Christmas in Southampton
Southampton is the place to be this Christmas
Christmas markets, panto and theatre, shopping, concerts, workshops and holiday fun - Southampton is the place to be this Christmas.
German Themed Christmas Market
Once again Above Bar Precinct is filled with the sound of oompah bands and the smell of sizzling bratwurst and schnitzels.
The German style Christmas Market is even bigger and better than last year.
The market, organised by City Centre Management, brings to Southampton genuine traders from Germany and other European countries selling their traditional wares including hand-made quality arts and crafts, as well as top quality food and drink in market stalls made in the traditional German style with wooden cabins and canopies.
As in previous years there is a carousel to bring out the child in everyone... and hot chestnut and candyfloss stalls will complete the traditional Christmas atmosphere.
The market will run from Saturday 21 November until Wednesday 23 December. Opening Hours: 10.00am - 6.30pm with late night opening every Thursday during December. Please note, Sunday Trading Laws apply
Location
A map indicating the location of the Above Bar pedestrian precinct and pedestrianised area can be viewed below
View Larger Map
More Christmas Markets at The Bargate
Arts Market: 5 December
Thursday Gift Markets: 3,10,17 and 24 December
Prodgrow Market: 19 December
Christmas Markets 21 to 24 December
The Wind In The Willows
26 November - 9 January
Nuffield Theatre, University Road. Southampton. SO17 1TR
Poop poop! Poop Poop! Make way for Mister Toad this Christmas!
A classic tale of fun, friendship and fast cars!
Times: Times vary of different dates
Tickets: £8.50 - £15.50
For further information telephone the Box Office on 023 8067 1771 or email: info@nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
Santa Claus and the Return of Jack Frost
11 December - 16 January
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton. SO15 1GE
A new pantomime full of laughter and slapstick, snowball fights, ice skating, and some familiar Christmas songs accompanied by a full orchestra and star company: Roy Barraclough, Stephen Mulhern, Robin Cousins and Sam Bond.
A Brilliant Family Festive Treat!
For further details contact the Box Office on telephone 023 80711811 or email: tickets@mayflower.org.uk
A Night on the Town: A Christmas Ghost Walk
11, 14, 16, 18 and 21 December
Holy Rood Church, High Street City Centre.
Come and experience a Christmas Ghost Walk in Southampton - brought to you by the Sarah Siddons Fan Club. You never know who you might meet along the way! Meet at Holyrood Church at 7:30pm. Tickets are £4.00 each available from Southampton Tourist Information Centre, Civic Centre Road, telephone 023 8083 3333 tourist.information@southampton.gov.uk
Guided Walks around the Old Town
December:6, 13, 20, 27
January: 1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Southampton Tourist Guides Association bring Southampton's history to life with walks in December including Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
The walks are free of charge and start from the Bargate at 10:30am.
For further information contact the Tourist Information Centre on telephone 023 8083 3333
Christmas Activity Weekends
The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, Southampton Common SO15 7NN
12, 13, 19, 20 December
Come along to the Hawthorns and use your crafting skills to make a dream catcher or a winter mobile. 12th/13th and 19th/20th December 1pm - 3pm £2 per activity, no booking required
The Holly and the Ivy
Wednesday 16 December
A seasonal guided walk through the central parks to look at the colourful evergreen plants. A Central Parks Ranger led walk which lasts approximately 1 hour long. Meet at civic Library Fountain at 12.30 - Free - No booking needed.
Woolston Christmas Festival
Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December
There is a three day celebration at various locations in Woolston. On the Friday night (18th) the festivities finishes off with a lantern procession, live music and street festival with the shops staying open until 9pm. Please note part of Victoria Road will be closed to vehicles. Activites and entertainment for all the family All events are FREE! Contact us for a programme with times and venues.
Christmas Walk On The Common
Thursday 17 December
Street Tread invites you to join in on the 1 hour Christmas Walk on Southampton Common on Thursday 17 December. Meet outside the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre at 9.45am We will stop for some free, warming refreshments at the Hawthorns Cafe If you are feeling in the Christmas spirit, there is a prize for the best Christmas outfit!
Carols by Candlelight
Thursday 17 December
St. Michael the Archangel, Bugle Street Southampton. SO14 2AD
You are invited to a service of Carols by Candlelight in the Historic 11th Century City Centre Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Bugle Street, Southampton on Thursday 17 December 2009 at 6.30p.m. The service will last about 45 minutes and include traditional readings and carols together with additional music from our choir of Choral Scholars from Southampton University - Cantores Michaelis - All Welcome! Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues, friends and contacts. For further details please contact: vicar@buglestreet.co.uk
Create a Christmas Tree: Family workshop (aged 6+)
Saturday 19 December
Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre Commercial Road, Southampton. SO14 7LP
Artist Rosemary Shirley will be running her popular Xmas tree sculpture workshop. Using wire, cellophane and a variety of materials you will design and build your own personal tree that can be decorated and taken home. Two sessions: 11.00am – 1.00pm / 1.45pm – 3.45pm Education Room / £5.50 per child To book please contact the gallery shop on 023 8083 2705
Decorations from the Dockyard
Maritime Museum, The Wool House Maritime Museum, Town Quay Road Southampton SO14 2AR
Monday 21 December
Warm your cockles this winter with a lovely ships lantern or brighten up the lounge with a beautiful bell. You will be creating nautical inspired Christmas decorations using bright papers, foils and other seasonal sparkles’. Two sessions: 11.00am–12.30pm & 1.30pm–3.00pm. Maritime Museum / £4.00 per child. Age 6+ To book please contact Southampton City Art Gallery shop on 023 8083 2705
Christmas-tastic craftiness!
Bitterne Library, Bitterne Road East. Southampton. S018 5EG
Monday 21 December
Suitable for 4- 9 year olds Ticket only available from Bitterne Library.
Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult. Make snowman Christmas Cards, fir cone tree decorations and reindeer hats.
Christmas - Tastic Craftiness!
Thornhill Library, 380 Hinkler Road Southampton S019 6DF
Monday 21 December
10.30am - 11.30am Suitable for 4-9 years. Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult. Bookable tickets available from the Library. We will be making snowman cards, fir cone tree decorations and reindeer hats.
Chamberlayne Christmas Holiday club
Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Weston Lane, Weston Southampton SO19 9SJ
Monday 21 - Wednesday 23 December
Chamberlayne Christmas Holiday club Chamberlayne Leisure Centre is hosting a three day holiday club from Monday, 21 until Wednesday, 23 December. Activities will include festive arts and crafts, bouncy castle, football, and a Christmas disco to end the week. Full days and half day sessions are available. For more information telephone 023 8043 7668
Swaythling Carol Service
Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre,Hampton Park Way Off Broadlands Road Swaythling. Southampton SO16 3AY
Monday 21 December
Swaythling Carol Service is on Monday 21st December from 7pm. Come along with friends and family to enjoy carols and a festive atmosphere. The music will be by the Southampton City Albion Band. Mince pies, mulled wine, juices, tea or coffee will be served afterwards. All welcome, come with good voice.For more details telephone 023 8083 4340
Christmas Decoration Making Workshop
Burgess Road Library, Burgess Road Southampton SO16 3HF
Monday 21 December
Sparkly fun for you and the kids! Come and decorate ball-balls, create fimo decorations and make a snowy table piece. Let's Try clubs are a new type of club, where you can share things you know with people who don't, or learn stuff you wish you knew from people who do! They are open and free to anyone aged 19 or over (for some workshops, children can come along, if accompanied and supervised by an adult). Come and join us! For more details telephone TWICS on 02380 671111
Christmas Crackers
Southampton Guildhall, West Maralnds Road Southampton SO14 7LP
Tuesday 22 December
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Christmas Crackers Concert
Doors: 6.45pm Show: 7.30pm Telephone the Guildhall Call the box office on 023 80632601 for more details.
Christmas Tudor Splendour: family worshop (aged 5+)
Southampton City Art Gallery Civic Centre Commercial Road Southampton SO14 7LP
Tuesday 22 December
The Tudors loved sumptuous lovely things and so do we. Join us to make Christmas decorations inspired by rich Tudor colour and pattern. Bold baubles and fabulous patterned pomanders will be the creations of the day. Two sessions: 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm. Education Room / £5.50 per child To book please contact the gallery shop on 023 8083 2705
Christmas Shopping Opening Hours
There will be extended trading hours throughout December
WestQuay
This Christmas WestQuay is open more than ever before!
Christmas opening hours at WestQuay start from December 1st:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday = 9am - 9pm
Thursday = 9am - 10pm
Saturday = 9am - 7pm
Sunday = 11am - 5pm
From December 21st, we are giving you an extra hour to get your last minute Christmas shopping done!
Monday 21st - Wednesday 23rd = 9am - 10pm!
Christmas Eve = 9am - 5pm
Christmas Day = CLOSED
Boxing Day = 10am - 6pm
27th December = 11am - 5pm
Monday 28th - Wednesday 30th = 9am - 8pm
New Year's Eve = 9am - 5pm
New Year's Day = CLOSED
Saturday 2nd January = Normal hours resume.
Visit WestQuay's giant advent calendar 24 day’s of Christmas at WestQuay Tuesday 1st – Thursday 24th December Following the launch of the WestQuay advent calendar in December 2008, the 8ft calendar will be making a reappearance at WestQuay throughout December. With 24 days packed full of events, promotions, music, Christmas treats and great competitions, WestQuay is the place to be this Christmas. We are even having a special visit from Santa and his reindeer and giving everyone the chance to win a weekend at the Ice Hotel in Sweden
The Mall Marlands
Saturdays from 7th November: 9am - 6pm
Sundays from 8th November: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Monday to Friday in November: 9am - 5.30pm
Monday to Friday in December: 9am - 5.30pm
Late night Thursdays in December: 9am - 9pm
Week before Christmas: 9am - 9pm
Christmas Week: 9am - 9pm
Christmas Eve: 9am - 5.30pm
Boxing Day: 9am - 5.30pm
New year's Eve: 9am - 5.30pm
New Year's Day: CLOSED
Information
For further information telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 023 8083 3333 or email tourist.information@southampton.gov.uk
Public Transport
If you are visiting the city centre by bus, you can check out the latest bus timetables from Bluestar and Uni-link
If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to: events@southampton.gov.uk
