Visiting Portsmouth in winter provides a unique view of its maritime heritage, historic dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, festive Portsmouth Christmas Market and the lights switch-on.
Read on for the expected 2024 dates, opening times and Commercial Road location.
Portsmouth Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Unconfirmed
Portsmouth Christmas Market dates: 14th November to 30th December (unconfirmed).
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Commercial Road.
Opening times: 11am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: Old Portsmouth historical walking tour.
Public transport: Train: Portsmouth and Southsea Station.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. NCP Portsmouth Market Way is nearby.
Where to stay: Royal Maritime Hotel is a highly-rated hotel near the harbour.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Switch On Party: Features stars of panto, local performers and Father Christmas.
Christmas lights switch-on dates:
Commercial Road: 14th November (unconfirmed), 5pm to 7pm.
Southsea, Palmerston Road: 21st November (unconfirmed), 5pm to 7pm.
Cosham High Street: 28th November (unconfirmed), 5pm to 7pm.
Saturday Taster Market: Commercial Road, 30th November (unconfirmed).
We Create Market: Cascades, 7th and 8th December (unconfirmed), 10am to 5pm.
Portsmouth on Ice: Guildhall Square: 23rd November to 5th January (confirmed). Full details available here.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Mulled wine, artisanal cheese, seafood delights, traditional mince pies, and locally brewed ales.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Convenient Hotels
Even though it’s an 18-minute walk to Commercial Road, I recommend the Royal Maritime Hotel for its highly-rated service and comfortable rooms. You could also take the train from Portsmouth Harbour station to the city centre.
Recommended Tours
With its historic dockyard and iconic landmarks, Portsmouth has plenty to explore. A city tour with a local guide enables you to see many of the city’s highlights.
The Old Portsmouth historical walking tour takes you through 900 years of history, from the area’s darker past to its cultural heritage, as a passionate local guide brings the city’s stories to life.
After taking in the historic charm of Portsmouth, be sure to check out my UK Christmas Markets List. It features the best markets in the country to help you plan your visits.
Event Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
Christmas in Portsmouth
Stroll through Portsmouth’s Christmas market and explore the wooden cabins lining the city centre, featuring a mix of local makers, producers and vintage finds.
Enjoy a range of offerings, from German sausages and glühwein to stockings, tree decorations and other gifts, like personalised baubles.
Join the festivities at the Christmas Lights Switch On Party and the We Shine Art and Light Festival.
Discover unique gifts at the Love Southsea Market on Palmerston Road or the Hotwalls Christmas Market, featuring treats and creations from local designer-makers.
Food Specialties
- Fish and Chips: A classic British dish typically featuring freshly caught local fish, deep-fried in a crispy batter, served with chunky chips.
- Mulled Cider: Warm spiced cider made from local apples, available from vendors specialising in regional drinks, particularly popular in colder months.
- Bratwurst: German-style sausages, grilled and served in fresh buns.
- Portsmouth Pasty: A local twist on the Cornish pasty, filled with ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
- Artisanal Cheese: Cheeses produced by local dairies, ranging from soft brie style to hard cheddar.
- Portsmouth-made Fudge: Handmade fudge sold by local confectioners, including traditional vanilla and sea salt caramel.
- Local Seafood: Fresh oysters, crab, and other seafood caught off the Portsmouth coast, available at select stalls.
- Vegan Bakes: Eco-conscious vendors offering plant-based cakes and pastries.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Crafts: Locally crafted items like ship models, seafaring memorabilia and nautical home décor.
- Portsmouth Gin: Locally distilled gin with unique botanicals.
- Handcrafted Jewellery: Local jewellers create unique pieces such as necklaces and rings.
- Upcycled Items: Gifts crafted from reclaimed maritime materials, such as old boat wood or recycled rope.
- Art Prints and Photography: Prints and photos of Portsmouth landmarks and seascapes.
- Books: Works by authors based in Portsmouth, available at book stalls, ranging from local history and culture to contemporary fiction.
- Woollen Goods: Scarves, mittens, socks and hats made from British wool.
- Gourmet Food Hampers: Packed with local produce such as artisanal cheeses, homemade jams and chutneys, locally brewed ales, and other regional specialities.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Look for hotels that use renewable energy like solar or wind power. Some Portsmouth hotels are committed to reducing their environmental impact through energy-efficient practices and waste reduction.
- Minimise Food Waste: Share larger meals at local eateries or order smaller portions. Many restaurants in Portsmouth participate in food waste reduction initiatives.
- Ethical Shopping: Purchase items made by local craftspeople, such as ceramics, textiles, or artworks, to support the community and reduce the impact of importing goods.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Dining: Try the vegetarian or vegan options at Portsmouth’s local eateries.
- Public Transport: Make use of Portsmouth’s buses, trains, or rental bicycles to explore the city. The Park & Ride service provides a convenient way to reduce car use in busy areas.
- Explore on Foot: Portsmouth’s compact city centre is best explored by walking. Discover local attractions like the Historic Dockyard or Southsea Castle without needing transport.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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