Last updated: 11 November 2024
Feel the festive spirit in Portsmouth! Our guide will connect you with all the community events. For Portsmouth insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
One notable event this holiday season is the enchanting First Night, where art and performances light up the streets as the year comes to a close. You can also experience the hands-on excitement of Santa's Toy Maker Workshop, where children can create their own holiday crafts. And the Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive attractions and seasonal activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Portsmouth Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Experiences at The Hawk Conservancy
- What to Expect
- Live owl flight displays amidst colorful woodland illuminations.
- Description
- Explore the illuminated walk at The Hawk Conservancy, featuring live owl displays and special effects in a stunning, colourful woodland setting.
- Where
- Andover | More Info : Christmas Experiences at The Hawk Conservancy
Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas
- What to Expect
- Immersive light trail with live entertainment and diverse food options.
- Description
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens presents an all-new immersive light trail with breathtaking installations, live entertainment, and a variety of festive food and drink options. The event features a revamped route, ensuring a captivating experience for all ages and abilities. The price freeze on peak and off-peak tickets makes this event accessible to everyone.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : Light up Trail Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas
Portsmouth Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gunwharf Quays Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A charming market featuring artisan stalls with riverside views and live entertainment.
- Description
- This vibrant market showcases a variety of unique gifts, artisanal foods, and seasonal delights. Visitors can wander through charming wooden stalls while enjoying the festive atmosphere set against the picturesque harbour. With live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats, the market offers something for everyone, making it a delightful outing for family and friends.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Gunwharf Quays Christmas Market
Portsmouth Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical Christmas experience with Santa's private audience and interactive activities.
- Description
- Embark on a theatrical journey to the North Pole, where you'll meet friendly elves, cheer on performers, and explore the Enchanted Forest. Enjoy a private audience with Santa, build your own bear, and make reindeer food in a festive village filled with picturesque spots and local hotspots.
- Where
- Headley | More Info : The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas shows and Santa's Grotto.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World with festive decorations, live shows, and special attractions like Santa's Grotto and the Santa's Christmas Wish Show. Meet Peppa and George in their festive outfits, enjoy festive food, and explore Tornado Springs with its wild west twist.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : Christmas at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
A Christmas Crackers at Montisfont
- What to Expect
- Interactive Nutcracker-themed trail with activities and challenges.
- Description
- At Mottisfont, immerse yourself in the Nutcracker story with sparkling trees, music, and light effects. Explore frosty wonderlands and witness Sugar Plum Fairies twirl in the Land of Sweets. Outside, complete activities and challenges on the Nutcracker family trail.
- Where
- Romsey | More Info : A Christmas Crackers at Montisfont
Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Immersive theatrical space adventure with Santa and special effects.
- Description
- Join Santa in the Planetarium for a live-action immersive space adventure where Santa recreates his epic mission to the International Space Station. Meet Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, and participate in fun audience activities. Receive a special Christmas gift and take photos with Santa.
- Where
- Winchester | More Info : Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and sound show on a historic steam train.
- Description
- Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line features a spectacular light show on a steam train with thousands of colored LED lights and wristbands, accompanied by interactive music and a legendary voiceover host. The event includes a musical journey with Christmas hits and pop anthems, creating a vibrant and engaging experience for all ages.
- Where
- Alresford | More Info : Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line
Portsmouth Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Toy Maker Workshop
- What to Expect
- Hands-on toy-making with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- At Santa's Toy Maker Workshop, children craft their own cuddly toys with Santa and his merry elves. The event includes Christmas games, a visit to Santa's grotto, and delightful surprises hidden around the tower. Each child receives a free hot chocolate.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Santa's Toy Maker Workshop
First Night
- What to Expect
- Community-driven, family-friendly celebration with fireworks and ice sculptures.
- Description
- First Night Portsmouth is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration featuring fireworks, ice sculptures, and various activities that bring the community together to mark the passage of time.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : First Night
Christmas Dinner at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
- What to Expect
- Elegant Christmas buffet with local ingredients.
- Description
- Savor an elegant Christmas buffet prepared by the talented culinary team at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, featuring a variety of mouth-watering delicacies and complimentary champagne.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Christmas Dinner at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel
Art 'Round Town Gallery Walk
- What to Expect
- Year-round gallery walk with diverse art exhibitions.
- Description
- Downtown Portsmouth celebrates its inspired art community with a gallery walk featuring new work, libations, and more. The event showcases a broad scope of representational and abstract art from international and national artists, highlighting the city's rich history and thriving contemporary art scene.
- Where
- Portsmouth | More Info : Art 'Round Town Gallery Walk
Christmas at The Vyne
- What to Expect
- Whimsical Alice-themed decorations and activities.
- Description
- At The Vyne, immerse yourself in Lewis Carroll's dreamlike children's classics with lavishly decorated ground-floor rooms and gardens featuring quirky displays inspired by 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Alice Through the Looking-Glass.' Enjoy sparkling trees, whimsical scenes, and nonsensical fun challenges.
- Where
- Basingstoke | More Info : Christmas at The Vyne