FIREWORKS

Start the month with a bang at a bonfire night celebration all around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with events running until Saturday 8 November. From big hitters like Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks (Sat 8 November) to the brand-new and bang-free Fawley (silent) Firework Spectacular (Sun 2 November) and Fireworks with Mountbatten Isle of Wight 2025, lighting up the Isle of Wight’s Robin Hill on Saturday 8 November, there’s plenty of Hampshire and Isle of Wight firework displays guaranteed to make you ooh and ahh.

ON STAGE

Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe theatre southampton Hampshire November 2025 — Image: *The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe*. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

It’s another bumper month for theatre with some top touring productions landing in Hampshire. Direct from the West End to Southampton, open the wardrobe to the magical wintery world of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Mayflower Theatre from Tues 18 – Sat 22 November.

At Theatre Royal Winchester, Dear Loll: A Wartime Marriage in Letters (Sun 9 November) tells the story of a young couple torn apart in summer 1940 (pack tissues).

English National Ballet dancers in Kenneth MacMillans Sleeping Beauty Hampshire Southampton the Mayflower November 2025 — Image: English National Ballet dancers in Kenneth MacMillan’s *Sleeping Beauty*. *Patrick Baldwin.*

Guaranteed to get you in the mood for the season, The Imperial Classical Ballet brings the festive magic of The Nutcracker to The Anvil, Basingstoke on Sun 2 November and the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth on Saturday 15 November, complete with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, twinkling snow, sweets and the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy.

For a touch of pure enchantment, The English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty is at The Mayflower, Southampton, from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 November 2025. Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s exquisite production is a feast of grandeur and grace – all glittering tutus, sweeping scores and timeless storytelling.

ON ICE

Slip, slide and skate against the backdrop of Southampton’s historic city walls at the West Quay on Ice pop up rink, on now until Sun 4 January, this year with themed sessions and live music. Afterwards, refresh with winter cocktails, biers and mulled wine at Après Bar Southampton, the cosy ski lodge bar next door.

From Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, Portsmouth On Ice glides back into Guildhall Square for another magical winter season. The rink is open daily (except Christmas Day) for general and themed sessions – from family-friendly early skates to DJ nights and new ‘Tips and Tricks’ classes.

OUTDOORS

Let there be light! On from Friday 28 November – Saturday 3 January, Marwell’s enchanted nature trail, Glow Marwell will light up the 140-acre park near Winchester with more than 500,000 lights. Visit all creatures great and small during the daytime then stay on after dark for the light trail from 5pm-8pm.

Running from Thursday 27 November 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026, Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey is also back – bigger, brighter and bursting with festive magic. The beloved illuminated trail has been completely reimagined for this year, promising a brand-new story woven through twinkling pathways, glowing trees and dazzling light displays.

All aboard! The ultimate party train is back at The Watercress Line with its thousands of LED lights. Steam into the season with Steam Illuminations, from Friday 28 December – Sunday 4 January from Alton and Alresford stations.

COMEDY

Need a laugh? You’ve plenty of places to find it. Deadpan and delightfully daft, see Milton Jones: Ha! Milton Tuesday 4 November and improv masters Paul Merton & Suki Webster Fri 7 November at Fareham Live.

Rosie Jones’ I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying tour lands in Southampton at the MAST Mayflower Studios on Friday 7 November, followed by self-styled German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn at The Mayflower on Sunday 16 November.

In Basingstoke, comedy heavyweight Omid Djalili is at The Anvil on Sat 8 November. Griff Rhys Jones is The Cat’s Pyjamas (well, we knew that) at The Haymarket on Tues 11 November, Hal Cruttenden can ‘Dish it out but can’t take it’ (apparently) at The Haymarket on Friday 14 November and Sara Pascoe gives her take on the chaos of motherhood in I Am A Strange Gloop at The Anvil on Saturday 15 November.

Also at The Anvil, on Weds 19 & Friday 21 November, TV favourite and Strictly star Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been Yonks in the making.

Kerry Godliman comedian tour Hampshire November 2025 — Image: Kerry Godliman comes to Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal this November

Down in Portsmouth, there’s High Expectations for Babatunde Aléshé at New Theatre Royal Portsmouth on Friday 21 November. Ross Noble brings a Cranium of Curiosities here on Sat 22 – Sun 23 November. And on Saturday 29 November 2025 at 7.30pm, comedian Kerry Godliman unleashes her sharp wit and relatable chaos to the stage with Bandwidth. From parenting teens to navigating HRT and misplaced mum bags, expect an evening of brilliantly funny, all-too-relatable stand-up.

FOOD & DRINK

Hampshire’s November diary is bursting with foodie fun – from wine-paired dinners by the sea to cosy country mornings with cookery stars. Here’s where to eat, sip and savour this month.

Southsea seafood restaurant The Briny’s New Zealand Wine Tasting Dinner on Thursday 6 November pairs a four-course coastal feast with Wairau River’s award-winning wines. Expect crisp Albariño, rich Pinot Noir and a decadent honey and apple finale – all introduced by the winemaker themselves. £80pp.

In the New Forest, head to The Bell Inn at Brook for a night of intrigue at its Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday 8 November. Arrive to cocktails and canapés before the clues unfold over a three-course dinner. Dress to kill – prizes await the best actor, alibi and outfit. £50pp.

The Market Rood restaurant at The Grosvenor Hotel Stockbridge Hampshire — Image: The Grosvenor, Stockbridge

Over in Stockbridge, The Grosvenor hosts Sparkling Excellence with Hattingley Wines on Thursday 13 November at 7pm. Enjoy five wines from one of England’s top vineyards, each paired with small plates and stories from the Hattingley team. A must for fizz lovers. £49.95pp.

Settle in at North Hampshire’s The Mutton at Hazeley Heath near Hook, on Friday 14 November for A Morning with Cherie Denham. The award-winning Irish cook celebrates the launch of The Irish Kitchen with stories, recipes and warmth by the fire at one of Hampshire’s most charming pubs.

Ideal Collection Executive Chef Matt Whitfield will be donning his whites and getting back into the heat of the kitchen for a series of exclusive dinners featuring the very best ingredients from across Hampshire and West Sussex – starting with Meet the Producer: Test Valley Venison at The Boathouse Swanwick on Friday 7 November. Then, at The White Horse in Otterbourne, join the launch of the Ideal Collection Wine Club on Saturday 15 November for an evening of Bordeaux discovery. In partnership with Hallgarten Wines, the event features a guided tasting hosted by Bordeaux-born sommelier Guillaume Kaczmar, alongside a specially curated menu from Matt Whitfield.

Season Cookery School at Lainston House Hotel Winchester — Image: Season Cookery School at Lainston House Hotel

Fancy getting stuck in with a spot of cheffy, pre-Christmas skills prep? Head for Lainston House hotel’s luxe Season Cookery School near Winchester, where November’s lineup of festive classes promises delicious inspiration and plenty of hands-on fun. On Saturday 15 November 2025, Christmas: Cocktails and Canapés (10am–2pm) invites you to shake, stir and nibble your way into the season with festive drinks and bite-sized party perfection – ideal for impressing at any gathering.

The following week, on Friday 21 November, GBBO winner Matty Edgell leads an indulgent Afternoon Tea Masterclass (10am–4pm), guiding guests through sausage rolls, caramel tart and a Paris Brest filled with praline cream. Then on Saturday 22 November, it’s time for Christmas Bakes (10am–4pm), a full-day Inspire class devoted to mastering the ultimate Christmas cake from scratch.

Rounding off the month, the Big Green Egg: Christmas Turkey session on Saturday 29 November (10am–2pm) reveals the secrets to a perfectly barbecued bird – golden, smoky and tender enough to make this year’s feast one to remember. Each class promises expert tuition, seasonal cheer and a generous dash of culinary confidence to carry you into Christmas.

MUSIC

Military Wives Choir army flying museum — Image: The Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir at the Army Flying Museum

A beautiful way to mark the occasion this Tues 11 November, the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir are once again tuning up their vocal chords and will perform a collection of songs and poems for a Concert of Remembrance at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Stockbridge.

Ready to party? Winter Lodge, the annual ski chalet-style pop-up returns to the iconic Queens Hotel at Southsea, with resident DJs bringing the party right through until Christmas (weekends, Fri 7 November – Sat 20 December). Tuck into a festive cocktail and revel in the sounds of funk, soul, house and disco classics.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Vineyards-of-Hampshire-Festive-Fizz Winchester November 2025

Delicious drops – and all of them local. Taste your way around stellar line-up of top Hampshire vineyards including Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, Louis Pommery England and Raimes as Festive Fizz returns in sparkling style to Winchester’s Bapsy Hall on Saturday 29 November.

Raising money for good causes in the beautifully atmospheric Pinglestone Barn at Alresford, the Hampshire Medical Fund Christmas Fair is on Thurs 13 – Friday 14 November. Browse home and garden finds, gadgets, toys, pampering treats, clothing, jewellery, art and more then treat yourself to a little something nice at the café.

In the New Forest, Lymington’s favourite festive fundraising shopping fest, Christmas Shopping at Delawarr brings together independent businesses selling everything from cheese to Christmas cakes, handmade jewellery, art and loads of gifts in aid of Oakhaven hospice on Wed 19 & Thurs 20 November.

And on Saturday 15 November, 10am–4pm, the Ringwood Artisan Market returns, filling The Furlong courtyard and Ringwood Gateway with talented local makers from across the New Forest. Browse beautiful handcrafted gifts, homewares and seasonal treats from hand-picked stallholders – the perfect spot to shop small and start your Christmas list in style.

Santa-Paws-Northwood-House Cowes Christmas Isle of Wight November shopping

With loads of local gifts, art, crafts and produce from 40 exhibitors, The 2025 Northwood House Christmas Fair (Fri 28 – Sun 30 November) near Cowes is the ideal Christmas Market to find quirky and unique presents for all the friends and family. Children can see Santa in his Grotto and you can even take the dogs to meet and have a photo taken with ‘Santa Paws. Best of all, admission’s free – so more money for the Christmas booze shop.

Staying on the Isle of Wight, from Sunday 9 November to Wednesday 24 December, The Garlic Farm hosts the much-loved I Love Wight Christmas Pop-Up Shop – a treasure trove of handmade artisan gifts set in the farm’s cosy old granary barn, complete with a roaring log fire and plenty of festive charm.

NATIONAL TRUST FAMILY OUTINGS

The National Trust is turning up the festive sparkle once again this year, with historic Hampshire houses and landmarks transformed into glittering wonderlands, each with its own distinctive theme.

At Mottisfont, near Romsey, the curtain rises on A Cinderella Christmas from Friday 22 November to Saturday 4 January (closed 24 and 25 December). Expect theatrical flair, glittering ballgowns and more than a sprinkling of fairy godmother magic as this grand house is transformed into a pantomime spectacular, from Cinderella’s kitchen at Hardup Hall to the royal palace itself, where the clock is just about to strike midnight.

Over at Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, A Pantomime Christmas runs from Friday 15 November to Saturday 4 January (closed 25 and 26 December). Each room on the ground floor sets the scene for a different panto favourite – think Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin and Snow White – complete with professional lighting, sound effects and just the right amount of “he’s behind you!” energy. Outside, there’s a Christmas sleigh for family photos, festive games and Santa’s sweetshop packed with traditional treats.

At The Vyne, near Basingstoke, A Fairytale Christmas (Friday 22 November – Sunday 5 January) is a journey through eight storybook scenes, from the Snow Queen’s icy realm and Little Red Riding Hood’s woodland to Beauty and the Beast’s enchanted interiors.

For those who like their Christmas with a touch of country house glamour, Uppark, high on the South Downs, delivers an elegant seasonal spectacle from Saturday 7 to Tuesday 24 December (open Sunday to Wednesday). The house will gleam with chandeliers, bauble-laden garlands and perfectly wrapped gifts piled high under twinkling trees.

Finally, in the heart of Winchester, Winchester City Mill hosts A Gingerbread Christmas from Wednesday 20 November to Saturday 4 January (open Tuesday to Sunday). The historic mill will be festooned with garlands, bows and a spectacular tree decorated with gingerbread characters – a sweet nod to its flour-making past. After exploring, tuck into a slice of spiced cake with toffee sauce in the cosy café and browse for local gifts.

KIDS & FAMILY

Image: The Aldershot Christmas Cracker. Facebook, @rushmoorboroughcouncil

Plenty of community events bringing the festive near you this November. Farnborough Frost Fair on Saturday 22 November combines a bumper festive market with community entertainment. Watch street theatre, listen to music from local brass bands and choirs, let the kids bounce away in a giant snow globe and send them in to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Aldershot’s Christmas Cracker is a family-friendly festival featuring stalls, live entertainment, a Santa grotto and a Christmas lights switch-on culminating in a firework display on Saturday 15 November 15, 2025.

On Sunday 16 November, Eats ’n’ Treats returns at Brockenhurst College in association with Go New Forest and New Forest Marque – a celebration of the very best local food, drink and festive shopping. Expect delicious tastings, a lively pop-up bar and food court, live music, demos and plenty to keep the kids entertained.

Cowes Christmas Celebration Day on Saturday 22 November brings festive sparkle to Cowes High Street with live entertainment, the Lantern Glow Walk, the Christmas lights switch-on and exclusive one-day offers from local favourites like Hatter & Hare, Nervous Wreck Designs and Tommy Barker. With free afternoon parking, it’s the perfect excuse to eat, drink and shop local.

Starting the season in the historic city outside the Guildhall, this year Winchester’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is on Thursday 13 November from 4.30–7.30pm. Hosted by Jonny Meah from Heart Radio and organised by Winchester BID, the event features live performances from local choirs and theatre groups, a visit from Santa’s Sleigh and the big switch-on by local heroes. Don’t miss the giant Snow Globe on Middle Brook Street for a festive selfie.

Super November! What’s on this month around Hampshire and Isle of Wight

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