Festive Cinema Nights - December
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 155
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Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Show / Display
Portsmouth
We Shine is back for 2026 - transforming the city into a dazzling gallery of illuminated art.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 29th June 26 including Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile.
Special Events
Petersfield
The magical Watoto Christmas Fair is back for the seventeenth year and is better than ever!
We have over 50 stalls of fabulous gifts and foodie treats- all our stallholders are independent boutique brands, carefully curated so you can find those…
Special Events
Whitchurch
Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Make Christmas extra special with a magical visit to Father Christmas at Milestones. Step into his beautifully decorated grotto, meet his elf and enjoy a special festive experience that the whole family will remember.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Milestones is being transformed into the spectacular world of A Christmas Carol. Encounter extraordinary characters and discover the people and remarkable events that changed Ebenezer Scrooge forever.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Food
Whiteley, Fareham
£10 Sunday Roasts
Available every Sunday from 4th January at The Parsons Collar Pub
Celebrate Sunday with a tasty £10 treat!
When they are gone they are gone!
Book - lodge@solenthotel.co.uk
Participatory Event
Farnham
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Alice Holt! Get glowing, Go Ape at Night
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
This autumn, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls'…
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Film
Winchester
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience at Winchester Science Centre? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest Halloween blockbusters, Hocus Pocus (PG), plays out under the stars of the Planetarium.
Christmas
Brighstone
Experience one of the Isle of Wight's most enchanting festive traditions at the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. Taking place from 3-6 December 2026, this much-loved community event invites visitors to explore hundreds of creatively decorated…
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Christmas
Sandown
Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…
Markets
Old Portsmouth
Set to be the Hotwalls' biggest and best yet Christmas Market yet, with 50+ traders, festive lights, wooden chalets, and mulled wine, it promises to be a festive treat!
Christmas
Sutton Scotney
Celebrate the festive season in timeless style at Norton Park Hotel with an evening inspired by the charm and sophistication of Michael Bublé.
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Join the John Lewis Southampton store on Monday 16 November for all the beauty inspiration you need this Christmas.
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