We Shine Portsmouth
Visitors can experience a citywide programme of light installations, visual art, live performance, and interactive exhibitions across multiple community hubs. Offerings include light and art takeovers at Cosham Park and Victoria Park, a lantern parade and interactive art experience at St Mary's Church, and digital displays featuring VR, sound, and creative technology at Boathouse 5.
What to Expect
Free citywide festival of light, art, and performance across Portsmouth.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Portsmouth Creates
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of light art and creative experiences
Vibe
Creative and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free.
Tips & Advice
- Plan your route between the hubs, because the festival is spread across Cosham Park, Victoria Park, Boathouse 5 at the Historic Dockyard and St Mary's Church in Fratton.
- Bring the whole family to Victoria Park, where the light, performance and visual art programme is made for audiences of all ages.
- Head to Boathouse 5 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to try VR, moving image, sound and creative technology works by local and international artists.
- Dress warmly for time outdoors in November, since much of the festival takes place in Cosham Park and Victoria Park.
- Catch the lantern parade in Fratton, which runs alongside the new STRETCH interactive art experience at St Mary's Church.
Special Events & Promotions
- The festival is reimagined for 2026 to celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth's city status, as part of Portsmouth100.
- Cosham Park joins the festival, extending it into the north of the city.
- STRETCH, a new interactive art experience, comes to St Mary's Church in Fratton alongside the lantern parade.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see?
Light installations, visual art, performance and exhibitions, plus ways to take part, at hubs across the city.
What's happening at Cosham Park?
Portsmouth Creates fills Cosham Park with a collection of light installations and artworks, bringing the festival into the north of the city.
Is Victoria Park suitable for kids?
Yes. Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC takes over Victoria Park with light, performance and visual art in an immersive experience for all ages.
What's at Boathouse 5?
Boathouse 5 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard hosts an exhibition of immersive, interactive and digital artworks. It includes VR, moving image, sound, installation and creative technology by artists from Portsmouth and around the world.
What's on in Fratton?
Fratton Together CIC runs the lantern parade alongside STRETCH, a new interactive art experience at St Mary's Church.
More Christmas Events Near Portsmouth
More Christmas Events near Portsmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.