Christmas Events in the New Forest

All the festive feels in the New Forest with magical illuminations and decorations set within Sandy Balls Holiday Village's ancient woodland. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights in the heart of Sandy Balls accompanied by an enchanting musical soundscape. Gaze up at towering oak trees wrapped in sparkling colour, encounter charming statues, and watch animations dance around their Forest of Light Christmas tree, look out also for flurries of snowfall. Feel the magic in the forest together this winter.

Let us present to you the Careys Manor Christmas Ball where sophistication meets traditional festive cheer. Champagne, twinkling lights and traditional festive decorations set the scene for this year’s celebrations. Whether it is your company exclusively or a shared party, this Christmas comes with a promise to be the best one yet!

Make memories to last a lifetime as Glow Marwell's magical light experience returns this winter brighter than ever before! Join Marwell Zoo once again as they invite you to explore Marwell in a whole new light. Follow the enchanted nature light trail through a magical world of breathtaking new displays and interactive experiences that will fill you with wonder.

Enjoy a festive feast of family entertainment this Christmas, together! Visit them on the 7 – 8 December, 14 – 15 December or from 21 December – 5 January* to celebrate the festive season in style as Beaulieu comes to life with Christmas joy and spirit. Ignite your Christmas spark in Palace House, with its stunning decorations, welcoming log fires, and a pianist and carols to get you in the festive mood. See Beaulieu spruced in seasonal decorations, enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas in Palace House with the Montagu family rehearsals of the pantomime A Christmas Carol, and catch Father Christmas driving around the attraction in a car from the museum. Plus, new for 2024, follow the magical Montagu Bear Christmas Trail around the attraction!

Dust off those Santa suits, decorate your bike and ride to Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum with a new and unwrapped toy or toiletries to help them support the Santa Toy Ride In!

In a festive holiday clash, the Grinch has pulled off his most mischievous stunt yet, crash-landing Santa's sleigh and scattering his precious presents across the BattleZone! Will you side with Santa's Elves to save Christmas or join the Grinch's Goons and keep the loot all for yourselves? Join New Forest Activities for a festive paddle on The Beaulieu River this Christmas. Set sail in stable and safe, Canadian style canoes, with the added excitement that you'll be meeting Santa in his boat full of Christmas gifts! 

This festive season, let your little ones dive into the magic of Christmas with our 'How to Train a Reindeer!' craft activity and trail. Craft your own reindeer: Unleash your kids' creativity as they craft their very own reindeer hobby horse. Ride to the training stations: Hop on and guide your reindeer to the special training zones! Take on fun challenges: Build reindeer skills by completing fun challenges at Furzey Gardens.

Join Brockenhurst College on 17 November as they celebrate the very best in local produce at their Eats 'n' Treats event, held in association with Go New Forest and New Forest Marque. This is your chance to sample some of the finest locally produced food and drink while gaining a head start on your Christmas shopping.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway's Christmas Fair offers a wonderfully festive Christmas shopping opportunity featuring a fantastic line-up of local producers offering wonderful Christmas gifts and festive food and drink. Access to the Christmas Fair includes entry to the gardens and Christmas Trail.

Kick off your festive shopping at Chewton Glen, where you'll find a curated selection of unique products from local artisans and familiar names – perfect for everyone on your Christmas list. Upon arrival, indulge in a glass of festive fizz and a mince pie as you explore an array of delights amongst plenty of festive cheer!

Minstead Lodge have their Festive Open Day where you can wander around their workshops to see how their beautiful crafts are made and purchase unique, one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted by local makers.

Visit Santa and the Christmas markets at Lyndhurst's annual fun day! A great day out for all the family! Lots of festive spirit, fun and games... And a whole lot of Christmas shopping!

Explore our wonderful towns and villages, glistening with bright lights, and where you may find lots of other Christmas events and activities, for great days out for all the family during the festive season!

This Christmas, make sure to take a visit to the New Forest’s Christmas markets, where local creators, seasonal food stalls, and family-friendly activities come together to celebrate the holidays. From handcrafted gifts at the Christmas Makers Market to the rich flavours of the Eats 'n' Treats festival in Brockenhurst, each market offers a unique slice of New Forest festive spirit! 

New Forest Christmas Makers Market 

In early December, the New Forest’s Christmas Makers Market at the Glasshouse Studio is a must-visit. This market will feature local artisans and craftspeople offering a variety of handmade goods, from seasonal decorations to one-of-a-kind gifts. Shoppers can enjoy browsing an array of beautifully crafted items and finding special keepsakes to take home. Additionally, visitors can witness glassblowing demonstrations, providing a unique insight into this unique and brilliant craft.

 Brockenhurst's Eats 'n' Treats Food Festival

In Brockenhurst, the annual Eats 'n' Treats food festival promises a festive experience featuring locally sourced food and drink. It’s a perfect stop for those looking to savour mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal bites while exploring a range of food stalls. The festival combines New Forest flavours with the festive cheer, making it a great way to support local vendors and enjoy your favourite Christmas treats. 

Lymington Christmas Market

For a family-friendly experience, Lymington’s Christmas Market brings festive cheer with its variety of stalls, holiday lights, and activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy a seasonal atmosphere with live entertainment, while adults can find Christmas gifts and take in some holiday treats. These markets across the New Forest combines Christmas charm along with the best of the New Forest, offering something for everyone! 

The New Forest’s pubs and eateries offer a cosy experience during the Christmas season, with many featuring menus tailored to showcase seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Traditional dishes like roast dinners, rich stews, and holiday desserts are common across the area, especially in popular towns like Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, and Lymington. We've seen that many visitors find these pubs a great way to sample regional produce in a relaxed, festive atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends or family.

Festive drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, and winter ales are also a staple, often paired with local brews that add to the experience. For those who enjoy exploring, there are plenty of pub walks around the forest’s villages, where a short stroll leads to a warm, welcoming pub with classic holiday flavours and a true taste of the New Forest.

The New Forest offers a perfect backdrop for a festive getaway, combining charming accommodations with picturesque landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Christmas packages at hotels such as Rhinefield House, Careys Manor, and the Balmer Lawn Hotel. Many of these places provide unique holiday experiences, including traditional Christmas lunches, cosy log fires, and festive entertainment​. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a family-friendly stay, there are options to suit all preferences, allowing you to create memorable experiences during this special time of year.

For those seeking adventure, the New Forest’s winter wonderland provides opportunities for brisk walks through frost-kissed trails and scenic views. Many hotels cater to outdoor enthusiasts with guided hikes and cycling routes, making it easy to explore the beauty of the forest. Additionally, many establishments offer wellness packages that include spa treatments and relaxation sessions, allowing guests to unwind and recharge amid the holiday bustle​. With a range of activities available, from local Christmas markets to outdoor festivities, visitors can enjoy a truly immersive seasonal experience while staying in comfort.