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.
Where: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Summer Lane, Exbury, SO45 1AZ.
When: 29-30 November & 6-7 December from 10:00-17:30 on Saturdays and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays.
Ticket: £6.50 or £7.15 Gift Aid (includes access to the gardens).
Head to the stunning Exbury Gardens that span 200 acres to enjoy a festive feast for all the senses. Hosted over two weekends, the Christmas Fair here has all the trappings of a lovely Christmasy day out for all the family.
With crafts, gifts, food and drink from over 75 traders, there’s plenty to do and see. Along with the fair itself, you can also buy tickets to meet Father Christmas, enjoy a donkey ride or take a trip on the festive express railway.
Where: Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, BH25 6QS.
When: 30th 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 beloved 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.
Where: Ringwood Town Centre.
When: 30th November from 11:30 with lights switched on at 6pm.
Tickets: Free entry to market stalls & £5 per child to meet Santa.
Mark the start of the season with a classic Christmas market in Ringwood, offering a day packed full of festive fun.
Alongside over 70 stalls selling tasty treats and crafts, you can enjoy miniature steam train rides, circus workshops, street performers, live stage entertainment and Santa’s parade and grotto. Then, the magical lights switch-on rounds off the evening at 6pm.
Where: Beaulieu Inn, Beaulieu Road, Beaulieu, SO42 7YQ.
When: 30th November from 12:00 – 17:00.
Tickets: Free entry.
If you’re staying in Beaulieu this winter, head to the Beaulieu Inn to soak up a wonderful Christmas atmosphere, with live entertainment throughout the day, festive food and drink and plenty of seasonal shopping.
Meander around stalls offering the best handcrafted gifts and products from beloved local brands and skilled artisans to pick up something unique and show your support for local craftspeople.
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 backdrop 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.
Where: Lyndhurst Community Centre, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7NY.
When: 7th 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 5pm.
Where: Lymington Community Centre, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BQ.
When: 7th 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, art and the tidal boutique, there’s loads to entice you. To set the scene further, you can also see a 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.
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.
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.
