New Forest Christmas with Kids
If you’re looking for magical Christmas experiences to share with the kids this festive season, the New Forest has them in abundance, with lots of family-friendly things to do in and around our National Park that will add warmth and sparkle to even the coldest of winter days.
A Christmas break will bring joy to young and old, with festive afternoon teas created especially for the little ones, family-focused forest adventures and unqiue Father Christmas encounters – there’s certainly something for every kind of festive foray.
Kids Festive Afternoon Tea
What could be more festive during your New Forest break than sharing a special afternoon tea experience with the kids on a chilly winter’s day.
But to make it extra special, our chefs have designed a menu specially for them; full of sweet treats like chocolate brownies and gingerbread reindeer, mini scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, plus tasty classic sandwiches, all paired perfectly with a hot chocolate or babyccino.
Forest adventures
For you and your family on your festive break in Hampshire, Christmas in the New Forest National Park could mean winter days spent outside exploring; walking over frosty leaves and frozen puddles on our many miles of walking routes. Discover the best Beaulieu walks right on our hotel doorstep.
If it’s adventure you’re looking for during your Christmas break, New Forest Activities will have you on a festive journey like no other, paddling along the Beaulieu River, spotting wildlife, fauna and fauna and meeting Santa from your very canoe!
Or perhaps wrapping up warm and cycling forest tracks and trails is more your kind of escapade, winding your way through the ancient trees and giants.
Christmas at Paulton’s Park
What could be more festive during your Christmas break with the kids than a visit to the all-time favourite, Paulton’s Park? Decorated for Christmas, Paulton’s invites families to their ‘Celebration of Christmas event’ from 6th – 23rd December.
Home of Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park is inviting you to get festive with Santa’s Storytime, Magical Illuminations around the Park and the chance to meet Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves. There’s even the Santa’s Christmas Wish Show - a live action theatrical extravaganza showing twice daily on the Show Stage.
Christmas shopping
Our local New Forest towns and villages are filled with wonderful boutiques and independent shops as well as top Christmas Markets in the New Forest.
In Hythe, Lymington, New Milton and Ringwood there are weekly markets throughout the year, which you can imagine get brilliantly festive in the run up to Christmas with a spectacular array of stalls selling unique gifts. Wander the festively decorated high streets of our local towns, find those last-minute presents, and don’t forget to stop for a hot chocolate and a sweet treat along the way.
Festive Fun at Beaulieu
Just a walk away from our Hampshire hotel, Beaulieu promises to keep the whole family entertained this Christmas with all the festive fun they have planned.
Visit Beaulieu 7th – 8th December, 14th – 15th December or from 21st December – 5 January to see Beaulieu’s Victorian festivities come to life. From the beautiful decorations throughout Palace House and warming log fires, pianist and carols, to catching Father Christmas driving around in a car from the National Museum. There’s even a new festive event for 2024, the chance to follow the magical Montagu Bear Christmas Trail.
Glow Marwell 2024
Magic is happening at Marwell this Christmas with the return of their magical light experience.
Until Monday 30 December (on selected dates) follow Marwell’s nature light trail through an enchanted world of breathtaking displays and fun interactive experiences.
A ticket to Glow Marwell includes access to the zoo from 1pm -4pm too so you can wrap up and spend time together exploring the 140-acre park and visit the animals for an unforgettable family day out in Hampshire.
Christmas at Exbury
Christmas has arrived at Exbury too! So, if you’re headed to our New Forest hotel with the kids this December, book tickets to visit the famous gardens on the weekend 14th – 15th December to wander around the Christmas Fair for last minute gifts and enjoy treats from local producers and festive food and drink.
Hop on the Festive Express Railway Experience or enjoy Exbury’s festive Christmas trail through the Rock Garden (free with Christmas Fair and gardens admission).
A New Forest Christmas with the kids is an extra special experience. Escape screens and get outside; walk wintery trails, explore festive villages, watch magical shows and meet Santa where you’d least expect to.
There are plenty of things to do, twinkling lights to see and fun festive activities to try, it’ll rekindle your love of the season and bring joy to the hearts of your little ones.