Find your holiday cheer in Gosport with our comprehensive event guide. From Gosport old-timers to newcomers, our guide showcases the best of the festive season.
Kick off your festive experience with the Gosport Christmas Festival, featuring twinkling lights, seasonal markets, and carolers that bring the streets to life. Step back in time and enjoy the charm of the Victorian era during the Victorian Christmas Festival, where you can immerse yourself in historical festivities. And definitely make time for a visit to the Portsmouth Christmas Market, known for its unique crafts and delicious holiday treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Gosport
- Gosport Christmas Festival
- Light Up a Life Service, Gosport
- Christmas Extravaganza at Thorngate Hall
- Santa Run at Stokes Bay
- Christmas Carols at Fort Brockhurst
Gosport Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gosport Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven festival with local artisans and performers
Description:
Gosport Christmas Festival transforms the town into a hub of local creativity. Artisans and performers from the area showcase their talents, offering visitors a chance to experience the authentic spirit of Gosport. You can participate in traditional craft workshops, learning skills passed down through generations. The festival pays homage to Gosport's maritime heritage, with nautical-themed decorations adorning the streets. The aroma of mulled wine wafts through the air as visitors explore the stalls filled with unique, locally-made gifts.
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Gosport Holiday Giving Opportunities
Light Up a Life Service, Gosport
What to Expect:
Commemorative event honoring loved ones
Description:
Light Up a Life Service in Gosport offers a poignant way to remember departed loved ones during the holiday season. Participants can dedicate a light on a special tree, creating a collective display of remembrance. The service includes readings and music that provide comfort and reflection. This event takes place at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital, a site that has served the community since 1923. The soft glow of the dedicated lights creates a touching visual tribute to those no longer with us.
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Light Up a Life Service, Gosport
Gosport Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Extravaganza at Thorngate Hall
What to Expect:
Multi-generational entertainment showcase
Description:
The Christmas Extravaganza at Thorngate Hall in Gosport presents a variety show that caters to all ages. Local talent takes center stage, featuring everything from children's choirs to senior dance troupes. Audience members can participate in holiday-themed contests between acts, adding an element of friendly competition. Thorngate Hall, a community hub since the 1950s, continues its tradition of bringing people together through shared experiences. The hall resonates with laughter and applause throughout the evening.
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Christmas Extravaganza at Thorngate Hall
Christmas Carols at Fort Brockhurst
What to Expect:
Caroling in a historic fortification
Description:
Christmas Carols at Fort Brockhurst offers a unique blend of music and military history. The fort's stone walls provide exceptional acoustics for choral performances, creating a powerful auditory experience. Visitors can explore the 19th-century fortification by candlelight, discovering its role in defending Portsmouth Harbor. Fort Brockhurst, built in the 1850s as part of Lord Palmerston's follies, stands as a well-preserved example of Victorian military architecture. The juxtaposition of joyful carols within the austere surroundings creates a memorable and atmospheric event.
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Christmas Carols at Fort Brockhurst
Gosport Other Holiday Activities
Santa Run at Stokes Bay
What to Expect:
Coastal charity run with festive costumes
Description:
The Santa Run at Stokes Bay combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy along Gosport's picturesque coastline. Participants don Santa suits or other holiday-themed attire as they dash along the beach. Runners can choose from various distances, making the event accessible to all fitness levels. Stokes Bay, with its views of the Isle of Wight, has been a popular recreation spot since Victorian times. The sight of hundreds of Santas running along the shore creates a unique and amusing spectacle.
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Nearby Events
Victorian Christmas Festival (Portsmouth)
What to Expect:
Immersive Victorian-era experience
Description:
Portsmouth's Victorian Christmas Festival catapults visitors back to the 19th century. Costumed characters roam the streets, bringing history to life with their authentic portrayals. Visitors can try their hand at traditional Victorian games and pastimes, gaining insight into the era's leisure activities. The festival takes place in the historic Portsmouth Dockyard, a site that played a crucial role in Britain's naval history. Period-appropriate decorations and music create an atmosphere that truly captures the essence of a Victorian Christmas celebration.
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Portsmouth Christmas Market (Portsmouth)
What to Expect:
International flavors and crafts
Description:
Portsmouth Christmas Market brings a global flair to the holiday season. Stalls from various countries offer unique gifts and culinary delights, allowing visitors to embark on a world tour without leaving the city. Sample international holiday treats and discover handcrafted items from far-flung corners of the globe. The market is set against the backdrop of Portsmouth's historic Guildhall, a grand Victorian building that has been at the heart of city life for over 120 years. Live performances of international music add to the vibrant atmosphere.
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Christmas Pantomime at Kings Theatre (Southsea)
What to Expect:
Interactive family entertainment with local twists
Description:
The Christmas Pantomime at Kings Theatre in Southsea blends traditional storytelling with contemporary humor and local references. Audience participation is encouraged, creating a lively and unpredictable atmosphere. Children can join in with well-known catchphrases and songs, becoming part of the show. The Kings Theatre, an Edwardian era gem, has been entertaining audiences since 1907. Elaborate costumes and set designs transport viewers into a world of fantasy and adventure.
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Christmas Pantomime at Kings Theatre
Christmas Lights Switch On (Fareham)
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration kickstarting the season
Description:
Fareham's Christmas Lights Switch On ignites the holiday spirit throughout the town. Local celebrities or community heroes often have the honor of flipping the switch, turning the town into a twinkling spectacle. Visitors can enjoy live performances from local choirs and bands leading up to the main event. This tradition has been bringing the community together for decades, evolving from a simple lighting ceremony to a full-fledged celebration. The illuminated High Street becomes a dazzling backdrop for holiday shopping and socializing.
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Santa Specials on the Hayling Island Railway (Hayling Island)
What to Expect:
Nostalgic train ride with Santa
Description:
Santa Specials on the Hayling Island Railway offer a journey through time and holiday cheer. Passengers ride in restored carriages pulled by vintage locomotives, experiencing travel as it was in the early 20th century. Children receive a special gift from Santa during the ride, creating lasting memories. The railway, originally opened in 1867, now serves as a living museum of transportation history. The rhythmic chugging of the engine and the whistle's blow evoke a sense of nostalgia as the train winds through the scenic island landscape.
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Santa Specials on the Hayling Island Railway
Titchfield Christmas Market (Titchfield)
What to Expect:
Historic village setting with artisanal focus
Description:
Titchfield Christmas Market transforms the medieval village into a haven for artisanal crafts and local produce. Stalls line the narrow streets, offering handmade gifts and gourmet treats unique to the Hampshire region. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining appreciation for the skill involved. Titchfield boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th century, with many historic buildings providing a charming backdrop to the market. The aroma of freshly baked goods and spiced drinks fills the air, enticing visitors to sample local flavors.