Blue Puffin Stays
Christmas in Portsmouth runs from carols in Old Portsmouth to skating in Guildhall Square and the panto in Southsea. We’ve updated this guide for Christmas 2026, with dates wherever they’ve been announced.
Old Portsmouth is a good place to start. The cathedral, the harbourside pubs on Bath Square and the Hotwalls Studios are all a short walk apart, and our Southsea homes are a short drive or bus ride away.
1. A Victorian Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
The dockyard’s Victorian Christmas now takes place on board HMS Warrior. At A Christmas Ship, on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026 (10am to 4pm), the ship is dressed for Christmas Eve 1863. There are Victorian carols, a magic lantern show, and Father Christmas in the captain’s cabin. Entry is included in general admission, but you’ll need to book a slot in advance to meet Father Christmas. The old Victorian Festival of Christmas isn’t part of the 2026 programme, but the dockyard is hosting a three-day Christmas market from 27 to 29 November 2026.
2. Southsea Christmas Lights Switch-On and We Shine
Portsmouth’s countdown to Christmas starts on Palmerston Road. The Southsea Christmas Lights Switch On is on Thursday 19 November 2026, from 4pm to 7.30pm. In recent years the evening has brought live music, panto guests and a visit from Father Christmas. Commercial Road and Cosham usually switch on within a few days, though their 2026 dates are still to be confirmed. The same week, the free We Shine Portsmouth light festival runs from 19 to 21 November.
3. Christmas Markets, from Commercial Road to Old Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Christmas Market returns in 2026. It usually lines Commercial Road from late November, and this year’s dates are still to be confirmed. In Old Portsmouth, the Hotwalls Studios Festive Creative Market runs on 28–29 November and 5–6 December 2026 (10am to 4pm), with makers’ chalets, food, drink and live music. Portsmouth Cathedral also holds its Christmas Fair on Saturday 28 November, from 11am to 2.30pm.
4. Portsmouth On Ice at Guildhall Square
Portsmouth On Ice returns to Guildhall Square from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The real ice rink sits under a canopy, so hour-long sessions go ahead whatever the weather. It opens from 9am every day except Christmas Day. Off-peak tickets start at £13.50 for children and £15.50 for adults, and family tickets start at £48.
5. Christmas Carols at Portsmouth Cathedral, Old Portsmouth
For many people, Christmas in Old Portsmouth means carols at the cathedral on St Thomas’s Street. Portsmouth Cathedral’s Christmas Carol Services are at 6.30pm on 20, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026, and the Christmas Eve service includes the blessing of the crib. The Advent Carol Service is on Sunday 29 November at 5.45pm, and Midnight Mass is at 11pm on Christmas Eve. The carol services are popular, so arrive early.
6. Festive Food at Old Portsmouth’s Harbourside Pubs
Old Portsmouth’s historic pubs sit right by the harbour. The Grade II listed Still & West on Bath Square publishes Christmas menus, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Next door, the Spice Island Inn looks out over the harbour mouth, and The Dolphin on the High Street is a short walk from the cathedral. Christmas tables go quickly, so book early.
7. Port Solent’s Festival of Christmas Markets
At the top of the harbour, Port Solent’s Festival of Christmas Markets runs on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, from 10am to 4pm. In past years it has filled the marina with stalls from local makers and artisans, and the restaurants along the Boardwalk are close by for lunch.
8. The Pompey Panto at the Kings Theatre, Southsea
This year’s Pompey Panto at the Kings Theatre on Albert Road, Southsea, is Jack and the Beanstalk. It runs from 5 to 31 December 2026. Jack Edwards returns as Dame Trott, and Shaun Williamson plays the villain, Fleshcreep. Tickets start from £10, and there’s a separate adults-only (18+) version on 28 and 29 December.
Where to Stay for Christmas in Portsmouth
If you’re coming for the carols, the markets or the panto, it helps to have somewhere comfortable to come back to. Whitwell Loft is a bright two-bedroom loft on the corner of Canoe Lake, about five minutes’ walk from Southsea beach. Pepys Hideaway sleeps six, has off-road parking and is about five minutes’ walk from Albert Road, home of the Kings Theatre. Seabird House is a two-bedroom Southsea house with a private garden and an indoor fireplace, a short walk from Southsea’s restaurants and bars.
You can see all our Portsmouth homes here and check availability for Christmas and New Year 2026.
From carols in Old Portsmouth to skating in Guildhall Square, Christmas in Portsmouth is easy to enjoy at your own pace. We’ll update this guide as the remaining 2026 dates are confirmed. For more ideas, see our seven Christmas things to do in Portsmouth.
