This year, Southampton Christmas Market takes place from Thursday November 13th 2025 until Sunday January 4th 2026. Visit the Southampton Christmas Market on Above Bar, where you can expect a wide range of tasty treats and live entertainment. Enjoy delicious festive food from German sausages to crêpes and churros. The festive bars are stocked with tasty hot chocolates, hot glühwein and hot mulled cider, and you can buy special gifts from a selection of the vendors. There will also be children’s rides, including a traditional horse carousel.
Fast Facts for 2025
| Need‑to‑know | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thu 13 Nov 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026 (closed Christmas Day) |
| Location | Above Bar Street & Guildhall Square, Southampton SO14 7FP |
| Price | Free entry; pay‑as‑you‑go for food, rides & Santa |
| Opening Times | Nov: Mon‑Thu 11‑18 h, Fri‑Sat 10‑20 h*, Sun 11‑19 h* Dec: Mon‑Wed 11‑18 h, Thu 10‑18 h, Fri‑Sat 10‑20 h*, Sun 10‑19 h* (Christmas Eve 10‑17 h) last food/drink orders 30 min before close |
| Nearest Station | Southampton Central—10 min walk |
Hotels Near Southampton Christmas Market
What’s New in 2025
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Bigger footprint: extra chalets spill down to Bargate Street, creating a continuous 600‑metre festive trail.
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Ice Slide returns—longer lane: the family‑friendly tube slide, first debuted in 2024, now stretches an extra 5 metres for a faster swoosh.
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Even taller Ferris Wheel: grab 360° city‑light selfies from one of the UK’s tallest mobile wheels.
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Sustainable gift zone: new “Green Grotto” chalet cluster featuring zero‑plastic wrapping and local eco‑makers.
Shopping & Stalls
More than 70 individually designed alpine chalets overflow with hand‑poured soy candles, Hampshire honey, German nutcrackers, artisan jewellery, and personalised baubles. Arrive early evening for twinkling lights and live carols that make browsing feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Food & Drink Highlights
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German swing‑grill bratwurst & schnitzel
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Roast chestnuts & mince‑pie crumble with hot custard
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Fresh crêpes & Belgian waffles drizzled in Nutella
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Moose Bar & Alpine Bar pouring steins of Bavarian beer, mulled wine and deluxe hot chocolates topped with toasted marshmallows
Tip: Veggie or gluten‑free? Look for the green snowflake symbol on menu boards.
Thrilling Rides & Entertainment
| Ride | Why it’s unmissable |
|---|---|
| Ferris Wheel | 40 m‑high panorama of the city & Solent. |
| AtmosFear | Swings 80 ft while spinning 360°—adrenaline junkies only! |
| Snowball Launcher | Tallest mobile bungee in the world (55 m catapult). |
| Christmas Fun House & mini‑carousels | Toddler‑approved, tucked just behind the Bargate. |
Live roaming bands and an hourly light‑projection show on the Bargate keep the vibe buzzing.
Family Fun: Santa’s Grotto
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Price: Child £7.99 (includes gift), Adults £1; under‑1 s free with paying sibling.
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Opening: Mirrors market hours; closes one hour earlier when queues are full.
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No pre‑booking—join virtual queue via QR code on site.
Getting There, Parking & Accessibility
By Train
Southampton Central (direct services from London Waterloo, Bournemouth & Portsmouth) is a flat 10‑minute walk to Above Bar Street; follow the festive signage.
By Car
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Westquay multi‑storey – 2,484 spaces, open 24 hrs, 5‑min walk.
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Council car parks & on‑street bays – 08:00‑00:00 daily.
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JustPark pre‑booking can lock in spaces from £1.80 /hr.
Park & Ride
A new weekend West Park & Ride pilot on the M271 drops you at Civic Centre in 15 min—ideal if you’re driving in from the west or using cruise‑port parking.
Buses & Diversions
Bluestar services divert around Bargate closure during market season—check live timetables before you travel.
Accessibility
Step‑free routes from Guildhall Square; Blue Badge bays in Portland Terrace & Westquay. Wheelchair‑friendly ramps to Santa’s Grotto.
Where to Stay & Nearby Things to Do
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Adjacent hotels: Moxy Southampton, Premier Inn Westquay, Leonardo Royal—5‑minute strolls.
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Make it a weekend: Explore SeaCity Museum, the Titanic Trail, or catch a show at Mayflower Theatre. Westquay’s indoor mall offers late‑night shopping and heated dining terraces.
Insider Tips for a Stress‑Free Visit
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Beat the crowds: Arrive before 11 a.m. on weekdays or after 19 h on Sundays.
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Cash & contactless: Most stalls accept cards, but bring coins for traditional fairground games.
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Photo ops: Golden hour (15:45‑16:15 in December) from the top of the Ferris Wheel = Insta gold.
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Plan rides first: Thrill rides often close 30 min before market stalls.
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Eco‑friendly: Bring a reusable mug—many traders offer 20 p discounts on hot drinks.
Southampton Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Southampton Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
A: Southampton Christmas Market 2025 runs from Thursday 13 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, with a closure on Christmas Day.
Q: Where is Southampton Christmas Market held?
A: The market stretches along Above Bar Street, Bargate and Guildhall Square (SO14 7FP) in the heart of Southampton city centre.
Q: Is Southampton Christmas Market free to enter or do I need tickets?
A: Admission is completely free; you only pay for food, drinks, rides or gifts you choose to buy.
Q: What are the opening times for Southampton Christmas Market 2025?
A:
• November – Mon‑Thu 11:00‑18:00, Fri‑Sat 10:00‑20:00, Sun 11:00‑19:00
• December – Mon‑Wed 11:00‑18:00, Thu 10:00‑18:00, Fri‑Sat 10:00‑20:00, Sun 10:00‑19:00
• Christmas Eve – 10:00‑17:00
(Last food / drink orders 30 min before close.)
Q: How do I get to Southampton Christmas Market by public transport?
A: Southampton Central railway station is a flat 10‑minute walk from Above Bar Street, and Bluestar buses stop at “Marlands” or “Civic Centre”, both two‑to‑four minutes from the market.
Q: Where can I park near Southampton Christmas Market?
A: Try the Westquay multi‑storey or Portland Terrace car parks (5‑min walk) or pre‑book a bay with JustPark from £1.80 per hour to guarantee a space.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Southampton Christmas Market?
A: Yes—because it’s outdoors, well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome; just keep them out of enclosed chalets and the grotto.
Q: Is Southampton Christmas Market wheelchair accessible?
A: The pedestrianised Above Bar precinct offers step‑free, level access; Blue‑Badge bays sit in Portland Terrace/Westquay, and Shopmobility at Westquay rents scooters or wheelchairs for the day.
Q: Do I need to pre‑book Santa’s Grotto?
A: No booking needed—join the on‑site virtual queue via QR code. Tickets cost £7.99 per child (gift included) and £1 per accompanying adult.
Q: What food and drink can I expect at the market?
A: Look for Bavarian bratwurst, chicken schnitzel, roast chestnuts, crepes, Yorkshire‑wraps, churros and deluxe hot chocolates or mulled wine from the Moose Bar and Alpine Bar.
