A decorated Christmas tree with presents on the floor, between two red sofas against a backdrop of richly decorated red and gold wallpaper — Richly decorated Christmas tree at The Vyne in Hamphire | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

Christmas in and around Hampshire

Discover sparkle and ‘wow’ moments as stories come to life in our historic houses and gardens. Board the ‘Christmas Express’ to the polar bear’s ball at Mottisfont. Sit in a life-size swan sleigh at The Vyne’s Nutcracker experience. At Hinton Ampner you’ll step into Peter Pan’s glittering Neverland Christmas.

Father Christmas's cloak draped on a chair in front of a desk piled with letters, a ledger, a globe and a pile of presents

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A Christmas Journey to the North Pole, at Mottisfont

Take a magical journey to the North Pole. The house is full of sparkling trees and gift-wrapped presents. See Father Christmas’s study piled high with letters and board the ‘Christmas Express’ to the glittering polar bear’s ball. Outside, you’ll take on elf duties, helping to deliver Christmas wishes, visiting the Elves’ Sorting Office and testing your postbag-stuffing skills. 25 November to 7 January, trail £3.

London Themed Christmas Tree at Hinton Ampner

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A Neverland Christmas at Hinton Ampner

Advance booking essential: Light, sound and movement bring scenes from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan to Hinton Ampner. Look for the ticking crocodile, the Lost Boys’ camp and Tinker Bell’s mystical hideaway. Outside, you’ll find the Wendy House, the Mermaids’ Lagoon and Nana’s dog house, where visiting pooches can pose for pics. 25 November to 1 January.

A nutcracker stands in the foreground with a Christmas tree out of focus twinkling in the background.

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Nutcracker Christmas at The Vyne

Follow heroes Clara and the Nutcracker through this festively decorated mansion as they try to defeat the villainous Mouse King. Visit the Land of Sweets, and look out for gingerbread men, ballerinas and a multitude of nutcracker soldiers, not to mention a swan sleigh. Indoor and outdoor family trails. 25 November to 1 January, trail £2.

Baubles hang from a Christmas tree in front of a diamond-paned leaded-light window at Winchester City Mill, Hampshire

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Christmas at Winchester City Mill

This ancient mill is decked with festive garlands and Christmas trees. Visit Father Christmas’s workshop where you can pose on the mill’s throne. Track down naughty elves who are getting up to lots of mischief. In the café there are delicious seasonal treats. 11 November to 31 December, free entry.

Portico entrance at Uppark decorated with wreath and Christmas trees for Christmas, West Sussex

Christmas at Uppark

Uppark’s grand rooms are filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees. There are delicious festive scents too, from winter greenery, pinecones, and cinnamon. Below stairs, Uppark’s servants are busy preparing food and drinks for the guests of the house and celebrating their own Christmas. 18 November to 31 December.

The exterior of Mompesson House, Wiltshire, in winter, dusted with a light covering of snow.

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A Christmas Carol at Mompesson House

Discover the sights and sounds of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, at Mompesson House. For the first time, the house is open upstairs at Christmas. Visit Scrooge’s bedroom and the Cratchit’s house. There’s free family storytelling at weekends, dressing up fun, and a free spotter trail for little ones. 23 November to 23 December, Thursday to Sunday.