Southampton Christmas Market is back for 2022!
Southampton City Council has confirmed the Christmas Market is back on in Southampton this year through the support of S&D Leisure
In just three short weeks since the announcement that the German Christmas Market would not be returning, we can now confirm a new Christmas Market will be opening in Southampton from 17 November 2022.
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
“Since the sudden and disappointing news from Wela Märkets, we’ve been working hard with partners to save Christmas in Southampton. I’m excited S&D Leisure, who have a strong track-record in delivering Christmas in places like Manchester and Bournemouth, will be in Southampton city centre during this year’s festive period. It means that small businesses that were hoping to trade can still do so, and we can still offer an exciting mix of entertainment, food, drink and shopping for visitors and local residents alike.
“This alongside the official Christmas light switch-on outside the Marlands; the ice-rink at West Quay; visiting Santa in Tudor House and the Bavarian Wünderland in Guildhall Square; there is plenty to delight all ages and backgrounds from near and far this Christmas in Southampton.”
Despite being up against time and with most suppliers and contractors already booked for the festive period, S&D Leisure have stepped up and will deliver a variety of Christmas traders, festive bars with live music, visits from Santa plus many delicious food choices.
Managing Director, Stanley Reeves, commented:
“We are pleased to be stepping in to provide a Christmas market in Southampton this year and we will do our best at such late notice. Although we know it will be a challenge, our brilliant team is working hard to bring extra sparkle to Southampton with lots to see and celebrate this season.”
Visitors to Southampton Christmas Market can also expect a traditional horse carousel and other children's rides. The bars will offer festive Glühwein, tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider. Traders will be selling mouth-watering treats such as crêpes, German sausages, cheeses and other Christmassy nibbles as well as gifts and goodies for loved ones. Entertainment will be adding to the party atmosphere Thursdays to Sundays in the main bar’s covered area.
S&D Leisure are well known for presenting outdoor events including Summer Live in Bournemouth Square, Manchester Christmas Market and the Bournemouth Christmas Market before the current organisers.
Alongside the opening of the Christmas market on 17 November, Southampton’s Countdown to Christmas free event, organised by GO! Southampton, will be taking place from 4pm to 7pm and feature a roaming theatre with snow lions and winter wonderland birds to runaway presents and live on-street music.
The festive fun doesn’t stop there though. At Guildhall Square, the Bavarian Wünderland will also open in November with a range of traders plus live entertainment, games, food and drink and more!
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Santa, and he’s making an appearance at Tudor House & Gardens. You can book your visit and find out more about all that’s going on at Tudor House this Christmas online.
You can also get festive at Southampton City Art Gallery and SeaCity Museum with Christmas activities for all the family, from wreath making to fun history talks – book at WeGotTickets.
And there are shows and performances by cultural partners with many discounted tickets to ensure that families can enjoy the show together:
- Down The Rabbit Hole – MAST Mayflower Studies, 9-24 December
- Goldilocks and The Three Bears – Mayflower Theatre, 10-31 December
- Alice: A Musical Adventure in Wonderland – MAST Mayflower Studios, 17-31 December
- Snow White Adult Panto – The Stage Door, 23 November-23 December
- Merry F-ing Christmas – MAST Mayflower Studios, 2 December
Christmas shopping in Southampton will be as spectacular as ever and Westquay will also have its popular ice rink, Westquay On Ice, for that really traditional Christmas feel. After your skate session, why not enjoy a festive cocktail or warming hot chocolate at Southampton’s alpine ski lodge? Cosy up in one of their mini chalets with family and friends.
Explore the city at Christmas with Visit Southampton’s free family walking trail, The Great Elf Investigation, and take advantage of the offers and discounts available through the SO card which is free for residents to use.
Find out more about what’s on offer in Southampton this Christmas online at Visit Southampton.
