What’s On This December

December has arrived at The Elvetham! We hope you will join us for a festive meal, a romantic getaway, or Christmas party as we celebrate the season on our Hampshire country estate, a tradition going back over 500 years. Winter walks, cocktails by a roaring fire, and an assortment of fine Christmas foods, we have all you need for a perfect holiday season. Here’s a few ideas for festive fun in the local area this month, should you feel like venturing beyond our very own 35 acres of winter wonderland here at The Elvetham.

Everyone loves a festive light show, with the frosty night air illuminated in bright colours, creating enchanting winter scenes. Nearby, West Green House stages a dazzling winter light show, and is just a stone’s throw from us at The Elvetham. The gardens feature a mile long trail around the lake centerpiece, lit by thousands of lights. This year the lights tell the story of Alice in Wonderland in spectacular illuminated installations, and the garden’s Five Bridges become tunnels of light with creatures hiding beneath. The tall fountains are also a highlight, with water dancing to the music and lights. Mulled wine and hot drinks are available, and it makes for a magical outing for all ages. The light show runs until December 30th, and you can find more information and tickets HERE.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery is well worth a visit at any time of year, but this December you can enjoy an unforgettable festive Christmas film screening in their plush Cinema Room.The ticket includes a complimentary arrival cocktail, popcorn and sweets to enjoy with the film, plus the film showing. Fear not, The Mill Bar will be open to purchase drinks after the film until 11pm. This celebration of festive film, with added gin, takes place December 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th and 19th, and you can purchase tickets and peruse the films on offer HERE.

For something completely bonkers, we recommend Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line. This is an incredible light show on, and inside, a steam train! Made up of thousands of coloured LED lights, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns, the historical steam train takes on a magical appearance both inside and out. Accompanied by interactive sound-to-light fun, there are two distinct musical journeys to choose from, but we can’t resist Christmas Chart Crackers. Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station, with the journey lasting roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.  The spectacle runs until December 23rd, and you can discover more info HERE.

And how about for New Year’s Eve? Why not join our sophisticated party with a glass of Champagne and canapés on arrival as we get the party started with some entertainment, before heading to the table for our celebratory 5 course menu. Then take to the dance floor, before we head out to the lawn for dazzling fireworks and Champagne at midnight. You can find more details HERE.

We wish you a wonderful festive season and hope that you will join us in celebration at The Elvetham this December.