Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-christmas-wreathmaking-workshops">CHRISTMAS WREATHMAKING WORKSHOPS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1148" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/lainston-wreath-making-4.jpg" alt="Lainston House Winchester Hampshire Christmas" class="wp-image-35565" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/lainston-wreath-making-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/lainston-wreath-making-4-800x612.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/lainston-wreath-making-4-1000x765.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/lainston-wreath-making-4-768x588.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Exclusive Collection, Lainston House</figcaption></figure>



Totally indulgent (you deserve it), the beautiful <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house/highlights/festive-wreath-making-and-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lainston House</a> hotel near Winchester has a wreath making workshop in its stunning Dawley Barn on 13 and 20 December, topped off with a sumptuous festive afternoon tea in the lounge. A crafty day out, in more ways than one.



On the Isle of Wight, <a href="https://tapnellfarm.com/eat/events/christmas-wreath-making-workshops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tapnell Farm’s The Cow</a> has daytime and evening workshops on 28 November, 5 and 12 December. Jo from Afton Blooms provides all materials and a festive drink on arrival, plus the option to stay for a meal with a discount – perfect for a creative and fun day out.



Near Winchester, <a href="https://lowernortonflowerfarm.com/events-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lower Norton Flower Farm</a>’s magical Flower Barn is especially evocative at Christmas when it’s brimming with dried flowers, foliage, seed heads, walnuts and twinkling lights. Sip mulled wine, enjoy festive cakes and craft your own stunning wreath to take home, with plenty of help and encouragement.



Also booking now, <a href="https://www.hillier.co.uk/christmas-wreath-making-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hillier Garden Centres</a> will run small group workshops from 1–6 December across all locations, including Aldermaston, Weyhill, Winchester and Newbury. Expert florists will guide you through creating your own wreath with moss, foliage, seasonal decorations and even lights, while you enjoy a festive treat as you work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hampshire-christmas-fairs-amp-markets">HAMPSHIRE CHRISTMAS FAIRS &amp; MARKETS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz.jpg" alt="Vineyards of Hampshire Festive Fizz event Winchester Christmas Shopping " class="wp-image-38465" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Vineyards of Hampshire</figcaption></figure>



Save the date! Whether you’re hunting for gifts, goodies, or a little festive fun, Hampshire’s Christmas markets and fairs are the perfect place to find gifts and a few pre-Christmas treats.



Raising money for a great cause, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasShoppingatDelawarr2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas Shopping at Delewarr</a> returns in Lymington on 19 and 20 November, bringing together 20 carefully curated local businesses to help you find gifts for even the trickiest recipients. 



Take a breather in the Cake Haven lounge with proper coffee and homemade cakes, treat yourself to a mini Reiki or Reflexology session, snap a photo in the festive photobooth, or join a wreath-making workshop to take home your own seasonal masterpiece. Not forgetting of course the Mega Raffle – with over 80 prizes donated by local businesses and all proceeds to Oakhaven Hospice.



<a href="https://www.vineyardsofhampshire.co.uk/copy-2-of-our-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festive Fizz at Winchester Guildhall</a> is another great little pre-Christmas outing on Saturday 29 November. Sample Hampshire’s finest still and sparkling wines, chat to the vineyard experts and stock up on bottles to gift (or keep for yourself). The event also features seasonal shopping and light festive bites throughout the day.



Always a seasonal stunner, <a href="https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/christmas/where-to-visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market</a> (21 November-22 December) is a magical backdrop for mulled wine and gift hunting, with festive stalls packed with handmade crafts, gifts and seasonal treats. Or plan in a Christmassy day out at <a href="https://southamptonchristmasmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southampton Christmas Market </a>(13 November-4 January) another festive wonderland of wooden chalets, family fun, food, drink and rides and an ice rink nearby too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-spots-for-a-hampshire-christmas-party">TOP SPOTS FOR A HAMPSHIRE CHRISTMAS PARTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="583" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Christmas-Party-1000x583.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Christmas-Party-1000x583.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Christmas-Party-800x467.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Christmas-Party-768x448.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Christmas-Party.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you’re ready to swap the office for mulled wine and mince pies or take the girls out for well-deserved fizz and frolics, Hampshire has got your festive celebrations covered in style.



Well known for stylish celebrations, design-icon <a href="https://aviatorhampshire.com/christmas/christmas-parties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aviator Hampshire</a>, just outside Farnborough has three-course dinners that make your tastebuds cheer, dancing in the famous rotunda, casino tables for a bit of friendly competition and an interactive photo booth to capture all the fun in shared party nights in December.



For a cosier, traditional vibe, the <a href="https://uphaminns.co.uk/collections/christmas-celebrations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upham Inns collection</a> has cosy country pubs and foodie steakhouses across Hampshire, from The White Hart in South Harting to The Running Horse in Winchester, The Old Mill in the New Forest, The Peat Spade in Stockbridge, Harper’s in Southampton and The Hawk Inn in Andover. Think mulled wine wafting through the air, hearty festive feasts, and comfy rooms for when the celebrations carry on a little longer than planned. Perfect for family gatherings, office knees-ups, or catching up with friends.



Over in the New Forest, <a href="https://bellinn-newforest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bell Inn</a> is the spot if you want Christmas with character. Cosy, charming, and with ponies trotting past the door, it’s ideal for family dinners, work parties, or a full-on festive escape in one of the cosy rooms. Expect hearty food, warming drinks, and that unmistakable Christmas buzz that makes you want to linger a little longer.



<a href="https://www.idealcollection.co.uk/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimbridge Barn</a> in Romsey hosts large parties in its award-winning party venue The Barn for up to 100 people and shared party nights on select nights including a full-on two or three-course festive feast and dancing to a resident DJ. Small groups, big laughs and plenty of cheer – what’s not to love?



And if you’re after a classic seaside Christmas, <a href="https://www.thebriny.co.uk/christmas-2025/">The Briny in Southsea</a> kicks off its festive menu on 27 November. Expect an exquisite selection of dishes, festive cocktails and a relaxed, buzzy atmosphere that’s all about good food, good company and a proper start to the Christmas season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-audience-with-father-christmas">AN AUDIENCE WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-1000x663.jpg" alt="Father Christmas at The Great Hall Winchester Hampshire" class="wp-image-38463" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Santa-Great-Hall-Winchester.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://historicwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/grotto25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa&#8217;s Grotto at the Great Hall</a>, Historic Winchester</figcaption></figure>



It’s a hectic time of year for Santa, and even though he somehow manages to be in a dozen places at once, you’ll want to get your bookings in quick – Hampshire’s festive spots are always snapped up fast. 



New for 2025, <a href="https://christmas-ville.com/portsmouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmasville</a> is coming to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth from 15 November. Families can explore The Elf Emporium, an immersive theatre adventure with puppetry, projection and festive sparkle, before meeting Santa in his traditional grotto until 24 December. For grown-ups, there’s quirky Confession Sessions with Santa (careful what you ‘fess up to) and vintage Christmas films at The Pine Picturehouse. 



For a seaside festive treat, <a href="https://www.thebriny.co.uk/breakfast-with-father-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Breakfast with Father Christmas</a> at The Briny in Southsea on 23 December promises a brilliant pre-Christmas morning of food, fun and a visit from Santa, including a personalised chat with the Main Man for littlies on the Good List.



Peppa Pig and Santa Claus? The littlies will be in absolute heaven at the New Forest’s Paultons Park near Romsey and Southampton, where there’s a <a href="https://paultonspark.co.uk/tickets/christmas-grotto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa’s Grotto</a> across selected dates in November and December. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy festive shows, receive a plush gift and photo keepsake and explore the park’s twinkling Christmas celebrations.



Choo, choo! All aboard The Watercress Line in Ropley, where <a href="https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/father-christmas-express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Father Christmas Express</a> runs from 13–14 and 20–23 December, taking families on a magical steam train ride to Medstead. Onboard, children can meet Santa, make reindeer food and collect a present from the special Present Junction at Ropley Station.



Get the day off to a hearty festive start at <a href="https://www.hillier.co.uk/breakfast-with-father-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hillier Garden Centres</a> with a full-on family breakfast, festive fun and a visit from Father Christmas himself. Little ones leave with gifts, treats and big smiles, while grown-ups sip coffee and soak up the Christmas magic (running at Aldermaston, Botley, Newbury and Weyhill from 6–23 December).



Other locations booking now include the <a href="https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/fatherxmas25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milestones Museum in Basingstoke</a> (22 November – 21 December), where families can wander through nostalgic festive streets and meet Santa in his grotto. And go quick because this one always sells out – at <a href="https://historicwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/grotto25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Hall in Winchester</a> (29 November – 23 December), children can enjoy a special gift and a memorable photo with Santa in this iconic medieval setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luxe-hotel-meals-amp-getaways">LUXE HOTEL MEALS &amp; GETAWAYS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="659" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Lime-Wood-host-the-roast-1000x659.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38423" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Lime-Wood-host-the-roast-1000x659.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Lime-Wood-host-the-roast-800x527.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Lime-Wood-host-the-roast-768x506.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/09/Lime-Wood-host-the-roast.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Christmas at Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest</figcaption></figure>



All the Christmas trimmings &#8211; and no washing up. Whether you’re craving a storybook escape or a decadent feast, there’s a luxury Hampshire hotel stay (or table) with your name on it. 



At the New Forest&#8217;s <a href="https://www.careysmanor.com/packages/festive-breaks/">Careys Manor Hotel &amp; Sen</a><a href="https://www.careysmanor.com/packages/festive-breaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spa</a>, it’s all about nostalgic magic – the grand Christmas tree, cosy corners and those all-important long lunches.



Quietly cosy in the picture-perfect Hampshire locale, <a href="https://thegrosvenorstockbridge.com/christmasbreak" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grosvenor Stockbridge</a> greets you with mulled wine and mince pies, the perfect prelude to a four-course Christmas Day lunch with English fizz and riverside strolls.



Christmas feast top chef<a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/festive-season/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Hartnett and Holder</a> style at <a href="https://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/festive-season/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lime Wood</a> in the New Forest. And for something chic and starry-eyed, the hotel is a New Year’s Eve hotspot too with spa indulgence, a black-tie five-course feast, cocktails, live music and a magical forest party to welcome 2026 in style. 



Foodies will also love <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/the-new-forest/christmas-and-new-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THE PIG in the New Forest</a> at Brockenhurst, with roaring fires, carols, indulgent Christmas banquets and a Boxing Day ‘leftovers’ grazing supper. 



Down in Portsmouth, <a href="https://queenshotelportsmouth.com/christmas/christmas-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queens Hotel</a> is serving up a glass of prosecco on arrival and a sumptuous three-course Christmas Day lunch on Southsea seafront (with rooms from just £150 if you can’t face the drive home). 



Over at <a href="https://www.solenthotel.co.uk/christmas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Solent Hotel Fareham</a>, a five-course Christmas dinner with Santa popping by keeps the little ones just as happy as the grown-ups.



And for serious gourmet kudos, <a href="https://aviatorhampshire.com/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aviator Farnborough</a> has pulled together one of the most indulgent Christmas Day menus around – we’re talking scallops, roast sirloin, spiced orange and white chocolate mousse, Christmas pud with Guinness ice cream and (of course) a spot of champagne. Bottoms up!



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liked-this-here-s-a-few-more-fresh-seasonal-reads">Liked this? Here&#8217;s a few more fresh seasonal reads:</h3>



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<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/beauty-lifestyle/best-beauty-advent-calendars-liberty-next-anthropolgie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025’s best beauty advent calendars</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/arts-culture-guide-autumn-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Must-see Hampshire and Isle of Wight shows this autumn</a></li>
</ul>

Get festive! What to book now for Christmas around Hampshire

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