Christmas conjures daydreams of roaring fires, crisp winter walks, wrapping up in scarves and gloves and sipping warming glasses of mulled wine before indulging on delicious festive feasts. Make our New Forest hotel the cosy base of your Christmas explorations whilst the New Forest relights your Christmas spirit. You are spoilt for choice but here are a few seasonal events and places you might like to visit for some true festive fun this December. 

Christmas in Beaulieu

Just 6 miles from our New Forest hotel you will find the quaint village of Beaulieu, home to the beautiful Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. This year they’re boasting some truly unforgettable festivities to get you in the spirit. So, if a cosy evening sipping mulled wine punch in front of log fires and imagining Christmas as it was in the Montagu family home in 1889 sounds like your ideal festive evening, you’ll love a visit to Palace House between 22^nd December and 6^th January, where you will also find more Christmas trees to admire than you could possibly wish for!

However, if it’s a festive family outdoor adventure you’re after, head out to the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, open on selected dates until 30^th December, you can set out on a ‘Festive Outdoor Walk’ through the ruins, around the grounds, and along a magical illuminated 1-mile trail before entering the scented Fire Garden.

Carols on the green in Milford-on-Sea

If it’s a visit to the coast you’re looking for whilst visiting the New Forest, we recommend a visit to the picturesque seaside town of Milford on Sea where more festive celebrations will be happening. On the 7^th December from 5pm – 7pm visit the village green to enjoy a Carol Service, see Father Christmas in all his glory and enjoy a spot of late-night Christmas shopping.

Join a Christmas Wreath Workshop in Lyndhurst

When you visit the New Forest National Park at Christmas you will enjoy driving through many of its villages, decorated in all their glory with tress and lights. One you really ought to visit is our neighbouring town of Lyndhurst; with tearooms, galleries, gift shops and great festive forest walks for all ages and abilities. This year why not visit for the Christmas Wreath Workshop and take a Christmas creation home with you. Join one of Lyndhurst’s local florists, Hannah from Nightingale Flowers, in her session on the 8^th December, where she will teach you wonderful techniques to create your very own Christmas wreath. For just £25 per ticket, you can take a wonderful creative skill home with you to use for every festive season.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

One truly special place that everyone enjoys visiting at Christmas is our great historic capital, the City of Winchester. Not only does is boast fantastic shopping, restaurants and cafés, but if you head to the Cathedral grounds you will find a magical Christmas scene before you. The infamous Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, with more than 100 chalet stalls bursting with special gifts, decorations and festive foods. Grab yourself some roasted chestnuts, sip on a delicious hot chocolate or mulled wine, then take to the real ice rink for a spin or two. (The Market is open until 20^th December, open from 10.30am – 6.30pm Sunday – Wednesday and 10.30am – 8.00pm Thursday – Saturday)

Afternoon Tea with us

If you are looking for an indulgent afternoon, a crackling fire and plenty of tea then look no further than our very own New Forest hotel for a traditional Afternoon Tea. Perhaps after a festive stomp in the forest you can find comfort in our cosy lounge, thaw your fingers and toes in front of the fire and simply spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying our speciality cakes, freshly baked scones and mouth-watering finger sandwiches alongside artisan loose leaf tea. What could be better on your festive break?

Whether it’s end-of-year celebrations, joining us for the biggest feast of the year, or making us your home from home, allow us to remove the stress and strains of the season and create the perfect country Christmas.

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