Christmas is coming and the Christmas Market returns to the city

The Christmas Market is back on! After many of the traditional Christmas activities were cancelled due to COVID-19 last year, WELA Markets are delighted to announce that the Southampton Christmas Market is set to return this year! It will be based in the Above Bar pedestrian precinct and Bargate Street, from 18 November to 23 December

The traditional market features unique, individually designed alpine chalets. There are plenty of independent stallholders offering a range of hand-made, authentic gifts including: environmentally friendly and recycled goods, candles, clothing, jewellery as well as Christmas decorations.

Come for the Christmas shopping and stay for a bite to eat. There is plenty of choice - from German bratwurst and waffles to gingerbread hearts. You can enjoy a mulled wine if you need warming up or cold stein of beer in one of the open-air bars.

Sadly, the market operators have had to make some concessions to COVID-19 and Flying Santa will not visit Southampton this year. This is to ensure crowds are kept to a minimum and that everyone puts staying COVID safe at the front of their mind.

However, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Santa, and he’s making an appearance at Tudor House & Garden instead – book your visit

You can also join us for a festive afternoon tea at Tudor House & Garden and SeaCity Museum cafés, or get festive at our venues, with Christmas activities for all the family, from wreath making to fun history talks - book at WeGotTickets 

Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture at Southampton City Council, said: “I’m so excited that the Southampton Christmas Market will be returning this year. We all had a slightly different Christmas last year and can’t wait to return to our favourite Christmas activities. There really is something for everyone, young and old, with chalets selling unique gifts and delicious food.

"Southampton is a real Christmas destination and the place to enjoy over the festive season. Southampton’s exciting offer also includes a special lights switch on event, pantos and live entertainment, in addition to our hugely popular retail offering. There is so much to get involved in for local families, and we look forward to welcoming them as well as our visitors. As we are bidding to become UK City of Culture 2025, the Christmas Market and wider offer gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and experience Christmas in Southampton through culture, live entertainment and community events.”

The Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Thursday 18 November from 5 pm to 7pm with live entertainment and street performances in the city centre. More details will be announced soon. Stay up to date with the event here.

Chalets are open 10am to 8pm daily with the bars staying open for a further two hours in the evening, until 10pm.

More information can be found on Visit Southampton or follow the market on Facebook