Christmas in Portsmouth

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Get ready for festive fun in Portsmouth, where you'll find everything you need to celebrate Christmas at the coast.

Whether you want to fill your December with concerts, grab some gifts at the festive markets, or are just looking for ways to enjoy all that Portsmouth has to offer at this time of year, we have you covered with our one-stop guide to Christmas in Portsmouth.

  

Christmas lights switch on

It really starts to feel like Christmas when the lights are switched on at high streets across the city. The events are popular among locals and visitors alike, with the big switch on (often involving a big name star) also coinciding with the opening of Christmas markets and late-night shopping.

This year's switch on events will take place at Commercial Road, Palmerston Road and Cosham High Street on consecutive Thursdays (18 November, 25 November and 2 December respectively), and there will even be a snow cannon to set off the celebrations with a bang and really get you feeling festive.

  

Christmas markets

Need to pick up some quirky gifts for loved ones, or a nice treat for yourself? Or do you just love nothing more than a browse through the stalls of independent traders - preferably with a mulled wine in hand? If so, then head straight for the many Christmas markets in Portsmouth. Along Commercial Road you'll find the German-themed market, where stalls line the high street selling gifts and warm food.

Alternatively, there will be items you won't find anywhere else at the Love Southsea markets on Palmerston Road. Running regularly in December, the market brings local makers and creatives together to show off their wares.

For something truly unique, pay a visit to the Hotwalls Christmas Market, where designer-makers from the on-site studios show off their wonderful creations. It's the place to be for gifts and treats that are as unique as the person they're for.

A new addition this year is the Christmas Village at Gunwharf Quays. Here you'll find a handful of stalls, as well as a festive fairground bringing the fun for all ages.

  

Portsmouth On Ice

Ice skating returns to the South Coast this winter, with a real ice rink taking over Guildhall Square for the festive period.

Get your skates on for a one-hour session on the covered rink, meaning the ice will be top quality and you can enjoy it whatever the weather. Sessions are available to book for regular skating, for, schools and SEND sessions. If you plan to really make the most of the ice rink, you can even buy a season pass to get out and enjoy it throughout its stay in the city.

  

Pantomime season

It wouldn't be Christmas without a panto or two. Oh no it wouldn't! Thankfully there's a whole host for the family to enjoy, with our theatres and venues offering new re-tellings of some of the most well-loved stories. The Kings Theatre welcomes Love Island star Amy Hart for its production of Jack and the Beanstalk, whilst the New Theatre Royal has a ball with Cinderella. Meanwhile, Sleeping Beauty will spin her way to the Guildhall, or you can enjoy the classic Beauty and the Beast at the Groundlings.

With numerous performance dates and times, as well as some relaxed sessions, there's plenty of panto fun to be had in Portsmouth this Christmas.

  

Of course, all these are just some of the great many things taking place at the Great Waterfront City this Christmas. There's also the inaugural We Shine Portsmouth event, illuminating the city in a way that's never been seen before, plenty of opportunities to meet Santa in his grotto, and a host of shows with carols, comedy and live music. See our Christmas page for all the details.