Test Valley is a beautiful region in Hampshire and it's a great place to celebrate Christmas. There are a variety of festive events happening throughout the season in our market towns and at our visitor attractions.
Here is a guide to some of some of the Christmas events in Test Valley:
On Friday 17 December between 4pm and 8pm the Andover Christmas Festival is set to be a stocking full of surprises. With three main stages featuring a packed programme of performances, children’s activities, a Christmas market, street theatre and festive refreshments, there will be something for everyone to enjoy this year. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm. Find out more and plan your evening.
Christmas will officially start in Romsey on Saturday 25 November from 5pm with the ‘Big Light Switch On’ and ‘Winter Carnival and Lantern Parade’. The carnival features floats, music, and dancing. This year the Carnival route will be starting from Abbey Walk and meander through the Market Place, down the Hundred and past the Crosfield Hall bringing it back up Bell Street and returning to the Abbey.
Head out on a Christmas journey to the North Pole at Mottisfont from 25 November. An absolute treat for all ages to feel the magic of Christmas. Enter the house to find richly-decorated trees, piles of beautifully-wrapped presents and extravagant floral arrangements created by Mother Christmas herself. Find Father Christmas’s study piled high with letters, and tiptoe past children asleep in decorated bedrooms. Board the ‘Christmas Express’ into the North Pole, arriving just in time to join the glittering, snow-white polar bear’s ball. Experience the wonder of the northern lights over a towering tree sparkling with baubles. Along with festive trail activities for the kids. Find out more. Image copyright to Dave Hughes.
The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are transformed into a Light Up Trail on selected dates between Thursday 30 November – Sunday 31 December 2023. The Light Up Trails return for a second year running with a host of new glittering installations and amazing food and drink, completing a sensational, sensory feast! Immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable, magical light trail experience like no other, for the whole family! Find out more and book tickets.
Paultons Park is a great place to celebrate Christmas. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, decorations, and shows. With Santa's Christmas Wish Show a Christmas themed Peppa Pig World, wonderful Christmas dress up characters, a musical Christmas tree and more. Head to the website to plan and book your visit today.
Finkley Down Farm Park is a great place to visit with children at Christmas. They host a series of festive events throughout December, including meet-and-greets with Father Christmas, reindeer feeding, and carol singing. Find out more.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a great place to learn about birds of prey. At Christmas, they host a number of festive events, including evening owl experiences and Christmas gift fairs. Also don't forget to book your visit to the Winter Woodland Lights display in the New Year. Find out more.
Christmas at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm is a great day out with the kids, throughout December they have festive trails, reindeer workshops, write a postcard to Santa, photo opportunities, treats in cafe and breakfast with Santa on selected dates in December. Plan your day here.
These are just a few of the many Christmas events happening in Test Valley this year. For a whole list of events over the festive season head to the events page.