When it comes to doing your Christmas shopping, where is more festive to do so than at a Christmas Market in the New Forest? With wonderfully decorated stalls, Christmas lights glistening all around, the scent of roasted chestnuts (and sometimes even mulled wine!) and the perfect gifts to buy, a Christmas Market is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit this Christmas!
Top Christmas Markets and Events in the New Forest
Hythe, Lymington, New Milton & Ringwood have brilliant weekly markets throughout the year, which get fantastically festive in the run up to Christmas and have an amazing range of stalls selling some great and unique gifts – so, head to one of our Town & Village markets to pick up some great presents!
Our Towns & Village High Streets are also the perfect place to do some Christmas Shopping – with plenty of gift, fashion, food & drink and craft shops up and down the High Streets, you will be able to do all of your Christmas Shopping whilst supporting local businesses in the New Forest! Take a look at our Towns & Villages for some inspiration of where to head to.
Christmas Markets Across the New Forest
The New Forest comes alive at Christmas with a mix of traditional Christmas markets. Across the New Forest, historic towns and pretty villages have their own Christmas markets where you'll find everything from handmade crafts and food, to live events and displays. Whether you're planning a festive shopping trip or a Christmas day out, the New Forest's Christmas markets have something for everyone.
Lyndhurst Christmas Market
Lyndhurst, often thought of as the heart of the New Forest, has two Christmas markets on throughout the festive season. Lyndhurst Community Centre a Christmas Fun Day on the 6th December between 10am to 4pm, where everyone can also meet Santa! The markets are typically held over several weekends in December and often feature live music, choirs, and late-night shopping. You can expect a cosy, village-style atmosphere with independent traders and street stalls selling handcrafted presents, as well as seasonal food and drink.
Brockenhurst Christmas Market
Brockenhurst's Christmas markets have a fantastic festive feel to them. Local producers set up throughout the village, offering handmade gifts, seasonal foods, and festive treats. With its easy rail access, Brockenhurst's Christmas markets attract visitors from across the region, and usually include visits rom Santa himself, as well as charity stalls and festive drinks from local pubs and cafes.
Lymington Christmas Market
Lymington's Georgian high street transforms into a bustling festive destination each December. Its Christmas market often include extended shopping hours, craft stalls, food vendors, and fantastic decorations. The weekly Saturday market also adopts a Christmas theme, making it one of the busiest and most diverse festive shopping experiences in the New Forest.
Family Friendly Christmas Markets in the New Forest
Families will find plenty of magical festive experiences across the New Forest. Many markets host dedicated children's areas with Santa's Grotto, face painting, craft workshops, and storytelling. Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst usually offer the strongest family-friendly experiences, with accessible spaces and activities for younger visitors. Nearby attractions like Beaulieu and Longdown Activity Farm also run Christmas themed events that pair perfectly with a visit to a local market, creating a full Christmas day out for families of all ages.
Christmas Gifts and Local Crafts
This Christmas you'll be able to find a huge selection of holiday gifts to buy for yourself and your loved ones! Each Christmas we see our local artisans and crafters create outstanding selections, which only add to the festive spirit of the New Forest. If you want to capture of that festivity yourself, then make sure to browse the Christmas markets for gifts and souvenirs.
You'll be making sure that you're supporting local businesses, adding a personal touch to your holiday giving too!
Festive Food & Drink
Each year the New Forest's Christmas markets offer a fantastic selection of food and drink that really captures the spirit of the holidays. As you browse the stalls, make sure to indulge in some mulled wine, spiced ciders, or some hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. With savoury meals and sweet treats like mince pies on offer, you'll find yourself spoiled for choice!
Whether you're by yourself or with family and friends, the food alone at our Christmas markets are reason enough to visit. Treat yourself, it's Christmas after all!
Use our events list below to help you find the best markets to go to in the New Forest with the family during this festive season – and make sure you keep coming back to check as markets are still being added!
