Christmas al wraped up in
Basingstoke and Deane
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for festive fun with family and friends in Basingstoke and Deane. This handy guide from Love Basingstoke is filled with what’s on, ideas of things to do, inspiration and useful information to see you through this festive season.
Christmas list in hand, you’ll find all the shops you need in Festival Place and The Malls Shopping Centre to buy your loved ones presents. Find unique gifts and treats at a Christmas market or fayre.
Get into the festive spirit with a trip to meet Santa in a magical grotto, immersive North Pole adventure or festive breakfast.
You’ll find shows, events and seasonal treats in Basingstoke and Deane to make some fantastic festive memories, into ‘twixmas’ and the New Year.
We can’t wait to welcome ‘yule!’
Join the team on Festive Friday for a fabulous festive celebration at Basingstoke’s Top of the Town on Friday 15 November from 5pm to 8pm. Immerse yourself with free activities, festive walkabouts, a local Christmas market, music and performances. Enjoy:
• Market stalls with local traders with unique gifts and tasty treats
• Cast appearances from this year’s Anvil Arts pantomime
• Music in the square with local DJ
• Festive walkabouts and performances
• Christmas crafts
• Festive games
• Food and drink from the Top of the Town businesses.
Christmas markets
The Yuletide Market
A traditional market, perfect for gift shopping. You’ll also find festive walkabouts and workshops taking place on set dates throughout November and December.
The Malls Shopping Centre, RG21 7TW
Friday 15 November to Tuesday 31 December
No booking or charges apply www.TheMalls.co.uk/whats-on
Basing House Christmas Fayre
The majestic Tudor Barn at Basing House will be decorated for a wonderfully festive shopping experience, with over 30 stalls offering locally made crafts, produce and gifting ideas to browse and buy. Please note that the Basing House standard admission ticket is not valid for this event. Christmas Fayre tickets are valid for the day of booking only.
Basing House RG24 8AE
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
£3.50 per person (under 5s free) Pre-booking essential www.HampshireCulture.org.uk/ event/basing-house-christmasfayre-2024
Milestones Museum Christmas Market
The perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping and find that something a little bit different! There will be over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum and the award-winning Milestones shop. There’s fun for all the family with children’s entertainment, live music and festive refreshments.
Milestones Museum, RG22 6PG
Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December
£7.50 per person (under 5s free)
Silchester Farm Christmas Market
Pre-booking essential www.MilestonesMuseum.org. uk/event/milestones-christmasmarket-2024
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit at Silchester Farm. Grab last minute gifts from a variety of local suppliers offering homeware, food and drink, handcrafted trinkets and an array of festive goodies. It’s a fun day out for all the family, so head along to get cosy, sip mulled wine and make memories.
Silchester Farm, RG7 2PS
Saturday 14 December 10am to 4pm
Free, but pre-booking required
www.SilchesterFarm.co.uk/ WhatsOn
Christmas Shoping
List in hand, you’ll find all the shops you need in Festival Place, The Malls Shopping Centre and the Top of the Town to buy your loved ones presents.
Easily accessible from junction 6 of the M3, Festival Place has plenty of parking. Or hop on the train to Basingstoke and arrive just outside The Malls Shopping Centre. Both have free events running to keep the kids entertained. You can take a ride on the mini train, participate in make and take workshops and see festive walkabouts.
Festive fuel up
If you need a break to recharge after Christmas shopping, head to the Top of the Town for independent cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also plenty of refreshment options in Festival Place and The Malls too, from big name coffee shops to burritos and bubble tea to burgers, not forgetting mince pies!
More shopping?
Located just outside of the town centre is Viables Craft Centre. Here you’ll find a selection of small businesses in workshop style buildings with unique gifts, free parking and a tearoom with festive treats to recharge.
Outside of Basingstoke town centre, head to the village of Overton for a wide range of independent shops to tick some items off your Christmas list.
Festival Place
Church Street
Basingstoke
RG21 7BA
The Malls Shopping Centre
Churchill Way
Basingstoke
RG21 7TW
Oter Christmas events
Santa’s Grotto in Festival Place
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Visit Santa’s grotto in Festival Place for a truly magical Christmas experience for all the family.
Festival Place, RG21 7BA
Saturday 2 November to Tuesday 24 December.
Quiet hour is every Sunday, 9am to 10am.
Tickets are £6 per child, with a £1.50 online booking fee per transaction.
Book online: www.BookFatherChristmas. co.uk/FestivalPlace
Christmas at The Vyne, National Trust
With sparkling trees and quirky displays in The Vyne’s house and gardens, lose yourself in Lewis Carroll’s dreamlike children’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Take part in a trail to join Alice on a
quest. Enjoy nonsensical fun challenges and activities before collecting your prize. Refuel with a steaming hot chocolate, coffee or something a little stronger in the cosy Brewhouse tea-room.
The Vyne, National Trust, RG24 9HL
Wednesday 20 November to 5 January (Closed 24 and 25 December)
House open 11am to 3pm, Gardens from 10am to 4pm. £2 per trail sheet and prize. www.NationalTrust.org.uk/visit/ hampshire/the-vyne/christmasat-the-vyne
The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms
Join a Magical Christmas Adventure to the North Pole. From toys to teddies, snowballs and sleighs, immerse yourself in a seasonal extravaganza; take lots of fantastic photos and you’ll head away laden with goodies and filled with Christmas cheer.
4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, RG19 8JY
Saturday 23 November to Tuesday 24 December
Pre-booking required.
Check website for prices: www.TheMagicalChristmas Adventure.co.uk/event
For more Christmas events visit: www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ whats-on
Santa special open days at Miller’s Ark Animals
Santa and his elf will be in his Magical Grotto for children wanting to see him and receive a present.
Miller’s Ark Animals, RG27 9PH
Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 and Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
Book online in advance
Check website for prices. www.MillersArk.co.uk/ christmas/santas-arrival
Meet Father Christmas at Milestones Museum
Create memories to cherish with loved ones as you meet Father Christmas in his magical Milestones grotto tucked in the heart of its charming, decorated indoor streets! Capture the magic with family photos and unwrap your special Christmas gift from Father Christmas together.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, RG28 7NR
Running each Sunday from Sunday 1 to Sunday 22
December
Milestones Museum, RG22 6PG
Saturday 30 November to Tuesday 24 December 2024
Pre-booking required. Check website for prices. www.MilestonesMuseum.org uk/event/meet-fatherchristmas-2024
Christmas movie nights at Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Celebrate the Christmas season with a movie! Choose from one of four classic screenings. Ticket includes a complementary arrival cocktail, popcorn and sweets to enjoy with the film.
www.BombaySapphire.com/ distillery/tours-experiences/ cinema-nights
Basingstoke
Leisure Park Christmas Trail
Santa’s cheeky elves have hidden the presents across the leisure park. Can you help save Christmas and find them all?
Pick up a trail map and you might even win a present for yourself!
Basingstoke Leisure Park, RG22 6PG
Sunday 1 to Tuesday 31
December
www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ events/christmas-trail-atbasingstoke-leisure-park
Meet the reindeer: An enchanting encounter at Milestones Museum
Father Christmas’s reindeer will be visiting Milestones Museum. Wish them good luck before they head off to deliver presents on Christmas Eve and hop on Father Christmas’ sleigh.
Christmas Cocktail
Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire
Milestones Museum, RG22 6PG
Saturday 21 December from 11am to 3pm
Included in admission www.MilestonesMuseum.org uk/event/meet-reindeerenchanting-encounter
Festive Farmer’s Feast at Silchester Farm
Kick off the festivities with a glass of bubbles, enjoy delicious nibbles for the table and savour traditional festive favourites that will get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Silchester Farm, RG7 2PS
Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 17
December from 6pm Thursday 19 December from noon www.SilchesterFarm.co.uk/ WhatsOn
Treat friends, colleagues or loves ones to an evening of mixology and learn to craft three delicious cocktails showcasing the unique expressions of Bombay Sapphire gin. Enjoy a delightful grazing platter during the class followed by a mince pie in the Mill Bar.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, RG28 7NR
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December
Pre-booking required.
Check website for prices. www.BombaySapphire.com/ distillery/tours-experiences/ events/
Shows
You’ll find a packed programme of shows throughout the season.
The Owl who came for Christmas
Based on the book by John Hay and Garry Parsons. Join Rosie the Owl on her enchanting adventures, nestled amidst the branches of a family’s new Christmas tree.
The Haymarket, RG21 7NW
The Christmas Elf Inspector
Tuesday 3 to Sunday 8 December Check website for ticket prices. www.AnvilArts.org.uk/events/theowl-who-came-for-christmas
A brand new show from Scratchbuilt Productions and Proteus. Everything is just tickety-boo at Christmas HQ this year. Father Christmas’ good friend the gingerbread man has come to visit, the halls are decked, the presents are almost wrapped and the reindeer are fit as a fiddle!
Proteus Creation Space, RG21 3DH
Saturday 7 to Tuesday 24
December Check website for ticket prices. www.ProteusTheatre.com/ events/the-christmas-elfinspector
Sleeping Beauty
The fabulous family pantomime promises a laugh-a-minute with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes and special effects to keep audiences entertained.
The Anvil, RG21 7QR
Thursday 12 December to Sunday 5 January
Check website for ticket prices.
www.AnvilArts.org.uk/events/ sleeping-beauty
A Christmas Carol
Follow the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks upon a journey through his past, present and future, learning to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
The Haymarket, RG21 7NW
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
Check website for ticket prices.
www.AnvilArts.org.uk/events/ a-christmas-carol
Philharmonia Brass at Christmas
There’s something irresistibly Christmassy about the sound of brass instruments, their warm tones blending like a choir of carol singers. The programme ranges from serene Advent pieces to the merriest melodies of the season.
The Haymarket, RG21 7NW
Tuesday 17 December
Check website for ticket prices.
www.AnvilArts.org.uk/events/ philharmonia-brass-at-christmas
Tennessee Country Christmas
Enjoy the music of Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Garth Brooks, along with a few surprise performers.
The Haymarket, RG21 7NW
Friday 20 December
Check website for ticket prices.
www.AnvilArts.org.uk/events/ tennessee-country-christmasshow
Christmas Party nights
Celebrate Christmas in style with friends, family or colleagues.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Try delicious cocktails, explore the iconic glasshouses and enjoy food before heading to the dancefloor at a private or shared party.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Whitchurch, RG28 7NR www.BombaySapphire.com/ distillery/tours-experiences
Oakley Hall Hotel
Enjoy festive feasts, live entertainment, and a sparkling atmosphere in the beautiful Garden Pavilion of this charming hotel which offer shared or private party nights.
Oakley Hall Hotel, Oakley, RG23 7EL
Various dates throughout December www.OakleyHall-park.com/ #christmas
Village Hotel
Christmas parties, private events and the popular Party in the Pub. There is a fun-filled calendar of festive events all through December at Village Hotel.
Village Hotel, RG21 4EQ www.BasingstokeChristmas village-hotels.com/
Audleys Wood Hotel
Throughout December enjoy a hosted party night or book their elegant dining room for a private dining experience.
Audleys Wood Hotel, RG25 2JT www.HandPickedHotels.co.uk/ AudleysWood/festive-season/ brochure
For more inspiration visit: www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ news/celebrating-chrismaswith-colleaguesin-basingstokeand-deane
Twixmas
Looking for things to do during Twixmas, those all-important days in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve? Whatever the weather, here are some ideas to keep you busy in Basingstoke and Deane.
Twixmas Tidings at Milestones
Step back in time to a festive wonderland filled with history and holiday cheer. Perfect for continuing the festive celebrations or for a family-friendly outing. Milestones Museum, RG22 6PG
Friday 27 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 www.MilestonesMuseum.org. uk/event/twixmas-tidings
The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Visit the latest exhibition and discover local history. Friday 27 to Sunday 29
December Willis Museum, RG21 7QD www.HampshireCulture.org.uk/ willis-museum-and-sainsburygallery
The Vyne National Trust
If you haven’t yet explored the house and gardens, visit until 5 January.
The Vyne, National Trust, RG24 9HL
Runs to Sunday 5 January 2025 (Closed 24 and 25 December)
Open from 10am to 4pm www.NationalTrust.org.uk/visit/ hampshire/the-vyne/christmasat-the-vyne
Get outside
After some extra time indoors, why not wrap up warm and head out to the great outdoors for some fresh air. See the Love Basingstoke website for walks, parks and bike rides to enjoy.
For more Twixmas ideas visit www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ news/twixmas-in-basingstokeand-deane
www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk
New Year’s Eve
Celebrate the new year with your nearest and dearest in Basingstoke and Deane
If your perfect New Year’s Eve involves an elegant gala dinner and dance you can find some great options in Basingstoke and Deane. Ring in the New Year with entertainment and fireworks at Oakley Hall Hotel
Prepare to be spellbound western party night. at Sandford Springs Hotel
Solve a murder mystery at Audleys Wood Hotel or dance the night away at Hampshire Court Hotel, Holiday Inn or Basingstoke Country Hotel and Spa.
If enjoying a party or meal with friends and family is more your thing. Celebrate with delicious food at Miller and Carter, The Holly Blue The White ideas... visit our blog www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/ news/celebrate-the-new-yearin-style-with-afantastic-rangeof-events-acrossthe-borough
Geting here
Basingstoke and Deane is just and Oxford and the A33 from 50 minutes from London and 60 Reading. If you are travelling by minutes from the south coast by train, there are direct trains from car. Located just off junctions 6 London Waterloo, Winchester, and 7 of the M3 and accessible Reading, Oxford, Southampton via the A339 from Newbury and Portsmouth.