to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Yuletide lights warmly decorating the streets, shop windows decked with Christmas cheer, and bustling markets filling the air with seasonal scents – Hampshire towns are joyful places to visit at Christmastime.
Hitting the local high street for some Christmas shopping not only supports small businesses, it’s also a wonderful experience, with shoppers warmly welcomed by shopkeepers and able to browse and buy beautiful presents chosen and made with care.
Stock up on stocking fillers in Stockbridge, pick up some presents in Petersfield, and shop ‘til you drop in Southsea – these places in Hampshire are sure to deliver unique and thoughtful gifts to go under the tree this Christmas.
Alresford
Many of Alresford’s pretty pastel Georgian buildings are home to specialist shops and independent traders.
In a double fronted Georgian town house on West Street, Moda Rosa is a beautiful boutique to browse and buy fashion and accessories. Around the corner on Broad Street, there’s a market every Thursday, as well as many more local shops including Caracoli Alresford, a Coffee Shop with a food store selling specialist foods and food-related gifts and books.
On the edge of town, Long Barn Home & Garden draws in visitors for its cosy café, own-grown lavender gifts, and carefully curated wares crafted by local artisans.
On Wednesday 27 November, Alresford Late Night Shopping will see many shops offering special offers and discounts as well as restaurants and pubs serving special menus and signature Christmas cocktails.
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Romsey
From its central square where during December its Christmas tree twinkles over the town, Romsey’s historic streets branch out in all directions beneath colourful Christmas lights.
Wander down Bell Street and look out for vintage wares from The Consortium, beautiful children's gifts from Kit & Caboodle, and presents for all the family in heritage department store Bradbeers.
The Romsey Farmers' Market comes to town on the 1 and 22 December, filling the Alma Road car park with irresistible local festive food, and on Saturday 7 December the new Taste of Christmas Market will bring together all of Romsey’s markets for a big local Christmas shopping event.
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Stockbridge
In the Test Valley, Stockbridge High Street promenades prettily above the flowing river below, lined with local shops, cafes, and pubs.
You’ll find gifts for everyone’s Christmas stocking in Stockbridge – pop into Garden Inn for flowers and garden goodies, pick up some sweet treats from chocolate boutique Mokaya Cocoa, buy British made gifts from Broughton Crafts, curate craft spirits from The Little Whisky Shop, and stock up on local food from Thyme & Tides Deli.
Find out more about Stockbridge
Lymington
A Georgian gem on the New Forest coast, Lymington’s sailing charm drifts from its two marinas into the town’s shops and restaurants lining the cobbled streets.
Talk a walk along Lymington High Street to find Between the Lines stocking a gorgeous range of gifts; Cottinghams for stylish interiors, soft furnishings and gifts; and be sure to detour slightly to Angel Courtyard to find charming independent bookshop The Imaginarium.
Many stores will be open late on Friday 29 November for the Christmas lights switch on, and Lymington’s Charter Market takes place every Saturday in the bustling High Street with over 60 stalls selling local food produce, crafts, and lots more.
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Southsea
Heaven for vintage treasure seekers, Southsea has earned a retro reputation for is great selection of hip shops residing in this special slice of seaside England.
Head to Albert Road for independent shops including Bored of Southsea selling skateboard supplies and apparel, Southsea Gallery for local artwork and photography, plus lots of stores specialising in retro clothes and vintage treasures.
Love Southsea Markets call into Palmerston Road on the first and third weekend of every month (7-8 December and 14-15 December 2024), a great place to pick up gorgeous gifts from talented creatives, and Southsea Farmers' Market takes place every third Sunday of the month (15 December 2024).
Petersfield
Petersfield is an ancient market town surrounded by the rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.
A town centre meeting point for centuries, the main square still buzzes today, especially on market days which arrive twice weekly on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Petersfield Farmers' Markets also fill the town with tempting local produce on the first Sunday of the month (1 December 2024).
Along Petersfield’s streets many independent gems can be found including Between the Lines stocking gifts on Rams Walk, Independent bookseller One Tree Books on Lavant Street, and The Sweet Shop selling confectionery classics with a sprinkling of nostalgia on Chapel Street.
Find out more about Petersfield
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Whitchurch
Whitchurch is Hampshire’s smallest town and it’s a charming place to visit with some delightful small shops. No visit to the town should go without a trip to Whitchurch Silk Mill, still operating in its original building as Britain’s only working Silk Mill where there’s also a shop selling stunning silk gifts.
Nearby, The Little Chapel is a treasure trove of vintage homewares and gifts, and Kudos Living sells homeware and gifts with a Scandinavian design influence.
Find out more about Whitchurch
Christmas Markets in Hampshire
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