Christmas in Southampton : December 2007
Southampton is the place to be this Christmas
German Christmas Market
This year's Christmas celebrations start on Saturday 17 November, when once again Above Bar Precinct will be filled with the sound of oompah bands and the smell of sizzling bratwurst and schnitzels.
The German style Christmas Market is back and it is even bigger and better than last year.
The market, organised by City Centre Management, brings to Southampton genuine traders from Germany and Europe selling their traditional wares including hand-made quality arts and crafts, as well as top quality food and drink.
The traders will be offering samples and selling the country's beer and mulled wine to get shoppers in the festive mood.
The market stalls will be made in traditional German style with wooden cabins and canopies.
As in previous years, a carousel will be there to bring out the child in everyone... and hot chestnut and candyfloss stalls will complete the traditional Christmas atmosphere.
Dates and Times
The market will run from Saturday 17 November until Saturday 22 December. During November it will be open until 6pm (Thursdays 8pm) and in December until 8pm (Thursdays 10pm)
Location
A map indicating the location of the Above Bar pedestrian precinct and pedestrianised area can be viewed via Google Maps
Other Markets
Regular Friday Markets: Bargate - Every Friday 8am - 5pm
Christmas Gifts Market: Bargate - Every Sunday from 4 November 10am - 4pm and every Thursday from 29 November 8am - 10pm
Farmers' Market: Bargate - Saturday 8 December 10am - 2pm
Market: West Quay Retail Park - Every Saturday 10 November to 22 December 8.30am - 5pm
Meet Father Christmas
Debenhams will have a Santa in residence from 24 November onwards
The Bargate Shopping Centre will have Father Christmas in residence between 29 November - 16 December Thur - Sat 12noon - 6pm and Sunday 11am - 4pm. From the 17 December - 24 December he will be in residence daily Mon - Sat 12noon - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm and finally on Christmas Eve 12 noon - 5pm.
The Mall Marlands sees Santa arrive in style on Saturday 2 December with his reindeer. Step back in time for a day when the Mall will be transformed back to Victorian times. Dickensian characters and entertainers will creat a day of nostalgia and the youngsters will delight when they see Santa at home with his reindeer!
Bands and Concerts*
Throughout December there will be duos, trios, bands, choirs and a variety of other entertainers in the precinct and around the Bargate. There will also be a thrilling 'Miami' ride in the High Street.
Southampton Youth Brass Bands: Above Bar Precinct
6, 20, December 5pm - 7pm
15, 22 December 10am - 1pm
Thursdays 6 & 20 December 5pm - 7pm
Saturdays 15 & 22 December 10am - 1pm
School Carol Concerts: West Quay
Thursday 6, 13 and 20 December
Bedford Place Festive Street Party
12 December 6pm - 9pm
Starting at 6pm, watch out for pantomime characters, Father Christmas, live music and lots of other entertainment, including a surprise celebrity guest.
Miracle Street Christmas Mainstage event - Bargate
Saturday 22 December 2.30pm - 4.30pm
The Christian churches of Southampton will be hosting a free Christmas open-air event. Miracle Street's Mainstage will be used to present a live festive programme for the whole family.
Carol Singers*
10 - 15 December at the Mall Marlands
Singers from local schools, colleges and churches will be serenading every day
Christmas Shopping Opening Hours
There will be extende trading hours throughout December
West Quay
Late night Christmas shopping 29 November until 22 December
Monday - Wednesday and Friday: 9am - 8pm
Thursday: 9am - 10pm
Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Final week before Christmas
Monday - Wednesday and Friday: 9am - 9pm
Thursday: 9am - 10pm
Christmas Eve: 9am - 4pm
Boxing Day: 10am - 5pm
Bargate
Late night Christmas shopping 22 November until 2 December
Monday - Wednesday and Friday- Sat: 9am - 7pm
Thursday: 9am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Christmas Shopping 3 to 23 December
Monday - Wednesday and Friday: 9am - 8pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Christmas Eve: 9am - 6pm
Boxing Day: CLOSED
The Mall Marlands
Late night Christmas shopping 19 November until 9 December
Monday - Wednesday and Friday: 9am-530pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday:11am-5pm
Late night Christmas shopping 10 - 23 December
Monday - Saturday: 9am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
Christmas Eve: 9am-4pm
Information
For further information telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 023 8083 3333 or email tourist.information@southampton.gov.uk
*Please note. Details subject to change without notice.
If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to: events@southampton.gov.uk
Updated: 12/12/07
Last updated: 3 January 2008
