Southampton comes alive at Christmas, offering a range of festive activities for all ages. Whether you’re exploring the city for the first time or returning for seasonal favourites, here are 12 experiences you won’t want to miss this December in Southampton.
1. Wander the Snow Windows Trail
Start your visit with a wander through Southampton’s Snow Windows Trail, a free walking route that transforms the city centre into a festive open-air gallery. More than 20 beautifully handcrafted scenes appear across local shopfronts, each one bringing a slice of winter magic to the streets from woodland creatures and winter scenes to some popular characters everyone knows and loves. Along the way, test your knowledge with trail quiz questions — and once completed, pick up a small prize from SeaCity Museum. It’s a gentle, feel-good way to explore the city during the holidays. The trail runs until 4th January. Find out more here.
2. Glide across Westquay On Ice
Nothing says Christmas like a spin on the ice! Westquay On Ice is the city’s covered rink, perfect for families, couples, or friends looking to get moving with a twirl, glide (or slip) across the ice. If it's your first time in a pair of skates, the rink offers plenty of skate aids to help boost your confidence and keep you upright. Sessions run on the hour throughout the festive season until Sunday 4th January 2026, making it an easy addition to your winter itinerary.
3. Enjoy Christmas thrills at the market
For a burst of festive adrenaline, the rides at the Southampton Christmas Market deliver. Take in sweeping views of the city lights from the Ferris wheel, brave the twists and drops of AtmosFear, or experience the returning Snowball Launcher, which sends you soaring into the sky. New for 2025, the 60-metre Star Flyer promises breathtaking panoramas high above the city centre. Younger visitors can enjoy a gentler ride on Santa’s train in Guildhall Square or Snow Slide adding a magical touch to your market visit.
4. Discover unique finds at makers markets
If your Christmas list calls for something special, Southampton’s festive markets are full of treasures. Carlton Place's Christmas market returns on 6th December with a vibrant mix of indie makers, while the Winter Makers Market at God’s House Tower (6th – 7th & 13th–14th December) features thoughtful gifts, handcrafted art, and seasonal treats. Browsing these markets is a great way to spend a winter afternoon — and every purchase supports a local creator or small business.
5. Get creative with a festive workshop
Southampton’s cultural venues offer plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves and make something seasonal. SeaCity Museum and Tudor House & Garden are hosting festive workshops ranging from wreath-making to ornament painting, offering cosy creative moments for all ages. Whether you’re crafting with little ones or enjoying a mindful break from the Christmas rush, these sessions add a personal touch to the season.
6. See this year's Christmas Panto
Panto season is a highlight in the city’s winter calendar. At Mayflower Theatre, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan brings Neverland to life with spectacular sets, high-energy musical numbers, and familiar faces from stage and screen. Meanwhile, The Stage Door is hosting their famously cheeky adults-only panto — Pussy In Boots — perfect for a night out that’s a little less sugar and a little more sass.
7. Marvel at the Bargate light show
This season, the Bargate becomes the star of the show as dazzling lights and storytelling dance across its medieval walls by the Christmas Market. The display runs every 30 minutes from 5pm–10.30pm until 24th December, offering a fun moment of festive magic, complete with a bit of 'snow', for visitors of all ages.
8. Meet Father Christmas
Visiting Father Christmas is a must for families, and the big man in red will be popping up at several spots across the city this season. Little ones can hand-deliver their letters — or pose for a festive photo — at locations including John Lewis, Tudor House & Garden and IKEA. Find out when and where you can meet him here.
9. Snap a selfie with Paddington
Over in the Cultural Quarter, keep an eye out for Paddington perched on his bench between John Hansard Gallery and Mayflower Studios. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply love a good festive photo opportunity, stopping for a selfie with everyone's favourite marmalade devotee adds a fun moment to your day.
10. Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen
This December marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, one of Southampton’s most significant former residents. The city is hosting a series of events to celebrate, from the Your Stories Exhibition at Southampton Central Library to a Regency Ball at Townhill Park House and a Creative Tea Party drop-in session.
Throughout December, Southampton Tourist Guide Association will also be celebrating with guided tours of locations Jane would have known and visited. Visit our Jane Austen 250 page to learn more.
11. Catch a live show
Winter evenings in the city are made for live entertainment. The 1865, O2 Guildhall Southampton, Southampton Central Hall, and Turner Sims have line-ups packed with touring artists, orchestral performances, and seasonal concerts. If you're looking to add a musical highlight to your festive plans, the city's venues provide plenty of choice. Take a look at what's on.
12. Explore Southampton’s Christmas past
Take a wander through history with guided tours exploring the city’s festive traditions and hidden Old Town stories. Join See Southampton’s Christmas walks or experience Andy Skinner’s lantern-lit tours to step inside medieval vaults, hear tales from centuries past, and see familiar streets in a new light. It’s a memorable way to end a winter’s day in the city.
There's more to discover this Christmas
From sparkling lights and ice skating to pantomimes, creative workshops, and heritage experiences, Southampton is filled with ways to celebrate the season. For even more ways to savour the season, head to our Christmas page.
