Local Christmas fun

Elvetham Heath Market – Festive Special

Join in the seasonal cheer with Christmas markets, taking place at The Key on Saturday 10th December from 10am – 1.30pm. Choose from a wide selection of stalls, with tasty stocking fillers such as Hartland Fudge, your favourite cheeses, beautiful Christmas decorations, wreathes, and more.

Elvetham Heath’s local choir are performing at The Key on Sunday 18th December, too. Join the choir for a traditional family-friendly service around the Christmas tree from 6pm. Refreshments will be available with mince pies, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. The event is free, with song sheets provided.

The Christmas Pie Trail

Enjoy the beautiful Surrey countryside with this historical 8.5 mile route, starting at Applegarth Avenue in Guildford and sign posted to the east of Farnham. Ideal exercise after the festive indulgence, the trail takes you through quiet country lanes and pathways, with stunning views of the Hogs Back hills, open fields, woodlands, and farmland.

Intriguing landmarks feature along the way, with St Pauls Church, originating in 1864; the legendary Passengers Farmhouse, and historical railway track Ash Green Lane East, serving Tongham between 1849 and 1932.

Explore Wood Street village with tales of Roman occupancy, and Normandy’s archaeological hamlet Flexford. Discover too the ancient trackway in Runfold known as The Pilgrim’s Way, stretching all the way from Winchester to Canterbury.

Christmas Pie Village is the main attraction, named after The Christmas Family, prestigious members of Henry VII’s court back in 1513. Today, the village is much humoured for its name, designated as one of the most festive street names by the Daily Mail in 2012, along with Reindeer Road and Tinsel Lane. Complete the pie trail at the aptly named Shepherd & Flock roundabout!

Christmas Crackers at Aldershot Military Museum

Make your own Victorian Christmas crackers with the children on Wednesday 21st – Thursday 22nd December, at Aldershot Military Museum, from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3pm. Suited to ages 3 and above, the event is free, so there’s only the museum’s entrance fee to pay.

Whilst you’re there, you can find out more about Victorian festive traditions with a museum pamphlet, The 12 Days of Christmas activity trail.

With a World War II inspired assault course, local history gallery, a collection of tanks and a replica scout vehicle to try, there’s plenty for the whole family to do.

For more information, please click here.

Friends Amblers Christmas Special at Queen Elizabeth Country Park

If you’d like a friendly meet with Farnborough locals, don your Christmas jumper and walking boots for an amble around Queen Elizabeth Country Park, on 14th December. An oasis at the heart of town, the park promises a picturesque retreat, whatever the season. All are welcome, whether you’re a hardy walker or just fancy a gentle stroll. There’s no need to book a place, just show up at 2pm at the Farnborough Road car park entrance.

Christmas Passport at The Vyne, Sherborne St. John

Immerse yourself in seasonal splendour at The Vyne this Christmas. Enjoy decadent décor, Victorian Christmas trees, and explore the house to see historical celebrations around Europe. Based on the travels of John Chute, the passport guides you through the house and gardens with maps, activities, and trails, where you can see John Chute’s fascinating souvenirs, and much more.

The event is running until 23rd December, continuing from 26th December – 3rd January, 11am – 3pm every day. Tickets are just £2 from the Visitor Reception Centre, and there’s no need to book in advance.

Alice Holt Christmas Trees

Do you prefer to put up a real tree, a little closer to Christmas? If so, you could purchase your tree in the scenic forest setting of Alice Holt.

Choose from a variety of Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruces and Fraser Firs, ranging from 3-15 ft. in height. If you need help picking the right tree for your home, experts are at hand, too. Feel good in knowing you’ve done your bit for the environment, with all the trees grown in Britain, and monies raised helping to maintain forest wildlife, too.

Whilst you’re there, you could enjoy a peaceful woodland walk, or take a pitstop in the café. If you have children, they’ll enjoy the latest Super Worm Trail and the play area.

Trees are for sale daily, from 9am-5pm, until 18th December. The cost of trees varies, however, when you’re buying a tree, parking is free for 30 minutes.

Whatever you choose to do this holiday, a Merry Christmas from all of us at Mackenzie Smith.