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It's OFFICIALLY the festive season, and we are so excited to be gearing ourselves up for hot chocolate, fluffy socks and the sweet smell of cinnamon. In light of the Christmas spirit, we've decided to put together a list of five Hampshire Christmas Events - all family friendly and full of fun - in case you find yourself in need of some inspiration this year!
Quick Links and Websites...
The Magical Christmas Adventure
A Winter Wander with the Snowman and the Snowdog
Southampton Ice Rink at West Quay
Christmas at Paultons Park
Cosmic Christmas
For all the little scientists among you, look no further that Winchester Science Centre this year for a Christmas experience like no other! A live, immersive theatre experience that combines the festive magic of Christmas and the science of space. Join the big man himself in the planetarium for a truly cosmic adventure across the stars! Your ticket includes a meet and greet with Santa Claus and you might even get something to take home and put under your tree...
Taking place 16 Dec 2023 - 23 Dec 2023, Monday - Sunday 10am - 2:30pm.
Honestly, we love all things educational - anything that sparks up that lightbulb above a little one's head is a great thing, and Winchester Science Centre ticks that box all year round. 10/10 recommend a planetarium for grown ups, for when life gets a little too big - make yourself feel peacefully small. Plus some super cool and interactive experiments to muck about with, and a small café that does banging jacket potatoes. What more could you want?
The Magical Christmas Adventure
The North Pole has come to 4Kingdoms Adventure Park in Newbury! Let the elves guide you through this immersive Christmas experience. Two and a half hours long and packed with shows, interactive events, snowballs and sleigh bells, talking reindeers and more - take a walk through the elves' Christmas village, journey through the toy factory and let them tell you all about their process, stop off at a Christmas castle and the reindeer forest before heading down the tunnel of light all the way to Santa's Grotto!
Open 25 Nov 2023 - 24 Dec 2023, booking required in advance so head to their website (linked above!)
I can personally recommend this experience, having myself been involved behind the scenes (if anyone met Christmas Eve the Elf in 2021, high five. Although she will always be a little bit confused as to why everyone else got to wear red and she wore this navy blue thing with the buttons on? Why??) and can honestly say the hot chocolate will warm even the chilliest of souls, the light tunnel has excellent acoustics for belting out a Christmas banger, the farm has some adorable animals to go and visit afterwards and I massively appreciated the SEND and toddler specific sessions, so that everybody could have an experience that suited them.
A Winter Wander with the Snowman and the Snowdog
Head to Staunton Country Park or River Hamble County Park for a Christmas experience based on Raymond Briggs' beloved classic. Wrap up warm for the chilly weather, and wander around the beautiful natural lanscape - with themed Snowman and Snowdog activities on the way...
Taking place 25 Nov 2023 - 1 Jan 2024, Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 21:00.
A great way to get outside, inhale some fresh, crispy air, and get those little ones moving. Once their nice and tuckered out, you can wrap them in a cosy blanket and they can snooze away, giving you some much needed time off for a mulled wine or two!
SouthamptonIce Rink at West Quay
Are you a budding figure skater? Or one of losers who needs a penguin assistant to balance themselves (no judgement. I myself am one of those losers)? Head to this pop-up ice skating rink in Southampton - situated next to Westquay South, next to the Medieval Walls.
SKATE Southampton are excited to bring back this 900sqm real ice skating rink, and in addition their new SKATE path on which you can glide your way through festive lighting and an alpine forest...
Open from 10th November 2023 until the 7th January 2024.
Mogul's Bar next door has hot chocolate and armchairs for those of us for whom skating is not an inherent gift. Honestly it's a miracle I make it through the day with four intact limbs sometimes. Thankfully, we happen to be very friendly with a particular ice queen - hopefully she can teach me a thing or two in time for next year!
Christmas at Paultons Park
Your very favourite destination in Hampshire (who doesn't get down to the Peppa Pig theme tune every time it comes on?) is transforming into a winter wonderland! Come along and see the daily Magical Christmas Wish Show, where the big man himself will be reading stories and interacting with guests. Peppa and George have also decorated for Christmas and will be wearing their special winter attire.
See the light show every 15 mins at the Marvellous Musical Christmas Tree, and meet beloved characters such as Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves - as well as Father Christmas himself at the grotto, where you can opt in for a photo and a gift!
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for days out with your little ones this festive season! As November draws to a close, we are saying thank you to 2023 for a great year, and welcoming the start of the final countdown. It's CHRIIIIISTMAAAAAS!