Magical Christmas Events in Hampshire: 6 Wildlife, Carols and Special Evenings
Discover 6 enchanting Christmas events in Hampshire featuring wildlife encounters, carol singing and festive evenings. Plan your memorable seasonal outing with dates, times, links and parking details.
Updated 15/12/2025
The festive season in Hampshire brings together nature, music and sparkling winter wonder. From magical owl displays to candlelit carols under the stars, the county offers a varied mix of events that combine wildlife encounters, joyful singing and special evening atmospheres perfect for family, friends or a romantic outing. Whether you’re drawn to soaring birds of prey, historic gardens draped in lights or immersive heritage venues filled with festive music, there’s something to make your December evening memorable.
Below you’ll find six hand-picked events, each with its own unique charm—complete with descriptions, dates, times, locations, ticket links and parking details—so you can choose your favourite and book early in the holiday rush.
Christmas Carols & Owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Hawk Conservancy Trust this December for a Christmas event that beautifully marries the serenity of nature with the joy of the festive season. Set beneath a glittering night sky, guests will gather for an evening of heart-warming carols performed live by talented local musicians. The crisp air carries the scent of pine and mulled wine as friends and families sing along to beloved holiday classics, creating a truly magical communal spirit.
Once the music fades, the real stars of the evening take flight—the magnificent owls of the conservancy. Watch as these graceful birds soar silently above you, illuminated by soft moonlight and twinkling festive lights. Their wings whisper through the air in perfect harmony with the distant carols, offering an unforgettable sensory experience.
Date: Friday 19 – Monday 22 December 2025
Time: Food from 16:30, flying display begins ~19:00
Address: Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8DY
Website / Tickets: via official website here
Parking: On-site parking available
Why it stands out: A rare chance to pair festive music with wildlife spectacle in the open air—a truly memorable evening in Hampshire.
Warm refreshments, including mince pies and steaming cups of mulled wine, complete the evening’s cozy atmosphere. This event is more than just entertainment—it’s a moment to slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel the peace and beauty of the season in one of Hampshire’s most loved wildlife settings
Carols by Candlelight at Milestones Living History Museum
Experience Christmas as it once was with the Carols by Candlelight evening at Milestones Living History Museum—an event that transports you back to the magic of a bygone era. As dusk settles, the recreated Victorian streets glow with flickering lanterns and the shimmer of Christmas decorations. The atmosphere feels almost cinematic: children’s laughter echoing off cobblestone lanes, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate, and a chorus of voices rising joyfully beneath a canopy of twinkling lights.
The evening begins with a traditional carol service led by a professional singer and accompanied by a local silver band. Together, guests join in singing classic carols such as Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful, their voices blending harmoniously in this beautifully preserved historic setting. Between songs, you can wander the museum’s period exhibits, meet costumed characters from the past, or simply bask in the nostalgic warmth of the holiday spirit.
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 18:30
Address: Milestones Museum, Leisure Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Website / Tickets: via official website here
Parking: On-site parking available at the museum
Why it stands out: A charming indoor carol concert in a heritage museum setting—perfect for a cosy winter evening.
Whether you’re attending with family or friends, this event is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the simple joys of community, music, and Christmas togetherness. Add in a steaming mug of mulled wine, and you’ll leave with memories glowing brighter than any candlelight.
Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo
Step into a world where wildlife meets wonder at Glow Marwell, the after-dark Christmas experience hosted by the renowned Marwell Zoo near Winchester. This dazzling event transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland, inviting guests to wander through enchanting light installations, illuminated animal sculptures, and stunning displays that celebrate the beauty of the natural world.
Every corner of the zoo sparkles with festive creativity—trees draped in cascading lights, glowing pathways guiding you through animal enclosures, and interactive projections that bring the zoo’s residents to life in a magical new way. Families can enjoy the perfect mix of learning and leisure as they spot their favourite animals while soaking up the festive cheer. Along the trail, you’ll find stalls selling hot chocolate, sweet treats, and seasonal snacks to warm your hands as you explore.
Date: Friday 28 November 2025 – Saturday 3 January 2026
Time: Day admission from ~10:00, trail in evening typically 17:00–20:00 (check website for exact times)
Address: Marwell Zoo, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire
Website / Tickets: via official website here
Parking: Visitor parking available on-site
Why it stands out: Combines wildlife viewing with a stunning illuminated evening trail—ideal for families wanting both nature and festive sparkle.
The event also provides plenty of photo opportunities, from glowing tunnels to life-sized illuminated giraffes. As the night deepens, the soft glow of the lights and the distant call of nocturnal animals create an unforgettable atmosphere that feels both festive and wild. Glow Marwell is not just an event—it’s a celebration of conservation, creativity, and Christmas joy.
Christmas at the New Forest – Light Trails & Festive Wildlife Walks
Few places capture the quiet beauty of winter like the New Forest, and its Christmas celebrations are nothing short of enchanting. This beloved Hampshire destination transforms into a festive dreamscape every December, offering a selection of light trails, guided wildlife walks, and charming seasonal events spread throughout the forest. Imagine following a softly lit path beneath towering oaks, the faint jingle of sleigh bells in the distance, and the soft crunch of frost beneath your feet.
Families can enjoy guided evening walks where local experts share stories of the forest’s famous ponies, deer, and wildlife that call this magical landscape home. There are also rustic Christmas markets, artisan food stalls, and forest lodges serving hot drinks to keep visitors warm. As twilight fades into night, the forest glows with delicate illuminations that highlight the natural beauty of its ancient trees and meadows. Couples can enjoy romantic evening strolls, while children delight in discovering twinkling fairy lights hidden among the branches.
Date: Various dates throughout November to January (check link for specific listings)
Time: Many events run 16:00–20:00 or dusk onwards (confirm per event)
Address: Locations across the New Forest National Park, Hampshire
Website / Tickets: via official website here
Parking: Depends on the venue inside New Forest; typically free or paid forest car parks – check each event
Why it stands out: Combines tranquil wildlife experiences with festive ambience in one of Hampshire’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Every event here blends the joy of Christmas with the tranquil magic of nature. Whether you come for the lights, the wildlife, or the peace of the woods, Christmas in the New Forest promises to be a truly heartwarming escape.
Christmas Market & Carol Concert at Winchester Cathedral
The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is one of the most beloved seasonal traditions in Hampshire and the UK. Set against the majestic Gothic backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, this festive wonderland perfectly captures the magic of Christmas. Visitors can wander through a maze of over a hundred wooden chalets selling everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to gourmet treats and mulled wine.
The scent of roasted nuts fills the air, and carolers’ voices echo beautifully through the historic Close, adding warmth to even the coldest evening. Inside the cathedral, the atmosphere is even more awe-inspiring. The annual Carol Concerts feature the world-renowned Cathedral Choir performing traditional and contemporary pieces that fill the vaulted space with soaring harmonies.
Date: Friday 21 November 2025 – Monday 22 December 2025
Time: Market open daytime until evening; evening carol concerts typically around 18:00 onwards
Address: Winchester Cathedral, The Close, Winchester, Hampshire
Website / Tickets: Winchester Cathedral (market entry free; concert tickets available via the cathedral)
Parking: City centre parking available; the cathedral has nearby parking information
Why it stands out: One of Hampshire’s most iconic festive settings combining market charm and carols inside a historic cathedral.
It’s ideal for couples seeking a romantic evening out or families wanting to embrace the spirit of Christmas in an unforgettable setting. With its blend of heritage, music, and market charm, Winchester Cathedral becomes the heart of Hampshire’s Christmas celebrations every year.
Evening Winter Wildlife Walk at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
For those seeking peace and natural beauty during the festive season, the Evening Winter Wildlife Walk at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens offers a calm and captivating escape. As night falls, the gardens are gently illuminated, revealing the delicate frost on tree branches and the shimmering reflections on ponds. Visitors are invited to follow guided or self-led trails that weave through ancient trees and winter blooms, offering the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitats.
Along the way, subtle lighting creates a serene glow that enhances the natural contours of the gardens rather than overpowering them. You might glimpse a fox darting through the bushes or hear an owl’s distant call—a reminder that nature continues to thrive, even in the stillness of winter.
Date: Event dates vary – check the gardens’ website for “Light Up” or winter walk evenings
Time: Usually around dusk (e.g., 17:00–19:30)
Address: Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA
Website / Tickets: via official website here
Parking: Free onsite car parking available
Why it stands out: A peaceful, nature-rich festive evening out—great for couples or small groups looking for something less crowded.
Guests can stop for hot drinks at the on-site café, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and perhaps end their walk by browsing the gift shop for botanical Christmas treasures. This event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone who prefers a quieter, more reflective celebration of the season. The Hillier Gardens experience reminds visitors that sometimes the greatest beauty lies not in the grand spectacle, but in the gentle glow of nature itself.
Hampshire offers a wonderful variety of festive evenings that blend nature, wildlife and carol-singing in uniquely charming settings. Whether you’d like to watch owls gliding under moonlight, stroll illuminated gardens, enjoy a cathedral market or join candlelit carols in a historic museum, each of these events captures the spirit of Christmas in a special way. This holiday season, make time to explore Hampshire’s wild, musical and magical side—and create memories that will glow long after the lights fade.
