Things to see and do in and around Basingstoke during the Festive Season
Festive days out in Hampshire
From exploring a candlelit musical wonderland at St Mark's Church and experiencing a world-class festive brass performance at The Haymarket, to hunting for handmade treasures at our vibrant holiday markets, there is no shortage of Christmas magic in and around Hampshire this season!
Things to Do
Milestones Christmas Market
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, 4.9 miles
For those seeking handmade gifts and festive treats, the Milestones Christmas Market is the perfect detour. A short 10-15 minute drive from the hotel, the Milestones Christmas Market is open during the weekend of the 5th and 6th of December 2026, and is the perfect attraction for a family day out.
A Christmas Carol Experience
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, 4.9 miles
From Wednesday 25th November to Wednesday 23rd December 2026, the museum's cobbled Victorian streets are transformed into the world of Ebenezer Scrooge. A completely immersive walk-through production, where you and your loved ones move freely between scenes of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Beauty and the Beast
The Anvil, 6 miles
A classic family pantomime packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling costumes, and spectacular special effects, running from the 10th December 2026 to the 3rd January 2027
ABBA-Merry Christmas
The Anvil, 6 miles
A high-energy pop party combining ABBA's legendary hits with an upbeat, dance-along festive theme. Perfect for those looking for a good old Christmas Dance on Sunday 20th December 2026!
Twelve Days of Christmas
The Vyne, 9 miles
Running from 21st November to 3rd January 2027, glittering Christmas trees, handcrafted decorations and plenty of festive sparkle await on the ground floor of the house as The Vyne brings the much-loved Twelve Days of Christmas carol to life.
Philharmonia Brass at Christmas
The Haymarket, 16 miles
A traditional and formal evening featuring world-class brass musicians playing seasonal carols and classical favourites, led by trombonist Philip White, one night only on Thursday 17th December 2026.
The Albion Christmas Band
The Haymarket, 16 miles
A heartwarming evening of traditional British folk music, seasonal carols, and storytelling makes for a cosy festive night with family. Playing for one night only on Monday 21st December at 7:30 pm.
Sleeping Beauty
Theatre Royal Winchester, 19 miles
Don't get caught napping and book your tickets now for our traditional family pantomime full of original songs, audience participation and mayhem! Running from 4th December until 3rd January 2027.
Sleeping Beauty
Corn Exchange Newbury, 19 miles
It’s up to the whole pantomime gang to break the curse before Sleeping Beauty sleeps through the rest of the century! Will good triumph over evil? Will true love save the day? And will anyone ever manage to stay out of detention! Running from 27th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027, with BSL performances and Adult Only nights.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester, 20 miles
Widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, the Winchester Christmas Market features over a hundred German-style wooden chalets nestled in the cathedral’s historic Inner Close. Go for the incredible festive lighting, mulled wine, bratwurst, and high-end British crafts. Running from 20th December until 22nd December 2026.
Winchester Science Centre
Winchester, 20 miles
Get hands on with science and nature on an interactive family adventure, perfect for children age three to 12 years old and their families. Festive events, parties and more happening throughout December for all the family to enjoy, from family festive movies to Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
Aladdin
Hexagon Reading, 23 miles
Climb aboard the magic carpet and soar into the spectacular world of Aladdin—our unmissable family pantomime for 2026! Appearances from Justin Fletcher and award-winning dame Paul Morse. Running from 5th December until 3rd January 2027.
Winter Wonderland Reading
Forbury Park, 24 miles
Catering for all ages, there’s something for everyone. Families and friends return year after year to soak up the festive atmosphere. Unbelievable £24 Unlimited Ride Wristbands: unlimited riding for 4 hours, and for £5 extra, you can add Ice Skating.
Blackmoor Christmas Taproom
Liss, 25 miles
On Friday 27th November, experience a celebration of freshly produced apple cider in Blackmoor Estates Christmas Taproom. Delicious pizzas, gorgeous grounds and good company make for a wonderful festive celebration.
Fire & Ice Christmas at Marwell Zoo
Winchester, 25 miles
The interactive Fire & Ice Festivities will allow visitors to take part in activities to show how animals survive winter in the wild – whether in freezing conditions or blazing heat. Running from 20th November to 31st December 2026.
Jack & the Beanstalk
Mottisfont, 26 miles
Magic comes to Mottisfont this Christmas, as we invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. Running from 21st November 2026 until 3rd January 2027.
Robin Hood
Mayflower Theatre Southampton, 30 miles
Prepare to be transported to a world of magic, mischief, and mayhem as our arrow-shooting hero, Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men take on the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Street dance sensations Diversity and comedian Max Fulham. Running from 12th December 2026 until 3rd January 2027.
On Ice Westquay
Southampton, 31 miles
From 23rd October to 3rd January 2027, you can enjoy the magic of ice skating at Westquay. Whether you're a first-time skater or a pro, you'll find festive fun, cosy vibes, and unforgettable memories waiting for you on the ice.
Stonehenge
Salisbury, 36 miles
Experience the Winter Solstice on the Monday 21st December at this fascinating attraction, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known monument of its kind in Europe.
Windsor Illuminated
Windsor Great Park, 36 miles
Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns to light up the festive season with a brand new trail design, spectacularly reimagined installations and moments of wonder at every turn. Running from 13th November until 3rd January 2027.
LEGOLAND Windsor Christmas
Windsor, 37 miles
Enjoy the perfect break with your little elves as the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort transforms into a Christmas-themed Winter Wonderland! Open from 21st November until 2nd January 2027.
Windsor Castle
Windsor, 38 miles
On select dates in November and December, visitors can enjoy an exclusive evening tour through the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, to witness a truly regal display of Christmas decorations, including a towering, 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree grown in Windsor Great Park, decked with thousands of sparkling lights and shimmering green and gold ornaments.
Windsor Christmas Shopping Fair
Royal Windsor Racecourse, 39 miles
Held inside a giant, luxury heated marquee at the Royal Windsor Racecourse, this massive fair features around 150 high-quality boutique exhibitors. It is an excellent indoor option for discovering unique fashion and gourmet food gifts for your family.
Alice's Christmas Wonderland
Beaulieu Motor Museum, 44 miles
Visit the Mad Hatter’s hat shop, tumble down a rabbit hole and meet the Queen of Hearts as Palace House takes you on a journey through Alice's imagination. Running from 21st November 2026 until 3rd January 2027.
Portsmouth On Ice
Guildhall Square, 48 miles
Portsmouth Ice Skating rink in Portsmouth's stunning Guildhall Square. The rink includes a canopy for guaranteed skating whatever the weather right on the coastline.
Winter Sales
Gunwharf Quays, 48 miles
Travel down to the Designer Outlet Mall in Portsmouth for the best Boxing Day sales! Keep your eye on the website for the opening times and an eye on your favourite designers for their special discounts over this period.
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Hyde Park London, 56 miles
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back! From 19th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, our gates will open for six weeks of festive merriment. Enjoy unmissable attractions, rides and shows, plus heaps of festive feasting, drinking and live entertainment all in London’s most iconic park.