Southampton Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Southampton and surrounding areas
Southampton sparkles for Christmas 2025 with Christmas lights and Holiday lights across the old town and waterfront. Join the Southampton Countdown to Christmas, enjoy family crafts at Tudor House, or attend palace-themed festivities for seasonal fun. The city offers family fun and holiday activities from markets to seasonal tours and concerts, with illuminated streets and lively public squares providing a warm backdrop for festive shopping and community celebrations.
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Christmas Markets
25 eventsFestive family fun at historic Osborne estate.
Christmas Lights
16 eventsReimagined interactive lights trail with free entry.
Christmas Shows
14 eventsLive BSO performance of The Nutcracker ballet.
Christmas Parties
7 eventsFestive ski lodge bar with private mini chalets
Other Christmas Activities
38 eventsCanopy-covered ice rink in Guildhall Square
Editor's Picks (6)
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BSO The Nutcracker Magic
(Portsmouth)
Live BSO performance of The Nutcracker ballet.
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Festive Fun at Osborne
(East Cowes)
Festive family fun at historic Osborne estate.
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Christmas in Bournemouth: Tree Wonderland
(Bournemouth)
Reimagined interactive lights trail with free entry.
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Portsmouth On Ice
(Portsmouth)
Canopy-covered ice rink in Guildhall Square
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Santa's Toymaker Workshop at Spinnaker Tower
(Portsmouth)
Build your own cuddly toy with Santa's elves.
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Southampton Countdown to Christmas
Three-day Christmas countdown event with light show on the Bargate.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Southampton Christmas FAQ
The biggest events include the Southampton Christmas market running from mid-November to early January, the Countdown to Christmas celebration with live entertainment, and the Parade of Lights held in late November.
Southampton’s Parade of Lights, featuring decorated vehicles from volunteer Fire and EMS departments, and the lighting of the Christmas tree in Agawam Park are cherished local traditions unique to the community.
Popular neighborhoods near Southampton known for festive displays include residential areas with beloved neighborhood favorites and streets that participate in holiday window decoration contests.
The city center hosts the main Christmas market with a variety of local vendors, while smaller artisan markets and craft fairs can be found in nearby neighborhoods throughout the holiday season.
Enjoy free walking trails of holiday lights, attend the city’s free Countdown to Christmas events, and explore neighborhood light displays and window decoration contests that don’t require admission fees.
Families can enjoy festive workshops, live performances, the Christmas market’s entertainment, and the Parade of Lights, all offering engaging activities suitable for children of all ages.