It is that time of year again.
As we look forward to the festive season, many of us will be looking to do fun things with friends and family.
Luckily, in Hampshire, we have some brilliant attractions that take the festive season very seriously.
This means there is an abundance of light trails to go to once night falls - what's better than admiring festive lights with a hot chocolate? Not much.
We've taken a look at all the events on offer to give you a list of the best light trails available this festive season. Take a look below.
READ MORE: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens festive light trail will be 'bigger and better' this year
Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line
Description: Step aboard this kaleidoscopic steam wonderland during the Watercress line’s festive extravaganza. Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton, making a round trip, wherein passengers will experience a full and immersive light and sound show both in the carriage and throughout their surroundings.
Dates: November 29 – January 4
Prices: Seating for 1 £32, Compartment for 6 people £250, Under 2’s go Free
See more at watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations for more detail or call 01962 733 810
Glow Marwell (+ VR headset experience)
Location: Marwell Zoo, Colden Common
Description: A unique winter light experience combines the elements in a range of installations. From an aquatic Ocean light display to a Neon clouds Sky Zone, an Enchanted Forest and Firepits. UV face painting is also available for an added £6, along with the VR headset experience available for another £5
Dates: November 29 – December 30 on selected dates.
Price: Adults £22, Children £18, Under 3’s and Carer’s Free. Concessions for members.
See www.marwell.org.uk/christmas/ for more details or call 01962 777407
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas
Description: From November 28, Hilliers Romsey opens its gardens to an enchanting light show. With animated installations, illuminated gardens and a range of festive food stalls, the Hilliers light show brought to you by an award-winning production team is not to be missed this festive season.
Dates: November 28 - January 1
Prices: Adults £20.00, Children £12.50, Families (2 Adults, 2 Children) £61.00. Prices increase during peak days.
See www.lightuptrails.com/events/light-up-hillier-gardens for more details.
Candlelit festive tour of Jane Austen’s house
Location: Jane Austen’s House, Chawton.
Description: Step back in time and enter the legendary Hampshire author’s home for a candlelit festive treat. The tour of Austen’s house, provided by an expert guide, tells stories of the Austen family’s life, and their pastimes during the festive season, all whilst being surrounded by charming Christmas decorations.
Dates: December 9
Prices: Tickets: £18
See janeaustens.house/event/candlelight-tour/ for more details
Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust
Location: Hawk Conservancy Trust, Weyhill, Andover
Description: An illuminated forest with a flying show to beat the winter blues. As the owls soar through the forest overhead onlookers listen to enchanting music and can buy hot food and drinks.
Dates: January 17 2025 – February 2 2025
Prices: Starting from - Adults £19.95 Children £12.95 at Off-Peak Times.
See: www.hawk-conservancy.org/events/winter-woodland-lights/ for more details
The Christmas Illuminated Garden Adventure at West Green House Garden, Hook
Location: West Green House Garden, Hook
Description: Follow the “yellow brick road” through the fairytale garden of dancing fountains and glowing poppy fields.
Dates: November 23 – December 29
Prices: Starting from - Families £68 (2 adults, 2 children) / Adults £22 / Children (3-15) £18. Under 3’s and Carers free.
See www.westgreenhouse.co.uk/events/the-christmas-illuminated-garden-adventure/ for more details.
We Shine Portsmouth
Location: Various Locations throughout Portsmouth (see map on site)
Description: This initiative combines a range of artists, performers and sellers to put on installations and events throughout the city over three days in November. This includes the We Create Market, Festival of Light Lantern Parade and the Piano Walk. A comprehensive itinerary can be found on the site (linked below).
Dates: November 21 - 23
See www.weshineportsmouth.co.uk for more details
Enlightened Staunton
Location: Staunton Country Park, Havant
Description: Enlightened Staunton will see over a mile of the surrounding farmland reformed into a spellbinding world of curated illuminations and light features.
Dates: December 6 to 24
Prices: Tickets available from £12.50 per adult and from £9 per child.
See www.enlightenedmoments.co.uk/events/staunton-farm-2024/ for more details
Gilbert White’s Eco Light Festival
Location: Gilbert White’s House, Selbourne
Description: Using eco-friendly energy sources, Gilbert White’s love of the environment lives on in a fairyland where you can enjoy festive celebrations without disturbing the tranquility of the nature which surrounds. The festival’s lights are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, and are kept low so as not to disrupt wildlife.
Dates: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from November 21 - December 21
Prices: Adults £12.50, Children £9, under 2’s go free.
See gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/event/whites-eco-light-festival/ for more details
This story was written by Amelia Young
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