The picturesque towns and villages of the New Forest transform into enchanting winter wonderlands during the festive period, with an array of magical light displays and seasonal fun for the whole family.
Here’s where and when you can enjoy all the upcoming light switch-ons and Christmas events for 2025.
Fordingbridge Christmas Lights Switch On
When: Friday 28th November, starting at 5:30pm.
Head to Fordingbridge Town Centre for an evening of festive fun and sparkling lights. Along with the buzzy atmosphere as the lights come on, you can enjoy live music, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, Christmas market stalls and loads more seasonal magic.
Lymington Christmas Lights Switch On & Late Night Shopping
When: Friday 28th November, starting at 4:00pm.
Lymington High Street will put on its annual show of shimmering festive lights, with lots more excitement to be had. Enjoy carol singing, a fairground, seasonal food and drinks and late-night shopping, perfect for picking up unique local crafts and boutique delights.
Lyndhurst Christmas Lights Switch-On
When: Saturday 29th November, lights on at 6pm.
As the unofficial capital of the New Forest, Lyndhurst also hosts some wonderful Christmas fun throughout the period, including a fabulous lights display switch-on on the historic High Street.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
When: Sunday 30th November, starting at 11:30am
Ringwood’s annual winter festival kicks off the festive period, with an enchanting lights switch-on at 6pm and various other events and activities happening throughout the day. Additional festive fun includes steam train rides, Santa’s parade, street performers, a circus workshop and a classic Christmas market.
Magical Milford at Christmas
When: Friday 5th December, starting at 4:00pm.
Watch as Milford-on-Sea’s village green is transformed into a festive fairytale with an array of lights and stunning Christmas tree displays. As well as the lights switch-on, kids will love visiting Santa’s grotto, and everyone can get into the spirit with a spot of carol singing.
Family Friendly Christmas Events in the New Forest
Beyond the essential Christmas light displays to kick off the season, there are plenty of other exciting festive events happening all over the New Forest, perfect for enjoying magical moments with the whole family.
Christmas Markets
Another festive staple, you’ll have no trouble finding a Christmas market to browse in the New Forest, with several coinciding with light switch-ons. Indulge in good food, local artisan crafts and a cheery atmosphere while loading up on unique gifts and New Forest souvenirs.
See our New Forest Christmas market guide to mark your calendar with all the key dates.
A Palace House Christmas
Step back in time to Palace House to enjoy a new festive experience against the backdrop of the charming Victorian country house in Beaulieu. From 29th November to 4th January, the house will be decked out in theatrical installations and soundscapes that guide visitors through a pantomime story.
The Furzey Express Craft Activity & Trail
This year, Furzey Gardens’ Christmas event includes a themed garden trail where children must locate a variety of lost items hidden along the trail, as well as get the chance to create a woodland creature outfit. This trail is being held from 15th November to 23rd December, offering some great outdoor winter fun for children ages 2 to 11.
Lyndhurst Christmas Fun Day
The Lyndhurst Christmas Fun Day on the 6th December offers the ultimate Christmassy day out for the whole family, with live music, street performers, Santa’s grotto, market stalls and lots of festive activities.
St Thomas Church Christmas Tree Festival
Head to St Thomas Church in Lymington from 27th to 29th November for the annual Christmas tree festival, where you can see a magical selection of sparkling, decorated trees, each donated by a sponsor. You can also enjoy seasonal refreshments, live music and various Christmas stalls.
A Celebration of Christmas at Paultons Park
Make your family Christmas extra magical with a visit to the area’s most beloved theme park, Paultons. Events are taking place throughout the period, with selected dates from 6th December to 3rd January. Christmas fun includes festive storytime, Frosty the Snowman meet and greets, Christmas stage shows, seasonal rides and Santa’s Grotto experiences.
Oakhaven Santa Dash
Each year, hundreds of volunteers embark on a fun run through the streets of Lymington in support of local charity, Oakhaven Hospice. This year, the event takes place on Sunday 7th December – whether you’re joining the run or just cheering from the sidelines, it makes a great spectacle and raises money for a local cause!
Christmas at Longdown Activity Farm
Longdown will also be prepared for plenty of festive fun with snowy scenes and sparkling lights in the Christmas Barn and a chance to meet Father Christmas, the Ice Queen and the Ice Princess on selected dates throughout December – the perfect way for the whole family to experience a bit of Christmas magic.
Christmas Night Train at Exbury Gardens
The Exbury Christmas Night Train takes you on an illuminated steam train ride around the woodland gardens, weaving through enchanting trails, twinkling lights and magical scenes. You can set off after dark on the weekends of 29-30 November and 6-7 December.
With its enchanting lights, festive markets, and a wealth of family-friendly activities, the New Forest is the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas in 2025!
Whether you’re a local or staying at one of our holiday homes in the New Forest, you’ll find plenty of ways to create festive memories with your loved ones.
Want to extend your stay into the new year? Check out our New Year getaways in the New Forest to find the perfect escape.