Our Christmas Shopping Event - Thursday 4th December, 4pm–8pm

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and here at Hockey’s Farm Shop in South Gorley, we’re getting ready for one of our favourite events of the year, our Christmas Shopping Evening! Taking place on Thursday 4th December from 4pm to 8pm, it’s the perfect way to begin the festive season in true New Forest style.

We’re just four weeks away, and the plans are well underway for what’s shaping up to be a wonderful evening full of local stalls, Christmas treats, gift inspiration and that unbeatable Hockey’s community spirit. If you’re looking for a festive event in the New Forest where you can shop local, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere, this is one not to miss.

🎁 The Vinery Gift Shop - A Haven of Christmas Inspiration

At the heart of our Christmas Shopping Event is The Vinery Gift Shop, which will be open and brimming with festive charm. As you step through the doors, you’ll be greeted by twinkling lights, the scent of New Forest Candles, and shelves filled with thoughtful gifts for every age and taste.

This year, The Vinery is bursting with inspiration for Christmas presents big and small. Discover the timeless beauty of Gisela Graham decorations, perfect for adding sparkle to your tree or home. Delight the little ones with adorable Aurora soft toys, ready to be unwrapped on Christmas morning.

We’re also proud to showcase some of our favourite local makers. New Forest Botanicals and New Forest Aromatics bring the scent of the forest indoors with their luxurious candles, creams, and room fragrances. And if you love plants, you’ll adore the seasonal offerings from Pinder Plants, from festive foliage to winter houseplants that make the loveliest gifts.

The Vinery is a space filled with warmth and wonder, where every corner holds something special. Whether you’re searching for stocking fillers, elegant homeware, or that one perfect gift, you’ll find it waiting for you here.

☕ Festive Flavours at the Farmyard Cafe

Our Farmyard Cafe will be open throughout the evening, serving up a delicious range of festive treats to keep you warm as you browse. The smell of freshly baked sausage rolls, mince pies and spiced mulled wine will fill the air, tempting you to stop for a bite and soak in the atmosphere.

We’ll be serving hot drinks, mulled wine, sausage rolls, sweet pastries, and other seasonal favourites, all made with the same care and quality you know and love from Hockey’s. Take a seat with friends, enjoy a cosy drink, and listen to the gentle buzz of Christmas chatter as you plan your festive shopping.

Few things feel more Christmassy than gathering together on a cold evening, surrounded by laughter, good food, and that unmistakable sense of community that makes the New Forest so special.

🛍️ Local Stalls in the Cafe, Farm Shop and Outside

This year’s Christmas Shopping Event will feature an incredible line-up of local stalls, filling the cafe, farm shop, and outside areas with a wonderful selection of gifts, crafts, food, and drink. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop local and support the talented small businesses who make our community thrive.

Among the stalls you’ll find on the night are:

New Forest Tea, Longfield Barn Pottery, Flack Manor Brewery, New Forest Shortbread, WYRD Spirits, Lucinda Nicholas Art, Acorn Scapes Photography, Bramble & Beach, Wainwright’s Bee Farm, Downton Distillery, Danebury Wines, Folc Wines, Pallet Tech, Hyde Flower Farm, Botanical Animals, and Vikki Bramshaw, with even more local favourites joining us soon.

Each stall brings something unique, from handcrafted pottery and New Forest-inspired artwork to small-batch spirits, home décor, honey, and locally baked treats. There will be something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a thoughtful handmade present, a bottle of something special, or a delicious addition to your Christmas table.

This year, the stalls will be spread across our cafe, farm shop and outdoor canopy area, creating a lovely flow for visitors to wander, browse, chat with the makers, and discover something new at every turn. Wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and take your time exploring, there’s so much to see and enjoy.

🔪 Expert Advice from Our Butchers

No Christmas would be complete without a showstopping meal, and our butchery team will be on hand throughout the evening to help you plan yours. Whether you’re looking for the perfect free-range turkey, a locally reared joint of beef, or tips on how to cook and carve your Christmas roast, our butchers will be happy to share their expertise.

You can place your Christmas orders on the night and ensure everything is ready when you need it. The butchers love this event because it gives them a chance to chat directly with you, share advice, and help take the stress out of your festive preparations.

🎀 Christmas Hampers and Gift Baskets

Another highlight of the evening will be our beautiful Christmas Hampers – thoughtfully packed with the best of the farm shop, including locally made chutneys, cheeses, biscuits, and festive treats. These make perfect gifts for food lovers or an effortless way to stock your cupboards with delicious seasonal produce.

You’ll be able to buy hampers ready-made or order them for collection on a date that suits you, ensuring your Christmas shopping is as easy and enjoyable as possible. Our team will also be available to help you create a bespoke hamper if you’d like to handpick your favourites from our shelves.

🌟 A Festive Evening to Remember

Every year, our Christmas Shopping Event is a highlight for us here at Hockey’s. It’s a chance to see familiar faces, meet new friends, and celebrate everything we love about this time of year – good food, local creativity, and a shared sense of community.

The farm will be beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights across the courtyard and the warm glow of the cafe drawing you in from the crisp winter air. The laughter of families, the hum of conversation, and the scent of mulled wine and pine create an atmosphere that truly captures the magic of Christmas in the countryside.

Whether you’re coming along to finish your Christmas shopping, enjoy a festive evening out, or simply experience the seasonal spirit of the New Forest, we’d love to see you there.

🎄 Celebrate the Season the Hockey’s Way

Join us on Thursday 4th December, from 4pm to 8pm, and start the festive season the Hockey’s way – surrounded by good food, local crafts, friendly faces, and the true magic of Christmas.

This year promises to be our best Christmas Shopping Event yet, full of warmth, laughter, and community spirit. So, wrap up warm, bring your friends and family, and let’s celebrate everything that makes the New Forest so special at Christmas.

We can’t wait to welcome you!