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 sparkling Christmas events for 2026.
Fordingbridge Christmas Lights Switch On
When: Friday 27th November, 17:30-18:00.
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, a lantern parade, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, Christmas market stalls and loads more seasonal magic.
Lymington Christmas Lights Switch On & Late Night Shopping
When: Friday 27th November, 16:00-17:00.
Lymington High Street will put on its annual show of shimmering lights to mark the season, along with plenty more festive fun. Enjoy carol singing, seasonal food and drinks and late-night shopping along the High Street, St Thomas Street and the Quay, perfect for picking up unique local crafts and boutique delights. There will also be a light trail made up of over 100 decorated Christmas trees, adding to the magical festive atmosphere.
Lyndhurst Christmas Lights Switch-On
When: Saturday 28th November, lights on at 18:00.
As the unofficial capital of the New Forest, Lyndhurst hosts some wonderful Christmas events throughout the period, including a fabulous lights display switch-on on the historic High Street. This year, the switch-on will be accompanied by live music from Liam White.
Magical Milford at Christmas Lights Switch-on Event
When: Saturday 28th November, lights on at 17:00.
Watch as the Milford-on-Sea 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.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland & Lights
When: Sunday 29th November, starting at 11:30 with lights at 18:00.
Ringwood’s annual winter festival kicks off the festive period, with an enchanting lights switch-on to close the evening, along with various other events and activities throughout the day. Additional festive fun includes steam train rides, Santa’s parade, street performers, live stage entertainment and a classic Christmas market.
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 where you can see twinkling lights happening all over the New Forest, perfect for enjoying magical moments with the whole family.
New Forest 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.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Palace House
Palace House in Beaulieu is hosting a brand new festive experience this year, themed all around the classic Alice in Wonderland story. Explore magical themed installations, get immersed in the whimsy of Wonderland and meet iconic characters like the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts at this fantastical event.
The house will be decorated for Christmas with a Wonderland twist, offering a truly magical day out. Complete your visit with a themed afternoon tea or browse through the decked-out gift shop. The experience is running from 21st November to 3rd January.
Lyndhurst Christmas Fun Day
The Lyndhurst Christmas Fun Day on 5th 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. The event will end with Father Christmas travelling down the High Street, followed by carols around the Christmas tree.
St Thomas Church Christmas Tree Festival
Head to St Thomas Church in Lymington from 26th-28th 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 5th 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. Plus, the park will be illuminated with festive lights and decorations to infuse every moment with winter 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 from 30th November to 4th December.
With its enchanting lights, festive markets, and wealth of family-friendly activities, the New Forest is the perfect destination to celebrate Christmas in 2026!
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.
