As December arrives, Southampton shifts from a busy coastal city into a festive destination alive with lights, music, and winter magic. Streets glow under thousands of twinkling bulbs, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, and shop windows come to life with displays of snowy villages, hinting at the many Christmas things to do in Southampton during the season.

This is a city that embraces the season with energy and style. From the famous German-style Christmas market to pantomimes, light trails, and cosy tearooms, there is no shortage of festive experiences to enjoy. Adding to the atmosphere, Christmas party venues in Southampton contribute to the city’s lively seasonal spirit, even if you are simply passing them on your way to the next attraction.

Whether you are here for a short winter break, a family day out, or a few hours of seasonal browsing, Southampton offers Christmas experiences that will leave you feeling truly festive.

1. Stroll Through Southampton Christmas Markets

The heart of Southampton’s Christmas celebrations is the Southampton Christmas Festival, inspired by the famous markets of Germany. Set up along Above Bar Street, the market transforms the city centre into a winter village of wooden chalets, each one trimmed with pine garlands and fairy lights.

Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade jewellery, festive candles, woollen scarves, carved wooden toys, and unique decorations. The food and drink on offer is a major attraction too. The smell of bratwurst sizzling on open grills fills the air, alongside the sweet aroma of roasted almonds and chocolate-coated fruit.

A steaming mug of mulled wine or spiced cider is the perfect companion as you wander between the stalls. Street performers, folk bands, and carol singers provide a soundtrack that changes from day to day, making every visit feel different.

Tip: Weekday evenings tend to be quieter, allowing you more space to browse. Bring some cash as not every stall accepts cards, and wear warm layers because the coastal breeze can be surprisingly chilly in December.

2. Marvel at the Christmas Lights and Decorations

Southampton’s Christmas lights are a highlight of the season. The main shopping district along Above Bar Street becomes a glowing corridor of colour, with hanging displays, illuminated arches, and giant baubles suspended overhead.

The Bargate, a medieval stone gatehouse that has watched over the city for centuries, looks especially magical when lit for Christmas. Its historic stone walls contrast beautifully with the soft glow of fairy lights. Smaller side streets also join in the festive fun, with shops competing to create the most eye-catching window displays.

If you are lucky enough to be in the city for the official Light Switch-On, usually held in mid-November, you can enjoy live entertainment, music, and even fireworks. This event draws large crowds and marks the unofficial start of the festive season.

Best photo spots: Above Bar Street at twilight, the Bargate after dark, and the rooftop terrace at Westquay for views over the decorated streets.

3. Ice Skating at Westquay’s Ice Rink

Few activities capture the joy of winter like gliding across the ice under sparkling lights. Westquay’s outdoor rink is one of Southampton’s most popular seasonal attractions, offering fun for all ages.

Located just outside the shopping centre, the rink is surrounded by stalls selling hot chocolate, crepes, and other warming treats. Families love the penguin-shaped skate aids that help young children stay steady on their skates, while couples enjoy the romantic atmosphere of skating in the evening.

Visiting tips:

• Book in advance during weekends and the school holidays.

• Gloves are a good idea both for warmth and grip.

• If you do not skate, you can still enjoy the atmosphere from the seating area with a drink in hand.

4. Enjoy a Festive Show or Pantomime

Christmas in the UK would not feel complete without a pantomime, and Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre stages one of the best. With colourful sets, comic villains, musical numbers, and plenty of audience interaction, it is a show that appeals to both children and adults.

The Mayflower often attracts well-known actors and entertainers, making each year’s performance a unique experience. Alongside the big productions, smaller local theatres and community venues put on Christmas plays, carol concerts, and musical evenings. You might find a traditional reading of A Christmas Carol or a concert by a local choir that fills the room with harmony.

Attending a show is a wonderful way to escape the cold for a couple of hours and immerse yourself in a world of colour and music.

5. Visit Santa and Enjoy Family Activities

Meeting Father Christmas is a magical part of childhood, and Southampton has several places where children can do just that. Santa’s Grotto at Westquay is a regular favourite, complete with twinkling lights, friendly elves, and a small gift for every child.

Other venues join in too. You may find Santa at local museums, libraries, or even aboard themed boat trips in the harbour. Many of these visits include extras such as festive craft workshops, biscuit decorating, and storytelling sessions.

Family-friendly highlights:

• SeaCity Museum often runs seasonal family days with hands-on activities.

• Local libraries hold Christmas story hours with free admission.

• Southampton City Art Gallery sometimes hosts festive art workshops for children.

6. Indulge in Festive Food and Drink

Southampton’s cafes, pubs, and restaurants take Christmas seriously when it comes to food. You can enjoy rich hot chocolates topped with marshmallows, mince pies dusted with icing sugar, and generous wedges of fruitcake in cosy cafes.

For something more substantial, many pubs offer hearty seasonal menus featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings, vegetarian nut roasts, and warming winter stews.

Places to try:

• Mettricks Coffee House for seasonal drinks and cakes.

• The Dancing Man Brewery, a historic waterfront pub with excellent Christmas dinners.

• Halladays Tea Rooms for a full festive afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.

If you want to celebrate in style, consider booking a table at one of the city’s fine dining restaurants, many of which offer special Christmas menus throughout December.

7. Take a Festive Cruise or Waterfront Walk

Southampton’s maritime setting means you can enjoy Christmas from the water. Some boat operators offer short festive cruises, complete with Christmas music, mince pies, and views of the city lights from the Solent.

If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, take a walk along the waterfront. Town Quay offers excellent views across the harbour, while the Royal Pier area has a nostalgic seaside charm. On a crisp winter evening, the reflections of the city lights on the water create a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.

Combining a walk with a visit to a nearby pub or cafe is a perfect way to end the day.

8. Explore Nearby Seasonal Attractions

If you have a little more time, Southampton makes a great base for visiting other festive attractions in the region.

Within an hour’s travel you can find:

• Winchester Christmas Market, one of the best in the UK, with ice skating and dozens of artisan stalls.

• Beaulieu in the New Forest, which often hosts themed Christmas events and spectacular light trails.

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which sometimes transforms into a Victorian Christmas experience.

These day trips add even more variety to a Southampton Christmas getaway and can be easily combined with a night or two in the city.

9. Festive Shopping in Southampton

Westquay Shopping Centre is the main hub for Christmas shopping, with over 100 stores ranging from high street favourites to luxury brands. During December, it is decorated with giant baubles, light displays, and a huge Christmas tree, making the shopping experience feel more festive.

For something different, explore the city’s independent shops and markets. Here you can find handmade gifts, locally produced food, and unique decorations that you will not see in chain stores. Many independents also take part in late-night shopping evenings, offering mulled wine, mince pies, and special discounts.

Shopping in Southampton at Christmas is about more than ticking items off your list. It is about enjoying the atmosphere, the music, and the anticipation of the celebrations to come.

Wrap-Up: Christmas Things to Do in Southampton

Southampton at Christmas is full of life, colour, and warmth. From skating under the stars to wandering through markets with a cup of mulled wine, there are so many ways to make the season special.

Plan ahead by booking tickets for popular events and setting aside time to explore both the big attractions and the quieter corners of the city. Whether you are here for one day or a week, the combination of lights, music, food, and friendly faces will make it a Christmas to remember.

So wrap up warm, gather your loved ones, and let the festive spirit of Southampton brighten your winter.