The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

As December dawns and the Christmas decorations are dusted off for yet another year of seasonal celebrations, we cannot but squeal with excitement for the big guy’s arrival. Yet before we dive into a mountain of presents or fill our bellies full with the finest festive feast, we must celebrate the merry magic which is a New Forest Christmas.

Lyndhurst Christmas Light Switch On

27^th November, 5:15pm

To kick of the season’s celebrations why not visit the New Forest’s Capital, Lyndhurst, for the turning on of their Christmas lights. The streets will be lined with the jolliest of spectators as they stand in anticipation for the evening’s proceedings. From 5:15pm local musician Liam White will be filling the air with the grandest Christmas spirit before Paralympian Aaron Phipps marks the occasion by setting Lyndhurst alight at 6pm.

Scented Christmas Wreath Masterclass

12^th December, 10am- 1pm, Bartley Lodge

£60 per person

What better way to welcome your loved ones to your home this Christmas than with a spectacularly unique, scented wreath. Get in the festive spirit, inspire your Christmas creativity and make your door the best dressed in town with our Scented Christmas Wreath Masterclass with Corbin’s Florist.

Click here to book your place

Festive Chocolate Treats Workshop

9^th December, 2pm-6pm, Forest Lodge

£50 per person

Celebrate the season’s specter by hand-crafting a selection of chocolate treats perfect for stocking fillers, teacher gifts and secret Santa presents. Imagine sweet caramels, rich oranges and mouth-watering milk chocolate; the perfect trio of festive chocolate treats.

Click here to book your place

Frosted Forest Domes

15^th November- 3^rd January

£55 per person

Located on the terrace of beautiful Burley Manor, our Frosted Forest Domes are the perfect way to enjoy the best of traditional Christmas whilst taking in the picturesque surrounding. Enjoy an intimate lunch of evening celebration filled with Mediterranean cuisine, with those nearest and dearest.

Click here to find out more information

(closed: 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, 30^th, 31^st December)

Christmas Shopping In The Forest

If you are wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping in a big city, the New Forest boasts a perfect selection of alternatives. From Lyndhurst’s array of antique and charity shops to Beaulieu Artisan Fair between 10-12^th December, or even Burley’s Fudge Shop; the New Forest has a great selection of boutiques and local shops to make a sizeable dent in your Christmas shopping list.

Christmas In The City

If bright lights in a big city are your bag, then why not pop to Southampton’s German Market or Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland both running throughout December. Southampton’s showcase includes an interactive flying Santa and enough German sausages to feed the 5000 whereas Bournemouth’s infamous light show features a 60ft walk-through tree, Alpine bar and Ice Rink.