Southampton celebrates every season with something special. Whether you're looking for festive cheer, summer vibes, springtime activities, or autumn thrills, you'll find a full calendar of events to enjoy in the city.
Summer in Southampton
Summer in Southampton is a time of long days, open-air festivals, and waterfront fun. As temperatures rise, the city’s green spaces and parks come to life with activity. Events such as Southampton Summer Sessions, festivals in Guildhall Square, and community gatherings in Hoglands Park create a buzz throughout June, July and August. The season is filled with things to do for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Visitors can also enjoy al fresco dining and historic walking tours that make the most of the sunshine. The waterfront, including Ocean Village and Town Quay, becomes a hive of activity with boat trips and waterside drinks. Children can explore interactive trails and summer workshops hosted by local museums, libraries, and creative hubs. Learn more here.
Halloween in Southampton
As October approaches, Southampton embraces the spooky season with themed events, ghost tours, and Halloween party nights throughout the city.
The historic Old Town offers an atmospheric setting for Halloween ghost walks, led by costumed guides who bring chilling tales to life. These tours delve into the city's medieval past, where dark alleyways and ancient buildings create the perfect backdrop for spooky stories. For children, interactive Halloween trails, pumpkin carving workshops, and fancy-dress competitions are hosted by the city’s cultural venues and shopping centres. Learn more here.
Christmas in Southampton
Southampton transforms into a festive destination each winter, drawing in thousands of visitors with its enchanting atmosphere, Christmas markets, and spectacular events. From mid-November through to the New Year, the city centre becomes a magical place to shop, dine and explore. The Southampton Christmas Market, one of the South Coast’s highlights, features traditional alpine-style stalls, German bratwurst stands, festive gifts, and mulled wine bars.
Many venues across the city, including theatres, restaurants, and cultural spaces, also offer special seasonal menus, pantomimes, and festive shows. For those seeking Christmas shopping options, major retailers and independent boutiques stay open late with offers and seasonal stock. Visit our Christmas page here.
Easter in Southampton
Easter in Southampton marks the start of springtime vibrancy in the city, with a wide range of family-friendly events and activities to explore. From Easter craft workshops to free walking trails, there are countless ways to keep children entertained during the school holidays.
In the city centre, venues such as SeaCity Museum, Tudor House & Garden, and God’s House Tower offer creative workshops, storytelling sessions, and heritage activities – many themed around spring and nature. These events provide both entertainment and education, making them ideal for all ages. Learn more here.
