With the festive season now upon us, all eyes are on what we want to do this Christmas time. Panto, or ice skating? Shopping, or just watching the crowds go by while sipping on a hot chocolate?
December is a time for celebrating with family and friends. And nowhere better can you find the best things to do this December than here - from markets and shopping to pantomimes and Christmas Wonderlands.
For more than 60 years, the people of Norway have thanked the UK for their role in liberating the country during the second world war - by sending us a 25-metre high Norwegian spruce to sit pride of place as London's Christmas tree. The tree is picked years in advance by a delegation including the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the British Ambassador to Norway.
The tree is decorated in the traditional Norwegian style - with vertical strings of energy-efficient lights - in time for its lighting ceremony at Trafalgar Square in December.
Head to Henry VIII's favourite residence, Hampton Court Palace, for this festive food weekend in the palace grounds. With artisan producers serving smoked salmon, liqueurs, hot chocolate, mouth-watering street food and more - it's a great day out with family and friends to enjoy some Christmas treats.
Entry tickets for the Festive Fayre also includes entry into Hampton Court Palace and gardens, so you can explore everything this impressive palace has to offer.
Fancy a spin on the ice when you're there? Then don't miss out by booking tickets in advance for the Hampton Court Palace ice rink, one of the best places for ice skating in the South West.
Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 21-24 December
Make your weekend magical with a visit to see Santa on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Enjoy the 10-mile round trip through the scenic Isle of Wight countryside which includes stopping at Havenstreet so you can explore the Christmas market, entertainment and magic shows, as well as seasonal treats in the refreshment rooms. And every child will receive a special, quality gift to top off the day!
It's easy to get to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by using the Island Line and getting off at Smallbrook Junction for a convenient cross-platform connection to the Steam Railway. If you're coming from the mainland, you could save time and money by booking a combined ferry and train ticket.
Take advantage of our Black Friday theatre tickets – with seats to leading West End shows from just £15 each. Get into the festive spirit by watching The Nutcracker, Frozen the Musical, or The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe for less. Hurry though as tickets will sell out quickly and don’t forget you get an extra 10% off when you book direct through SWR Rewards.
Vineyards of Hampshire Fairy Lights and Fizz 2022
9 December
An occasion that’s all about finding new wines, choosing a preferred Hampshire fizz, mingling with the winemakers and getting your order in for Christmas and all the celebrations that the season brings. There will also be a Fizz Bar so you can purchase a glass of your favourite still or sparkling and the all important Fizz Shop will be open to take your orders for delivery.
Each ticket entitles you to one free tasting sample of each of the wines on offer from Black Chalk, Cottonworth, Danebury Vineyards, Exton Park, The Grange, Hambledon, Hattingley, Louis Pommery England and Raimes. Plus, you can get 15% off entry tickets thanks to SWR Rewards.
Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot
16-17 December
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Celebrate the end to the 2022 Ascot racing season with a festive two-day finale at Ascot Racecourse. On the Friday there will be thrilling racing where you may witness notable performers on the road to the Cheltenham Festival, with plenty of special festive food and drink to enjoy while you watch. Saturday is great for family and friends as you shout and cheer on one of Britain's most prestigious long-distance hurdle races. It's not all about the racing though with traditional fairground rides, candlelit carol singing with a brass band, plus Father Christmas and his reindeer will be in attendance!
There are plenty of other race days and events at racecourses on our network if you can’t make the Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot.
Stonehenge. It’s a landmark that’s gone down in the history books for its iconic mythology. Join other people at Stonehenge to mark the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year. Salisbury has long been the centre point of the celebration, with druids, pagans and wiccans gathering to witness first light of the dawn - known as Ostara.
The other big draw is the number of people that attend turning it into one very large party that goes through the night until sunrise. Want to tick this off your bucket list? Then book your train to Stonehenge today.
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