Christmas Events for Kids in Southampton (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read

For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Southampton. The season opens on 12 November with Southampton Christmas Market and runs until 3 January with Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose. Of these, 2 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in the UK.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Southampton: 9
  • First: Southampton Christmas Market, Southampton, 12 November
  • Free events: Southampton Christmas Market and Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by area, with the date, time, price and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Southampton

Kids’ Christmas events
9 confirmed for 2026
Areas
Southampton
Season
12 November to 3 January
Free events
2
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in Southampton

Listed soonest first: 9 confirmed events in Southampton.

Christmas marketFree

Southampton Christmas Market

Expand to see the parent tip

The Southampton Christmas Market runs from 12 November to 27 December 2026 along Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square. Traditional wooden chalets sell crafts, gifts, food and drink, and there are children's rides, including Santa's Runaway Train on the southern side of the Bargate.

Santa's Grotto is next to the Bargate. Entry to the market is free; check ride and grotto prices on site. Opening hours are 11am to 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. On Christmas Eve it is open 10am to 7pm, and it is closed on Christmas Day.

Parent tip: Weekday late mornings are the easiest time to bring buggies. Check prices for rides and the grotto on the day.

Host
Visit South East England (opens in a new tab)
Where
Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square, Southampton SO14 7SJ (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Visit South East England (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 8 more Southampton events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Southampton.
  • Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Southampton.
  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
  • Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
  • One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.

Coming up on this page

  • 4 Crafts
  • 3 Santa
  • 3 Shows
  • 3 Zoos and museums
  • 2 Free

Enter your email to get new Christmas events in Southampton every week.

Free. One email a week with new events in Southampton. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy

Christmas craftsFree

Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose

Expand to see the parent tip

The Snow Windows Trail runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Pick up a free trail map and follow the Hat Route, the Carrot Route or both, visiting the window displays along the way. Each stop has an A4 poster with a letter to write into your map, and the letters unscramble to a festive word.

Hand in the finished map at the end location, SeaCity Museum or Second Nature, and fill in a short feedback form. Children receive a small prize, and adults can enter a winter prize draw. Prizes are given out Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm, but not on 24, 25 or 26 December or 1 January.

Parent tip: Check the Visit Southampton page for where to collect maps before you set off.

Host
Visit Southampton (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southampton city centre shop windows (finish at SeaCity Museum or Second Nature) (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Visit Southampton (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Panto or Christmas show

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show

Expand to see the parent tip

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show plays in Studio 1 at Mayflower Studios from 2 to 12 December 2026. It lasts about an hour with no interval and is recommended for all ages, suitable from 6 months.

Most days have a 10am show, with extra performances at 1pm or 4pm on several dates, and a single 11.30am show on Sunday 6 December. Tickets start at £17.50, and under 2s are welcome free with a ticket.

Parent tip: Morning shows suit babies and toddlers best. Book early for Saturdays.

Host
Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Studio 1, Mayflower Studios, Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Meet Santa

Santa's having a tea party!

Expand to see the parent tip

Santa's having a tea party! takes place at John Lewis in Westquay from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 December 2026, 10am to 5pm each day. It is aimed at children, and adults get a drink and cake.

Tickets are booked online. For questions call 07561 877880.

Parent tip: Book ahead, as it is ticketed.

Host
John Lewis Southampton (opens in a new tab)
Where
John Lewis, Westquay Shopping Centre, 23 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1QA (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with John Lewis Southampton (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Panto or Christmas show

Robin Hood

Expand to see the parent tip

Robin Hood is the Mayflower Theatre's Christmas pantomime for 2026, running from 12 December to 3 January 2027. Ashley Banjo and Diversity lead the cast. Expect big laughs, audience participation, special effects and plenty of boos and hisses, with scenery and costumes from The London Palladium.

Shows are matinees and evenings, with start times of 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5pm or 7pm depending on the day. Tickets start at £19.50. The theatre recommends the show for ages 3 and up. Under 2s may come at a parent's discretion, but the venue says it is not suitable for that age.

Parent tip: Check the time for your date on the booking page as it changes through the run.

Host
Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1GE (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Meet Santa

Visit Father Christmas at Tudor House & Garden

Expand to see the parent tip

Tudor House Museum offers Father Christmas visits on Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December 2026, at various times through the day, and other dates may be available. Each ticket includes a visit with a gift, one craft activity, one hot chocolate or juice and a festive biscuit in the cafe.

Book one ticket per child. Babes in arms go free with a paying child but do not get a gift unless a ticket is bought for them. Each child can bring up to two adults. Booking is essential through Southampton Museums and Gallery.

Parent tip: Phone 023 8083 4242 or email museums@southampton.gov.uk with questions about booking.

Host
Tudor House & Garden (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tudor House Museum, Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2AD (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Tudor House & Garden (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Panto or Christmas show

Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure

Expand to see the parent tip

Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure is performed by over 50 young amateur performers in Studio 1 at Mayflower Studios. It runs from 20 to 31 December 2026, and the theatre recommends it for ages 3 and up. Under 2s are not allowed.

Most shows start at 1pm or 5.30pm. Matinees are on 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 December, and evening shows are on 20 to 23, 27, 28 and 30 December. Tickets start at £19.50.

Parent tip: Matinees are on 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 December, which suits a quiet day out in the holidays.

Host
Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
Studio 1, Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Mayflower Theatre (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas crafts

Art for All: Gonks, Gonks and More Gonks

Expand to see the parent tip

Art for All: Gonks, Gonks and More Gonks is a children's craft activity at SeaCity Museum for ages 4 and over. It runs on Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December 2026, with four sessions each day between 10am and 3.30pm.

SeaCity also runs Clay Christmas Trees and more for ages 5 and over on Wednesday 23 December.

Parent tip: Pick a session time on the event page when you book.

Host
SeaCity Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, Southampton SO14 7FY (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with SeaCity Museum (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas crafts

Culture Club for Kids: Wonderful Winter

Expand to see the parent tip

Culture Club for Kids: Wonderful Winter runs at SeaCity Museum on Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 2026, from 9am to 4pm each day. It is one of the museum's Christmas holiday activities.

Check the event page linked from the SeaCity What's On calendar for ages and prices before booking.

Parent tip: Confirm the age range and price on the event page before you book.

Host
SeaCity Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
SeaCity Museum, Havelock Road, Southampton SO14 7FY (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with SeaCity Museum (opens in a new tab)

New events in Southampton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Southampton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

More Christmas events for kids in the UK

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cosy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Southampton: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Southampton?

For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Southampton, each on its host’s own page: Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose, Southampton Christmas Market, Robin Hood and 6 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Southampton?

Yes, 2 of the 9 events here are free: Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose and Southampton Christmas Market. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Southampton?

Where to see Santa: Southampton Christmas Market, Visit Father Christmas at Tudor House & Garden and Santa's having a tea party!. Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 5 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Southampton

Southampton's best documented Christmas tradition is the panto, which goes back to Humpty Dumpty at the Gaumont in 1959. The Mayflower took over from the Gaumont in 1986, and 2026 brings Robin Hood.

A 1959 Humpty Dumpty with Tommy Cooper at the Gaumont

Southampton's panto story starts on record in 1959/60, when Humpty Dumpty was staged at the Gaumont, the theatre that came before the Mayflower. Petula Clark and Tommy Cooper were in the cast. The building dates to 1928, and it is described as the largest theatre in the South.

The Gaumont closed in 1986 and was converted into the Mayflower, which is why there was no panto in 1985 or 1986. Since then Cinderella, Aladdin, Peter Pan and Snow White have each come round again, and 2026 brings Robin Hood, last staged here in 2016.

Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a 13 November market in 2025

The 2025 Mayflower panto was The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, from Saturday 13 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Alexandra Burke played Captain Hook, Dr Ranj was the Magical Merman and Max Fulham played Smee.

The Christmas Market on Above Bar ran from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with alpine chalets and children's rides. Westquay's ice rink opened on 24 October 2025 and ran to 4 January 2026, with 45-minute sessions starting on the hour and tickets from £12.

Dudley Moore dropped out and a panto closed after a day

The 1997/98 Cinderella lost Dudley Moore to ill health before rehearsals began, and Brian Conley took over. In 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 the Mayflower staged Santa Claus the Musical, White Christmas and The Wizard of Oz instead of a panto.

The 2020/21 season was cut short. Sleeping Beauty closed after a single day because of cast illness, and the rest of the run was cancelled. A short 2020 run is also listed in the archive. Crossroads Pantomimes has produced the Mayflower panto since 2021/22. Qdos did so from 2012/13.

Traditions today

  • The Mayflower panto: Robin Hood runs from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with Ashley Banjo and Diversity. The theatre recommends it for ages 3 and up.
  • Christmas Market on Above Bar: Wooden chalets, children's rides and Santa's Grotto by the Bargate, from 12 November to 27 December 2026. Entry is free.
  • Snow Windows Trail: A free trail of shop window displays from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Children get a small prize at the end.
  • Father Christmas at Tudor House: Visits on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026 include a gift, a craft, a drink and a biscuit. Booking is essential.
  • A Christmas story for the very young: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show plays Mayflower Studios from 2 to 12 December 2026 and is suitable from 6 months.
  • Young performers at the Studios: Over 50 young amateur performers stage Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure from 20 to 31 December 2026.

A fact for kids

In 2025 the city's panto had a pirate captain, Captain Hook, played by Alexandra Burke, and a Magical Merman played by Dr Ranj.

Questions about Christmas in Southampton

When does the Robin Hood panto run at the Mayflower Theatre in 2026?

Robin Hood runs at Mayflower Theatre on Commercial Road from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Shows are matinees and evenings, with start times of 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5pm or 7pm depending on the day. Tickets start at £19.50. The booking page shows which time applies to your date.

Is Robin Hood at the Mayflower suitable for a 3 year old?

The Mayflower recommends Robin Hood for ages 3 and up. Under 2s may come at a parent's discretion, but the venue says the show is not suitable for that age. Ashley Banjo and Diversity lead the cast, and the producer promises boos and hisses and special effects, aimed at the whole family.

When does the Southampton Christmas Market open in 2026?

Southampton Christmas Market runs from 12 November to 27 December 2026 on Above Bar Street and Guildhall Square. It is open 11am to 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. Entry is free, and the market sells chalet food, gifts and drinks.

Where is Santa's Grotto in Southampton city centre?

Santa's Grotto at the Southampton Christmas Market is next to the Bargate. Santa's Runaway Train, a children's ride, is on the southern side of the Bargate. Tudor House has Father Christmas visits in December 2026, and John Lewis at Westquay has a Santa tea party from 10 to 13 December.

Is the Southampton Christmas Market open on Christmas Day?

No. The Christmas Market is closed on Christmas Day. It opens 10am to 7pm on Christmas Eve and runs until 27 December 2026. If you want somewhere to go on 25 December, check the venue first, because the Snow Windows Trail prizes are also not given out on 24, 25 or 26 December.

Where can I spend Christmas Day with kids in Southampton?

No family event has been announced for 25 December 2026. The market is closed that day, trail prizes are unavailable on 24, 25 and 26 December, and the Peter Pan shows skip 25 and 26 December. You could walk the free window trail displays, but check each venue first.

What is there for a baby or toddler at Christmas in Southampton?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show at Mayflower Studios is suitable from 6 months and lasts about an hour with no interval. It plays 2 to 12 December 2026, mostly with a 10am show. Under 2s are free with a ticket. Tickets for others start at £17.50.

How much is The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show in Southampton?

Tickets for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show start at £17.50. Under 2s are welcome free with a ticket. It plays in Studio 1 at Mayflower Studios on Above Bar Street from 2 to 12 December 2026, with the last show at 4pm on Saturday 12 December.

Is the Snow Windows Trail in Southampton free?

Yes. The Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose is free and runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. You collect a map, choose the Hat Route, the Carrot Route or both, and unscramble the letters from each window. Children get a small prize at SeaCity Museum or Second Nature.

How do you do the Southampton Snow Windows Trail?

Pick up a free map, then visit the window displays on your route. Each stop has an A4 poster with a letter to write on the map, and the letters spell a festive word. Take the finished map to SeaCity Museum or Second Nature, fill in a short feedback form and collect the prize.

Can children meet Father Christmas at Tudor House in Southampton?

Yes. Tudor House Museum on Bugle Street has Father Christmas visits on 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 2026. Each ticket covers a gift, a craft, a hot chocolate or juice and a biscuit. Book one ticket per child. Babes in arms go free but get no gift without a ticket.

How many adults can come with a child to see Father Christmas at Tudor House?

Each child can be accompanied by up to two adults. Booking is essential, and you need one ticket per child. Babes in arms go free with a paying child, but they only get a gift if a ticket is bought for them. Tudor House is on Bugle Street, SO14 2AD.

What was the first panto in the Mayflower's story?

The earliest panto in the archive is Humpty Dumpty in 1959/60, staged at the Gaumont, the theatre that came before the Mayflower. Petula Clark and Tommy Cooper were in the cast. The Gaumont closed in 1986 and was converted into the Mayflower, so there was no panto in 1985 or 1986.

Which panto was on at the Mayflower in 2025?

The 2025 panto was The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, from Saturday 13 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Alexandra Burke played Captain Hook, Noah Harrison was Peter Pan and Carly Joan Furlong was Tink. The 2026 panto is Robin Hood, which last played the Mayflower in 2016.

What happened to the 2020 Sleeping Beauty at the Mayflower?

Sleeping Beauty was the 2020/21 panto, and it closed after one day because of cast illness. The rest of the run was cancelled. The archive also lists a short run for 2020. Crossroads Pantomimes has produced the Mayflower panto since 2021/22.

Was there a Southampton Christmas Market last year?

Yes. The 2025 Christmas Market ran from 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 on Above Bar, with alpine chalets, food, gifts, live entertainment and children's rides. The 2026 market is shorter, running from 12 November to 27 December.

Can children go ice skating at Westquay in Southampton?

In 2025 Westquay's rink ran from 24 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, for all ages, with 45-minute sessions on the hour, skate hire included and child-friendly skate aids. Tickets started at £12. Its 2026 dates have not been announced yet, so check Westquay's website before you plan.

What can older kids see over the holidays after Christmas in Southampton?

Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure has matinees on 29, 30 and 31 December 2026 at Mayflower Studios, for ages 3 and up. Robin Hood continues at Mayflower Theatre to 3 January 2027, and the Snow Windows Trail also runs to 3 January 2027.

What do the young performers do in the Peter Pan show at Mayflower Studios?

More than 50 young amateur performers make up the cast of Peter Pan: A BIG Musical Adventure, in Studio 1 at Mayflower Studios on Above Bar Street. It runs from 20 to 31 December 2026, and tickets start at £19.50. The theatre recommends it for ages 3 and up.

Where is SeaCity Museum, and what does it do at Christmas?

SeaCity Museum is on Havelock Road, SO14 7FY. Its 2026 Christmas holiday activities include Culture Club for Kids: Wonderful Winter on 21, 22 and 23 December from 9am to 4pm, and Art for All craft sessions for ages 4 and over.

Sources

  1. Mayflower Southampton pantomime history by year, Panto Archive
  2. Preview: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, In Common
  3. Southampton Christmas Market 2025, Bluestar
  4. On Ice at Westquay, Westquay
  5. Robin Hood 2026, Mayflower Theatre
  6. Visit Father Christmas at Tudor House & Garden, Tudor House & Garden
  7. Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose, Visit Southampton
  8. Southampton Christmas Market, Visit South East England
  9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show 2026, Mayflower Theatre
  10. Peter Pan 2026, Mayflower Theatre
Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Christmas Events for Kids in Southend-on-Sea (2026)
Next

Christmas Events for Kids in Sorsogon (2026)