From sparkling light switch-ons and festive markets to Father Christmas grottos and seasonal entertainment, Christmas is set to bring plenty of festive cheer to Gosport this year. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, family-friendly events, or simply looking to soak up the atmosphere, here’s your guide to Christmas in Gosport for 2026.

 

Christmas light switch-ons in Gosport

 

The countdown to Christmas in the town centre begins on 28 November with the Gosport High Street Christmas Lights Switch-On. Expect a full day of festive fun, including a Christmas market packed with seasonal treats and gifts, before the town’s Christmas lights are officially illuminated in the evening.

A week earlier, Christmas In Lee returns on 21 November, bringing a day of festive entertainment, shopping and seasonal cheer. The celebrations will culminate in the annual Christmas tree light switch-on, creating the perfect start to the festive season in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Christmas markets in Gosport

 

Few things capture the spirit of Christmas quite like wandering through a festive market, discovering unique gifts and enjoying seasonal food and drink.

One of Gosport’s most atmospheric festive events takes place at Fort Brockhurst on 14 and 15 November, when the historic Victorian fort is transformed into a winter wonderland. Visitors can browse artisan stalls, discover handmade gifts, and enjoy a truly festive setting steeped in local history, at the Free Festive Fair at Fort Brockhurst.

Back in the town centre, the Gosport High Street Christmas Market arrives on 28 November, alongside the Christmas Lights Switch-On celebrations. More than 40 local traders will be offering gifts, crafts, food and drink, while live music, family-friendly fairground rides and festive entertainment create a lively atmosphere throughout the day before the lights are switched on at 6pm.

Over in Lee-on-Solent, Christmas In Lee on 21 November offers another great opportunity to get your festive shopping underway. Alongside a variety of local stallholders, visitors can enjoy food, entertainment and fairground rides throughout the day.

There are also several community Christmas fairs taking place across the borough. On 28 November, both Harbour Cancer’s Christmas Fayre at Christ Church Hall and the Holy Trinity Christmas Fair at Holy Trinity Church will offer even more opportunities to pick up seasonal treats, gifts and decorations while supporting local organisations.

More festive entertainment

 

Free Town Centre Entertainment

 

On 5, 12 and 19 December, Gosport town centre will be filled with free festive entertainment from 10am to 3pm. Organised by Gosport Borough Council, these special Christmas Saturdays will feature stilt walkers, street performers, the Grinch, the Craft Bus, seasonal music and plenty of festive fun for all ages.

Visitors can also enjoy performances from local favourites Rocks n Groynes and the Adventus Choir, helping to bring Christmas spirit to the town centre while you shop. Details of performers appearing on each date will be available on the Discover Gosport website and Facebook page.

Stoke Road Late Night Christmas Shopping

 

Looking for something a little different for your Christmas shopping? Head to Stoke Road on Thursday 10 December from 5pm to 7.30pm for an evening of late-night retail therapy.

Visitors can browse independent businesses for unique gifts while enjoying live music, Santa’s Sleigh, traditional Pipes and Drums performances and festive entertainment at venues throughout the area. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover some hidden gems before Christmas Day.

 

Gosport Museum Festive Fayre

 

For handcrafted gifts and locally made products, don’t miss the Gosport Museum Festive Fayre on 12 and 13 December from 10am to 4pm at Gosport Museum and Art Gallery on the High Street.

The fayre will bring together talented local makers and creators, offering a great chance to find something special and support local businesses while enjoying festive entertainment in one of the town’s cultural landmarks.

Santa’s in the Park

 

One of Father Christmas’s final stops before the big day will be at Leesland Park on Sunday 20 December from 1pm to 3pm.

Santa’s in the Park is perfect for younger children, who will have the chance to meet Santa in person and receive a gift while stocks last. Children can also hand over their Christmas wish lists, making this a magical festive outing and perhaps their last opportunity to let Father Christmas know exactly what’s on their list before Christmas Eve arrives.

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