Discover 38 verified other christmas activities in Southampton and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to a variety of Southampton Christmas activities! Beyond the usual festive events, there's a whole host of unique seasonal experiences waiting for you. This is your go-to resource for discovering diverse holiday fun and making the most of the season in and around the city.
From the vibrant city centre to charming local spots, there are always interesting festive events happening. Explore the different neighbourhoods and public spaces where unique Christmas activities often pop up, offering something a little different.
This collection highlights a range of seasonal celebrations and festive experiences. Dive in to uncover the unique mix of Christmas fun Southampton has to offer and create lasting holiday memories!
Visit Father Christmas and enjoy festive crafts.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Tudor House. Children can visit Father Christmas in the historic Banqueting Hall to receive a special gift. Get creative with a festive craft activity, then enjoy a delightful treat in the café. A charming...
Meet Father Christmas and help his elves.
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...
Victorian Christmas displays and working steam engines.
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...
Magical journey through the story of pantomime.
Step into a world of festive enchantment at Beaulieu's Palace House Christmas, a captivating journey through the story of pantomime. Explore the historic rooms transformed with theatrical installations, immersive soundscapes, and dazzling decorations. Discover a midnight banquet, a life-size theatre...
Cinderella-themed Christmas pantomime transformation of the house.
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...
Christmas canoe paddle with Santa's arrival by boat.
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...
Interactive Christmas train journey with elves to save the holiday.
Join the Festive Express Railway Experience for a magical 30-minute interactive adventure to help elves save Christmas! This unique event combines a live-action train journey with festive fun, including arts and crafts. Explore a bustling Christmas Fair featuring over 75...
Meet Father Christmas in a festive railway carriage.
Journey to Exbury Gardens for a magical encounter with Father Christmas in his festive railway carriage. Children can meet him and receive a special gift, while families can embark on the interactive 'Festive Express Railway Experience' or a captivating 'Christmas...
Magical grotto experience in a historic hall with Santa.
Step into a winter wonderland at Marwell Hall for a magical Christmas grotto experience. Journey through festive rooms filled with storytelling and craft activities, culminating in a special visit with Santa Claus himself. All children receive a gift, and your...
Annual Christmas lights switch-on with funfair and market
Fareham's biggest annual event returns with a dazzling Christmas lights switch-on. This festive celebration features a lively town centre atmosphere with funfair rides, market stalls, and a variety of entertainment. Join the community for a day of holiday cheer, festive...
Experience a Tudor Christmas with historical storytelling and festive workshops.
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,...
Festive celebrations within a historic cathedral setting.
Portsmouth Cathedral invites visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season with a comprehensive program of services, concerts, and community events. From traditional carols and festive masses to diverse musical performances and local craft markets, there's a joyful celebration...
Canopy-covered ice rink in Guildhall Square
Portsmouth On Ice returns to Guildhall Square, offering a spectacular ice skating experience from late November to early January. Glide across a well-maintained rink, protected by a canopy for all-weather enjoyment. Special sessions cater to families, SEND visitors, and those...
Hands-on Christmas wreath making workshops
Unleash your creativity this holiday season by crafting your very own stunning Christmas wreath. These workshops offer a delightful, hands-on experience where you'll learn to design and assemble a beautiful, festive decoration to adorn your home. All materials are provided,...
Festive steam train journey with Santa.
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...
Festive 10k and 5k run with a snowflake finisher's prize.
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...
Festive steam train ride with Santa Claus.
Embark on a magical journey with Santa Specials at Moors Valley Railway. Families can enjoy a festive steam train ride, meet Santa Claus himself, and receive a special gift. This enchanting experience promises holiday cheer and creates lasting memories amidst...
Daily pop-up events in different town venues
Experience the magic of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, a unique daily event running from December 1st to 24th. Each evening, a different town center venue hosts a special pop-up performance by local artists, from choirs to bands. This heartwarming...
Meet Father Christmas and choose a gift in a magical forest setting.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Finkley Down Farm with their 'Magical Christmas Experience'. This festive adventure includes a visit to Father Christmas in a beautifully transformed forest setting, where children can choose a present and enjoy intimate, small-group encounters....
Christmas carols and owls under the night sky
Experience a magical Christmas evening at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Guests can sing along to beloved Christmas carols with live musical accompaniment, followed by a breathtaking owl flying display. Enjoy festive treats like mulled wine and mince pies, and savor...
Candlelit Regency Christmas tour of Jane Austen's home.
Step back in time for a magical evening at Jane Austen's House during this unique, candlelit guided tour. As twilight falls, discover Jane Austen's story and her family's Christmas traditions, brought to life by an expert guide within the very...
Visit Father Christmas in a historic Victorian house.
Create unforgettable Christmas memories for your little ones by visiting Father Christmas at the historic Russell-Cotes. Nestled within a beautifully decorated Victorian house, children can enjoy a personal chat with Father Christmas and receive a special gift. This enchanting experience...
The UK's longest outdoor ice rink at 70m.
Glide into the festive season at SKATE Bournemouth, featuring the UK's longest outdoor ice rink at 70m, nestled in the enchanting Lower Gardens. Enjoy magical skating sessions, special events like Toddler Time and DJ nights, and warm up at the...
Hands-on Christmas wreath making workshop
Embrace the holiday spirit by crafting your own stunning Christmas wreath. This hands-on workshop provides all the materials and guidance needed to create a beautiful, festive decoration to adorn your home. Perfect for a seasonal outing, participants will learn traditional...
Historic cathedral hosting Advent and Christmas services and music
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Chichester Cathedral, offering a sacred space for worship, reflection, and connection. From the hopeful anticipation of Advent to the radiant celebration of Epiphany, immerse yourself in the joy of Christmas with uplifting...
Community Christmas gathering
This community event in Basingstoke promises a festive gathering to celebrate the holiday season. While specific activities are not detailed, it's an opportunity for residents to connect and embrace the Christmas spirit. The event is organized by Dialogue Society, known...
Historical interpretation of St. Nicholas Day traditions
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...
Handmade willow Christmas tree crafting workshop.
Discover the art of willow weaving and craft your own festive decoration at this hands-on workshop. Participants will create a charming small Christmas tree, perfect for a windowsill or table, using assorted willow. Led by an experienced tutor, this event...
Train to be an elf with Green Father Christmas.
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...
Annual Tree Dressing celebration at a historic rural museum.
Experience the unique Tree Dressing celebration at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. This annual event invites visitors to connect with rural history and traditions. Explore over 50 historic buildings, wander through charming gardens, and observe traditional farm animals. It's...
Annual Christmas lights switch-on with Santa's arrival
Join the community in Swanage for their annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event. This festive gathering features live entertainment, including music from Swing Easy Too and Karen G, creating a joyful atmosphere. Enjoy warm mulled wine as you await the formal...
Immersive North Pole adventure with personalized Santa meet-and-greet.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole aboard Santa's Spaceship for an immersive Christmas adventure. Meet elves, talking bears, and Santa himself, enjoy a snowball fight at the Ice Castle, and witness a special performance. Personalize your visit...
Meet Farmer Christmas and receive a gift.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Farmer Palmer's Farm Park with their enchanting Farmer Christmas events. Choose between a daytime or twilight experience to meet the man in red himself in the Magical Christmas Barn. Every child with...
Spacious ice rink with integrated Christmas market and funfair.
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...
Festive cupcake icing and decoration workshop for kids
Unleash your inner baker at this delightful Christmas cupcake icing and decoration workshop. Perfect for young creatives aged 5-12, they'll learn festive decorating techniques and craft their own edible holiday masterpieces to take home and share (or enjoy themselves!).
Town's official Christmas lights switch-on ceremony
Join the community in Farnham for the highly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On event. This festive occasion marks the beginning of the holiday season, transforming the town center with sparkling lights and a magical atmosphere. It's a wonderful opportunity for families...
Father Christmas arrival via reindeer and sledge
Join the festive spirit in Wareham for their annual Christmas Parade featuring Father Christmas himself! Witness the town transform with dazzling light installations and participate in seasonal activities. Don't miss the special arrival of Father Christmas, who will make a...
Meet Santa at a historic railway station.
Step back in time and embrace the holiday spirit with a visit to Shillingstone Station for a special Santa experience. Journey on a heritage train along the restored Somerset & Dorset Railway, where you might even meet the man himself....
See the location of all other christmas activities around Southampton and nearby areas
Open Map →While specific rinks can vary year to year, keep an eye on major event listings for the city centre or waterfront areas, as temporary ice rinks sometimes appear. Check local council websites for updates on seasonal attractions.
Santa often makes appearances at various locations, including shopping centres and family attractions throughout the city. Keep an eye on local event listings and venue websites for specific Santa meet-and-greet dates and times.
Special festive events and themed train rides sometimes operate from stations near Southampton, particularly those with heritage lines. It's worth checking with local heritage railways or major event organizers for any seasonal offerings.
Many of Southampton's parks and public spaces offer beautiful Christmas light displays that are free to enjoy. Exploring the city centre to see decorations and window displays is also a great budget-friendly option.