Somehow, we’re already back in the festive season and Christmas is fast-approaching. Christmas 2020 wasn’t under the best conditions, so we’re here to help you make the most of winter 2021, with suggestions for some of the best things to do in Basingstoke this Christmas.
Whether it’s buying your Christmas tree from local legends or watching the annual Santa Parade with the whole family, get your calendar at the ready because it’ll be full of merry events by the time you’ve finished reading this guide.
Buy a local Christmas tree
First up, starting from 23rd November, we’ll be supporting a Basingstoke tradition and offering the use of our car park off Church Lane for a local family to sell their beautiful Christmas trees. Roger Ayres and his family have been selling their trees in Basingstoke for over four decades, and we’re very happy to be involved this year. They’ll be selling trees all the way up to the 18th December, so come along to the Worting House car park and find the perfect tree for your house, supporting a local business and getting in the festive spirit at the same time.
Visit a Christmas Fayre
Next, as we move towards the end of November and Christmas gets ever closer, we’ve got another event that’ll help get you in the spirit. More Of The Good Stuff, the courtyard café at Worting House, will be hosting a small Christmas Fayre throughout the day on Sunday 21st November, with more than 10 stalls selling handmade Christmas gifts, decorations, treats, and more from local artists, business owners, and artisans. It’s a great way to start filling your stockings before the big Christmas rush, and you’ll get to check out our beautiful grounds at the same time.
Handmake a Christmas wreath
If you’re looking for something a little bit different to do this year, what about getting crafty and creating your own luxury Christmas wreath. Hosted at Laura Fisher Illustrations, a local artist is holding a one-off wreath-making workshop, where you’re get to create your very own wreath using local foliage, luxury decorations, and eco-friendly techniques. Everything you need is provided for you, so all you need to do is turn up and have some fun. It’s going to be held on the 8th December and there are just 12 available spaces in the workshop, so book yourself in early if you want to attend.
Test yourself with a quiz
Next, another one from our friends at More Of The Good Stuff, there’s a regular curry and quiz night held on the second Thursday of every month, with the next one coming up on Thursday 11th December. These quiz nights typically run from 6:30pm to 10:15pm and are a great way to spice up your mid-week. Tables can get booked up quickly, so if you’re interested in this event or a future instalment, book early to avoid disappointment!
Take the kids to Santa’s Grotto
One for the families of Basingstoke – Festival Place is hosting this year’s Santa’s Grotto in Basingstoke, running all the way up until Christmas Eve. The Grotto is on the upper level of Festival Place, just opposite Costa Coffee. Tickets are available for just £5 per child, and you can book your slot in advance here. Each slot is for up to four children, so all of your kids can go in together for a magical time meeting Santa Claus.
Attend a Christmas Day service
And, finally, on the big day itself, you can attend one of the several Christmas Day services being held in venues across Basingstoke. Two particular services to look into are the ones being held at Buckskin Evangelical Church and Hope Community Church, where there’ll be carols, games, and plenty of other fun activities for kids to get involved with. Attending a Christmas Day service is a great way to introduce a new tradition to the most joyous day of the year, and there are plenty to choose from in Basingstoke.
