Five festive things to do in Basingstoke and Deane this Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Basingstoke and Deane is brimming with festive fun, seasonal sparkle and magical moments. Whether you're planning fun filled days for the kids or a seasonal get-together with family and friends, here are five top ways to celebrate the season in 2025!

1.  Enjoy Christmas markets, seasonal events and experiences

Looking for something memorable to do with loved ones? Here’s some of our top picks of festive experiences:

Jingle, mingle and kick off the season in Basingstoke town centre with festive events and activities such as Festive Friday (pictured), a fabulous evening with free children’s activities, festive walkabouts, a Christmas market with local stallholders, music and more! In The Malls Shopping Centre you’ll find a traditional yuletide market from mid-November to December, perfect for gift shopping and seasonal treats.

Prepare to embark on a journey of The Vyne, National Trust house and gardens. Sparkling trees laden with baubles will illuminate magical displays over the festive season.  Refuel with a steaming hot chocolate, coffee or something a little stronger in the cosy Brewhouse tea-room.

Fun for all the family at Basing House as the majestic Tudor Barn is turned into a beautiful Christmas fayre with artisan stalls, locally made crafts, produce and gifting ideas.

Under the warmth of the grand Christmas tree's glow at Milestones Museum, enjoy atmospheric and magical experiences including a Christmas Market and one-off events such as Carols by Candlelight. After-hours shopping and tasty treats available including mulled wine and mince pies. The Baverstock Arms will be serving a selection of wines and ales, plus nibbles, too.

Step into the sparkle and raise a toast to the season at Silchester Farm with festive events throughout December. Soak up the atmosphere with festive tunes, sip on seasonal tipples and settle in by the open fire. Make a night of it by indulging in a rural retreat in a pyggy or country house.

Celebrate the Christmas season with Bombay Sapphire, bring loved ones together for a Christmas move night, cocktail masterclass or festive afternoon tea.

Millers Ark Animals hosts heartwarming events over including a living nativity experience, complete with candlelit settings and real animals, a truly special way to connect with the season.

Looking for more Festive fun? Find out what’s on this Christmas.

Pictured: Silchester Farm

2.  Make memories seeing Santa

A highlight of the season is to make magical memories with a visit to see Santa. See our guide to Santa grottos and experiences in Basingstoke and Deane this year including immersive experiences, in museums, at farms and as part of a brand-new theatre show.

Discover places to see Santa in Basingstoke and Deane.

3.  Festive shows to light up your Christmas

Escape the everyday by taking in a show this Christmas. If you’re looking for a dose of seasonal sparkle then there’s an amazing line-up of shows from traditional pantomime, immersive theatre, ballet to toe tapping musicals. Whether you're planning a night out with friends, a festive treat for the family, or a cosy date night, you’ll find something magical waiting for you this Christmas.

There is a packed Christmas events calendar at The Anvil. Expect a season of laughter and adventure including its annual big, bold and magical pantomime. Across December you will also find ballet performances, festive concerts and musical specials. Discover festive children’s tales, Christmas carols and live music at The Haymarket.

Step into a magical world at Proteus Theatre this Christmas for an immersive festive theatre experience for all ages with puppetry, music and wonder. Perfect for younger audiences and their grown-ups to create unforgettable memories.

Image: Imperial Classical Ballet presents The Nutcracker

4. Shop until you drop

List in hand, you’ll find all the shops you need in Festival Place, The Malls and the Top of the Town to buy your loved ones presents. If you need a break then there are plenty of refreshment options from coffee shops to buffets and bubble tea to burgers, not forgetting mince pies!

Located just outside of Basingstoke town centre is Viables Craft Centre. Here you’ll find a selection of small businesses, a tearoom and a community centre. You’ll also find Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society, head along to enjoy a ride on one of the trains during a special Christmas public running day.

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.

5. Festive food and drink

Tis' the season to be jolly, from cosy cafes to festive feasts, you'll be sure to discover tasty seasonal food and drinks this Christmas in Basingstoke and Deane. We've made a list (and checked it twice!) of our top picks this winter.

Explore festive food and drink in Basingstoke and Deane.

Pictured: The Vyne, National Trust, Brewhouse

Getting here

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 will 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.

Looking to make a weekend of it?

Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of accommodation to choose from in the centre of Basingstoke or the surrounding towns and countryside retreats of Whitchurch, Overton, Oakley, Tadley and Upton Grey.

Any four-legged friends don’t need to miss out on the festive fun either, see our guide to dog-friendly stays in Basingstoke and Deane.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.  

Updated October 2025