A festive day out in Southampton

If you're deciding on the best time to visit Southampton, the winter season is truly special. As the days grow colder, the city glows with the warmth of twinkling lights, bustling streets and plenty of seasonal experiences. Whether you're planning a festive day trip or stopping by as part of a longer break, here’s a full itinerary to help you make the most of Christmas in Southampton.

Morning: explore the city with the Snow Windows Trail

Begin your festive visit with some fresh winter air and a walk through the city. The Snow Windows Trail is a free, family-friendly experience featuring beautifully handcrafted snow-spray artworks displayed across more than 20 local businesses.

Each stop includes a quiz question, so pick up a trail map, sharpen your pencils and see how many you can answer along the way. Everyone who completes their map receives a small prize at the end location: SeaCity Museum.

With two separate routes to enjoy, you can choose one for your visit and return another day, or complete both if you’re in the mood for a longer adventure. The trail runs 10am–5pm daily until 4 January, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your festive walk.

Artist Tom Baker finishing snow windows design of Santa and his sleigh with two reindeer in a shop window

Yellow mug of coffee with latte art at Mettricks

A winter warmer on the way

As you follow the trail, you’ll pass a selection of independent cafés perfect for warming up. Along the Snowflake Route you’ll find cosy stops like MUSE, The Nest Coffee House and Mettricks, each serving seasonal versions of your favourite hot drinks alongside freshly baked treats. If your walk takes you along the Star Route, you’ll come across Poppins, Brunch and Barista and Stakks, all of which offer hearty cooked breakfasts and great options for families with younger visitors

Midday: lunch and a glimpse of Southampton's past

With any trip to Southampton, food is essential, as the city is a haven for foodies of all cuisines. There are hundreds of family-owned restaurants, pubs and cafés dotted about, all ready to be enjoyed.

For relaxed lunches, take a stroll up to Carlton Place, Bedford Place and London Road to discover some unique eats. Stop in at 7bone, Overdraft, Sakura, Diegos or London Road Brewhouse for a sit-down bite, or swing by Roosters Piri Piri and Mexigo if you’re after something quick while on the move.

If you’ve already paused somewhere for breakfast and want to keep going, dive into a bit of Southampton’s history by heading down to Tudor House and Garden — one of the most important historic buildings in the city, with over 800 years of history (open Monday–Thursday, 10am–3pm, and Saturday–Sunday, 10am–5pm). Here, children can meet Father Christmas in the Banqueting Hall on select dates throughout December, (booking is essential!). Each ticket also includes a craft activity, drink and festive biscuit in the café.

For couples looking to get crafty together, the museum also runs several creative workshops over the winter break, from Christmas wreath-making to decoration-making. Take a look here to find out more.

Afternoon: shopping and ice skating

Enjoy a bit of down time with a spot of shopping along the high street. Southampton is perfect for ticking off some of those must-have gifts on everyone’s wish list, from big retailers like Waterstones, Primark and TK Maxx to Boots, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis, along with other high street favourites such as LEGO, LUSH and Hotel Chocolat. Visit our shopping page here to add your favourites to your list.

When you’ve fished with some retail therapy, head down to the covered rink over on the Esplanade for a bit of ice skating. If you’re not the strongest skater, don’t panic – they have plenty of skate aids to help you keep your balance. Each session lasts 45 minutes and begin on the hour. To book your spot click here.

Two girls holding hands whilst skating at Westquay On Ice

Evening: dining, drinks and Christmas magic

After working up an appetite, make your way to Oxford Street for a bit of dinner. Known as the city’s home of independent dining, here you’ll find a range of eats from comforting pub classics at The White Star Tavern, juicy burgers at Lazy Fox, generous charcuterie boards filled with cheeses, chutneys and cured meats at Porters - just to name a few!

If you’re still full from lunch, there are plenty of spots serving festive handcrafted cocktails, including Rita’s, Mailroom, XOXO and Monarch. And if you’re after a refreshing pint, stop by The Grapes — a historic pub with ties to the Titanic — where you’ll find a great selection of wines, spirits and ales on tap.

After dining or drinks, wander back towards the city centre to explore the Southampton Christmas Market. You can browse stalls, sample seasonal treats or enjoy the mix of rides, including the Ferris wheel, Atmosfear and Snowball Launcher.

End your night at the Bargate, where the city’s brand-new light projection show transforms the medieval walls with colourful animations of Father Christmas and his friends at the North pole. The show runs every 30 minutes between 5pm and 9.30pm in the lead-up to Christmas Eve and is free for all to enjoy.

Colourful charcuterie board from Porters filled with choice meats, fresh fine tomatoes, pretzels, olives, cheeses and edible flowers

Make two days out of it

With so much to see and do, you may want to extend your stay. Southampton offers plenty of shows, workshops, tours and festive activities throughout December, making it easy to fill a second day. Stay overnight at one of the city centre’s welcoming hotels such as Moxy, ibis hotel and Novotel to stay close to the action. Visit our accommodation page to find the perfect place to unwind during your Christmas trip.

Moxy hotel sitting area with cosy fireplace, sofas and coffee table