Christmas days out with kids in Hampshire
Looking for a festive day that keeps children busy for more than half an hour? These Hampshire Christmas events are aimed at families, with activities, trails, rides or shows alongside the chance to meet Father Christmas.
54 events we have checked
- BookIce skatingFamily days out
On Ice at Westquay
Westquay Esplanade, Southampton · 23 October to 3 January 2027
An outdoor ice rink on the Esplanade outside Westquay, open from the October half term until early January. Ice marshals help first-time skaters and child skate aids are available.
- Price:
- From £13
- Ages:
- Skate aids are available for younger children.
- Dates:
- Friday 23 October 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, open daily including weekends and holidays. Sessions last 45 minutes and start on the hour.
- DetailsFamily days outPantomime and theatre
Roman Reenactment Weekend
Butser Ancient Farm, Petersfield · 31 October to 1 November 2026
Butser IX Roman Legion hosts a Roman living history and combat reenactment weekend at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield. Visitors can explore the open air site and find out what life was like in Roman Britain. The weekend suits families and anyone interested in history.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- Sat 31 Oct 2026 10:00 to Sun 1 Nov 2026 16:00
- Christmas marketsChristmas lights
Southampton Christmas Market
Above Bar Street, Bargate and Guildhall Square, Southampton · 12 November to 27 December 2026
Wooden chalets, bars and fairground rides fill Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square for six weeks, with a laser show projected on the Bargate every 30 minutes from 5pm. The opening event brings local choirs, live music and the switch-on of the Bargate light show.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Thursday 12 November to Sunday 27 December 2026. Monday to Wednesday 11am to 10pm at Bargate and Above Bar (Guildhall Square until 9pm), Thursday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm, Christmas Eve 10am to 7pm. Closed Christmas Day.
- BookFamily days outHistory and heritage
A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner
Hinton Ampner, National Trust, Alresford · 14 November to 3 January 2027
The house at Hinton Ampner becomes Father Christmas's Post Room, with wish letters, wrapped presents and decorated rooms telling the Christmas wishes of King Arthur, Clara from The Nutcracker, Amelia Earhart and Jay Gatsby. Outside there are lit trees, family games and a sleigh for photos.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies, free for National Trust members. House visits must be booked by members and non-members alike.
- Dates:
- Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. The site closes at 4pm. House entry is by timed ticket.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Aldershot Christmas Cracker and lights switch-on
Aldershot town centre, Aldershot · 14 November 2026
Rushmoor Borough Council's afternoon of festive stalls, street food and family activities across Aldershot town centre, ending with the Christmas lights switch-on and fireworks in Princes Gardens. Father Christmas has a new grotto this year.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 14 November 2026, 12pm to 5.30pm. Lights switch-on countdown and fireworks from 5.10pm in Princes Gardens.
- Christmas marketsShopping
Christmas Fair at The Spring, Havant
The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, Havant · 15 November 2026
The Spring's yearly Christmas fair brings local makers selling ceramics, textiles, glass, jewellery and photography. The café and bar are open, and the day ends with a carol singalong led by local singer-songwriter Archie McKeown.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Sunday 15 November 2026, from 10am, ending with Christmas songs and carols.
- BookHistory and heritageMuseums
Christmas Presents and Pages at Jane Austen's House
Jane Austen's House, Chawton · 18 November to 30 December 2026
Jane Austen's home in Chawton is decorated with evergreen garlands and paper decorations made from old copies of her novels, with a festive table in the Dining Room. Seasonal audio brings Christmas scenes from Emma and Persuasion into the rooms.
- Price:
- Included with house admission.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 18 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026, during normal house opening.
- Christmas lightsFree
Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On
The Broadway, outside the Guildhall, Winchester · 19 November 2026
Winchester BID's annual switch-on fills The Broadway with an evening of choirs, dance and school performances before local heroes press the button to light up the city. It is hosted by Jonny Meah from Heart Radio.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 November 2026 from 4.20pm. The countdown starts just before 6.30pm.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Andover Christmas Festival and lights switch-on
Andover town centre, Andover · 20 November 2026
Andover's evening to start Christmas, run by Test Valley Borough Council, Andover BID, the town council and the Chantry Centre. There is music on two stages, a market on Bridge Street, a fairground in Town Mills car park and the lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Friday 20 November 2026, 4pm to 8pm. Christmas lights switched on at 6.30pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasChristmas lights
Christmas at Marwell: Fire and Ice and Santa
Marwell Zoo, Winchester · 20 November to 30 December 2026
Marwell runs a festive day at the zoo, a new after-dark trail called Fire and Ice, and a 45 minute Santa's Grotto journey in historic Marwell Hall. The evening trail is themed on how animals survive winter, with illuminations, fire performers and an ice maze.
- Price:
- From £21.95
- Dates:
- Selected dates from Friday 20 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. Zoo 10am to 4pm; Fire and Ice evening 4pm to 7.30pm (last entry 6pm). Santa runs on Fridays to Sundays, 10 and 17 December, and 18 to 24 December. Some weekdays are daytime zoo only.
- Christmas marketsChristmas lights
Festive Friday in Basingstoke
Top of the Town, Basingstoke, Basingstoke · 20 November 2026
Love Basingstoke's free evening to start the festive season across the Top of the Town, with a Christmas market of small local traders, music in Market Square and crafts for children. Pantomime characters from Pumpkin Pantos join the line-up.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Friday 20 November 2026, 5pm to 8pm. Performances in Market Square at 5.15pm, 5.30pm and 6pm.
- Christmas marketsFood and drink
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Winchester Cathedral Close, Winchester · 20 November to 22 December 2026
Wooden chalets in the style of a German Christmas market fill the historic Close around Winchester Cathedral for just over a month, selling handmade gifts, local food and festive drinks. The cathedral itself runs Christmas services, music and tours alongside the market.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Daily from Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026. Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 8pm, Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm.
- Family days outHistory and heritage
A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont
Mottisfont, National Trust, Romsey · 21 November to 3 January 2027
Mottisfont's house is turned into a pantomime version of Jack and the Beanstalk, from a towering beanstalk to the giant's castle, with thousands of decorations and dressed trees. The garden has panto-themed games such as rescuing the golden goose's eggs.
- Price:
- Normal admission, free for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under fives. Carers go free.
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. House opens 10.30am, last entry 3.15pm. The whole site is closed on 24 and 25 December.
- BookFamily days outHistory and heritage
Alice's Christmas Wonderland at Beaulieu
Palace House, Beaulieu, Beaulieu · 21 November to 3 January 2027
Palace House at Beaulieu is dressed as Alice's Wonderland for Christmas, with a rabbit hole, the Mad Hatter's hat shop and the Queen of Hearts among the themed rooms. The house has a link to Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired the stories.
- Price:
- From £16
- Dates:
- Daily from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, 10am to 5pm, except Christmas Day. Palace House first entry 10.30am, last entry 4pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Christmas Grotto at The Point
The Point, Eastleigh · 21 November to 22 November 2026
Father Christmas visits The Point for the weekend of Eastleigh's lights switch-on, welcoming families with a song and a story before each child collects a gift and has a photo with him. It is a low-cost group session.
- Price:
- From £2.50
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, sessions from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Each session lasts about 20 minutes.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Christmasville at Gunwharf Quays
ApolloDomes, The Plaza, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth · 21 November to 4 January 2027
Two domes on the Plaza at Gunwharf Quays host a festive immersive theatre show for families by day, a Father Christmas grotto and a bar. The Elf Emporium show uses live performance, puppetry and projection and lasts 25 minutes.
- Price:
- From £10
- Ages:
- All ages.
- Dates:
- From Saturday 21 November to Monday 4 January, 10am to 7pm. The organiser's page gives the days but not the year; this is the 2026 season page.
- Christmas lightsFireworks and bonfires
Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch-On
Eastleigh town centre, Eastleigh · 21 November 2026
Eastleigh's switch-on fills the town centre with a day of festive entertainment, ending with the lights and a firework display. The Point runs its Christmas Grotto and a makers market the same weekend.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 November 2026. Timings to be announced by Eastleigh Town Council.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Fareham Christmas Lights Switch On
West Street and Fareham Shopping Centre, Fareham · 21 November 2026
Fareham Borough Council's switch-on fills West Street with a festive market, funfair rides, community performers and free children's activities through the day. The finale at the bandstand ends with the lights going on at 5.30pm.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 November 2026, 10am to 7pm. Lights switch on at 5.30pm at the bandstand. The funfair rides also run on Sunday 22 November, 10am to 4pm.
- Christmas marketsMeet Father Christmas
Farnborough Frost Fair
Queensmead and The Landing, Farnborough · 21 November 2026
Rushmoor Borough Council's free festive day in Farnborough town centre, with a market of over 50 stalls along Queensmead and family activities from a Father Christmas grotto to donkeys and birds of prey. More than 100 performers play across two stages.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 November 2026, 10am to 3.30pm.
- BookIce skatingFamily days out
Portsmouth On Ice
Guildhall Square, Portsmouth · 21 November to 3 January 2027
A covered outdoor rink in Guildhall Square for the Christmas season, so skating goes ahead whatever the weather. There are dedicated family and SEND sessions, and non-skaters can watch from a covered side area.
- Price:
- From £13.50
- Ages:
- There is an adult with pre-schooler ticket for skaters with under 5s.
- Dates:
- Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, open from 9am every day unless stated otherwise. Closed on Christmas Day. Sessions last one hour.
- History and heritageGardens
Twelve Days of Christmas at The Vyne
The Vyne, National Trust, Sherborne St John · 21 November to 3 January 2027
The Vyne decorates the ground floor of its Tudor house around the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, with many pieces made by volunteers and nine illuminated paper dresses by artist Jennifer Collier. Outside, a garden trail has ten games for children aged 2 and over.
- Price:
- Included with normal admission; free for National Trust members.
- Ages:
- The garden trail is for families with children aged 2 and over.
- Dates:
- 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, closed 24 and 25 December. House 11am to 3pm, gardens 10am to 4pm.
- BookMuseumsFamily days out
A Christmas Carol Experience at Milestones
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke · 25 November to 23 December 2026
A new walk-through version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, staged across the museum's streets, where visitors follow Scrooge through Christmas Past, Present and Future and meet the characters along the way. Evening slots run until 7.30pm on selected dates.
- Price:
- Ticketed with timed start slots. The ticket also gives 12 months of entry to Milestones. Check prices on the official site.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 25 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 on selected dates. Selected Wednesdays to Fridays 3pm to 7.30pm until 17 December, selected Saturdays 10am to 7.30pm, selected Sundays 10am to 5.30pm, and 21 to 23 December 10am to 7.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Christmas Lights by Filskit Theatre at Mayflower Studios
Mayflower Studios, Southampton · 25 November to 28 November 2026
A gentle, very visual Christmas show for under 5s in which two friends try to light up their snowy house. British Sign Language is built into the performance, and children can stay to play in the snow-covered set afterwards.
- Price:
- From £11
- Ages:
- Made for children aged 1 to 4 and their families.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 November 2026, with several performances a day from 10.30am.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Fleet Christmas Festival
Fleet Road, Gurkha Square and The Harlington, Fleet · 25 November 2026
Fleet's Christmas festival takes over Fleet Road from the Oatsheaf to Church Road, with stalls, a kids zone, a walk-through nativity and the Christmas tree lights switch-on. Santa's grotto is in The Harlington and Santa's Post Office opens in the Hart Shopping Centre.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Wednesday 25 November 2026, 2pm to 9pm.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Alton Christmas Lights Switch-On and Market
Alton town centre, Alton · 27 November 2026
Alton Town Council's evening switch-on lights the Assembly Rooms and Market Square, with a Christmas market spread across the town and a family fun fair on the High Street. Father Christmas sees children for free at Wild House Play Cafe.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Friday 27 November 2026, 3pm to 7pm. Lights on at the Assembly Rooms at 5pm and in Market Square at 5.45pm.
- BookChristmas lightsHeritage railways
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
Alresford Station, Watercress Line, Alresford · 27 November to 2 January 2027
A steam train covered in synchronised LED lights runs a round trip from Alresford or Alton with music, live entertainers on board and the Voiceover Man as host. Every passenger gets an LED wristband to keep.
- Price:
- From £37
- Ages:
- Many flashing lights, so it may not suit people with epilepsy. Father Christmas does not appear on this train.
- Dates:
- Selected evenings from Friday 27 November 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027. Christmas music until 28 December, then a party anthems edition from 29 December. Allow about 2 hours.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasChristmas markets
Christmas at Exbury: Christmas Fair, Father Christmas and the Festive Express
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Exbury · 28 November to 6 December 2026
Exbury's fundraising Christmas weekends bring a fair of local producers to the gardens, with Father Christmas in a railway carriage in the engine shed and an elf-themed ride on the steam railway. Fair tickets include the woodland gardens, a family trail and crafts.
- Price:
- From £7
- Ages:
- The Festive Express has some flashing lights.
- Dates:
- Weekends of 28 and 29 November and 5 and 6 December 2026. Christmas Fair 10am to 4.30pm.
- BookChristmas lightsGardens
Once Upon a Time illuminated trail at West Green House
West Green House Gardens, Hartley Wintney · 28 November to 30 December 2026
A kilometre-long light trail around the lakes and follies of West Green House Gardens, themed on fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk and The Little Mermaid. On some dates a petting zoo of animals in Christmas outfits is included.
- Price:
- From £18
- Dates:
- Selected evenings from Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. Entry slots every half hour from 4.30pm, last entry 7pm, garden closes 9pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Santa's Grotto at the Great Hall
The Great Hall, Winchester · 28 November to 23 December 2026
Santa and his elves set up in the medieval Great Hall, home of the Round Table, for a short family visit with a gift for every child. The ticket also covers elf-led crafts, letter writing and entry to the Great Hall and Westgate Museum.
- Price:
- From £7
- Ages:
- Gifts are a plush reindeer or polar bear for ages 0 to 5 and a wooden board game for ages 6 and over.
- Dates:
- Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, in booked five minute slots.
- Christmas marketsChristmas lights
Waterlooville Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On
Waterlooville town centre, Waterlooville · 28 November 2026
This year Waterlooville holds its Christmas market and lights switch-on on the same day, with local traders through the day and the switch-on in the early evening. Choirs, a brass band and a visit from Santa are planned.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 28 November 2026, a daytime market followed by the lights switch-on in the early evening. Times had not been published when checked.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Hayling Winter Wonderland at Funland
Funland, Hayling Island, Hayling Island · 29 November to 24 December 2026
Funland on the Hayling seafront turns its upstairs space into a Christmas wonderland, with an elf village, a gingerbread factory and a visit to Father Christmas, who gives each child an early present. A ticket also covers an hour in the Kidz Kingdom soft play and a selection of children's rides.
- Price:
- Prices are shown when booking. Under 1s are free. Coffee and the arcade are not included.
- Ages:
- Children must be with a full-paying adult. Height limits apply on rides and in the play area.
- Dates:
- Selected days from Sunday 29 November to Thursday 24 December: 29 November and 18 December 12pm to 5pm; 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 23 December 10am to 5pm; 24 December 9am to 3pm. The booking page gives days but not the year; this is the 2026 season page.
- Christmas lightsChristmas markets
Ringwood Winter Wanderland and lights switch-on
Ringwood town centre, Ringwood · 29 November 2026
Ringwood Town Council's day of Christmas events in the town centre, ending with the Christmas lights switch-on in the Market Place. Last year it included a market of over 80 stalls, Santa's grotto and a festive parade led by Santa.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Sunday 29 November 2026. The town council says further details will follow.
- BookHeritage railwaysChristmas lights
Exbury Christmas Night Train
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Exbury · 30 November to 4 December 2026
A 30 minute illuminated steam train ride around Exbury's woodland gardens after dark, past lights and festive displays. Father Christmas sees off every departure, and festive food and drink is sold each night.
- Price:
- From £21
- Ages:
- Features some flashing lights.
- Dates:
- Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2026. Trains at 5.15pm, 6pm, 6.45pm and 7.30pm; entry from 4.45pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
Dear Santa Live at The Haymarket
The Haymarket, Basingstoke · 2 December to 6 December 2026
A short stage show based on the picture book by the author of Dear Zoo, in which Santa and his elf try to find the right present for Sarah. Children can meet Santa in his grotto after the show and each child gets a gift.
- Price:
- From £18
- Ages:
- Aimed at young children as a first theatre trip.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December 2026. Shows at 10.30am and 1.30pm each day, plus 4pm on Saturday 5 December.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show at Mayflower Studios
Mayflower Studios, Southampton · 2 December to 12 December 2026
A one-hour puppet show based on four Eric Carle picture books, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Dream Snow. More than 75 puppets appear, and every performance is relaxed about noise and movement.
- Price:
- From £17.50
- Ages:
- Suitable for all ages, from 6 months up.
- Dates:
- Wednesday 2 to Saturday 12 December 2026 in Studio 1, with morning performances. Check the booking calendar for times.
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas Light Trail at Staunton Farm
Staunton Farm, Havant · 3 December to 2 January 2027
An after-dark Christmas light trail at Staunton Farm, run by Enlightened Moments rather than the farm. Entry is in timed slots from 4.30pm and must be booked in advance.
- Price:
- From £10
- Dates:
- Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 2 January 2027. First entry 4.30pm, then timed slots every 15 minutes.
- BookChristmas lightsMuseums
Museum by Moonlight: Penguin Light Trail at Gilbert White's House
Gilbert White's House and Gardens, Selborne · 3 December to 22 December 2026
An Antarctic-themed evening trail through the museum that holds the Oates collections, followed by an outdoor lights trail with glowing penguins and a giant moon. Children can dress as explorers, step into a real Antarctic tent and make constellation crafts.
- Price:
- From £9.50
- Dates:
- Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 December, Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 December and daily from Thursday 17 to Tuesday 22 December 2026. 4pm to 8.15pm, with entry slots every half hour from 4pm to 6.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Winchester
Theatre Royal Winchester, Winchester · 4 December to 3 January 2027
Theatre Royal Winchester's own traditional pantomime this year is Sleeping Beauty, written and directed by Robin Belfield with music by Simon Slater. Expect a hero, a villain, a dame, original songs and plenty of audience participation.
- Price:
- From £13
- Ages:
- A family pantomime. Running time about 2 hours with a 15 to 20 minute interval.
- Dates:
- Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with matinee and evening performances on most days. See the theatre's dates list for each performance.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
A Christmas Ship at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth · 5 December to 6 December 2026
For one weekend HMS Warrior is dressed for a Victorian Christmas Eve in 1863, with the crew preparing their festive show and Father Christmas waiting in the Captain's Cabin. Families can join in with carols, parlour games, crafts and a present trail around the decks.
- Price:
- From £36
- Ages:
- Aimed at families with children.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, 10am to 4pm, with Father Christmas visits booked in a morning (10am to 1pm) or afternoon (1pm to 4pm) slot.
- BookHistory and heritageMuseums
A Gilbert White Christmas
Gilbert White's House and Gardens, Selborne · 5 December 2026
A day of 18th century Christmas customs at the Selborne home of naturalist Gilbert White, with a mummers' play in the Great Parlour, wassailing in the orchard and choral music. The house is decorated for the season.
- Price:
- Included in general admission.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 December 2026, 10.30am to 4pm.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasChristmas lights
Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
Paultons Park, Romsey · 5 December to 3 January 2027
Paultons Park on the edge of the New Forest opens for Christmas with illuminations, a decorated Peppa Pig World and a large number of rides running. Santa appears in the stage shows until Christmas Eve, and families can book a separate grotto visit.
- Price:
- Park tickets are priced by date on the booking page. Santa's Grotto is an extra charge and must be booked before the day.
- Dates:
- Open on 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 December, 18 to 24 December, 27 to 31 December 2026 and 2 and 3 January 2027. Park opens 10am; rides close 4.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Kings Theatre, Southsea
Kings Theatre, Southsea · 5 December to 31 December 2026
The Pompey Panto this year is Jack and the Beanstalk, with Jack Edwards back for his twelfth Kings Theatre panto as Dame Trott and Shaun Williamson returning as the villain Fleshcreep. Expect magic beans, a giant, audience shout-outs and the traditional singalong.
- Price:
- From £10
- Ages:
- No age restriction. Babes in arms tickets are sold through the box office.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 to Thursday 31 December 2026, with morning, afternoon and evening performances on most days. Times vary, so check the booking calendar.
- BookChristmas marketsMuseums
Milestones Christmas Market
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke · 5 December to 6 December 2026
A weekend Christmas market of more than 40 stalls set in the indoor Victorian streets of Milestones, Hampshire's museum of everyday life. Expect local makers, seasonal food and music, and a later finish on the Saturday.
- Price:
- Ticketed. Check the price when booking on the official site.
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026 from 10am, with late opening on the Saturday.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Jack and the Beanstalk, Andover College pantomime
The Lights, Andover · 8 December to 9 December 2026
Students from Andover College stage Jack and the Beanstalk in the main auditorium at The Lights, Andover's arts centre. It is a traditional pantomime with songs and audience participation over two evenings.
- Price:
- Check prices on The Lights website.
- Dates:
- Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December 2026 at 7.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreArts and culture
The Snow Queen by Ballet Theatre UK
The Haymarket, Basingstoke · 9 December 2026
Ballet Theatre UK brings its touring ballet of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen to The Haymarket for one evening. It follows Gerda across the frozen north as she sets out to free Kay from the Snow Queen's spell.
- Price:
- From £22.50
- Dates:
- Wednesday 9 December 2026 at 7.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Beauty and the Beast pantomime at The Anvil
The Anvil, Basingstoke · 10 December to 3 January 2027
Basingstoke's main Christmas pantomime this year is Beauty and the Beast at The Anvil, produced by UK Productions. Ellie Dadd plays Belle, with local favourite Chris Pizzey back as Louis La Plonk and Sarah Jane Buckley as the fairy.
- Price:
- From £19.50
- Ages:
- The venue lists it as suitable for all the family.
- Dates:
- Thursday 10 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, with matinee and evening performances. Relaxed performance Monday 21 December at 2pm, signed performance Tuesday 15 December at 6pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Jack and the Beanstalk at Fareham Live
Fareham Live, Fareham · 11 December to 3 January 2027
Imagine Theatre's pantomime at Fareham Live stars Anne Hegerty from The Chase, with Josiah Eloi back for a second year as the Dame. The Trotts swap Buttercup the cow for magic beans and Jack climbs up to the land of giants.
- Price:
- From £16
- Ages:
- Suitable for ages 3 and up.
- Dates:
- Friday 11 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Check the venue's booking page for performance times.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Robin Hood at Mayflower Theatre
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton · 12 December to 3 January 2027
Southampton's big Christmas pantomime stars Ashley Banjo and Diversity as Robin Hood and the Merry Men, with ventriloquist Max Fulham back as Will Scarlett. The show uses scenery and costumes from the London Palladium and runs for about two hours.
- Price:
- From £19.50
- Ages:
- Recommended for ages 3 and over. Under 2s are allowed at parents' discretion, but the theatre does not recommend it for that age.
- Dates:
- Saturday 12 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Performance times vary; check the booking calendar.
- BookMeet Father ChristmasAnimals and wildlife
Santa's Grotto at Staunton Farm
Staunton Farm, Havant · 12 December to 22 December 2026
Hampshire County Council's Staunton Farm runs a Christmas grotto on six December days, starting in Father Christmas' garden with hot chocolate and a pretend snowball fight. Each child meets Father Christmas, receives a wrapped gift and can then spend the rest of the day on the farm.
- Price:
- From £15.95
- Ages:
- One ticket covers one child; a responsible adult must stay with children throughout.
- Dates:
- Saturday 12, Sunday 13, and Saturday 19 to Tuesday 22 December 2026. Timed visits every half hour from 10am, last at 2pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
Santa's Sleigh Ride at The Berry Theatre
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End · 12 December to 18 December 2026
KD Theatre Productions' sing-along show follows Santa and Jingleberry the Elf as they try to fix the sleigh before Christmas Eve, helped by Frosty and Rudolph. Every child meets Santa afterwards and receives a present.
- Price:
- From £13.50
- Ages:
- Aimed at children aged 2 to 9. The show runs 50 minutes, then children meet Santa.
- Dates:
- Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026 at 11am and 2pm, and Friday 18 December at 1.30pm and 4.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Mother Goose at Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Theatre Royal Portsmouth, Portsmouth · 13 December to 31 December 2026
Theatre Royal Portsmouth stages its first in-house pantomime this Christmas, with a cast of local performers and drag artist Cherry Liquor in the title role. It is a traditional family panto with songs, booing and plenty of audience participation.
- Price:
- From £10
- Dates:
- Sunday 13 to Thursday 31 December 2026, mostly at 12.30pm, 4.30pm or 6pm, with a 10am and 2pm show on 19 December and 1pm shows on 24 and 31 December.
- BookFamily days outPantomime and theatre
Christmas in the Enchanted Forest at The Point
The Point, Eastleigh · 18 December to 24 December 2026
A walk-through forest trail inside The Point, with twinkling lights and snowy paths leading to the Snow Queen at a living snow globe. Children finish with a craft to take home.
- Price:
- From £8
- Ages:
- For all ages.
- Dates:
- Friday 18 to Thursday 24 December 2026, timed sessions between 9.30am and 7.30pm. Each visit lasts about 30 minutes.
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
Santa Live at The Berry Theatre
The Berry Theatre, Hedge End · 19 December 2026
Darling Productions' hour-long family show sends Santa's elf Muddles across the North Pole to sort out the mixed-up presents, meeting Frosty, Rudolph and the Gingerbread Man. It is packed with Christmas songs to sing and dance along to.
- Price:
- From £16.50
- Ages:
- For all ages. Runs about 1 hour.
- Dates:
- Saturday 19 December 2026 at 1pm and 3.30pm.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure at Mayflower Studios
Mayflower Studios, Southampton · 20 December to 31 December 2026
A new festive musical version of Peter Pan performed by more than 50 young amateur performers in Mayflower Studios. It mixes pop songs with original music as Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell take on Captain Hook.
- Price:
- From £19.50
- Ages:
- Recommended for ages 3 and over. Under 2s are not allowed.
- Dates:
- Sunday 20 to Thursday 31 December 2026 in Studio 1. Check the booking calendar for performance times.
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What is good for toddlers?
Shorter experiences with plenty of cover tend to work best. Look for listings that mention toddlers or a recommended age from one year.