Portsmouth Other Christmas Activities 2026

Skaters take to the ice for one-hour sessions in the heart of the city centre, with skate hire included. Ice skate marshals are stationed on the ice to monitor safety and assist novices. Spectators can soak in the atmosphere from...

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...

Led by jewellery designer Chloe Menage from Pinkhot Jewellery, this festive support group session introduces attendees to bead weaving. Participants use a needle, thread, and colourful beads to assemble a beaded bead, completing the piece with ribbon for use as...

Visitors explore the museum's galleries to discover everyday Tudor life and spark creative ideas. Participants enjoy a glass of prosecco or a soft alternative alongside an introduction to Tudor Christmas traditions. Guided step-by-step with supplied materials and equipment, attendees craft...

Visitors can explore an outdoor market featuring unique handmade gifts, decorations, and crafts stretching along the street, as well as family funfair rides like a big wheel and helter skelter. Live entertainment runs across the event, with local musicians performing...

Visitors ride the Rhododendron Line Steam Railway on an illuminated journey through the woodland gardens after dark, gliding past twinkling lights and festive displays. Each departure includes a personal send-off from Father Christmas. Festive food and drink are also available...

Children can meet Father Christmas inside his special railway carriage in the engine shed, which is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Each child visiting Father Christmas receives a festive gift to take home.

Visitors gather to celebrate the cultural importance and life-giving power of trees through stories and songs. Across the open-air museum grounds, guests can stroll through woodland walks, explore historic period buildings, and meet working farm animals like heavy horses, sheep,...

Children can meet Father Christmas inside a special railway carriage in the engine shed, transformed into a festive winter wonderland. Every visiting child receives a festive gift to take home. Entry includes walking through the gardens to reach the engine...

Visitors attend a traditional carol service set in candlelit surroundings. The service features special readings and carols sung by the Cathedral Choir.

More than 30 businesses gather to offer holistic health and spiritual services, including tarot readers, psychic mediums, reflexology, and Reiki healing. Attendees can browse stalls selling crystals, aura sprays, cacao, and other spiritual items, or view aura imaging displays. The...

Skaters of all ages and abilities take to the rink accompanied by music from a resident DJ and a display of disco lights and lasers. Skate hire and skating aids are available on site for those needing assistance. Refreshments are...

Visitors tour the principal rooms of Abbey House, the official residence of the Mayor of Winchester, with a professional guide. The visit covers the history of the house from around 1700 through its acquisition by the council, showcasing pieces from...

Participants craft a small holiday tree measuring 50 to 60cm tall using assorted willow, suitable for display on a table or windowsill. Once completed, the tree can be decorated with battery-operated LED lights. All necessary tools are provided during the...

This family-oriented presentation depicts the traditional Christmas Nativity story. The community gathering welcomes all attendees.

Participants design and assemble their own handmade door wreath using provided materials. Refreshments, including homemade treats and a glass of fizz, are served while festive music plays in the background. No previous crafting experience is necessary to participate.

Participants learn modern calligraphy techniques using pointed nib and brush pens. The session covers crafting handmade Christmas cards, custom gift tags, wrapping paper, and framed artwork using festive templates, metallics, and decorative flourishes. Instruction also includes skills in layout design...

Participants learn how to craft a personalized holiday wreath using a range of materials and techniques. Experienced instructors provide guidance and tips throughout the session. The hands-on class accommodates all skill levels, and attendees take their finished wreath home.

Participants paint from a fresh collection of seasonal foliage, including holly, ivy, eucalyptus, berries, and evergreen greenery. The guided session covers basic watercolour techniques such as mixing greens, layering transparent colour, and capturing loose botanical details. All art materials are...

Participants learn how to combine fragrant evergreen foliage, berries, ribbons, cinnamon, and dried fruits into seasonal holiday decorations under step-by-step guidance from expert florist Laura. Depending on the chosen session, guests craft either a candle wreath centrepiece paired with a...

Participants paint and decorate their own glass Christmas baubles at the HUB 87 Creative Studio. The session accommodates both beginners and experienced makers looking to craft seasonal decorations. Designed for crafters aged 14 and older, it functions as an open...

Attendees spend the evening painting either a Christmas-themed canvas or three MDF decorations, selecting from shapes such as trees, wreaths, candy canes, and presents. The session takes place to the sound of Christmas songs, and all painting materials are supplied....

Participants create screen-printed Christmas cards using vinyl stencils and colorful monoprinted backgrounds. A Cricut machine is provided to cut stencil designs, though attendees can also design their own. The workshop is held in a small-group setting of up to five...

Visitors can view a colourful gathering of classic and custom Volkswagens, including Beetles, buggies, Golfs, Caddys, and split-screens, adorned in festive holiday decorations. Participants, families, and even pet dogs join the holiday fun dressed in full Christmas costumes for a...

Hosted by Martin and Libby, this evening retreat focuses on rest, balance, and restoring energy during the winter season. Participants take part in an immersive session designed for clarity and personal reflection, followed by post-event refreshments.

Step back in time for a unique Tudor Christmas experience at the Mary Rose Museum. This festive season, they are offering a variety of enchanting events, including storytelling sessions with a Tudor twist, creative workshops to make your own decorations,...

Embark on a enchanting Christmas journey with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Santa Specials. Experience the magic of a steam train ride, meet Santa Claus himself, and receive a special gift. This festive event offers a nostalgic step back...

Experience the magic of winter at the Bognor Regis Ice Rink, returning bigger and better for 2025! Glide across a spacious 30x20 meter ice rink, perfect for all ages. Beyond the ice, immerse yourself in a festive Christmas market featuring...

Step into a magical Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont, where the house is transformed with theatrical flair and seasonal sparkle. Explore scenes from the classic pantomime, from the bustling kitchen to the dazzling royal ballroom, brought to life with fairy godmother...

Step into a festive wonderland at The Brickworks Museum's Christmas Steam Up! The site will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Browse a craft market for unique gifts, discover Christmases of the past in a...

Step back in time at the Weald & Downland Living Museum for St. Nicholas Day. This event brings to life the traditions of this children's festival, honoring generosity and historical customs. Witness interpreters prepare and share a traditional meal, offering...

Step into a festive wonderland at Tudor House & Garden this Christmas. Children can meet Father Christmas in the historic Banqueting Hall, receive a special gift, and enjoy a delightful craft activity. Indulge in a festive biscuit and a warm...

Experience the magic of Christmas at The Brickworks Museum's Children's Christmas Special. Children can meet Father Christmas in his grotto, receive a special gift, and help his elves wrap presents. Engage in festive crafts like making decorations and origami, and...

Aspiring elves can enroll in Green Father Christmas' Elf School at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Participants will learn about the origins of Green Father Christmas, engage in toy making and decorating lessons, and graduate as fully-fledged elves with...

Lace up for the West Wight Chilly Hilly, a festive 10k run and 5k run/walk on the Isle of Wight. This well-organized event promises stunning coastal views and a cheerful atmosphere, complete with Christmas music from the marshals. Participants receive...

Experience a magical Christmas adventure on the Beaulieu River with a festive canoe paddle. Glide along the water in stable Canadian canoes and meet Santa Claus as he arrives by boat, bringing gifts for all the children. Warm up afterwards...