From gorgeously decorated houses full of sparkle to family trails with favourite Christmas characters, National Trust places in Hampshire provide the perfect backdrop for magical days out.

Feast on festive cakes and hot drinks at the cafés, like crumble-topped mince pie, and hot spiced apple juice.

Find Christmas gifts in beautiful out-of-town surroundings or delight in second hand bookshops.

(Image: National Trust images) READ MORE: Southampton's giant star-studded panto is the biggest on the South Coast - and it opens in a month

Here’s our round-up of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in Hampshire.

At Mottisfont, enjoy A Nutcracker Christmas. Enter the magical world of theatre where heroes, villains and dolls come to life. Follow the story through rooms filled with sparkling trees, music and special light effects.

Snowflakes swirl in a frosty wonderland, sugarplum fairies twirl in the Land of Sweets, and there’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on a family adventure trail.

(Image: National Trust images) Enjoy a riverside Christmas at Winchester City Mill. Christmas trees sparkle with blue and silver baubles, inspired by the River Itchen that rushes beneath. There are winter foliage garlands and stacks of presents, and hidden within the tree branches, animal characters reflecting the wildlife that lives along the riverbanks. On November 25 and 26, join professional willow weaver Mollie McMillen to create your own festive wreath.

(Image: National Trust images) Step into an Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner from November 16 with twinkling decorations, winter light and sound effects. Each room reveals a magical festive scene, from the Snow Queen’s throne in her icy entrance hall to a woodland ball with swirling Northern Lights. There are fairytale castles and gingerbread houses, and in the North Pole Workshop giggling elves tap away with their tools to make Christmas toys.

Outside, you’ll find a pop-up sweetshop and family activities. Tots can spot hidden elves and there are festive games for older kids. The Christmas sleigh scene in front of the house is a winner.

(Image: National Trust images) Lavish decorations and whimsical scenes at The Vyne draw you into Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Sparkling trees illuminate fanciful displays inspired by Alice’s adventures - look out for upside-down Christmas trees and a giant chess board. In the gardens you’ll see famous moments from the book, including the Queen of Hearts’ army of cards on the lawn.

Families can join Alice on a quest through the grounds, with nonsensical challenges.

Pre-booking is essential. (Image: National Trust images)