Visitors step into Christmas with popular tree festival

9 December 2025 Connor Steel

HUNDREDS of residents were able to step into the festive spirit last weekend as they sampled the delight of this 2025 Alverstoke Christmas Tree Festival; which returned for a seventeenth edition over a four day spectacle and included a total of approximately seventy-five creations designed by organisations / groups against a backdrop of a talented choir.

The occasion began last Thursday evening (December 4) as invited guests attended the lighting of the trees; which all lined up around St Mary’s Church on Green Lane. The public were also permitted entry during certain timeframes from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening with residents taking their opportunity to examine the range of brilliant creations.

Tree designs were featured from a range of schools, organisations, groups and businesses across the town with many highlights; including one from Fenwicks Estate Agents and a balloon-based design by care home residents. There was furthermore a chance for people to offer thoughts and a prayer for others by writing on paper before attaching to a tree.

Residents were allowed to walk around the space at their own leisure and many also stopped to speak with volunteers on site; who were approachable and helped to make this event a ‘big success’. A majority of them took photographs of their favourite designs with families, friends and couples all coming together to enjoy a calm Winter festive atmosphere.

This was amplified by the sounds of performers, choirs and singers who showcased their talents through the four days; each song being clapped by crowds who chose to sit down / stand to watch. A variety of traditional church hymns were sung alongside fan favourites such as ‘Someone Only We Know’, whilst many of the audiences joined in with the lyrics.

Visitors were further invited to take a walk to the nearby Alverstoke Parish Centre for refreshments / coffees which was greatly welcomed and it was great to see friends / families come together. It also provided a ‘warmer respite’ from very inconsistent weather conditions with heavy rains and strong gusts surrounding the area across each day of the festival.

Readers are urged to find out more about the 2025 Christmas Tree Festival and all future services at St Mary’s Church by clicking the link of www.stmarysalverstoke.org.uk. Details may also be found on their Facebook page available here.

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