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Christmas events in Hampshire & Dorset

Hampshire & Dorset sees a whole range of festive events throughout December and the winter season. Here are just some of the many events taking place.

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Shorefield Holidays

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.

In Hampshire:

New Forest Christmas Markets

A person holds two Christmas ornaments, one depicting Santa Claus and the other a dog. They are surrounded by festive decorations in a shop.

With wonderfully decorated stalls, Christmas lights glistening all around, the scent of roasted chestnuts (and sometimes even mulled wine!) and the perfect gifts to buy, a Christmas Market is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit this Christmas! Find out more here

A Palace House Christmas

A beautifully illuminated stone mansion with colorful light projections decorating its facade. Two dazzlingly lit Christmas trees flank the entrance, with a festive atmosphere enhanced by vibrant colors in the surrounding landscape.
  • Where: Beaulieu, New Forest

  • When: Saturday 29th November – Sunday 4th January (excluding Christmas Day)

In A Palace House Christmas, the story of pantomime will be told through a series of theatrical installations taking visitors on a magical journey around the stately rooms bedecked with immersive soundscapes and multi-colour projections.

A Palace House Christmas is included in a ticket to Beaulieu, which also includes entry to the National Motor Museum, new exhibition We Had One Of Those, fun adventure playground Little Beaulieu, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, the Secret Army Exhibition, unlimited rides on the tree-top monorail and beautiful grounds and gardens.

Christmas at Paultons Park

Santa Claus and two elves are performing on stage. Santa wears a traditional red suit and white beard, while the elves sport green outfits with red accents. They are all smiling and pointing, surrounded by a festive backdrop depicting a cozy holiday scene.
  • Where: Paultons Park, Romsey

  • When: Selected dates from 6th December 2025 - 3rd January 2026

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!

In 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.

Christmas at Corfe Castle

  • Where: Corfe Castle, Wareham

  • When: From 5th December 2025

Experience the charm of Corfe Castle this Christmas. Explore the ruins to find festive scenes, toast marshmallows around firepits, enjoy family crafting activities or for an extra touch of magic, experience the ambience of the castle at night. Check out the fantastic full range of events and activities taking place at the castle this festive season

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

  • Where: Bournemouth Seafront and Lower Gardens

  • When: 13th November until January 4th

Christmas Tree Wonderland returns to the heart of Bournemouth’s historic Lower Gardens for its biggest year yet. Wander through a dazzling display of light-up trees, hop aboard Santa’s Express, and take on the Christmas Tree Maze before heading to our brand new festive workshop. With the iconic Big Wheel lighting up the skyline, this magical trail is a must-visit part of Christmas in Bournemouth. Perfect for families, couples, and festive explorers of all ages. This year, Bournemouth’s iconic Christmas Tree Wonderland has been completely reimagined as Christmas in Bournemouth, a brand new lights trail created for everyone to enjoy, with FREE ENTRY!

  • Animated light installations and photo points perfect for capturing festive memories.

  • A real Christmas Tree walkway and enchanting Christmas Tree Maze.

  • Festive Mini Golf — fun for all ages!

  • The UK’s longest Ice Rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music.

  • A brand new Santa’s Workshop experience and Santa Sleigh simulator ride.

  • The Christmas Train, and a traditional Helter Skelter with sea views.

  • The return of the Christmas Market and Alpine Lodge Bar, perfect for gifts, food, and mulled

What's going at our parks over Christmas?

A performer in a colourful costume with blue hair and oversized glasses gestures animatedly while another performer dressed as a police officer observes. The background features colourful stage lighting and a tropical scene, with other cast members visible in vibrant outfits.

Don't miss our Oakdene Christmas Cracker Weekends!

Join us for an all-in-one festive celebration, so you can relax, let us do all the hard work and celebrate with loved ones ahead of the main event. Packed with can’t-get-enough-of traditions like Christmas quizzes and ALL the foodie trimmings from our festive weekend menu. PLUS… ‘Oh yes there is!’ panto, carolling, and special shows are also on the menu.

  • Christmas Cracker Weekend 3 night breaks from £207*

  • Woof’s Christmas Workshop (chargeable activities)

  • Fantastic Festive panto

  • Superb live bands

  • Meet & greet with Santa

  • Festive Lets go nuts Fun and Games

  • Plus... Festive themed menu

A highlight on our festive calendar has got to be our panto (ohhh yes it has!). This year our performance of Aladdin is sure to get the whole family laughing, cheering and 'booing'... But that last one is specially reserved for the baddies!

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.

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