A Jolly Guide to Christmas in Southampton 2024

Southampton is a small but might city with a pretty sweet coastline. At Christmas, our favourite coastal city doesn’t disappoint either.

From cheesy bingo nights and wholesome skating to hilarious theatre shows, there’s something to delight each and every student.

There’s only a few weeks to go before you pull that cracker, stuff your face and laugh at your drunk cousin so get the student gang together and have a jolly good old time this Christmas in Southampton.

Find out everything here about what to do for Christmas in Southampton for 2024…

1. Southampton Ice Rink

Whilst we don’t have the Christmas Markets to look forward to this year in Southampton, there is the Ice Rink at Westquay Shopping Centre which will be returning for this year- who’s excited?

The ice rink opens from November 22 until January 5, and is open daily apart from on Christmas Day.

You can skate around ice with your flatmates and show off your skills on the rink!

If you’re not an experienced skater don’t worry, everyone is welcome.

Tickets are just around £15 and include your skate hire so, it’s certainly an affordable festive activity.

Why not book your tickets in advance to kickstart your Christmas in Southampton?

Address: West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hants SO15 1QE

2. Steam Illuminations

A mere 30 minutes drive from the city centre will take you to the delightfully cheerful and wholesome steam train illuminations.

Nestled within Hampshire’s beautiful Winchester lies the market town of New Alresford and a 10-mile LED jackpot.

Running until  January , the steam train illuminations is an incredible light show on the move.

You can bring along your own food or buy refreshments at either of the railway stations.

To make things that much better, you can order treat and drink boxes to collect at departure points – yes please!

This magical ride makes a welcome break from all the boozing (unless of course you want to drink), so be sure to grab a ticket and climb aboard.

 

4. Southampton’s Alpine Ski Lodge

We may not have the markets this year (sad times) but we can still enjoy the festive vibes in Southampton with the Alpine Ski Lodge.

Fancy some festive tipples with your mates? Well you’re in luck!

Opening from the 22nd November, Après Bar will be serving the likes of Mulled Wine, Winter Cocktails, Hot Chocolate and Frosty Stein’s of German Bier – mmm.

There’s even cosy mini chalets with space for up to 8 people and waiting service throughout your 2 hour time slot.

Get together with your friends and have a wholesome time for just £20 for a booking which you can split within a group – not bad, eh?

We reckon bookings will get snatched up fast for the mini-chalet, so get yours sorted!

Address: West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton, Hants SO15 1QE

5. Mayflower Theatre

Boozing isn’t for everyone so a trip to the theatre might just be the ticket – check out the Mayflower Theatre for a good old panto.

You can expect hilarious comedy, special effects, amazing stunts and international circus acts!

With ticket prices starting from £15, this could be a great Christmas get together with your pals.

There’s shows taking place in the afternoon and the evening so you’re spoilt for choice with this Christmas activity!

After all, who doesn’t love a good show? We sure do!

Address: 22-26 Commercial Rd, Southampton SO15 1GE

6. Christmas Shopping

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your mates and family, Southampton has loads of shops to choose from this Christmas.

The Beatnick Emporium is the place you need to go for your vintage queens – loads of amazing garms that make the perfect treat or gift. Vintage also means sustainable too so defo give it a visit.

If you fancy a mooch around the shops, a spot of lunch, a boozy tipple, an impromptu jazz sesh, some calligraphy and then a selfie with a leafy reindeer in snow, then West Quays is the one for you.

There’s over 100 stores to mooch around from the likes of Apple, Foot Locker, Lush and Zara to name a few.

Plus, after you’re done shopping you can go ice skating – yipeeee!

Marlands Shopping Centre is also a great place to go for some festive shopping with your pals with 60 shops to mooch around.

As you’ve discovered, there’s absolutely tons of things to do for Christmas in Southampton.

Just cos the German Christmas Markets are cancelled for this year doesn’t mean you can’t have some festive fun.

You can even have some festive celebrations in your student accommodation whether it’s hosting a dinner party, having a sing-along to Christmas songs, making festive cocktails, having a movie-marathon or even a baking session!

Whatever you do in this magical city, we hope you have an amazing time this Christmas – it’s going to be a good one!

Read next: 5 Best Takeaways In Southampton Students Need To Try ASAP.