The festive season in Portsmouth starts in the middle of November, and the city's Christmas light switch-on parties are spread over three evenings, so families can pick the one closest to home.
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The first party is in Cosham on Wednesday 18 November, from 5pm to 7pm, on the High Street. It combines a carol concert, community choirs and a visit from Father Christmas, hosted by Nation Radio's Mark Collins. The following evening, Thursday 19 November, it's Southsea's turn along Palmerston Road. Live music and local acts share the bill with a visit from Father Christmas, and the Kings Theatre's Jack and the Beanstalk cast, including Shaun Williamson and Jack Edwards, make an appearance. The city centre party closes the trio on Friday 20 November, also from 5pm to 7pm. It features performers from the Theatre Royal's Mother Goose pantomime, directed by Cherry Liquor, alongside local artists and another visit from Father Christmas. According to the city's listings, the city centre event is free.
Once the lights are up, the Portsmouth Christmas Market opens on Commercial Road in the city centre. It runs from Friday 20 November to Thursday 24 December, daily from 10am to 6pm, with free entry. The market is made up of wooden huts along the main street, and it is closed on Christmas Day.
For something more active, Portsmouth on Ice sets up in Guildhall Square from Saturday 21 November to Sunday 3 January 2027, and it is closed on Christmas Day too. Each skating session lasts one hour. The first session starts at 9am, and the last one is at 8pm from Sunday to Wednesday and at 9.15pm from Thursday to Saturday. Weekday family sessions run from 11am to noon, and there are DJ nights on Saturday 28 November, Saturday 5 December (Christmas Vibes on Ice) and Saturday 2 January (Fiesta on Ice). Off-peak prices start at £13.50 for children aged 5 to 15 and £15.50 for adults, with a family ticket at £48. Tickets can be bought online, at the box office or by calling 0845 299 7991, and the organisers suggest booking ahead, as weekend, family and DJ sessions fill up quickly. The rink is outdoors, so warm clothes are a good idea.
Between the three switch-on parties, the market and the ice rink, there is plenty to choose from across the weeks leading up to Christmas, and each event has its own dates and times to check before you go.
Published Date
6 November 2026
