Deck the Stalls: Hockey’s Christmas Shopping Evening 🎄✨
We promise we’re not going full Mariah just yet… but here at Hockey’s, the fairy lights are twinkling, the mulled wine is mulling, and we are absolutely bursting with festive cheer to share some big news. Our much-loved Annual Christmas Shopping Evening is back, and it’s going to be bigger, better, and more magical than ever. Mark your calendars for Thursday 4th December because from 4pm onwards, we’re transforming the farm into a winter wonderland you won’t want to miss!
If you’ve been before, you’ll know this is one of our favourite events of the year. If it’s your first time, prepare yourself for an evening of sparkle, shopping, and seasonal surprises.
Decked Out with Festive Treasures
This year, the cafe and covered outdoor dining area will be at the very heart of the action, transformed into a buzzing festive marketplace. Imagine the glow of fairy lights, the scent of mulled wine drifting through the air, tables overflowing with seasonal delights - from handmade pottery and rustic decorations to thoughtful gifts that will light up Christmas morning.
It’s the perfect spot to linger and browse, ticking names off your list one by one. Whether you’re shopping for Mum, Dad, your best friend, or that notoriously tricky someone (we all know one, it is probably Hockey’s owner Laura here!), you’ll find treasures to suit every taste. From elegant keepsakes to cheerful stocking fillers, there’s something here to surprise and delight everyone.
And don’t forget - there will also be stalls outside, filling the farmyard with even more festive magic. Wrap up warm, grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate, and wander between them for even more one-of-a-kind finds.
The Vinery Bursting with Christmas Cheer
Then there’s The Vinery, which will be bursting with Christmas gifts galore. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the rich scent of New Forest Candles, the soothing aromas of New Forest Aromatics, and the botanical delights of New Forest Botanicals.
It’s also home to a stunning selection of beautiful Spanish pottery alongside rustic, hand-crafted pieces from Woodgreen based, Longfield Barn Pottery. Each one is unique, each one tells its own story, and together they make The Vinery an unmissable stop on your Christmas shopping journey.
Meet the Makers
One of the highlights of our Christmas Shopping Evening is meeting the local suppliers who bring their passion and creativity to Hockey’s. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome back some of our favourites, alongside a few exciting new faces:
WYRD Spirits – Perfect for gin-lovers, with a magical New Forest twist.
New Forest Tea – Comforting, sustainable, and guaranteed to warm winter evenings.
Local Artists - Showcasing their spectacular work
Downton Distillery – Beautifully crafted small-batch spirits.
Danbury Wines – A selection of wines that are perfect for Christmas entertaining.
Local Authors - Signed books and fresh reads that make thoughtful gifts.
Longfield Barn Pottery - Unique, handmade pieces that are as practical as they are pretty
Botanical Animals - Handpainted gifts including mugs, chopping boards, water bottles, notebooks and much more
Pallet Tech - Upcycled pallets crafted into fantastic gifts and items for your home & garden
Between the café, the covered dining area, the Vinery, and the outside stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice at every turn.
A Raffle Worth Celebrating 🎁
No Christmas Shopping Evening at Hockey’s would be complete without our bumper raffle. This year’s prizes are set to be as fabulous as ever, with everything from artisan spirits and foodie hampers to surprise treats donated by our brilliant suppliers.
It’s a chance to win something special while supporting the local community, a win-win way to spread festive cheer.
Festive Food & Drink to Keep You Toasty
Shopping is hungry work, but don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Throughout the evening you’ll be able to enjoy:
Mulled Wine – Spiced, warming, and perfect for sipping as you shop.
Mince Pies – Rich, buttery, and utterly irresistible.
Festive Sausage Rolls – Our very own seasonal twist on a classic favourite.
These tasty treats will keep you fuelled and festive while you browse.
Hampers to Make Christmas Easy 🎀
This year we’re extra proud of our Hockey’s Hampers, filled with goodies from our farm shop and trusted local suppliers. Whether you want to wow the in-laws, treat a foodie friend, or simply make Christmas morning extra special, our hampers are guaranteed to impress.
The best bit? They come ready to gift. Yes - no wrapping required! Just pick one up, pop it under the tree, and take the credit for a perfectly chosen present.
Butchery Orders Now Open
Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the feast. Our Christmas Butchery Order Book is now officially open, ready to secure your festive centrepiece. From free-range turkeys to juicy geese, hams, gammon joints, and our award-winning sausages, we’ve got everything to make your Christmas table shine.
Our friendly butchers, Tom & Graham, will be on hand at the shopping evening and through out the run up to Christmas to help you place your order, answer questions, and guide you to the perfect cut. Get it sorted early and enjoy peace of mind while everyone else scrambles in mid-December!
More Than Just Shopping
Our Christmas Shopping Evening is about gifts and goodies but it’s also about community and celebration. Every year, it brings together friends, families, and neighbours to share in the joy of the season. Expect chatter, laughter, and that uniquely cosy, farmyard festive atmosphere you just won’t find on the high street.
And because it wouldn’t be Hockey’s without a little farmyard twist: while we can’t promise three wise men, we can guarantee donkeys, pigs, and a stye full of hay. Add in the sparkle, the gifts, and the festive feasting, and that’s the nativity box well and truly ticked.
Save the Date: Thursday 4th December
So, whether your Christmas is small and cosy or big and bustling, join us for an evening that promises to get your festive flair flowing, your cranberries popping, and your Christmas list ticked off in style.
📅 Date: Thursday 4th December
⏰ Time: From 4pm until late
📍 Where: Hockey’s Farm – Cafe, Covered Outdoor Dining Area, Outside Stalls & The Vinery
Bring your friends, bring your family, or simply bring yourself for a little festive. However you choose to celebrate, we can’t wait to welcome you to what’s set to be the most magical evening of the season.
Because here at Hockey’s, there’s always room to deck the stalls a little more. ✨
