SO this is Christmas in Southampton

Christmas

The lights are up and sparkling in the city, the ice rink is back, the stage has been set and the festive events are ready to go.

The tables are laid and the glasses are polished. The prizes have been picked and the elves are on the loose. For shopping, dining, skating and celebrating, choose #OurSouthampton Come and join the Christmas party.

in the City

From late-night shopping and delicious dining to sensational shows and family-friendly events, our Christmas guide is here to help you plan your trip to Southampton.

If you are looking for an adventure with the kids, make sure to check our FREE family walking trail map, a four page pull out at the centre of this guide. Plus, find details on page 6 for how to enter our Big Christmas Giveaway and your chance to win some oh SO wonderful prizes!

This Christmas roundup is just a selection of the many winter wonders in Southampton with more to be discovered at www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/christmas.

Don’t forget to tag us in all your snaps and use #OurSouthampton to feature on our social media channels.

Southampton Christmas Market

Above Bar Precinct

17th November – 24th December

A brand new Christmas market comes to Southampton! Expect children’s rides, including a traditional horse carousel, festive bars stocked with tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider as well as mouth-watering treats such as donuts, handmade brownies and German sausages. You can also enjoy a variety of stalls providing a range of Christmas gifts and live entertainment. Find out more at: www.facebook.com/sotonchristmasmarket

Christmas events

For a Christmas stocking full of exciting events, Southampton has you covered! From ice skating to Santa’s Grotto, there is something for everyone this festive season.

Westquay on Ice

11th November – 2nd January

For a fun-filled winter treat, get your skates on at Westquay’s ice rink. Enjoy a skate session against the stunning backdrop of Southampton’s historic city walls, a perfect outing for all ages!

To book your skate session, visit www.west-quay.co.uk/events/ice-rink

Après Bar

Westquay Esplanade

11th November – 2nd January

Step inside Southampton’s alpine ski lodge and enjoy a range of festive drinks including winter cocktails, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. Cosy up in one of their mini chalets and Ho-Ho-Ho the night away with friends and family. Space is available for groups of up to 10 people. To book your two-hour time slot, visit www.west-quay.co.uk/events/apres-bar

Meet Santa In His Grotto at John Lewis and Partners Southampton

12th November – 24th December

John Lewis and Partners are working alongside Lego® to deliver a magical in store experience. This Christmas families can meet Santa and his Elves in store on Floor 4, pre booking is recommended.

Price is £15 per child and admission includes accompanying adult and a Duplo® or Lego® gift.

Bedford Place at Christmas

26th & 27th November, 11am – 4pm

The Village Popup is returning to Bedford Place this November for a special Christmas market featuring local independent market traders, along with a selection of street food and drink and live entertainment. To find out more head to www.TheVillagePopup.com

Christmas Makers Market

God’s House Tower

10th & 11th, 17th & 18th December 10am – 4pm/5pm

Get into the festive spirit at Southampton’s award-winning arts and heritage venue God’s House Tower (GHT) with the return of the popular Christmas Makers Market. Taking place over two weekends in December, talented makers and artists from around the region will take over the merry medieval surroundings of GHT in the heart of the Old Town, offering a selection of artisan crafts and gifts. From stunning jewellery to eyecatching prints, ceramics and homewares, the GHT Christmas Makers Market is the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping with a difference, and find a truly unique present for loved ones while also supporting local artists.

Soton Makers Market

Southampton City Art Gallery

12th November, 10am – 5pm

For something truly unique, why not have a wander around the Soton Makers Market at Southampton City Art Gallery? From jewellery and textiles to artwork and homewares, get started on your Christmas shopping early. While you’re having a browse around the handmade artisan gifts, be sure to explore some of the art gallery’s exhibitions.

Mental Elf Fun Run

11th December

Southampton Common

Bring your family, friends, colleagues, or even your dog to this year’s 5k charity fun run. Dress up as an elf or in something festive and enjoy some outdoor fun in support of a good cause. The fun run will be in aid of Solent Mind which supports people across Hampshire with their mental health. To participate, go to ti.to/solentmind/mentalelf

God’s House Tower – Makers Market

Salt and Clay – Soton Makers Market

Can you help?

Pesky elves have escaped and stolen some of the toys Father Christmas had ready to deliver on Christmas Eve. We need your help to find what is missing so no one goes without a gift.

Luckily for us, the elves got a little carried away while playing with the toys and started taking ‘elf-ies with all the stolen goods!

SO follow the trail and check for photo evidence at each location to find out which toys were stolen. Write down the toy each elf is with and when you have found them all, claim your free prize* for all your help and hard work!

While you’re looking for the toys, see if you can spot some of the elves too –they are definitely up to mischief!

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE

When you have found all the toys and written them down, pull out these centre pages and pop to MAST Mayflower Studios (North Pole) or room2 (South Pole) to receive a FREE prize for all your help and hard work!

WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS YEAR’S

Great Elf Investigation

we’d love to know what you thought!

Please complete the feedback form below or online at www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/trail-feedback or scan the QR code.

If you would like to be entered into our prize draw to win a £50 Westquay gift card, please fill out the form below including contact details.

Participant’s name: Postcode: Participant’s age: Number of people in your group: Adults Children Did you enjoy the trail? Please rate your experience by circling an emoji: Comments:

If you would like to enter our competition, please complete the following details: Contact name: Contact email address: Are you happy to be contacted by Visit Southampton about other events and activities we think you’d enjoy? Yes No

Walks & Workshops

Arty activities

Get into the festive spirit with plenty of Christmas workshops and activities taking place across the city from macrame wreaths and hand-painted Christmas candles, to making your own wrapping paper and wire Christmas decorations. For more information and tickets to activities at Tudor House, SeaCity Museum and Southampton City Art Gallery, visit www.wegottickets.com/southamptonCulture

Christmas walks

Hidden History Christmas walks

Saturdays & Sundays 3rd – 18th December 1.30pm, depart from the Bargate Southampton’s Hidden History walks will take on a Christmas theme, recalling Southampton’s Christmas history, music and traditions, whilst continuing to visit the vaults and towers. £7 per adult, accompanying children free.

Joy to the World!

1st, 8th, 15th December 6.15pm – 8.30pm

A walk through the Christmas past of Southampton, recounting tales of favourite Christmas carols and songs linked to Southampton; wartime Christmas; Christmas events, recipes and nostalgia. Visiting the Lankester, Undercroft and 94 The High Street Vaults, the walk will finish in Robin’s Nest Emporium for some exclusive Christmas shopping opportunities and refreshments, including a glass of mulled wine, Christmas savouries and a mince pie. Tickets cost £16.50 and must be pre-booked via Eventbrite.

There are SO many

to be snapped up this holiday season. All you need to do is pick your favourite offer and present your free SO card in-store. To browse all current offers and to download your free SO card, visit www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/offers. You can also pick up a physical copy of the SO card at The Marlands Shopping Centre information desk.

Shows & Films

Alice; A Musical Adventure In Wonderland

MAST Mayflower Studios

17th – 31st December

Come and party with Alice this Christmas, in a musical trip to a Wonderland full of fun and nonsense.

Packed with a sensational mix of songs, this Christmas Youth Production will have you in the mood for dancing.

Fun for all the family, you’re sure to leave with a smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s.

Take a trip to Wonderland in this brand new show made especially for young audiences.

Filled with colourful characters and music, things in Wonderland are curiouser and curiouser in this enchanting adventure for little ones and their grown-ups.

Get ready to travel down the rabbit hole and all the way to Wonderland! www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

Down The Rabbit Hole

Hey Duggee

MAST Mayflower Studios

3rd – 10th December

SQUIRRELS GET READY!

Hey Duggee is starting his first ever theatre tour here in Southampton. A-Woof!

Join Duggee and the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters! Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse.

It’s time for a Duggee Hug! www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

MAST Mayflower Studios

9th – 24th December

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless creations, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Down the Rabbit Hole is a brand new show made especially for very young audiences. Filled with colourful characters, music – and nonsense of course – things in Wonderland are curiouser and curiouser. An enchanting adventure for little ones and their grown-ups –will you get ready to travel down the rabbit hole and all the way to Wonderland? www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Mayflower Theatre

10th – 31st December

Goldilocks and the Three Bears follows Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks, who work together to save their beloved three bears, and circus, from the Evil Ringmaster who wishes to leave them in ruin. Watch in awe as the theatre is transformed into an astounding circus where anything and everything is possible. With costumes and sets created by The London Palladium, in addition to international circus acts, this performance will surely keep you and your loved ones at the edge of your seats. www.mayflower.org.uk

Christmas films

Showcase Cinema de Lux in Westquay South will be showing a range of festive films this holiday season. Get into the Christmas spirit by seeing the latest movies and classics on the big screen. For the complete list of showings and to book visit: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk The independent-run Harbour Lights Picturehouse Cinema in Ocean Village will also be holding festive showings throughout Christmas.

Snow White (Adult Panto)

The

Stage Door

23rd November – 23rd December

For a saucy Christmas fix, an alternative and risqué Adult take on Snow White takes the stage.

This adult panto will surely have you and your group laughing in stitches.

This show is not for the faint of heart: rated over 18’s only. www.thestagedoor.org.uk

Shopping in Southampton

Searching for that perfect gift? The city centre has hundreds of shops waiting for you from your favourite national brands like Marks & Spencer and Lush to family-run independents like W.J. French and Son and Robins Nest Emporium. Plus many stay open later in the lead up to Christmas, perfect for an evening stroll around the shops.

PLUS don’t forget IKEA for your Christmas decorations, flat pack furniture and even some all-famous Swedish meatballs!

The Marlands

The Marlands Shopping Centre will be open from 8.30am – 10.00pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00am – 10.00pm on Sunday.

Please note that individual stores may operate different opening hours, please check with stores before visiting.

www.marlandsshoppingcentre.co.uk

Westquay Shopping Centre

Westquay Shopping Centre is open daily in the lead up to Christmas, with lots of retailers and food outlets for you to enjoy. From 8th December Westquay will be open until 9pm Monday – Friday. Please check with individual brands before arriving.

www.west-quay.co.uk

West Quay Retail park

Retailers in West Quay Retail Park will continue to open until late Monday-Saturday, with some open until 9pm. These include Boots, Food Warehouse, Matalan, Wilko, Decathlon, Argos, Next, JD Sports and many more!

www.westquayretail.com

Shop the high street Step outside and enjoy late night shopping on the high street too. Retailers including Boots, TK Maxx, Primark, JD Sports, Poundland, Superdrug and WHSmith stay open past 5pm on most days.

Food & Drink

Eat drink and be merry!

For the perfect end to an evening out or a quick refreshment after some Christmas shopping, there are hundreds of great spots to eat and drink, right in the heart of the city.

From midday brunch at XOXO to late-night drinks at Oasis, Southampton has something for everyone - sunrise to sunset. Check out the extensive list of places to eat and drink at www.visitsouthampton.co.uk/business-

Something to eat

Get all the trimmings this Christmas with a festive feast to remember. The Grand, O’Neill’s, The Scholar’s Arms, The White Star Tavern and Duke of Wellington are just some of the many great venues offering 2 or

Something to drink

For a bit of bubble and fizz, Southampton is the perfect place for a date night or meet up with friends and family. Tasty festive cocktails and themed beverages are all around. Head to Oxford Street for Pam Pam, Rita’s Bar & Kitchen, One Oxford or Marco’s for hand crafted cocktails. For a pint or two try out Dancing Man Brewery, Stein Garten, Shenanigans or The Mayflower Village. Need a mid-shop pitstop or a morning coffee? The likes of Mettricks, Costa, The Nest Coffee House, Muse or Poppins are all

Somewhere to party

Looking to party the season away? Whether you are looking to celebrate with colleagues, family or friends this year, there are plenty of exciting venues no matter your party size. From dancing at Orange Rooms, CRIB, Trilogy and Revolution to food and drink at Shanghai 1814, George’s Restaurant and The Quarter Lounge, the city is ready and open for you.

Getting toSouthampton

It’s easy getting to and around the city. Whether you wish to travel by bus or ferry, there are plenty of options to plan a hassle-free journey, so you can focus on the festive fun. Southampton is a strong advocate of sustainable travel and we encourage you to walk or cycle where you can.

To plan your journey in and around Southampton go to www.myjourneysouthampton.com

By train

Frequent direct services run from Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Winchester, Portsmouth, and beyond. The city centre is only a 10-minute walk from Southampton Central Station. For timetables and train fares, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

By bus

Southampton is well connected by several bus services running throughout the city. Conveniently travel into the city from Eastleigh, Romsey, Winchester and The New Forest with First (City Reds) and Bluestar buses. Visit individual operators online to view fares and timetables.

By car

If you are planning a trip by car, Southampton can be conveniently accessed via the M3 and M27 motorways. There are plenty of places to park in the heart of the city. For more information about car park locations, pricing, and opening hours, visit www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/ find-and-plan/find-parking

By ferry

There are regular ferry services running from Hythe in the New Forest and the Isle of Wight for either foot passengers or vehicles. For ticket information and crossing times, visit www.hytheferry.co.uk or www.redfunnel.co.uk.

For short journeys around the city take a ride on the Voi e-scooters or the newly introduced Beryl bikes.