With less than two months to go, Christmas is just around the corner! There’s no better a place to spend Christmas than in the New Forest. With Narnia-like scenes, roaring fireplaces and a whole host of enchanting places to stay, Christmas in the New Forest is a special experience and one which you will treasure for years to come.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in the New Forest, then read on as we delve into some of the cosy Christmas breaks, tasty treats and festive events that you can experience on a New Forest Christmas break.
Christmas breaks in the New Forest
Take all the stresses away of cooking for the clan on a New Forest hotel break this Christmas. Many of our countryside hotels offer festive breaks including over Christmas Day. Spend time together enjoying a range of seasonal menus and see in your Christmas time in style.
Take time together on a foodie-themed Christmas break at Burley Manor, where they’ll be hosting two, three or four night all inclusive festive breaks or soak up the views of the Beaulieu River from the historic Master Builder’s House Hotel at Buckler’s Hard, just two of the wonderful places you could choose to spend time at on a Christmas break. Find out more about Christmas hotel breaks.
Image - Burley Manor
If you like having lots of amenities to hand, then take a look at availability at some of our New Forest holiday parks. With some with access to indoor pools, children’s entertainment and some with close proximity to the seaside, perfect for post-Christmas dinner strolls, there’s plenty of choice.
Choose a cottage for the ultimate in cosy Christmas getaways. Whether for a multigenerational Christmas get together or a romantic break for two, you will find plenty of cottages available to suit different budgets and styles. New Forest Cottages have a range of suitable self-catering options across the New Forest, including some stunning coastal properties. Look out for late availability on seasonal breaks.
Image - New Forest Cottages
Fancy something a little different this Christmas? Then why not look at our camping and glamping options which are open for festive breaks too. Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park is one such choice. Here, you can spend time at their on-site bar beside firepits, hear some Christmas classics and other music at one of their event nights and relax in this beautiful park, which is exclusive to adults.
Join in with a wide range of Christmas events
Whatever the age of your party, you will find plenty of Christmas cheer in the air at our various Christmas events.
Younger visitors will love seeing Paultons Park come to life with their Christmas event, experience a Victorian Christmas like no other at Beaulieu, meeting Santa at various grottoes and by following the illuminated trails at Marwell Zoo and Sandy Balls Holiday Village (please note, this trail is for staying guests only).
Image - Marwell Zoo
For adults, you will find lots going on including festive music evenings (often combined with a sumptuous feast), Christmas fairs and markets which are perfect for picking up last-minute gifts and special themed dinners. Take a look at our Christmas events page for more details of what’s coming up.
Sample some New Forest fare this Christmas
Enjoy some festive dining at one of the New Forest’s many pubs or restaurants. Many of our eateries will be serving up seasonal menus including your traditional turkey and trimmings through to more unusual festive dishes.
Image - Filly Inn
For extra special get-togethers with family, friends and work colleagues this Christmas, local pubs, restaurants and hotels have incredible festive menus and packages to choose from for your Christmas parties and celebrations.
Or for something super unique, book in the ultimate Christmas party with Host the Roast at Lime Wood. A five-course feast in the intimate Backstage kitchen hosted by HH&Co legend, Iain, available on various dates throughout December. And better still, each date is exclusively for one group of ten only, so it will just be your nearest and dearest around the table.
Or, if you are looking for something a little less formal then, check out our tea rooms and cafes, many of which can be found in our main towns and villages. Here, you can often enjoy hot chocolates and other seasonal hot drinks and a whole host of tempting cakes and treats with a festive twist.
Make the most of our great outdoors
Even in the colder December days, you’ll find plenty of beauty around in our National Park. Plan some Christmas walks (perfect for burning off any Christmas excesses) with our interactive walking guides. Wrap up warm and take your pick from family-friendly, accessible, dog friendly and long-distance walking routes.
Image - Winter walking
If you love being on the water, why not consider a canoe trip (with Santa!) with New Forest Activities? Or join in with some hands-on activities such as high ropes, archery and laser combat at one of our activity centres.
Bike hire is available from the various bike hire centres around the New Forest, perfect for exploring our wonderful National Park in a green way. Or, let the stress of navigating be taken away by booking onto a guided cycle tour.
Find out more about Christmas in the New Forest
Take time to explore our Christmas pages where you’ll find a wealth of information about what’s going on over Christmas, plus plenty of extra inspiration too!