BUTSER Ancient Farm is opening to the public this winter with a special Christmas event.

The not-for-profit experimental archaeology site in Hampshire will be sharing festive magic with local families and visitors looking for an alternative to Santa Claus.

The majestic Deer Queen and jolly Holly King have returned to Butser’s ancient dwellings and need your help to complete their quest and help celebrate the turning of the new year.

Hampshire Chronicle: Visitors will be able to meet the Deer Queen and Holly KingVisitors will be able to meet the Deer Queen and Holly King (Image: Butser Ancient Farm)The Holly King will greet visitors in the Saxon House, which will be transformed into the king’s Evergreen Hall. There, guests will be able to make evergreen crowns to put a spring in their step ready for the adventure.

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The next stop on the trail will be Little Woodbury, the site’s Iron Age roundhouse. The building will become the Realm of Winter Wishes where families can cast their hopes and dreams into the wishing tree and learn the ancient craft of corn dolly making to find a hidden message for the Deer Queen.

Once questers have pieced together the magic throughout the trail, they will find the Deer Queen’s Grotto in Butser’s reconstructed Neolithic Horton House, which initially stood around 3,800 BC to 3,600 BC.

Visitors will be able to share the knowledge they have collected to give Mother Deer what she needs to make the journey to return the sun to the land safely on the Winter Solstice.

Hampshire Chronicle: Butser Ancient Farm has a range of events scheduled for the Christmas holidaysButser Ancient Farm has a range of events scheduled for the Christmas holidays (Image: Butser Ancient Farm)Kristen Devey, events coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm, said: “We are thrilled to open the farm to the public once again this winter, offering a chance for more people to experience the wonder of Butser during this special time of year. Families can join us for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of winter folklore, delightful crafts and magical memories.

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“Whether you’re celebrating Solstice, Yule, or simply seeking a unique Christmas day out, Midwinter’s Magical Quest offers an inclusive and non-denominational celebration that appeals to all. We invite local families to join us for a memorable and magical experience that honours the wonders of the season and its ancient traditions.”

The Midwinter’s Magical Quest trail runs from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, and Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10. Butser Ancient Farm also has a full schedule of festive events, including Tales of Winter Magic and Festive Fireside Storytelling.

Tickets can be purchased from the Butser Ancient Farm website.