The festive period just isn’t complete without visiting a Christmas market or two! The New Forest hosts plenty of fantastic fairs and magical markets throughout November and December, ensuring you can make the most of your winter break at one of our luxury holiday cottages in the New Forest.
Discover all the upcoming festive markets in the area.
Chewton Glen Festive Gift Fair
Where: Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, BH25 6QS.
When: 22nd November from 12:30-17:30 (with 1.5-hour ticketed sessions at 12:30, 14:15 and 16:00).
Ticket: £6 (free for children under 12 years).
Kick off the season with a visit to Chewton Glen’s luxury gift fair. Here, you can browse a range of products from local artisans and premium brands to find the perfect presents for loved ones
Indulge in plenty of festive cheer surrounded by enchanting Christmas decorations with a complementary glass of festive fizz in one hand and a mince pie in the other.
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Brockenhurst Community Hub Christmas Market
Where: Brockenhurst Community Hub, Highwood Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7RY.
When: 22nd November from 10:00-16:30
Ticket: Free entry.
Head to the lively village community centre for a magical day browsing stalls, enjoying lavish hot chocolates, mince pies, other treats and sing-alongs with the Ice Queen. With artisan products and unique gifts, it’s a great place to stock up on festive cheer.
Note that visits to the Ice Queen are free but passes must be acquired and are available on the day. There is also a wreath-making workshop run by Corbins Florist; this must be booked in advance online.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway Christmas Fair
Where: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Summer Lane, Exbury, SO45 1AZ.
When: 28-29 November & 5-6 December from 10:00-16:30.
Ticket: £7 or £7.50 with Gift Aid and free for children under 16 (includes access to the gardens).
With 200 acres of magical woodland gardens, Exbury Gardens makes a wonderful backdrop for a festive outing. Held over two weekends, the classic Christmas Fair has all the trappings of a fabulous Christmas day out for the whole family.
Peruse a great range of market stalls on each weekend, explore the Christmas Trail in the Rock Garden, enjoy a range of seasonal crafts in the Engine Shed and meet visiting donkeys to get into the spirit. You can also book additional tickets to meet Father Christmas as well as take a ride on the Festive Express train.
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New Milton Christmas Market
Where: New Milton High Street.
When: 29th November 9:00-16:00.
Ticket: Free entry.
For a classic Christmas market, head to New Milton, where you’ll be greeted by a great selection of enchanting stalls, live entertainment and children’s amusements, along with plenty of tasty hot street foods to ward off the winter chill.
The market is part of the Lions Club Christmas Festival, which is on the same day as the parade and lights switch-on. The community parade will start at 16:00, and the lights switch-on will commence at 17:00.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland Christmas Market
Where: Ringwood Town Centre.
When: 29th November from 11:30 with lights switched on at 18:00.
Tickets: Free entry to market stalls & £5 per child to meet Santa.
Ringwood’s beloved Christmas market is back, complete with everything you need for a day of cheer and fun.
Alongside over 80 market stalls selling tasty treats and crafts, you can enjoy miniature steam train rides, street entertainment, children’s fairground rides and Santa’s grotto. Then, the magical lights switch-on rounds off the evening at 18:00.
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Burley Christmas Gift Fayre
Where: Burley Manor, Ringwood Road, Burley, BH24 4BS.
When: 29th November from 11:00-16:00.
Tickets: Free entry.
Soak up the historic country charm of Burley Manor all decked out for Christmas with the hotel’s annual gift fayre. Enjoy a selection of stalls headed up by local businesses offering crafts, art, books, delicacies, unique gifts and everything else you might need to stock up for your festivities.
With cosy decorations and a stunning countryside setting, the market here promises a fantastic Christmassy day spent with loved ones.
Christmas Shopping at Rhinefield House Hotel
Where: Rhinefield House Hotel, Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB.
When: 3rd December from 14:00 – 19:00.
Tickets: Free entry.
The stunning countryside location of Rhinefield House Hotel is the perfect setting for a spot of Christmas magic. Discover thoughtful gifts and products from local suppliers as well as live music, perfect for getting fully immersed in festive vibes.
If you’re after an elegant evening of shopping and entertainment, this is certainly not one to miss. Note that spaces are limited, so you must register your interest to book a spot.
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Christmas Gift Fayre at Beaulieu Hotel
Where: Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu Road, Beaulieu, SO42 7YQ.
When: 5th December from 11:00 – 15:00.
Tickets: Free entry.
Soak up a lovely festive atmosphere full of warmth and merriment at Beaulieu Hotel’s relaxed Gift Fayre. Meander around stalls full of local products and handmade crafts to uncover the perfect gifts for all your loved ones.
With plenty of sweet treats and cosy Christmas decorations, it’s a great way to spend a day with friends and family.
Lyndhurst Christmas Market
Where: Lyndhurst Community Centre, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7NY.
When: 5th December from 10:00-16:00.
Tickets: Free entry to market stalls.
The market is part of the annual Christmas Fun Day, which promises to be a fantastic festive day out for the whole family. Spend some time browsing gift and food stalls to get in some quality Christmas shopping time.
Once you’ve had your fill of the market itself, there’s plenty more to enjoy, with live music, arts and crafts, games and activities and a procession for Santa followed by carols at 17:00.
Lymington Christmas Craft & Gift Fair
Where: Lymington Community Centre, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BQ.
When: 5th December from 9:30 – 14:30.
Tickets: Free entry.
If you’re staying in or around Lymington, make sure to pop into the charming craft and gift fair. With unique gifts, handmade cards, jewellery and art, there’s loads to entice you. To set the scene further, you can also see the Christmas model railway display.
The lively weekly market that takes place along Lymington High Street all year round will also take on a festive air during this period, so there’s plenty to be enjoyed here too.
Christmas Artisan Market at The Retreat New Forest
Where: The Retreat New Forest, Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, BH23 7EF.
When: 5th December from 10:00-16:00
Tickets: Free entry.
Set at the stunning wellness sanctuary, this market brings together local artisans, celebrating local business and handmade crafts with lots of seasonal cheer.
Discover special artisan creations, local produce, vintage finds and unique gifts with a fantastic range of both indoor and outdoor stalls. It’s the perfect place to shop if you’re interested in a very New Forest Christmas.
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The New Forest really comes alive at this time of year, and there are plenty of other festive New Forest activities, markets and events happening throughout the season. From wreath-making and gift-wrapping workshops to magical light switch-ons and pantomimes, there are so many ways to spend an unforgettable winter break in this beautiful corner of the country! See our guide to Christmas light events in the New Forest this year for more festive fun.
If you’re thinking of booking a memorable post-Christmas escape to ring in the new year, be sure to check out our New Year stays in the New Forest.