To escape or embrace the frenzy of the festive season?

5th November 2025

South East England is wonderful in winter. The deserted coastlines and tranquil landscapes offer a comforting and cosy day out or short break for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the festive season or to recuperate in the New Year. And for those who prefer to embrace the seasonal festivities  wholeheartedly, the region’s towns and cities come alive with magical winter scenes, traditional Christmas markets and twinkling lights aplenty. What’s your idea of a great winter break?  Are you looking forward to embracing or escaping the festivities this winter? Share your thoughts and pictures with us by tagging us @visitsoutheastengland and #lovesoutheastengland

EMBRACE

Visit "ChristmasVille" in Portsmouth, the first UK home of ApolloDomes

The innovative, immersive ApolloDomes at Gunwharf Quays will be transformed into 'Christmasville' (21 Nov – 4 Jan) – a magical new experience for families. From 21^st November, families are invited to discover 'The Elf Emporium' – a groundbreaking immersive theatre adventure. Also from 21^st November, grown-ups in search of something playful with a festive twist can book 'Confession Sessions with Santa' – a hilarious one-to-one with Father Christmas where festive triumphs and mishaps are shared in a bid to charm their way off the naughty list. The “Bauble Bar' will be offering festive-themed food and warming drinks, and when night falls, 'The Elf Emporium' transforms into 'The Pine Picturehouse', projecting vintage Christmas films within the dome.

Stay: The Queen’s Hotel on Southsea waterfront or Holiday Inn Express at Gunwharf Quays

“Steam into Christmas” in Southern Oxfordshire

Christmas in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse offers a delightful blend of Christmas events plus festively decorated market towns and villages. Families should head to Didcot Railway Centre for endless train rides and to help Santa find his missing reindeer by exploring the 21-acre museum, before visiting him in his giant toy workshop (weekends in Dec + 21/22 Dec). Millets Farm Centre, near Abingdon offers a new Illuminate Light Trail, a 60 minute trail through a wonderland of colour and sparkle (15 Nov – 4 Jan). In Henley on Thames, the Henley Christmas Festival on 28^th November sees the town transformed as the town centre is closed to traffic and packed with stalls and rides, Santa’s Grotto, carol singers, pantomime characters and a live music stage. And throughout December, a new door or window will open every day to reveal a surprise Christmas performance as part of Henley’s Living Advent Calendar.

Stay: The Relais Henley, boutique hotel with river views.

Join Southampton’s Spectacular Market Launch

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Christmas kicks off in Southampton on the 13^th November with a spectacular market launch event hosted by DJ Flash, the tour DJ for the city's own Craig David. Expect festive street entertainers, live performances, more stalls and new rides. On Ice at WestQuay returns with the rink now open daily (24 Oct – 4 Jan) and includes the popular DJ Nights On Ice for those wishing to twirl into the evenings. Also back by popular demand is Southampton's Snow Windows Trail, bringing brand new snowy artworks and a new trail map, covering two city centre routes.  For family theatrical entertainment, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at Mayflower Theatre (13 Dec – 4 Jan) is an absolute must, whilst the over 18s should snap up tickets early for The Stage Door's naughty panto Pussy in Boots (20 Nov – 20 Dec) – not for snowflakes!

Stay: The Pig in the Wall. For groups, book your own townhouse at The Bugle House

Explore Sandwich, England's best-preserved Medieval town

For more gentle festivities, head to Sandwich to explore England’s most complete medieval town and a designated conservation area due to its rich heritage and well-preserved architecture, dating back centuries. The town is particularly atmospheric when the narrow streets and historic houses are lit up over the festive period. The annual Christmas lights switch-on takes place this year on Saturday 29 November with festive entertainment in the Guildhall Forecourt when the town comes together to celebrate the season. Step back in time at Sandwich Medieval Centre on Saturday 6 December at their Medieval Christmas Market and discover age-old crafts. Take a self-guided walking tour through the town or book a guided history tour with a local expert, browse the abundance of independent shops for unique Christmas gifts, admiring all the fantastic festive window displays on the way, and stop for a warming drink or hearty grub at one of the many welcoming cafes, pubs and restaurants, including The Red Cow, The King's Arms and The Toll Bridge.

Stay: The Bell Hotel on the quayside of the River Stour in the heart of Sandwich

Illuminate Reading, a brand new winter light trail

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See Reading’s Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins in a whole new light by following Reading's brand new winter light trail – “Illuminate Reading” (15 Nov – 4 Jan). Start the trail by toasting marshmallows, then follow the 30-50 min route through the historic landscape, Abbey ruins and surroundings, stopping midway at the food court for sweet treats, hot and cold drinks and mulled wine. For something a bit different, enjoy a live, interactive, comedy game show hosted by comedian Steve McNeil and aided by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, Rob Sedgebeer.  The festive version of Wifi Wars (20 Dec) allows the audience to play long, compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes.

Stay: The Roseate Reading, the “UK’s sexiest Townhouse hotel” (Evening Standard)

Bedgebury’s Centenary New Lights Trail and Bewl Water’s Santa’s Quest on the Kent/Sussex Border

Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest (21 Nov – 31 Dec) as the Bedgebury National Pinetum celebrates its 100th birthday. Created by the award-winning light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim, the world-leading collection of conifers will be illuminated by millions of sparkling festive lights and alive with sounds of festive cheer. Bring the whole family including furry, four-legged friends.

At nearby Bewl Water, visitors can unravel Santa’s Quest with  three hours of interactive, immersive, and theatrical magic (15 Nov -  24 Dec). Be swept into a world of twinkling workshops, Mrs Claus' Bakery and a truly personalised visit to Santa's Grotto. There’s also theatrical surprises, live performances, a festive play area and new immersive adventures for 2025.

Stay: Downash Wood, luxury treehouses and cabins

Brand New Water Fountain Show at “Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle”

Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle (21 Nov – 31 Dec) near Maidstone, returns with new Water Fountains Show. Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle will take visitors on magical trail featuring brand-new installations including a mesmerising Neon Tree, a Meadow of Light, and a dazzling Ribbon Tunnel plus charming encounters with Father Christmas. The Christmas wonderland continues with the largest ever festive fairground at Leeds Castle and the special new event “Neverland at Leeds Castle” (22 Nov – 4 Jan), which invites families to step into the beloved world of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan for a Christmas adventure full of wonder, imagination, and storytelling.

Stay: Lakeside Lodges and holiday cottages at Leeds Castle.

ESCAPE

Windsor

Kings and queens have celebrated Christmas in Windsor since the 12th century. Away from the centre of Windsor with its 20-foot-high Christmas tree and numerous festive events, tranquillity and escape can be found amongst the Royal Landscape of Windsor Great Park. Choose from three circular walks the longest of which (The Savill Garden to Virginia Water loop) is 5.7 miles and is Tarmac or smooth, compacted stone so those Christmas socks won't get muddy. In the winter, the low sun is beautiful through the trees and reflecting off the lake and in addition to tree-lined shores and vistas, highlights include The Cascade and The Leptis Magna Ruins. If you need to warm up with a hot chocolate, stop at the Virginia Water Pavilion which also offers brunch, children's meals, hot and cold dishes and big bowl salads.

Stay: Coworth Park, Ascot, a luxury retreat set in 240 acres of countryside

1066 Country

Blow away the cobwebs by walking a stretch or several of the 1066 Country Walk, a relatively easy, low-level, self-guided route through the countryside that witnessed the Norman Conquest.  The 31 mile walk is broken down into five sections, each 4-6 miles long and passes through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with rolling hills and valleys, atmospheric marshes and ancient woodland. Stop off and warm up in the cosy pubs and cafes along the route.  The final stretch finishes in Rye, where the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve offers splendid sunset views across the reserve during winter, plus warming soups and drinks in the café. There’s also binoculars in the café to help spot the resident Spoonbill or Kingfisher.

Stay: The Gallivant, Rye, an adult’s only, seafront, boutique hotel

Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Famed for its microclimate, shingle beach and zig-zag approach to the seafront, Ventnor has been compared to Notting Hill and Charles Dickens described it as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad"  The Isle of Wight is wonderfully peaceful in winter with empty beaches, quiet roads, and still landscapes. Visit Ventnor Botanic Garden, home to an impressive collection of exotic plants and trees, take a stroll along the coastal path to the hidden delight that is Steephill Cove then warm up at the welcoming, seafront pub, The Spyglass Inn.

Stay: The Royal Hotel, the island’s historic, premier hotel or The Welllington Hotel, with panoramic views of the English Channel.

White Cliffs Country

Almost a quarter of White Cliffs Country is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the towns and countryside full of heritage landmarks, walking routes and trails. Walk the coastal path, atop the White Cliffs of Britain’s most famous coastline, from Deal to Walmer then further on to St Margaret’s Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for stonechats on fenceposts and meadow pipits in the grass and reward yourself with a hearty lunch and Kentish ales at The Coastguard nestled in the cliffs of St Margaret’s Bay, before returning to Deal.

Stay: The Royal Hotel on Deal Seafront or The Rose, in the centre of Deal.

Will you be embracing or escaping the festivities this winter? Share thoughts and pictures with us by tagging us @visitsoutheastengland and #lovesoutheastengland