰 6. Beaulieu Christmas Trail

Explore the grounds of Beaulieu on a magical Christmas trail with festive activities and attractions.

Highlights:

• Christmas trail through historic grounds
• Meet Santa
• National Motor Museum included
• Festive decorations throughout

Location: Beaulieu, New Forest
Dates: Selected dates in December
Price: Standard admission applies
Perfect For: History lovers, families

More Info: Visit Beaulieu

🎪 7. Christmas at Marwell Zoo

Experience wildlife with a festive twist at Marwell Zoo's Christmas events.

Highlights:

• See how animals celebrate Christmas
• Festive decorations throughout zoo
• Special Christmas-themed activities
• Santa's grotto

Location: Marwell Zoo, Winchester
Dates: Selected December dates
Price: Standard zoo admission
Perfect For: Animal-loving families

More Info: Visit Marwell Zoo

🎨 8. Christmas Craft Workshops

Various venues across Hampshire host Christmas craft workshops for creative festive fun.

Activities Include:

• Wreath making workshops
• Christmas decoration crafting
• Festive pottery painting
• Gingerbread house decorating

Location: Various Hampshire venues
Dates: Throughout December
Price: Varies by workshop
Perfect For: Creative families, date ideas

⛪ 9. Christmas Carol Services

Hampshire's beautiful churches and cathedrals host traditional Christmas carol services throughout the season.

Highlights:

• Winchester Cathedral services
• Portsmouth Cathedral
• Village church carol concerts
• Traditional Christmas atmosphere

Location: Various churches across Hampshire
Dates: Throughout December
Price: Usually free (donations welcome)
Perfect For: Traditional Christmas experience

Planning Your Perfect Christmas Day Out in Hampshire

Best Christmas Activities for Families

Family-friendly Christmas activities in Hampshire that everyone will enjoy:

• Christmas Alpaca Walks - Active, outdoor, unique (ages 8+)
• Paultons Park - Theme park Christmas magic (young children)
• Winchester Christmas Market - Festive atmosphere, food, shopping
• Marwell Zoo - Animals and festive fun
• Pantomime Shows - Traditional entertainment

Romantic Christmas Activities for Couples

Looking for romantic Christmas date ideas in Hampshire?

• Christmas Alpaca Walks - Unique, memorable, conversation-starting
• Winchester Christmas Market - Mulled wine and festive atmosphere
• New Forest Walks - Peaceful countryside romance
• Christmas Theatre - Elegant evening entertainment
• Beaulieu Christmas Trail - Historic romance

Free Christmas Activities in Hampshire

Enjoying Christmas on a budget? These free Christmas activities are perfect:

• Winchester Christmas Market browsing (purchases optional)
• Christmas lights viewing in towns and villages
• Church carol services
• New Forest winter walks
• Christmas window shopping

Unique Christmas Experiences

Want something different from typical Christmas activities?

• Christmas Alpaca Walks - Truly one-of-a-kind Hampshire experience
• Craft workshops - Create your own decorations
• Christmas baking classes
• Festive photography walks
• Christmas yoga or wellness events

Christmas Activities by Location in Hampshire

Winchester Area

• Winchester Christmas Market ⭐
• Winchester Cathedral carol services
• Marwell Zoo Christmas events
• Local village markets

Southampton Area

• Christmas Alpaca Walks (West End) ⭐
• Mayflower Theatre pantomime
• WestQuay Christmas shopping

New Forest Area

• Beaulieu Christmas Trail
• New Forest Christmas markets
• Village Christmas fairs
• Forest winter walks

Portsmouth Area

• Portsmouth Cathedral events
• Gunwharf Quays Christmas
• Historic Dockyard festivities

When to Visit: Hampshire Christmas Activities Calendar

Late November:

• Christmas markets begin opening
• Early Christmas shopping
• Pantomimes start rehearsals

Early December:

• Christmas Alpaca Walks begin ⭐
• Pantomimes open
• Peak market season
• Best time for uncrowded activities

Mid December:

• School holidays begin
• Busiest period - book ahead!
• All attractions in full Christmas mode

Week Before Christmas:

• Last-minute shopping at markets
• Final Christmas alpaca walks
• Carol services peak

Booking Tips for Christmas Activities in Hampshire

Book Early! Popular Christmas activities sell out quickly:

• 🦙 Christmas Alpaca Walks - Book 2-4 weeks ahead (most popular activity!)
• 🎭 Pantomime shows - Book 4-6 weeks ahead
• 🎅 Santa experiences - Book as soon as available
• 🎪 Marwell Zoo & Beaulieu - Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Weekday vs Weekend:

• Weekdays less crowded for markets and attractions
• Weekend alpaca walks fill fastest - book early!
• Weekday pantomime matinees better for young children

More Seasonal Alpaca Experiences at Hensting Alpacas

Love the idea of unique seasonal activities? We host special themed alpaca walks throughout the year!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas activities for families in Hampshire?
The top family Christmas activities include Christmas alpaca walks at Hensting Alpacas (ages 8+), Winchester Christmas Market, Paultons Park Christmas events, Marwell Zoo Christmas, and pantomimes at the Mayflower Theatre.

What Christmas events are free in Hampshire?
Free Christmas activities include browsing Winchester Christmas Market, attending church carol services, viewing Christmas lights, New Forest winter walks, and exploring village Christmas fairs.

When should I book Christmas activities in Hampshire?
Book popular activities 2-4 weeks in advance, especially Christmas alpaca walks, Santa experiences, and pantomime shows which sell out quickly during peak season.

What's unique about Christmas in Hampshire?
Hampshire offers unique experiences like Christmas alpaca walks (only available at Hensting Alpacas), historic Winchester Christmas Market in the cathedral quarter, and beautiful New Forest winter scenery.

Are Christmas activities in Hampshire suitable for all ages?
Yes! Hampshire offers Christmas activities for all ages from toddler-friendly Paultons Park to family alpaca walks (8+), romantic couples activities, and traditional carol services for all generations.

What should I wear for outdoor Christmas activities in Hampshire?
Dress warmly in layers with waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes or wellies (available to hire £1 at alpaca walks), gloves, and hat. Christmas jumpers encouraged for festive photos!

Make This Christmas Unforgettable in Hampshire

Hampshire offers some of the South's most magical Christmas activities - from traditional markets and pantomimes to unique experiences like our Christmas alpaca walks. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic dates, or simply want to embrace the festive season, Hampshire delivers unforgettable Christmas memories.

The key is planning ahead - popular activities like our Christmas alpaca walks sell out weeks in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment. With so many wonderful options across Winchester, Southampton, the New Forest, and beyond, you can create the perfect Christmas season filled with joy, laughter, and magical moments.

Related Content:

• Complete Guide to Christmas Alpaca Walks
• Book Your Christmas Alpaca Walk
• Halloween Alpaca Walks Hampshire
• Valentine's Alpaca Walks - Romantic Experience
• Premium Alpacas for Sale - Annual Auction
• All Seasonal Alpaca Events
• Christmas Gift Vouchers
• Year-Round Alpaca Walking

Hensting Alpacas - Creating Magical Christmas Memories in Hampshire Since the Early 2010s. BAS Registered, Award-Winning Location, Family-Run Excellence.