THE National Trust has revealed details of Christmas events in and around Hampshire.
Across the county, the heritage charity has officially opened its doors for the festive season, and here are some of the Christmas events they are hosting.
Mottisfont, near Romsey
'A Christmas Journey to the North Pole', until January, 7
Step into Mottisfont this Christmas to begin a "magical journey to the North Pole."
Discover a house full of sparkling trees and gift-wrapped presents, where Father Christmas’ study is piled high with letters and children are asleep in their beds.
Collect your ticket to board Mottisfont’s ‘Christmas Express’, arriving just in time to join the glittering polar bear’s ball and experience the wonder of the Northern Lights.
Outside, the adventure continues as you become an honorary elf for the day and visit the Elves’ Sorting Office.
Peek inside a postbox to discover the secret behind the Christmas postal delivery service, play and experiment in the elves ‘invention realm’, help create stocking designs and test your Christmas postbag-stuffing skills.
Usual admission applies, plus £3 per family trail
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont/christmas-mottisfont
Hinton Ampner, near Alresford
'A Neverland Christmas', until January, 1
In partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, Hinton Ampner is transformed into scenes inspired by J.M. Barrie’s story of Peter Pan, with the help of light, sound, movement and a sprinkle of fairy dust.
"Journey through the house to discover the ticking crocodile, the Lost Boys’ camp and Tinker Bell’s mystical hideaway."
Watch out for Captain Hook and his band of pirates, and encounter the source of all magic, the fairies.
In the gardens you’ll find the Wendy House, the Mermaids’ Lagoon and Nana’s dog house where visiting pooches can pose for pics.
In the courtyard is 'Tink’s Tuckshop', packed with traditional sweets, and Hook’s Books vintage bookshop.
Usual admission applies, pre-booking is essential, on 0344 249 1895 or visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner
The Vyne, near Basingstoke
'Nutcracker Christmas', until January, 1
The Vyne’s luxuriously decorated ground floor rooms tell the story of the famous festive tale.
Follow heroes Clara and the Nutcracker as they try to defeat the villainous Mouse King, in an exciting battle scene.
Explore The Land of Sweets where you’ll find sweet ‘thrones’ for family selfies.
Indoors and out there’s so much to take in, from ballerinas, swans and swirling snowflakes to gingerbread men, candy canes and an army of nutcracker soldiers.
Normal admission applies, plus 1.50 for the family trail.
Mompesson House, Salisbury
'A Christmas Carol', until December, 23
Enter Charles Dickens’ world and discover the story of A Christmas Carol in this Victorian setting.
For the first time, the house is open upstairs at Christmas as well as downstairs.
Visit Scrooge’s bedroom, sit at the Cratchit’s table for a Christmas feast, and pop into Charles Dickens’ study.
For little ones, there’s dressing up in the Library and a free Christmas Carol spotter trail.
At weekends the story comes to life with free family storytelling sessions in the bookshop (morning and afternoon).
Normal admission applies.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/mompesson-house
Uppark, Petersfield
'Christmas at Uppark', until December, 31
Visit Uppark to discover Christmas above and below stairs.
The mansion is filled with festive scenes and scents - Christmas trees covered with lights and traditional decorations; winter greenery, pinecones, citrus fruit and cinnamon.
Below, Uppark’s servants are busy preparing food and drinks for the guests, alongside their own Christmas celebrations.
Normal admission charges apply.
Winchester City Mill, Winchester
'Christmas at Winchester City Mill', until December, 31
This ancient mill is decked with festive garlands and Christmas trees.
Visit Father Christmas’s workshop where you can dress up as an elf, then track down mischievous elves around the mill.
In the café, you’ll find delicious seasonal treats.
Admission is free.
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