Your ultimate guide to Christmas 2026: the best festive events across the South East

From sparkling Christmas markets and magical Santa experiences to illuminated gardens, discover the best festive days out across six counties in 2026.

From twinkling light trails and traditional Christmas markets to magical Santa experiences, steam train adventures and festive family days out, discover where to make merry across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey this Christmas.

Whether you’re searching for handmade gifts, planning a family day out or dreaming of an evening beneath thousands of Christmas lights, there’s plenty of festive inspiration across the region.

Jump to your county

Christmas events in Wiltshire

From traditional markets and historic houses to spectacular illuminated trails, Wiltshire has plenty of ways to get into the festive spirit.

Christmas markets and independent shopping

Marlborough’s Christmas celebrations bring the High Street to life on Friday 27 November, with festive entertainment, a market and Santa’s Grotto. St Peter’s hosts artisan markets on 27 November and 12 December, while Marlborough College’s Christmas Market takes place on 28 and 29 November, followed by its Into The Night Market on 21 and 22 December.

The Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance Christmas Market returns to its airbase at Semington on 21 and 22 November, with local traders, festive food and drink, live performances and a tombola raising funds for the charity.

At STEAM in Swindon, Christmas at STEAM takes place on 5 and 6 December, with more than 50 market stalls, live entertainment and Santa’s Storytime.

Avebury Manor becomes A Very Avebury Christmas from 28 November, with handcrafted displays inspired by the estate’s landscape, wildlife and history. Christmas markets, storytelling with St Nicholas and family crafts run on selected dates until 13 December.

Malmesbury’s festive shopping evening on Friday 4 December promises seasonal stalls, late-opening shops, live entertainment, food and handmade gifts.

Historic houses and traditional Christmas experiences

Mompesson House in Salisbury is transformed for Christmas from 20 November to 22 December, with decorations inspired by The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/mompesson-house.

Lacock Abbey hosts its Community Christmas Tree Festival on 28 November, filling the cloister with twinkling lights and handmade decorations. The Great Hall is also dressed for the season, while children can meet Mother Christmas for storytelling and festive crafts on selected December dates. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/lacock.

Bowood offers festive afternoon tea and seasonal dining, while Christmas craft and wreath-making workshops across the county provide opportunities to create something special to take home. bowood.org/.

Santa experiences and festive family days out

At Studley Grange near Wroughton, Santa on the Farm combines a festive grotto and present with all-day entry to the farm and its animals.

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway’s Santa Specials offer a nostalgic heritage train ride and a visit to Santa.

The Neeld Community & Arts Centre in Chippenham welcomes The Santa Show 2026: Santa’s Best Ever Christmas on 12 December. Music fans can also enjoy Chippenham Male Voice Choir’s Christmas Cracker Concert on 3 December, while Larkhill Choral Society provides a musical start to Advent on 5 December.

Christmas lights and illuminated trails

Christmas at Stourhead runs from 27 November to 3 January, transforming the gardens into an after-dark wonderland. Follow the illuminated trail past installations including the Sea of Light, Fire Garden and Winter Cathedral. The route is around a mile long and takes approximately 90 minutes, with festive food and drink along the way. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead/christmas-lights-at-stourhead.

Longleat’s Christmas celebrations run from 7 November to 17 January, featuring the Festival of Light, Santa Train, Enchanted Christmas Tree Show and Singing Christmas Tree. Christmas storytelling, a live owl show and a winter safari drive-through add to the festive programme. Advance booking is recommended. longleat.co.uk.

For a more atmospheric experience, Salisbury Cathedral hosts From Darkness to Light: The Advent Procession on 27, 28 and 29 November, with candlelight and music in its magnificent medieval interior. salisburycathedral.org.uk.

Druids Lodge near Salisbury combines Christmas shopping with a sporting twist on Saturday 5 December, when its Christmas market is paired with fireside arena polo.

Christmas events in Berkshire

Berkshire’s festive calendar combines spectacular illuminations, independent shopping, family attractions and seasonal entertainment.

Christmas lights and illuminated trails

Reading’s Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Saturday 14 November at 5pm. The display celebrates the town’s culture and heritage, with more than 800,000 LED lights, alongside festive food and music outside M&S.

Illuminate Reading returns to Forbury Gardens and the historic Abbey Ruins from 15 November to 3 January. Explore glowing installations and atmospheric lighting throughout the historic landscape. Find details at illuminatereading.co.uk.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated runs from 13 November to 3 January, with impressive light installations, immersive projections and illuminated fountains across the lake. Visitors can warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate, toast marshmallows around a fire pit and enjoy the Festive Village. windsorilluminated.com.

At Basildon Park, Christmas decorations transform the mansion from 14 November to 3 January, with dressed trees, twinkling lights and musical and dance-inspired garden installations, including a giant piano. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park.

Christmas markets and independent makers

Ascot Christmas Fair brings more than 160 boutiques, food and fashion stalls together at the racecourse. Browse independent traders and unique gifts, with a heated marquee providing a place to stop for lunch.

At Beale Park, families can enjoy seasonal activities, meet Father Christmas and spend time outdoors with the animals. Visit bealepark.org.uk for details.

Festive theatre, music and family fun

Reading Rep Theatre presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from 19 November to 3 January, bringing the classic festive story to the stage at its Kings Road venue.

The Christmas Craft & Santa Experience at Dinton Pastures runs from 28 November to 24 December. Children can enjoy a Christmas crafting session before meeting Santa and receiving a sweet treat.

The Christmas Orchestra performs at Reading Minster on 12 December. The 16-piece chamber orchestra plays familiar music from festive favourites including Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol, alongside traditional carols. Tickets are available at thechristmasorchestra.co.uk.

Winter Wonderland Reading returns from 7 November to 3 January, with festive food, German-inspired stalls, rides, character days, Santa’s Grotto and a large undercover real ice rink. Check the official website for current ticket prices and booking information at readingwinterwonderland.co.uk.

Christmas events in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is full of festive inspiration, from independent makers’ markets and Victorian celebrations to steam train adventures and illuminated historic houses.

Christmas markets and handmade gifts

The Chiltern Made Craft Fair returns to Chesham’s Elgiva on Saturday 21 November, from 10.30am to 4pm. Organisers Liz Turner and Laura Collins bring together 35 makers and artists selling ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, glass art, flowers, weaving and more. Find details at elgiva.com.

Peterley Manor Farm hosts its Christmas Market from 12 to 15 November, with independent traders, festive gifts and three VIP shopping evenings. Daytime sessions run from 10am to 5pm Thursday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. Visit peterleymanorfarm.co.uk.

Sally Evans’ Artists & Makers Fairs bring independent creatives together in Thame on 7 November and 19 December, and in Princes Risborough on 23 November.

More than 70 independent makers and small businesses gather at the Brunel Engine Shed in High Wycombe on 27 and 28 November for a free Christmas Artisan Market organised by Phoenix Artisans. Browse handmade gifts and enjoy live entertainment.

West Wycombe Walled Garden hosts a festive shopping event on 27, 28 and 29 November, including an evening session, live music, mulled wine and special offers.

Stokenchurch Dog Rescue’s Christmas Bazaar takes place at Longburrow Hall on 28 November. Browse handmade gifts, jewellery, decorations, toys and dog hampers while supporting the rescue’s work. Entry is £1 per person.

Victorian Christmas and steam train adventures

Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St Peter hosts its Festive Weekend on 5 and 6 December. Step back into the 19th century with the Ragged Victorians, seasonal music, storytelling, artisan stalls and a visit to Father Christmas. coam.org.uk.

The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway’s Santa Steam Specials run on selected dates from 28 November to 23 December. Depart from Princes Risborough Station in vintage 1950s carriages for a journey towards the North Pole, where Santa and his elves await. chinnorrailway.co.uk/product.php/516/santa-steam-specials-all-aboard.

At the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre in Great Missenden, Santa visits on Saturdays 5 and 12 December. Families can enjoy chocolate treats, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory storytelling, crafts, a Christmas Bingo Trail and special activities. Plan your visit at roalddahlmuseum.org.

Christmas lights, historic houses and festive towns

Marlow’s Christmas celebrations begin with its lights switch-on on 19 November, followed by late-night shopping on 3 December, the Santa Fun Run on 6 December and Carols on the Causeway on 17 December.

Amersham and Great Missenden celebrate Christmas on 28 November, with markets, music, family entertainment and festive lights.

At Cliveden, The Snow Queen takes visitors through the Water Garden, festive picnic area and Sounding Chamber from 20 November to 3 January. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden

Claydon House becomes a multisensory House of Bells, combining sound, light, scent, candlelight and lanterns from 14 November to 20 December. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/claydon-house

Hughenden’s A Victorian Voyage of Discovery runs from 28 November to 3 January, transforming the manor with night skies, distant deserts, jungles and deep oceans, alongside twinkling decorations and an outdoor family trail. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/hughenden/events/

For Christmas magic with a motorsport twist, Christmas at Silverstone runs from 11 to 31 December, excluding Christmas Day. Drive your own car around the Formula 1 circuit after dark on the Lap of Lights, with thousands of lights and lasers. Other attractions include an ice rink, curling, racing simulators, Kart Silverstone and Santa’s Garage. Visit silverstone.co.uk.

Christmas events in Oxfordshire

From bustling festive markets and illuminated palaces to steam trains and traditional carol concerts, Oxfordshire has plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Christmas markets and independent shopping

Abingdon Extravaganza returns from 9am on Saturday 28 November, with donkeys, bands, carols, dancing, a market, street food, a mini funfair, Chase from Paw Patrol, balloon master Twistopher and a giant snow globe. Visit visitabingdoneventspartnership.co.uk/christmas-extravaganza.

For festive shopping, Root One near Wallingford offers real Christmas trees, handcrafted wreaths, door hangers, festive centrepieces, candles, stocking-fillers and homewares. Warm up in the café with soup and hot chocolate. Visit root-one.co.uk.

The 25th South Oxfordshire Christmas Fair returns to Thame from 9.30am on Tuesday 17 November, with more than 60 independent businesses, makers, artisans, growers and food producers. Ten per cent of each stallholder’s sales supports Sobell House Hospice and Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, alongside money raised through entry, raffles and the cake stall. Last year’s fair raised £17,803. Find details at southoxfordshirechristmasfair.com.

Burford Christmas Fair brings handmade gifts and creative treasures to Warwick Hall on Saturday 28 November, from 10am to 3.30pm. Organiser Beccy Hunt, also known as Chez Beccy, is appearing at Compton Verney Christmas Fair from 4 to 6 December and Woodstock’s Pop Up Shop at No 14 Market Place from 30 November to 13 December.

The Yattendon Winter Market, organised by Modern Makers Collective, takes place on 14 and 15 November, with entry at £3 per person.

Illuminated trails and Christmas at the palace

The Illuminated Trail returns to Blenheim Palace from 13 November to 3 January, with a million lights, illuminated trees, waterfalls and interactive displays. Add hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, a Christmas market and The Great Skate for a spectacular festive outing. The seasonal programme also includes Cinderella. Book at blenheimpalace.com.

Oxford Christmas Light Festival illuminates the city from 13 to 15 November, with Leys in Light, the Cutteslowe Light Trail, Brilliant Bugs, Diwali Glow, a Christmas Light Bus and a Victorian market. Find the programme at oxlightfest.com.

Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton presents Journey to Alice’s Wonderland, with glowing versions of Alice, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts. The Tunnel of Light and Jack’s illuminated Beanstalk return, alongside a Twilight Animal Trail and supper package. Visit fairytalefarm.co.uk.

At Greys Court near Henley-on-Thames, festive decorations inspired by beloved childhood stories run from 21 November to 3 January. Discover decorated rooms, hidden characters, games and spooky festive storytelling. Find details at nationaltrust.org.uk.

Steam trains, carols and festive theatre

Fawley Hill’s Railway Nativity takes place at 4pm on Sunday 6 December, bringing the Three Kings by train and Santa with sacks of little gifts. Expect mulled wine, apple juice, mince pies and festive fun. There are no tickets, but donations are welcome for charities and the village church. For information, call 01491 571373 or email events@fawleyhill.com.

At Didcot Railway Centre, Steam Into Christmas invites families to explore the 24-acre site and help Santa find his missing reindeer before visiting the grotto. Gerald Dickens also performs A Christmas Carol on 9 and 14 December. Book at didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk.

Wantage Dickensian Festival brings festive cheer to Market Square from 4pm to 9pm on Friday 4 December, with free entertainment, real reindeer, donkeys, a funfair, Father Christmas, stilt walkers, street performers and Christmas shopping stalls.

Star soprano Nadia Eide brings her tour Christmas at the Musicals to Dorchester Abbey on Thursday 3 December, performing songs from The Sound of Music, Matilda, Home Alone and more, alongside special guests. Visit nadiaeidemusic.com.

The 30th annual Follow the Stars Macmillan Carol Concert takes place at 8pm on Friday 11 December at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. Oxford Bach Soloists, conducted by Steven Grahl, perform alongside readings from Toby Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Jeremy Irons, Sinéad Cusack and more. Funds raised will help improve outcomes for people living with cancer. Find tickets through Macmillan and Tickets Oxford.

Blewbury Players present A Christmas Carol at St Michael’s Church from 25 to 28 November, complete with traditional carols. Visit blewburyplayers.co.uk.

More festive adventures

Illuminate Oxfordshire returns to Millets Farm in Frilford from Saturday 14 November, with a new route, a bigger Alpine Village, festive food and drink and fairground rides. Visit illuminateoxfordshire.co.uk.

Christmas in the Sky returns to Abingdon Airfield on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December. Find details at christmasinthesky.co.uk.

Christmas events in Hampshire

Hampshire’s festive highlights include cathedral markets, historic houses dressed for Christmas, illuminated gardens, steam train adventures and magical family experiences.

Christmas markets and historic houses

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market returns from 20 November to 22 December. Browse wooden chalets filled with unique gifts, enjoy festive lighting and Christmas carols, sip mulled wine and visit the nativity scene in the magnificent cathedral setting. https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/christmas/.

At Hinton Ampner, Your Christmas Wish takes visitors through the house to meet characters including King Arthur, Clara from The Nutcracker, Amelia Earhart and Jay Gatsby, each with a different wish. The gardens feature sparkling lights, illuminated trees and twinkling stars, alongside an elf adventure. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner/events.

At The Vyne, The Twelve Days of Christmas comes to life throughout the house, with uniform-clad drummers, elegant swans and a life-size cow. Spot gifts and characters, play Christmas Bingo and follow an interactive garden trail. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/christmas-at-the-vyne.

These National Trust experiences run until 3 January. Booking information is available through National Trust Hampshire, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire.

Santa experiences and festive family adventures

Milestones Museum in Basingstoke promises a magical visit to Father Christmas amid festive decorations, with a new A Christmas Carol experience transporting visitors into the world of Dickens. Find details at milestonesmuseum.org.uk.

At Beaulieu, Alice’s Christmas Wonderland takes over Palace House. Discover the Mad Hatter’s hat shop, tumble down the rabbit hole and meet the Queen of Hearts in an experience inspired by Alice’s extraordinary adventures. Visit beaulieu.co.uk.

Birdworld in Binsted invites families into Santa’s magical theatre for an interactive festive show, with a gift for every child. The experience runs from 19 to 24 December. Book at birdworld.co.uk.

At Wylds Farm in Liss, climb aboard the Elf Express for a lit tractor-trailer ride, follow an enchanted walk illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights, meet Mrs Claus and add your Christmas wish to the Wishing Tree. Find details at wylds-farm-christmas-trees.co.uk.

Wintershall presents The Nativity Journey from 15 to 20 December. Walk with Mary, Joseph and the donkey, stand alongside the shepherds and enter the stable as the Christmas story unfolds in an immersive theatrical experience. Booking is essential. Visit wintershall.org.uk.

Wildlife, steam trains and spectacular lights

Marwell Zoo offers a choice of festive experiences, including a Festive Day with a snowball fight zone, ice maze, fire forest bubbles, snow window trail and snow machines. Stay after dark for Fire & Ice, an evening of illuminations, fire, ice and live performance, or meet Santa in his grotto at Marwell Hall. Find details at marwell.org.uk.

The Watercress Line Steam Illuminations returns from 27 November to 2 January. Step aboard a steam train transformed by thousands of synchronised LED lights inside and outside the carriages, creating a dazzling display of colour, music and festive cheer. Book at watercressline.co.uk.

At Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Radiance runs from 26 November to 1 January, filling the gardens with stars, glowing orange and cinnamon-inspired colours, illuminated lilies and a spectacular Christmas tree. Seasonal food, festive treats and warming drinks complete the experience. Visit lightuptrails.com.

West Green House near Hook becomes a winter wonderland, with an illuminated storybook trail through beautiful gardens, lakes and romantic follies. Find details at westgreenhouse.co.uk.

Festive adventures after dark

At Gilbert White’s House, Museum By Moonlight: A Penguin Trail runs on selected dates from 3 to 23 December. Explore the historic house after dark and discover penguins, polar explorers and the collections of Captain Oates. Atmospheric projections, hands-on activities and Antarctic stories bring history and nature to life, with festive favourites and penguin-themed treats to finish. Visit gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk.

Winchester Cathedral hosts The Gift by Luxmuralis from 14 to 19 December. Stained-glass imagery, radiant displays of light and animated projections transform the cathedral’s interior into an immersive celebration inspired by the Christmas story. Find details at winchester-cathedral.org.uk.

Christmas events in Surrey

Surrey’s Christmas calendar features illuminated gardens, festive National Trust houses, independent makers’ markets and magical experiences for all ages.

Christmas markets and independent gifts

Ramster Christmas Market takes place on 21 and 22 November, with stalls selling locally made gifts, food and drink, art and homewares. The venue also hosts a gnome-making event on 4 and 5 December and a performance of Aesop’s The Hare and the Tortoise by Pied Piper Theatre Company on 13 December. Find details and bookings at ramsterevents.com.

Squire’s Garden Centres invite families to breakfast with Santa, with an elf welcoming children into the grotto before their meeting with the man in red. There are also opportunities for four-legged family members to meet Santa, with quiet grotto sessions on selected dates. Visit squiresgardencentres.co.uk and select ‘What’s On’.

Christmas at historic houses and gardens

Polesden Lacey gets dressed for the season with lavish displays inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Inside, discover festive showrooms; outside, follow a family trail around the grounds with games and a prize at the end.

At Hatchlands Park, Christmas decorations bring scenes from Tom Fletcher’s bestselling children’s book The Christmasaurus to life, alongside a family trail through the parkland.

Winkworth Arboretum hosts the Great Christmas Gnome Adventure, where giant woodland characters inspired by Scandinavian folklore invite families to complete challenges and discover their stories.

At Claremont Landscape Garden, children can become Santa’s little helpers, finding their elf name, tracking down reindeer and completing elf fitness training.

These National Trust experiences run until 3 January. Find booking information through National Trust Surrey.

Magical light trails and illuminated gardens

RHS Garden Wisley’s Glow runs from 20 November to 3 January, transforming the gardens as twilight falls. Highlights include a field of fire, gigantic crocuses, an illuminated enchanted garden in the Glasshouse, a fantastical fairy village and two spectacular light shows set to atmospheric music. Book at rhs.org.uk.

Illuminate Guildford transforms the historic grounds of Guildford Castle from 14 November to 1 January, with light installations along a trail lasting around 30 to 40 minutes. Explore the castle and its grounds on a magical winter journey. Visit illuminateguildford.co.uk.

Please check each event organiser’s website for the latest dates, opening times, ticket availability and booking information before travelling.

Share