Christmas markets in Southampton
No Christmas is complete without a wander around a festive market - or two – and this winter, Southampton offers plenty of chances to do just that. Discover details below on Southampton’s main Christmas market and the local makers’ markets happening across the city.
Southampton Christmas Market
13th November – 4th January
Above Bar Street, Guildhall Square, and Bargate
S&D Leisure’s annual Southampton Christmas Market returns to the city centre from Thursday 13th November 2025, running until Monday 5th January 2026.
Set along the pedestrianised Above Bar Street, the streets will come alive with over 20 cosy wooden chalets filled with gifts and sweet treats, foodie delights from German sausages to Yorkshire pudding wraps, twinkling festive lights and plenty of delicious drink options including hot chocolate, mulled wine, and traditional steins of German beer.
This year, the city’s Bargate will play host to thrilling rides, including the Ferris Wheel and family favourites that promise plenty of excitement. New for 2025 is the breathtaking 60-metre Star Flyer ride in Guildhall Square, while the world's tallest mobile bungee, the Snowball Launcher and AtmosFear rides will be at the Bargate.
Don’t miss the return of the market’s spectacular Bargate light show, transforming the city’s historic landmark into a magical backdrop to tell a Christmas story. Showing every 30 minutes from 5pm–9.30pm until 24th December.
Carlton Place Market
1st November & 6th December
10am - 4pm, Carlton Place
Carlton Place’s monthly market is the perfect place to find artisan and bespoke gifts for Christmas. Browse local stalls filled with local produce, candles, jams, chutneys and preserves, fun stationary for stocking fillers and so much more! Afterwards, stay in the area and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of its many independent restaurants, bars or pubs.
During their December market, you can enjoy live music from 10am to 4pm with Christmas covers, traditional festive songs from Angling For Farthings and Christmas tunes from Ken Garrick playing saxophone.
Christmas Makers Market with Soton Makers
27th November
6pm - 9pm, SeaCity Museum
Head to SeaCity Museum for a festive evening celebrating local creativity. The Soton Makers’ Christmas Market brings together talented independent makers and artists offering a wide selection of handcrafted gifts including textiles, ceramics, prints, candles, cosmetics and more. It’s the perfect chance to pick up something thoughtful and unique this Christmas. Tickets are just £3 per person (children under 5yrs go free). Get yours here.
Treat yourself to a seasonal pairing of mulled wine and a mince pie for £5, and enjoy additional refreshments from the on-site café throughout the evening.
The City Art Gallery team will also be hosting a drop-in wire decoration workshop, where you can create your own festive ornament – from stars and birds to hearts. No experience is needed, with plenty of guidance available. To book, click here.
Please note, tickets provide admission to this event only and does not include museum readmission.
Winter Makers Market
6th - 7th and 13th - 14th December
10am - 4pm, God's House Tower
For a more boutique, artisan feel, the seasonal Makers Market returns to God’s House Tower this December. Bringing together local artists and makers across the region, you will find a delightful range of handcrafted creations and original works of art for everyone on your gift list. The market will be open from 10am – 5pm across the first two weekends of the month. This event is proudly sponsored by GO! Southampton.
