Christmas in Southampton : December 2008
Southampton is the place to be this Christmas
Southampton City Ice Rink
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Civic Centre in the heart of the city, the Southampton City Ice Rink will provide an opportunity for people to glide on a real ice rink this winter and will form the centrepiece of the city's Christmas celebrations.
The 20m x 30m ice rink, which is brought to you by Cousins Entertainment Ltd and Southampton City Council, will have a capacity of 200 skaters at any one time. It will be open from Friday 21 November until Sunday 11 January, excluding Christmas Day. Buy your tickets now.
German Christmas Market
This year's Christmas celebrations start on Saturday 22 November with the Grand Opening of the German style Christmas Market at 11am by the Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Elizabeth Mizon. The opening will feature a performance from a traditional German Band and a special appearance from the Town Crier, John Melody.
Once again Above Bar Precinct will be filled with the sound of oompah bands and the smell of sizzling bratwurst and schnitzels.
The German style Christmas Market is even bigger and better than last year.
The market, organised by City Centre Management, brings to Southampton genuine traders from Germany and other European countries selling their traditional wares including hand-made quality arts and crafts, as well as top quality food and drink.
The traders will be offering samples and selling German beer and mulled wine to get shoppers in the festive mood.
The market stalls will be made in traditional German style with wooden cabins and canopies.
As in previous years, a carousel will be there to bring out the child in everyone... and hot chestnut and candyfloss stalls will complete the traditional Christmas atmosphere.
The market will run from Saturday 22 November until Tuesday 23 December. During November it will be open until 6:00pm (Thursdays 8:00pm) and in December until 8:00pm (Thursdays 10:00pm)
Location
A map indicating the location of the Above Bar pedestrian precinct and pedestrianised area can be viewed below>
View Larger Map
Get in the Festive Mood
More Christmas Markets
Additonal markets at the Bargate starts on thursday 18 December with late night shopping to 8pm to compliment Southampton's shopping experience.
The markets will include Christmas food, as well as a variety of Christmas ideas at credit busting prices.
Friday 19 Dec 9am - 5pm, World Markets Saturday 20 Dec 9am - 4.30pm, Sunday 21 Dec 9am - 4pm, Monday 22 Dec and Tues 23 Dec 9am - 5pm and Christmas Even 9am - finishing time, when you stop spending we will go home!
The Story of Aladdin
27 November - 10 January
Nuffield Theatre, University Road. Southampton. SO17 1TR
The Nuffield Theatre's glittering 2008 Christmas extravaganza will be a rip-roaring adventure with a flying carpet and a magic lamp, that's guaranteed to rub you up the right way! a riot for all ages, from little ones to great-great-grannies! For further information telephone the Box Office on 023 8067 1771 or email: info@nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
Cinderella
5 December - 17 January
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton. SO15 1GE
This magical tale of rags to riches will be brought to life before your eyes in a dazzling musical feast of a show. Christopher Biggins stars alongside a returning Matthew Kelly and Stefanie Powers. For further details contact the Box Office on telephone 023 80711811 or email: tickets@mayflower.org.uk
All wrapped up
Saturday 6 December
10:00am - 3:00pm
Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LW
Bring your creative tykes to Southampton Central Library for a fun-filled free activity workshop creating sparkling and glittering Christmas cards and decorations.
This activity is suitable for children up to 10 years of age and a parent or carer must stay with children at all times. No need to book, telephone 023 8083 2664 for more information.
Guided Walks around the Old Town
December:7,14,21,26,28
January: 1
Southampton Tourist Guides Association bring Southampton's history to life with walks in December including Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
The walks are free of charge and start from the Bargate at 10:30am.
For further information contact the Tourist Information Centre on telephone 023 8083 3333
Victorian Street Fayre
Wednesday 10 December
Bedford Place, Southampton
The Bedford Place Traders Association will be celebrating a traditional Victorian Christmas by holding a street party between 6:00pm - 9:00pm
The section of road between Amoy and Canton Streets will become a pedestrian only zone, as carol singers and street performers come out to create a truly festive atmosphere. The event has a Victorian theme with costumed characters, street urchins and look out for Queen Victoria and Father Christmas!
Shops will be opening late with many offering discounts for one-night-only and don't miss the tombola, mince pies and live music.
Ghost Walks around the Old Town
December: 12,15,17,19
Sarah Siddons Fan Club, a Southampton street theatre group, will present the city's history to you in an entertaining and off-beat way.
Costumed characters will tell their stories form the past. All walks will start at 7:30pm.
Tickets are £4 each and available from the Tourist Information Centre, Civic Centre Road on telephone 023 8083 3333
Santa Dash
Sunday 14 December
10:30am start
Southampton Common, Off the Avenue, Southampton
This charity event in aid of Wessex Heartbeat is full of fun as all competitors are given a santa suit to compete in.
A great event to get you in the festive spirit while raising funds for a good cause.
Cobbett Road Christmas Fun
Monday 15 December
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Cobbett Road Library, Cobbett Road, Southampton SO18 1HL
Children under 5 years old are invited to a special Christmas stories and rhymes session at Cobbett Road library – no need to book. Parents/carers must stay with children at all times.
For further information telephone 023 8022 5555
Tudor Christmas Family Day: (all ages)
Saturday 20 December
10:00am - 2:00pm
Tudor Merchant's Hall, Westgate Street, Southampton SO14 2AJ
Drop-in for all the family - £1 per child
A wonderful way to celebrate Christmas. Make your own Tudor themed Christmas card and write your message with feathered quills, make someone a sweet-smelly sweet bag, the perfect present that gets rid of bad smells, dress up in our Tudor costumes and try your hand at Tudor Dance. All children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult throughout the events and activities.For further information telephone 023 8063 5904 or email: museums@southampton.gov.uk
Create A Christmas Tree
Saturday 20 December
10:30am - 12:30pm OR 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Education Room in Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre. Southampton. SO14 7LP
Price: £5.50 per child
Artist Rosemary Shirley will be running her popular christmas tree sculpture workshop. Using wire, cellophane and a variety of materials you will design and build your own personal tree that can be decorated and taken home. This workshop is suitable for children aged 6 years and above. Be sure to book in advance either by visiting the Gallery shop in person or by calling on 023 8083 2705.
Bling Balls! Family Workshop
Monday 22 December
10:30am-12:30pm OR 1:30-3:30pm
Education Room in Southampton City Art Gallery, Civic Centre. Southampton. SO14 7LP
Price: £5.50 per child
Your christmas tree will look fabulous this year with the best decorations in town! Join artist Roy Brown to design and create the most colourful, sparkly, beautiful baubles you have ever seen. You won't want to take the decorations down! This workshop is suitable for children aged 5 years and above. Be sure to book in advance either by visiting the Gallery shop in person or by calling on 023 8083 2705.
Make a Calendar
Monday 22 December
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Cobbett Road Library, Cobbett Road, Southampton So18 1HL
Children under 7 years old can make a calendar to see in the New Year, but booking is essential. All children must have an adult with them at all times.
For more information contact Cobbett Road Library on 023 8022 5555
Bitterne Reindeers
Tuesday 23 December
10:00am - 11:00am
Bitterne Library, Bitterne Road East, Southampton SO18 5EG
There’s more craft activities going on down at Bitterne Library this Christmas time. Children aged 4-8 are invited to a special craft activity where they will be able to make their very own festive reindeer to take home with them. Other activities include a card and festive decoration making workshop. Deposit of £1 which will be refunded at the activity. Parents and carers need to stay with children throughout all activities.
For more information telephone: 023 8083 2664 or email bitterne.library@southampton.gov.uk
Christmas Shopping Opening Hours
There will be extended trading hours throughout December
WestQuay
This Christmas WestQuay is open more than ever before! There will be plenty of time for you to do your Christmas shopping, as we are open till 9pm all week throughout December.
Opening hours: (Effective from November 27th)
Monday - Wednesday:9am - 9pm
Thursday:9am - 10pm
Friday:9am - 9pm
Saturday:9am - 7pm
Sunday:11am - 5pm
Christmas Eve:9am - 5pm
Christmas Day:CLOSED
Boxing Day:10am - 5pm
Saturday 27th Dec:9am - 7pm
Sunday 28th Dec:11am - 5pm
Monday 29th Dec:9am - 9pm
Tuesday 30th Dec:9am - 9pm
New Year's Eve:9am - 5pm
New Year's Day:CLOSED
Friday 2nd Jan:9am - 6pm - Normal hours resume
Bargate Shopping Centre
From Thursday: 22nd November
Thursday -Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
From Monday 26th November
Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 7pm
Thursday: 9am - 8pm
Friday - Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
From Monday 3rd December
Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 8pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
From Monday 24th December
Christmas Eve: 9am - 6pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day: CLOSED
Thursday - Friday: 9am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
From Monday 31st December
New Year's Eve: 9am - 6pm
New Year's Day: 11am - 5pm
Wednesday - Friday: 9am - 7pm
The Mall Marlands
Monday - Wednesday and Friday: 9am-6pm
Thursday: 9am-7:30pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday:11am-5pm
Information
For further information telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 023 8083 3333 or email tourist.information@southampton.gov.uk
Public Transport
If you are visiting the city centre by bus, you can check out the latest bus timetables from Bluestar and Uni-link
Car Park Closure
Please note that the Civic Centre car park will be closed from 5am on Saturday 8 November until early February. Initially the car park will close for the Remembrance Service on Sunday 9 November, then for the Christmas ice rink which is open between 21 November and 11 January but requires time to assemble and take away, the forecourt will then host the Chinese New Year Celebrations on Sunday 25 January after which essential car park surface repairs will be carried out . For information about alternative parking options, pick up a leaflet from Gateway or Civic reception.
If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to: events@southampton.gov.uk
