The fairy lights are twinkling, the scent of mulled wine is in the air, and festive tunes are resounding through the cobbled streets of Lymington; it can only mean one thing: Christmas is just around the corner!
Whether you’re here with friends, family, that special someone, or treating yourself to a solo escape, Stanwell House is the perfect base for a merry winter getaway.
Step out from our cosy boutique hotel and you’ll find a sleigh-load of Christmas markets, fairs and festive events right on your doorstep. So, grab your red scarf, pop on your Santa hat, and let’s go exploring!
Day Events
Fareham Indoor Xmas Market
Date: Sunday 2nd November
Venue: Fareham Leisure Centre
Start your Christmas countdown with a day out in Fareham, just an hour from Stanwell House. With over 120 festive stalls and free parking, this indoor market is brimming with Christmas charm. From hand-painted ornaments to homemade jams, you’ll find the perfect something for everyone on your list.
Planning a later visit? Don’t miss the Fareham Lights Switch-On (Saturday 22nd November), complete with a funfair, festive tunes and a magical market atmosphere.
Fareham Indoor Christmas Market Fareham Lights Switch On Indoor Christmas Market.
Eats ‘n’ Treats
Date: Sunday 16th November
Venue: Brockenhurst College
Just 15 minutes away, this foodie favourite is bursting with delicious local goodies. Sample artisan cheeses, sip festive fizz, and enjoy live music while you shop for Christmas treats. Entry’s just £2 (kids go free), and there’s plenty to keep the little ones busy too. Expect enough foodie temptations to fill Santa’s sleigh!
A Palace House Christmas
Date: Saturday 29th November
Venue: Beaulieu Estate
Though not strictly a market, this festive experience is magical for all ages and just a stone’s throw from Stanwell House.
Told through theatrical installations, you’ll journey through ornately decorated stately rooms, soundscapes and projections, masked figures, and a banquet table of delights.
Outside in the Fountain Courtyard, explore whimsical props and admire the 20ft harlequin-themed Christmas tree glittering in jewels and colour.
With so much to see, including the newly opened private wing, your ticket also includes entry to Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum, Little Beaulieu playground, Beaulieu Abbey, tree-top monorail, and more.
For a sweeter touch, book a festive afternoon tea in advance, and pick up much-loved festive gifts from the Palace House Gift Shop.
Festival of Christmas Markets
Date: Saturday 6th December – Sunday 7th December
Venue: Port Solent
Extend your stay and hop over to nearby Portsmouth for Port Solent’s Festival of Christmas Markets. Over 100 local stalls pop up along the waterfront, offering handmade gifts, festive crafts, and seasonal treats. When the shopping’s done, settle into one of the marina’s lively restaurants for a glass (or two!) of mulled wine and a well-earned bite.
Lymington Christmas Craft & Gift Market
Date: Saturday 13th December
Venue: The High Street, Lymington
Right outside Stanwell House’s front door, Lymington’s beloved Christmas market is as festive as it gets! Wander from stall to stall, discover unique gifts, cosy knits, and local delicacies, all set to the sound of carol singers and laughter.
At the Masonic Hall, the indoor craft market brims with handmade treasures, providing the perfect chance to pick up that last-minute present before heading back to the hotel with your favourite tipple by the fire.
Ongoing & Monthly Events
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Date: Friday 21st November to 22nd December
Venue: Winchester Town Centre
Festive stalls and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe — welcome to Winchester at Christmas.
Less than an hour from Stanwell House, this is known as one of the best markets in Europe and is bursting with festive spirit. Shop for handmade gifts, savour mince pies, and sip mulled wine with your favourite people while browsing artisan stalls, homeware, decorations and more.
Don’t miss the Lantern Parade, themed “Light, Bright and Sparkling,” a nod to Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, or one of the cathedral’s stunning candlelit carol services.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Exbury Gardens Christmas Fair
Date: Saturday 29th November – Sunday 7th December
Venue: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Hampshire
Only approximately 20 minutes away, visit nearby Exbury Gardens Christmas Fair. Enjoy 70+ stalls of local crafts and festive food, plus arts, crafts, and a garden trail. Kids can meet Father Christmas and ride the Festive Express — an absolute must.
When night falls, the gardens transform into an illuminated wonderland. Take the enchanting Christmas Night Train Ride through glowing woodlands, a magical experience for families, couples and railway lovers alike.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
Date: Sunday 30th November – December.
Venue: Ringwood Town Centre
A cosy, community favourite that feels like stepping into a Christmas card. Enjoy over 70 stalls, live entertainment and local treats galore. It’s low-key, charming and just the right dose of festive cheer for a relaxed day out.
Southampton Christmas Market
Date: Thursday 13th November – Sunday 4th January
Venue: Southampton City Centre
Big lights, big rides, big smiles – Southampton’s Christmas Market is a festive extravaganza made for everyone!
The traditional market is a wonderland of alpine-style chalets filled with gifts, crafts and festive decorations. Enjoy sizzling bratwurst, roasted chestnuts and delicious crumble and custard, warming drinks at Moose Bar and Alpine Bar, plus fun rides like the UK’s tallest Ferris wheel, 360° rides and more!
Families will love the Christmas Fun House and Santa’s Grotto by the historic Bargate, while thrill-seekers can test their courage on the Snowball Launcher (the world’s tallest mobile bungee — if you dare!).
Between 16th – 19th November, visitors can also expect live performances, street theatre and all-round festive fun.
Bournemouth & Christchurch
Date: Thursday 13th November – Wednesday 31st December (Christmas Market dates only)
Venue: Bournemouth Town Centre
Bournemouth goes all out each and every year!
Stroll through chalet huts overflowing with festive goodies, enjoy live entertainment in the Alpine Lodge, or get lost in the Christmas Tree Wonderland, a magical trail of light-up trees and glowing sculptures.
Glide across the open-air ice rink, hop on Santa’s Express, and don’t miss the magical snowfall moments (yes, it actually snows!)
Perfect for couples on a winter date, families making memories, or anyone chasing that festive feeling.
Find Your Festive Adventure!
From glittering city lights to quaint village charm, Christmas near Stanwell House is pure magic. Wander, shop, sip and wander through the most enchanting markets, then come back to roaring fires, festive cocktails, and the warm glow of our boutique hotel.
Whether it’s a spontaneous festive break, a romantic escape, or a family getaway filled with magic, your Christmas story starts here in Lymington.
