Festive markets, twinkling light switch-ons, Father Christmas grottos, and seasonal shows – December is a magical time of year to be in Gosport, and we’ve wrapped up your complete guide to Christmas in Gosport for 2025.
Christmas light switch-ons in Gosport
Gather your friends and family, Christmas will officially begin in Gosport on 29 November with the Gosport High Street Christmas Lights Switch On, bringing a fully festive day to the town centre, complete with a Christmas market, followed by the evening event that will see the turning on of the lights.
In Lee-on-Solent, Christmas In Lee – a day full of yuletide fun on 22 November – will culminate with the Christmas tree light switch on, plus plenty of carol singing to bring the Christmas cheer.
Christmas markets in Gosport
Nothing feels more Christmassy than browsing a festive fayre with mulled wine in hand, and local Christmas markets are great for supporting small businesses while enjoying a festive day out.
In Gosport, one of the highlights is the Christmas Market at Fort Brockhurst on 15 and 16 November when the historic fort transforms for Christmas with artisan stalls, handmade gifts, food and drink, and full festive atmosphere in the distinctive setting of a Victorian fort.
Coinciding with this year’s Christmas lights switch-on, the Gosport High Street Christmas Market will take place in the town centre on 29 November with 70 stalls from local traders selling gifts, food, and drink. There will also be live music all day, street entertainers, children’s rides, and a wonderful Christmassy atmosphere.
In Lee-on-Solent, Christmas In Lee, a day jam-packed with festive fun on 22 November, will have a range of local stall holders to get you started with your Christmas shopping, plus plenty of food and fairground rides to enjoy.
There’s also a Christmas Fayre at Christ Church Hall on 22 November, a Cats Protection Gosport Christmas Fayre at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Alverstoke on 22 November, and a Christmas Fayre at Gosport Community Association on 7 December.
Where to see Father Christmas in Gosport
Meeting Santa is a Christmas highlight for families and young children, and Gosport offers several chances to see Father Christmas this year.
During the Christmas In Lee celebration in Lee-on-Solent on 22 November, children will be able to meet Father Christmas in his grotto before the Christmas lights are switched on for the season.
Tuck into breakfast with Santa at The Sailmaker family pub on selected dates throughout December for a magical morning filled with festive cheer, delicious food, and heart-warming moments.
Families can also get breakfast or brunch with Santa at Alver Valley Garden Centre on 6, 13, or 20 December, or on 15 or 17 December for toddler and baby sessions.
Left it to the last minute to meet Father Christmas? Head to Santa’s in the Park at Leesland Park on 21 December, where Father Christmas will be visiting the park with a free gift for all visiting children.
Christmas activities in Gosport
Glide into Christmas in Gosport, where Planet Ice offers one of the best places in Hampshire to go ice skating. Take part in this winter wonderland pastime on the spacious indoor ice rink with public skating and ice-skating lessons.
The Gosport Christmas Pud 5K rolls into Stokes Bay on 7 December with festive fancy dress – join in the jolly fun run, or cheer along the racing puddings.
Visit the Hovercraft Museum at Lee-on-the-Solent for some Hover-Crafting with the Elves on 22 and 29 November, or 6 December, where there will be creative Christmas activities alongside the world’s largest collection of hovercraft.
For grown-ups who enjoy Christmas crafts, Alver Valley Garden Centre’s workshops are a great choice, with Christmas wreath and table arrangement workshops taking place on selected dates throughout November and December.
Christmas concerts and shows in Gosport
At Planet Ice, a spectacular showing of Dick Whittington will skate onto the ice rink on the evening of 26 November with an ice skating panto performed by amateur local skaters who have honed their skills through Planet Ice’s Learn to Skate programme.
The Sultan Theatre Group will also be putting on a pantomime with their rendition of Beauty and the Beast at the Dreadnought Theatre at HMS Sultan from 20 to 23 November, and Gosport Solent Brass Christmas Concert will fill Holy Trinity Church with merry music on 13 December.
In early December (dates TBC for 2025) St Mary’s Church in Alverstoke hosts an annual three-day Christmas Tree Festival, where over 70 trees are decorated by local schools, charities, community groups, and businesses. The displays provide a twinkling backdrop to the festival’s accompanying musical performances.
Christmas celebrations in Gosport
Whether it’s a work Christmas party or a celebration with friends and family, Gosport has a great selection of restaurants, pubs, and places to get together at Christmastime.
One of the most striking dining experiences is aboard The Lightship, a beautifully restored 1940s vessel in Haslar Marina, which will have a Christmas party menu for celebrations from 1 December.
Or have a party at a pub like The Old Ship or The Inn by the Sea in Lee-on-the-Solent, celebrate a coastal Christmas at Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar in Stokes Bay, or get together with friends at The Old Bake House in Royal Clarence Marina.
Discover more food and drink in Gosport
Saturdays in December on the High Street
Join us on Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th December as we bring festive cheer to Gosport High Street. Gosport Borough Council will be hosting a range of free family entertainment to make your Christmas shopping extra special.
Expect a festive lineup of street performers, including giant bouncing snowmen, Christmas puddings, festive dinosaurs, and stilt-walking gingerbread folk and elves. Enjoy photo opportunities with a magical snow globe and a life-sized unicorn, along with live music from the Gosport Scouts, Churches Together choirs, the Rocks N’ Groynes Sea Shanty Singers, and the ever-popular Big Noise Samba Band.
So come along, soak up the festive atmosphere, and enjoy the entertainment while ticking off your Christmas shopping list!
