Christmas in Hampshire

Christmas at our places around Hampshire celebrates everything we love about this time of year. Beautiful winter landscapes with a sprinkling of fairy magic come indoors at Mottisfont. At The Vyne you’ll discover a Dickensian Christmas and candlelit house tours. Uppark is hosting a glamorous masked ball, and at Hinton Ampner favourite fables come to life. Everywhere you go there are sparkling decorations, twinkling lights, and outside, frost-covered gardens for peaceful winter wanders. All our places have festive family trails; you’ll find cosy cafes and shops full of exclusive gifts too.

Painted illustration of Cicely Mary Barker's Hawthorn Flower Fairy

Christmas at Mottisfont 

An Enchanted Christmas with the Flower Fairies, 23 Nov–5 Jan, 11am–4pm, normal admission charge. Inspired by Cicely Mary Barker's famous Flower Fairies, Mottisfont is beautifully decorated to reflect an enchanted winter landscape. The exquisite original illustrations are on show in the gallery, and outside, miniature fairy dwellings are waiting to be discovered on a family trail.

Explore enchanted woodlands
A Christmas tree twinkles in the corner of a room.

The Vyne 

A Victorian Christmas: 30 Nov–2 Jan, 12-3pm, normal admission charge plus £1 per trail. Victorian family the Chutes are celebrating Christmas and Charles Dickens’ new book, A Christmas Carol. The mansion is magnificently dressed in sparkling Victorian-style decorations, with rooms themed around the famous novel. Outside, the Silhouette Trail invites families to hunt for hidden characters and objects from the book.

A Dickensian Christmas
A portrait hangs next to a Christmas tree.

The Vyne 

Festive candlelit house tours, various dates in Dec, 4-5.30pm & 4.30-6pm, £35, book on 01256 883858. For the very first time, this former Tudor mansion is hosting intimate tours by candlelight. Take a journey into 500 years of history, including rare 16th-century interiors. You'll travel through darkened rooms and corridors, lit only by the soft glow of candles and sparkling Christmas trees. Mulled wine and mince pies will warm the spirits.

Book a candlelit tour
Handmade felt ornaments depict The Collier & The Fuller

Hinton Ampner 

Christmas Fables at Hinton Ampner, 1 Dec–31 Dec, 10am-2.30pm, normal admission charge, advance booking essential. This Christmas, Hinton Ampner presents favourite Aesop’s Fables. Inspired by owner Ralph Dutton’s beautifully illustrated book (on display), you’ll find tales of foxes and monkeys, birds and mice, against glittering Christmas backdrops Outside, the Old Sweet Shop is stocking traditional treats, and an outdoors trail takes families on an Aesops adventure.

Favourite fables
Close up of Venetian style masks in blue, pink and gold

Uppark 

Lady Sarah’s Christmas Ball, 30 Nov–5 Jan, 11am-3pm, normal admission charge, plus £2 per trail. Step into the Georgian period, with this invitation to Lady Sarah’s glamorous masked Christmas Ball. Uppark’s 18th-century interiors are sumptuously decorated with plenty of sparkle, and beautiful masked characters created by renowned paper artist Denise Watson. A new outdoor activity trail introduces kids to a Georgian Christmas.

Your invitation to the ball
Gingerbread men on a tray

Winchester City Mill 

There’s so much to enjoy at Winchester City Mill this Christmas. Father Christmas’ missus, Mrs Clause, needs little ones’ help to find gingerbread people hidden around the Mill (30 Nov-24 Dec, 10am-3pm, donation for trail). The merry sounds of favourite carols are ringing out with Alder Valley Brass (14 Dec, 12-3pm). Pick up top tips and recipe cards at seasonal baking demos, which fill the Mill with sweet and spicy aromas (24 Nov, 14 & 21 Dec, 11am-3pm).

Family festive fun at the Mill
Close up of materials to make Christmas paper crafts

Sandham Memorial Chapel 

Christmas craft workshops, 22 Nov–15 Dec, various times, from £17. Book on 0344 249 1895. At this cosy little 20th-century chapel you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to get crafty. A series of workshops will help you design a beautiful wreath for your door. Or create cards, gifts and Christmas decorations using techniques like decoupage and embossing.

Book a craft workshop
Close up of big Christmas wreath on front door

Mompesson House 

A Victorian Christmas, 23 Nov–22 Dec, 11am-3pm, normal admission charge. This year Mompesson House welcomes you to explore a Victorian Christmas, inspired by the diaries of resident Jinny Townsend. Discover beautifully decorated Christmas trees, displays of festive food, exclusive gifts and a family Christmas trail. Upstairs, find out how rooms are ‘put to bed’ for the winter.

Explore Jinny's Victorian Christmas