With the school holidays now upon us, we’re pleased to be welcoming guests over the next couple of weeks who have chosen to celebrate Christmas and New Year here at Wallops Wood.
It’s a magical time of year, not only for all the festivities going on, but also to be out in the countryside with open space and nature all around us. Even in the depths of winter there’s still plenty to do, whether it’s cosy relaxation in your cottage, going for brisk winter walks or getting out and taking in some much needed Christmas cheer! 🎄 🎅🏻
There are various events and activities on that all the family will enjoy, indoors and out. Below is a selection of what’s on but please check the relevant websites below before setting out as pre-booking may be required.
Events & Attractions for Families
Winchester Christmas Market
Recognised as one of the best in Europe, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is on until 22nd December 2021. Renowned for its unique location, handpicked high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere.
Open daily until Wednesday 22 December 2021
Sunday – Wednesday: 10.00am – 6.30pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Find out more…
Watercress Line Steam Illuminations
Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas, pixel mappable digital LED train! It’s an incredible light show consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. Marvel at the amazing lights whilst relaxing on the steam train as it travels up and down our 10 mile line. The illuminations will be on the following dates:
10-23 & 27-31 December 2021
1-3, 7-8 & 14-15 January 2022
Find out more and book tickets.
Marwell Zoo
Wrap up warm and get closer to the wonders of the natural world with a magical visit to Marwell Zoo this winter. Father Christmas will also be making some special appearances at the zoo from Saturday 18th until Thursday 23rd December 2021.
Find out more and book tickets.
Paultons Park
Paultons Park has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with magical illuminations across the site. And little Peppa fans have the opportunity to meet Peppa and George in their seasonal outfits. Tornado Springs is decorated for Christmas and open for Americana inspired festivities and there’s a light show at the gateway building with a giant musical Christmas tree coming to life every 15 minutes!
Until Thursday 23 December 2021.
Find out more and book tickets.
Gunwharf Quays Christmas Village
Gunwharf Christmas Village is open until 2nd January 2022. Warm up with spiced mulled wine and celebrate the season while you’re shopping. There’ll be cosy cabin market stalls to explore, an epic Observation Wheel and carousel to ride and an Alpine Lodge Bar and Grill serving German bratwurst.
Find out more…
Victorian Christmas at Fort Nelson
Experience a traditional Victorian garrison Christmas, stepping back in time to meet head cook Private Dobson as he prepares dishes for the festive feast for the garrison and civilian inhabitants of the Fort. Your guide will describe what life and conditions would have been like in this cold, hilltop fort at mid-winter. Don’t worry about yourself being cold though – you’ll be warmed up with warm mulled wine or non-alcoholic punch.
From 18th to 23rd December 2021
Find out more and book tickets.
Pantomime
Why not enjoy a laugh with the family and spend an afternoon at one of the pantomime performances on at theatres locally. Check out the websites below to find out more and book tickets.
NB Masks will need to be worn at all theatre performances.
Cinderella at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
A magical star cast has been announced with Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Stepmother, Debbie McGee as The Fairy Godmother and the legendary Richard Cadell & Sooty.
Until 2 January 2022
Find out more and book tickets.
Jack & the Beanstalk at the Kings Theatre, Southsea
Get ready for the GIGANTIC panto that’s going to rocket you up into the clouds as Dame Trott and her son Jack do battle with the giant!
Until 2 January 2022
Find out more and book tickets.
Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, Winchester
Make your wishes come true with this spellbinding production of Aladdin! Can our hero find the magic lamp and marry the girl of his dreams – Princess Jasmine? Or will Aladdin’s plans be thwarted by the villainous Abanazar, who wants the lamp – and the princess – for himself?
Until 2 January 2022
Find out more and book tickets.
Pinocchio at the Festival Theatre, Chichester
Geppetto the boatmaker tosses aside a piece of wood; it’s only good for the fire. To his amazement, a voice answers him back. Geppetto picks up the wood and begins to carve – and a small wooden boy is revealed. A puppet, which he names Pinocchio. And that’s when the mayhem begins!
From 18 December to 1 January 2022
Find out more and book tickets.
Featured image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
