Christmas arts and entertainment in Southampton
Celebrate the festive season in Southampton with a range of arts and cultural events. From theatre productions and live music to creative workshops and festive walking trails, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas in the city.
Christmas pantos and theatre shows
Southampton’s theatres host a wide range of festive performances each winter, offering something for all ages. From classic Christmas stories and pantomimes to modern adaptations and family-friendly productions, the city’s venues come alive with seasonal entertainment during the festive period.
Families can enjoy a traditional Christmas pantomime at Mayflower Theatre, bringing well-loved fairy tales to the stage with plenty of laughs, music and audience participation. Mayflower Studios also presents an annual festive youth production, often reimagining a much-loved Christmas classic through music, storytelling and performance.
Younger audiences are catered for too, with seasonal shows designed especially for children and families, featuring songs, stories and interactive elements to help little ones get into the festive spirit.
For adults, Southampton also offers festive theatre with a twist. Each year, venues such as The Stage Door host adults-only pantomimes, delivering cheeky humour, audience interaction and an alternative night out for over-18s.
Details of upcoming festive theatre shows and performances will be added to this page closer to the Christmas season.
Live music
Southampton sets the stage for an exciting line-up of festive live music throughout December. At Central Hall, audiences can enjoy traditional carols and seasonal favourites at a special Christmas concert. The city’s renowned music venues also host a mix of festive gigs and performances, from The 1865 and The Joiners to Papillon and Heartbreakers, each offering their own unique atmosphere. Larger shows take place at O2 Guildhall Southampton, bringing big-name acts and seasonal performances to the heart of the city. Alongside these highlights, many local pubs, bars and smaller venues across Southampton will also feature live music in the run-up to Christmas, creating plenty of opportunities to soak up the festive spirit.
Christmas workshops and activities
Creative workshops and activities are a key part of Southampton’s festive arts scene. At SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery and Tudor House & Garden, Southampton's cultural venues run Culture Club for Kids, offering full-day workshops over the winter months for children aged 6 and up. These sessions provide opportunities to explore different art mediums and crafts to express their festive creativity. Workshops often include wreath making, Christmas ornaments, card making and more.
John Hansard Gallery offers free seasonal workshops for families to enjoy through their Space to Create programme, providing a relaxed and creative way to enjoy the holidays, inspired by their latest exhibitions. At God's House Tower, you can enjoy workshops for all ages, as well as explore the latest exhibition, which is free to visit. Keep an eye on our events page to stay up to date with the latest happenings in the city.
Festive walking trails
Southampton’s festive walking trails allow visitors to explore the city in a seasonal mood. Southampton's Snow Windows Trail features beautifully designed snow scenes across the city centre, with North and South Pole routes to discover. Children will receive a free prize for handing in their completed map. Learn more here.
History enthusiasts can discover Southampton’s Christmas past with See Southampton’s winter walking tours. These special festive walks take you around the city centre and into some historic vaults, where tales of Christmases gone by are brought to life. Hear stories of local characters, seasonal traditions, and even a few festive songs along the way. Tours last around 90 minutes, leaving from the Bargate Saturdays and Sundays. Find out more here.
In December, you can also step back in time on a lantern-lit Christmas tour of Southampton’s Old Town to reveal how residents from yester-years marked the festive season, the city’s links to well-known Christmas songs, and the reasons why Christmas 1945 was remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Plan your visit
Southampton’s Christmas arts and entertainment offerings combine tradition, creativity, and festive spirit. Whether you are planning a family outing, a cultural evening, or a leisurely stroll through the city, there are experiences to suit every visitor. For more information on events, ticket bookings, and planning your festive visit, explore the Visit Southampton Christmas page.
