Looking for things to do during Twixmas, those all-important days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve then we have you covered.

Trails

After some extra time indoors why not head out for some fresh air and discover a new walk, green space, park or enjoy one of the town centre trails.

• Streets Alive Trail – Spot all the colourful street furniture brought to life with poems and illustrations by local artists. Basingstoke Festival has partnered with TrailTale, and created a guided walk map featuring all the Streets Alive artworks, which you can download for free here.
• ‘Hunt for the Lost Toys’ is a festively free family trail from High Street Safari. This Christmas, join heroes The Luminauts on a free family adventure around Basingstoke town centre. To play, simply scan the QR codes at the 10 stops to find the presents and choose what happens in the story next. See the characters spring to life in augmented reality and download your digital fun pack.
• Basingstoke ‘history’ town trail - Enjoy the self-guided walk showing you more about the town’s history, from Domesday to the modern day. Pick up a copy from The Willis Museum or find the trail on the free TrailTale app.
• Pick up a Festive Robin Trail map from the Festival Place customer lounge and follow the trail of rascally robins and enter for a chance to win a £100 gift card! Trail ends on New Year’s Eve.
• The Christmas Passport at The Vyne includes three trails along with activities that recreate an 18th-century Grand Tour of Europe. It will run before Christmas and then from 26 December until 3 January. You can collect a £2 Christmas passport from Visitor Reception.

Tales 

Join The Anvil for the ultimate fairy tale, a rags to riches story in the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella. Matinee or evening showings from Monday 26 December 2022 to Monday 2 January 2023. Ticket prices vary depending on dates, ranging from £22.50 to £32.50. 

Enjoy a relaxing time out of the house at Milestones Museum from 11:30am to 3:30pm every day during Twixmas. Immerse yourself in tales of the past, see an incredible street magician plus take part in a fun and free New Year trail.

Whitchurch Silk Mill will be open on 27, 28 and 29 December. The oldest working silk mill in the UK is a working museum that brings to life the story of silk.

Shopping in the sales

If something was missing from your Christmas list or you just want to hit the sales, Festival Place and The Malls will be open, check their websites for opening hours. The Christmas market at the Malls also remains open until 31 December.

Visiting Basingstoke

If you are looking for a break between Christmas and New Year then Basingstoke Country Hotel has a fantastic Twixmas package that includes 3 nights' accommodation, dinner and breakfast. You’ll find plenty to do in Basingstoke and Deane during your stay.

December 2022