The Best Markets and City Festivities for Christmas in Hampshire 2025
Discover the best Christmas markets & city festivities in Hampshire this December 2025. Get dates, addresses, ticket links, parking info & full descriptions of each event.
Updated 16/12/2025
Hampshire truly sparkles as the festive season arrives. From historic cathedral grounds to bustling city squares, the county’s Christmas events bring together artisan markets, merry rides, and glittering lights. Whether you are browsing for unique gifts, sipping mulled wine by a wooden chalet, or enjoying live entertainment under twinkling fairy lights, these festivities offer a warm and vibrant backdrop for your holiday celebrations.
The rich heritage of towns like Winchester, Southampton and Andover infuses each event with a distinct character — mixing tradition and modern fun. Expect cosy cafés, seasonal sounds, inviting aromas of roasted chestnuts, and an atmosphere that invites families, couples and friends alike to pause, celebrate and create lasting memories.
Below you’ll find full descriptions of three standout events across Hampshire, complete with links, dates, times, ticket info and parking details so you can plan your perfect festive outing.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Set in the majestic grounds of Winchester Cathedral, the Christmas market in Winchester is a truly magical experience. As you walk through the towering gothic arches and into the cloisters, you are greeted by a charming village of traditional wooden chalets, softly lit and filled with handcrafted gifts, artisanal decorations and seasonal treats.
With more than 100 curated stalls, the market emphasises quality and authenticity — from finely crafted jewellery to festive ceramics, festive home-wares and gourmet foods. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts lingers in the air, inviting you to slow down and explore. On weekends, live carol singing and festive performances add to the joyous atmosphere, while children delight in the lights and the sense of wonder.
Entry is free, which makes it accessible for everyone to wander, browse and soak up the fun. Though parking in the heart of the city can be busy, the city’s park & ride system offers a convenient alternative and ensures you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy the day. Whether you’re on a family outing, a romantic date or shopping with friends, this market offers a memorable festive backdrop.
Date: 21 November – 22 December 2025
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10:00–18:00; Thursday 10:00–19:00; Friday & Saturday 10:00–20:00; Sunday 10:00–17:00
Address: The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS
Official website: Winchester Cathedral | Christmas
Tickets / Entry: Free to enter; no pre-booking required for general public
Parking / Accessibility: Several city-centre car parks nearby, or recommend using the Park & Ride service
For Christmas gifts that feel truly special — artisan, local, and full of heart — this market is hard to beat. It’s not just shopping: it’s an experience wrapped in holiday warmth, history and sparkle.
Southampton Christmas Market
The Southampton Christmas Market is a lively, festive wonderland set in the heart of the city’s shopping quarter. Opening from mid-November through to early January, this extended market gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the seasonal fun. On arrival the wooden chalets greet you with unique crafts and gifts, delicious foods and warming drinks – perfect for ticking off multiple Christmas lists in one visit.
What sets this market apart is its combination of traditional shopping stalls and more high-energy attractions: in previous years there have been thrilling rides like a giant Ferris wheel and ice slides designed to add fun for all ages. Partnered with Santa’s cosy grotto, children’s rides and lively bars offering hot chocolate, mulled wine or even German beer, the market becomes a full-day experience rather than just a browse. Since it’s located in the city centre you’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants and amenities nearby.
Date: 13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Hours: November: Mon–Thu 11:00–18:00; Fri/Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 11:00–19:00. December: Mon–Wed 11:00–18:00; Thu 10:00–18:00; Fri/Sat 10:00–20:00; Sun 10:00–19:00; Christmas Eve 10:00–17:00
Address: Above Bar Street & Guildhall Square, Southampton
Official website: Southampton Christmas Market
Tickets / Entry: Entry is free; rides or special attractions may have separate fees
Parking / Accessibility: City centre car parks available; reservable parking nearby
For drivers, reservable parking is available in the surrounding streets, making access easier during busy periods. Whether you visit in the afternoon for relaxed shopping or in the evening for lights and atmosphere, this market offers a vibrant festive outing. Don’t forget to arrive early in peak times to avoid congestion and get the best stall-picks. The ambience strikes just the right mix of seasonal charm and modern energy — making it an excellent choice for families or groups looking to celebrate in style.
Andover Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market
The Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market near Andover offers a more intimate but no less festive experience. Over the course of the four-day event at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, visitors can enjoy a beautifully organised market with over 60 local businesses displaying seasonal decorations, handcrafted gifts, home-wares and gourmet treats.
The setting amidst the Trust’s grounds adds a touch of uniqueness — not just shopping, but a slight twist of nature and conservation. Visitors can stroll between stalls filled with charming personalised presents, festive décor, artisan foods and more, while warming up with hot chocolates, mulled cider or indulgent churros and pancakes.
Children and families are especially catered for, with entertainment and a festive atmosphere. The fact that parking is free on-site makes this a stress-free outing for drivers. Given the limited run of dates (just one weekend), the event holds a special, almost exclusive feel, meaning you may avoid the crowds of larger city markets yet still immerse yourself in a rich festive environment.
Date: 26 – 29 November 2025
Hours: 26–29 Nov 15:30–19:30; 29 Nov 11:00–15:00
Address: Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover SP11 8DY
Official website / Tickets: Buy Tickets
Parking / Accessibility: Free on-site parking available
As you wander through the stalls, you may feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem — perfect for getting ahead with your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying a quieter, more relaxed festive outing. Whether you’re local to the area or looking to add a unique market visit to your itinerary, this event offers a charming alternative to the big city bustle.
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
When the nights draw in, the gardens at Sir Harold Hillier transform into a luminous woodland of wonder. The Light Up trail invites families, couples and friends to wander through eight newly-imagined themed zones, each glowing with dazzling projections, laser shows, interactive elements and festive street-food huts. The route, set in the gentle contours of the 180-acre arboretum, blends nature and spectacle: mossy trees lit from below, ponds shimmering under neon reflections, and elevated paths that reveal the gardens in entirely new light.
As you move from one zone to the next you leave behind the everyday and enter a space of joy and shared experience. Children gasp at walk-on piano lights, adults pause by fire-pits sipping mulled wine, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon drifts through the air. The family-friendly layout means everyone can enjoy the trail at their own pace—there are resting benches, accessible paths and under-2s go free (booked ticket still required).
Date: 27 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Hours: Entry slots 16:30–21:30 daily; gardens close at ~21:30
Address: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyn’s Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA
Official website& Tickets: Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Parking: Yes — free on-site parking included with ticket
Pre-booking is strongly recommended for popular time-slots, especially on weekends near Christmas. The fact that parking is free and included helps reduce stress and ensures arrival is smooth even in the busy festive period. This event offers more than just lights: it’s an immersive night out in Hampshire, a chance to wrap up warm, share the moment and leave with a glow of holiday cheer. Whether you're local or visiting for a winter break, this illuminated escape is a memorable seasonal outing.
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
For something a little different, Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre offers a blend of festive fun, science showmanship and immersive planetarium magic. The journey begins in the dome: children (and adults) strap in for a space-mission story where Christmas meets the cosmos. You’re whisked through stars and galaxies, hear Santa’s tale of flying beyond the North Pole, meet his planetary elf Aster, and finish with a meet-and-greet photo with Santa plus a gift for younger visitors.
Alongside the show you can explore the interactive exhibits of the Science Centre, making it an all-day event especially good for families. The timing is ideal for mid-December afternoons or rainy days when indoor festive options are useful. This event balances spectacle and education: kids learn about space, but they also leave with seasonal excitement. The higher ticket price reflects the specialised nature of the show and the inclusion of the gift and staging.
Parking and ease of access are good, and advanced booking is essential since slots fill quickly. For families seeking a unique Christmas sortie in Hampshire, this event stands out — it’s not a traditional market or light trail but an experience that leaves you feeling uplifted (literally!).
Date: 6 December 2025 – 23 December 2025
Hours: Multiple shows daily (approx. 09:30–17:00 general centre opening; planets show times 11:15, 13:45, 15:45 on selected dates)
Address: Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ
Official website & Tickets: Cosmic Christmas
Parking: Yes — standard parking at the science centre
Whether you combine it with a Winchester city break or just treat the kids to a special outing, Cosmic Christmas delivers magic, wonder and a festive twist on STEM. A fantastic alternative or complement to the usual Christmas fare.
Christmas at Exbury Gardens & Railway
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Christmas at Exbury Gardens & Railway offers a scenic and festive escape away from the city hustle. On selected weekends at the start of December, the botanical gardens are dressed in winter finery: festive lights weave around trees, indoor spaces host craft activities, and the heritage railway offers a “Festive Express” ride through woodland dusted with seasonal sparkle.
Meet Father Christmas in one of the themed grottos, enjoy live music or storytelling and explore pop-up markets with artisan treats and Christmas gifts. The mixture of garden tranquillity, heritage railway charm and Christmas cheer makes this event particularly appealing to families who want something beyond the standard city market.
Because it runs only over a few weekends, the atmosphere feels more relaxed and slightly exclusive — ideal if you prefer fewer crowds and a nature-based setting. Visiting during daylight or just after dusk means you can admire the gardens in seasonal transition and then enjoy illuminated walks as darkness falls.
Date: Weekends of 29–30 November and 6–7 December 2025
Hours: Typically day-time hours (check website for specific times)
Address: Exbury Gardens & Railway, Exbury, Hampshire
Official website & Tickets : Christmas at Exbury Gardens & Railway
Parking: Yes — parking available at the gardens
Parking is straightforward, and being located in the countryside means you combine the event with a walk or brunch in the New Forest surroundings. For anyone in Hampshire seeking an idyllic, moderately sized Christmas outing with a difference, this is a wonderful choice: festive but peaceful, memorable but manageable. Do book early though — limited dates mean spaces fill quickly.
Hampshire’s festive calendar offers something for everyone — from the grandeur of Winchester’s cathedral market to the vibrant city energy in Southampton and the charming local feel at Andover. Each event brings its own flavour of Christmas, whether you’re shopping for thoughtful gifts, soaking up festive lights, or looking for family fun.
Plan ahead, check parking or transport options (especially during peak times), and arrive ready to enjoy the atmosphere. These markets are more than just shopping: they’re about experiencing the joy of the season in beautiful settings. Wrap up your visit with a warm drink, a stroll under the lights, and embrace the magic of Christmas in Hampshire.
