Highfield School hosts festive Christmas Shopping Evening

Christmas is coming early to Highfield School in Liphook, which will open its doors for its popular Christmas Shopping Evening on Friday 13th November 2026, from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Held in the school hall, at the heart of Highfield’s 175 acres of beautiful grounds, the evening will showcase a wealth of unique festive gift ideas from some 30 local businesses from across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. Visitors can browse a fantastic selection of quality makers, artisans, food producers, gift businesses and independent retailers. There will be gorgeous presents, delicious treats, twinkling lights, live music from Highfield pupils and plenty of Christmas cheer throughout the evening.

This year’s line-up promises something special. From indulgent handmade chocolates by Noble and Stace Chocolatiers to the glow of Winterfold Candle Co, shoppers will find stalls packed with treasures from much-loved names including One World, Little Fish, Pink City, Oarsum, TAMRA, Wild N Out, Candover Brook, Honey Dot Designs and Lux Umbra. Whether it’s a stocking filler, a show-stopping present or a little something for yourself, there will be something to delight everyone on your list.

As well as giving people the chance to tick off their Christmas lists in a convivial setting well ahead of the festive rush, the evening offers visitors the opportunity to sample festive food and drink while celebrating the remarkable independent companies right on the school’s doorstep. The first 50 people to arrive will receive a Highfield-branded bag.

The evening will also support a great cause. All stallholder fees, together with the money raised from the evening’s raffle, will go to the Highfield School Centenary Bursaries Fund.

The Fund is central to the school’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, providing transformative educational opportunities to children from families for whom independent schooling would otherwise be out of reach. Since 2007, the Fund has changed the lives of 23 children. Four of them leave Highfield this year to continue their education at senior schools including Charterhouse, King Edward’s Witley and Christ’s Hospital.

Highfield School, a family-owned prep school offering day and boarding, places great value on community, and the Christmas Shopping Evening has become a much-loved fixture in the school calendar for families and local residents alike.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield School, said: “There is nothing quite like the school hall glowing with fairy lights and buzzing with conversation on a dark November evening. There’s a real sense of excitement as we welcome so many people onto our site, and I love having the chance to chat with parents, neighbours and stallholders. It’s a wonderful community occasion, and knowing that every stallholder fee and raffle ticket supports our Bursaries Fund, opening the door to a Highfield education for more children, makes it all the more special.”

Those planning to attend are asked to register in advance here: https://highfieldschool.com/christmas-shopping-evening/