Make Christmas even more magical this year with a trip to the New Forest. The friendly locals and fun filled attractions put on heaps of wonderful events and festive treats for all ages. Take a look at our guide of what’s on in the New Forest December 2018.
Beaulieu Palace House, Abbey and the world famous Motor Museum are a brilliant day out any time of year. Come Christmas, they really raise the bar to create an atmosphere filled with playful cheer. There’s an illuminated trail through the historic gardens, pass through a tunnel of 100,000 twinkling lights, hear singing Christmas Trees, there’s an icicle walk and don’t miss the smell the heady aromas of a scented fire garden and oh, so much more!
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Christmas at Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World, is an absolute must for younger families. The UK’s number one family theme park sparkles with thousands and thousands of fairy lights, illuminated scenes, seasonal music, enormous Christmas trees, cheeky elves, shows, rides, meet Santa in his Grotto and so much more!
Winchester Christmas Market. Just a half hour drive from the New Forest is the historic Cathedral city of Winchester. It’s Christmas Market is now thought of as one of the best in Europe! Thousands come to browse chalet stalls packed with handmade British goodies, toys, artisan produce and crafty fare. Expect a truly Christmassy atmosphere with a giant ice rink, music and lights with the grand Cathedral as a backdrop.
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Exbury is most famous for its kaleidoscopic displays of colourful blooms spring, summer and autumn with a narrow gauge steam train offer rides around the themed gardens. Come Christmas, these amazing gardens and the steam train take on a whole new magical life! Go to the Christmas Postal Express at Exbury Gardens and take part in the festive tree trail, visit the Elf Workshop for arts and crafts, see Father Christmas and jump on board the ‘Postal Express’ train where little ones can post a picture card they’ve drawn to Santa. Expect festive scenes, Christmas characters, music and yummy foodie offerings!
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The Christmas Barn at Longdown Farm is home to Santa’s Grotto with real farm animals, masses of fairy lights, decorated trees and oodles of festive decorations. Children can gently cuddle baby chicks and their baby animal friends, run riot in the soft play area, see a beautiful Nativity scene and meet Father Christmas. There’s also a tea room, farm shop and gift shop.
Click here to view our New Forest holiday cottages close to these Christmassy events.