With so much happening in the lead up to Christmas, it can be difficult to know where to start in your Christmas events planning.
Whether you are looking for family events in which you can all get involved with, or perhaps a little treat for yourself, here are some of our suggestions for the top Christmas events taking place in the New Forest this year.
Celebrate the festive season at Beaulieu
Beaulieu comes to life with Christmas joy and spirit. During weekends in early December and from the 21 December-5 January (excluding Christmas Day), ignite your Christmas spark in Palace House with its stunning decorations, welcoming log fires, and Montagu family rehearsals of the pantomime A Christmas Carol. See Beaulieu spruced in seasonal decorations and follow the new magical Montagu Bear Christmas Trail! There is something for all ages and lots of opportunities to create special Christmas memories together.
Image - National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Enjoy Christmas at Exbury
The beautiful gardens at Exbury will be opening up for the annual Christmas at Exbury event on the weekend of 7-8 December.
Browse for Christmas gifts and foodie treats from the fantastic range of local retailers, follow the festive trail and meet real life elves on the Festive Express steam trail. Added to this, children can experience donkey rides and meet the big fella himself in his Engine Shed grotto!
Image - Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
See Sandy Balls transform into a Forest of Light
Sandy Balls Holiday Village, near Fordingbridge, will be transforming throughout December with magical illuminations and decorations throughout their ancient woodland. Feel the magic in the forest together, whether on a short family break or a couples’ getaway. This event is exclusively for guests staying at Sandy Balls.
Live at Lepe returns
The Lookout at Lepe Country Park is set to hold another ‘Live at Lepe’ event. This time, the Cadettes will be performing a number of 40s classics as well as some festive favourites on 13 December.
See the Lookout in a whole different way and soak up the festive atmosphere at this cheery event.
Image - Lepe Country Park
Discover how to train a reindeer!
Little ones will love the seasonal reindeer trail being run at Furzey Gardens from 16 November-24 December. Craft your own reindeer, ‘ride’ to the various training stations and take on a number of fun challenges creating happy memories along the way.
Be sure to also look out for the hidden fairy doors dotted amongst the gardens too!
Christmas shopping at Rhinefield House Hotel
Step inside the grand façade of the Rhinefield House Hotel on 12 December for their memorable Christmas shopping event.
Discover beautiful gifts and treats from local suppliers, perfect for thoughtful holiday presents. As you browse through the delightful offerings, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, enhanced by the soothing sounds of live music.
Entry is free, but places are limited so be sure to register your interest to secure your place.
Image - Rhinefield House Hotel
Experience tea with Santa
Come along and enjoy a delicious tea with Santa in Steff’s Kitchen at Fairweather’s Garden Centre.
Children aged between 3 and 8 will enjoy a story from Santa, afternoon tea, Christmas activities and receive a cuddly toy to take home for just £22.50 per child. These sessions take place on 10, 12, 17 and 19 December. Pre-booking is essential.
Image - Fairweathers Garden Centre
Find other Christmas events in the New Forest
This is just a taster of some of the amazing Christmas events taking place in and around the New Forest this year.
Delve further into what’s on at Christmas including live music evenings, Christmas lunches and much more on our Christmas events page.
You’ll also find plenty of other seasonal inspiration on our Christmas pages including festive breaks, places for Christmas parties and much more.