9 magical places to visit this Christmas in Portsmouth and Hampshire which will really get you in the festive mood

Editor

Published 14th Nov 2025, 16:33 BST

Hampshire is bursting with so many fantastic towns, villages, cities and - of course - attractions to visit all year round. But Christmas is extra special.

Our historic locations are transformed into fantastic shopping venues with twinkling lights, and many of the county’s most popular tourist attractions also host festive events.

There are just so many to choose from - but here are nine of my favourites!

Packed full of history and easy to get to by car (make sure you use the park and ride) or by train, Winchester is a must in December. It is no wonder it is repeatedly visited one of the best places to visit during the festive season and can have a real Dickenson feel in its cobbled streets. As well as its fabulous Cathedral Christmas Market and city centre market, Winchester also has wonderful historical treasures to explore - including greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table.
Picture: Joe Low.

1. Winchester

Packed full of history and easy to get to by car (make sure you use the park and ride) or by train, Winchester is a must in December. It is no wonder it is repeatedly visited one of the best places to visit during the festive season and can have a real Dickenson feel in its cobbled streets. As well as its fabulous Cathedral Christmas Market and city centre market, Winchester also has wonderful historical treasures to explore - including greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table. Picture: Joe Low. | Joe Low Photo: Joe Low

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is Hampshire’s largest festive light trail and been completely reimagined this year, with a new route and new themed zones. It is always stunning and well worth a visit to really get into the festive mood. It is open from Thursday 27 November until Saturday 3 January. Book tickets on its website.

2. Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is Hampshire’s largest festive light trail and been completely reimagined this year, with a new route and new themed zones. It is always stunning and well worth a visit to really get into the festive mood. It is open from Thursday 27 November until Saturday 3 January. Book tickets on its website. | Provided

Not somewhere you may immediately think of, this year Marwell Zoo has announced its most spectacular Christmas light trail ever. The zoo will be transformed into a twinkling wonderland, where visitors are invited to marvel at illuminated animal sculptures, walk through dazzling light shows, toast marshmallows over fire pits, and meet Father Christmas and his Pesky Penguins! And any excuse to see any animals is always alright with me! Tickets available on Marwell's website for the event running from November 28 until January 3.

3. Marwell Zoo

Not somewhere you may immediately think of, this year Marwell Zoo has announced its most spectacular Christmas light trail ever. The zoo will be transformed into a twinkling wonderland, where visitors are invited to marvel at illuminated animal sculptures, walk through dazzling light shows, toast marshmallows over fire pits, and meet Father Christmas and his Pesky Penguins! And any excuse to see any animals is always alright with me! Tickets available on Marwell's website for the event running from November 28 until January 3. | NationalWorld Photo: Tom Morton

There is a reason why Enlightened Staunton is so popular every single year, with Staunton Farm in Havant transformed with a magical light trail. Stunning tunnels, stepping stones and pesky fairies have featured the past couple of years - and I can't wait to see what this year's offering will be. Enlightened Staunton runs from December 4 to 28 with tickets on sale now.

4. Enlightened Staunton

There is a reason why Enlightened Staunton is so popular every single year, with Staunton Farm in Havant transformed with a magical light trail. Stunning tunnels, stepping stones and pesky fairies have featured the past couple of years - and I can't wait to see what this year's offering will be. Enlightened Staunton runs from December 4 to 28 with tickets on sale now. Photo: Enlightened Staunton