When it comes to doing your Christmas shopping… where is more festive to do so than at a Christmas Market in the New Forest?!
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!
Top Christmas Markets and Events in the New Forest
Hythe, Lymington, New Milton & Ringwood have brilliant weekly markets throughout the year, which get fantastically festive in the run up to Christmas and have an amazing range of stalls selling some great and unique gifts – so, head to one of our Town & Village markets to pick up some great presents!
Our Towns & Village High Streets are also the perfect place to do some Christmas Shopping – with plenty of gift, fashion, food & drink and craft shops up and down the High Streets, you will be able to do all of your Christmas Shopping whilst supporting local businesses in the New Forest! Take a look at our Towns & Villages for some inspiration of where to head to.
Join Brockenhurst College on 17 November, between 10am - 4pm, as they celebrate the very best in local produce at our 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.
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! This Gift Fair is open on 24 November from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, with three different session times to choose from.
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. The Christmas Fair is taking place over two weekends, 30 November - 1 December and 7 - 8 December, open between 10am - 4.30pm.
Christmas Gifts and Local Crafts
This Christmas you'll be able to find a huge selection of holiday gifts to buy for yourself and your loved ones! Each Christmas we see our local artisans and crafters create outstanding selections, which only add to the festive spirit of the New Forest. If you want to capture of that festivity yourself, then make sure to browse the Christmas markets for gifts and souvenirs.
You'll be making sure that you're supporting local businesses, adding a personal touch to your holiday giving too!
Festive Food & Drink
Each year the New Forest's Christmas markets offer a fantastic selection of food and drink that really captures the spirit of the holidays. As you browse the stalls, make sure to indulge in some mulled wine, spiced ciders, or some hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. With savoury meals and sweet treats like mince pies on offer, you'll find yourself spoiled for choice!
Whether you're by yourself or with family and friends, the food alone at our Christmas markets are reason enough to visit. Treat yourself, it's Christmas after all!
Family Friendly Activities this Christmas
For families, The New Forest offers plenty of festive fun that everyone can enjoy. Many of our events are designed with children in mind, featuring activities like gingerbread decorating, ornament crafting, and even visits from Father Christmas. Family-friendly markets and events provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with live entertainment, carol singing, and interactive workshops that let kids (and adults!) fully experience the joy of the season.
Use our events list below to help you find the best markets to go to in the New Forest with the family during this festive season – and make sure you keep coming back to check as markets are still being added!
