Christmas is set to be bigger and brighter than ever in Fareham this year, with festive events, family entertainment, Christmas markets, local shopping, seasonal workshops and plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit throughout November and December.
Whether you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, family-friendly activities, festive food and drink, or simply a chance to enjoy the town centre’s seasonal atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Shop local and get creative at Flo’s Pop-Up
Throughout the festive period, shoppers can discover something a little different at Flo’s Pop-Up @ The Courtyard in Fareham Shopping Centre. The festive indoor market was officially opened by the Mayor of Fareham on 7 November and showcases independent makers, artisan producers and Hampshire-based businesses, offering a unique Christmas shopping experience packed with locally made gifts, crafts, artwork, food and drink.
Visitors will find an ever-changing selection of traders selling everything from jewellery, candles and handmade soaps to preserves, homewares, eco-friendly products, artwork and sweet treats, making it the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts while supporting local businesses.
As well as shopping, Flo’s Pop-Up @ The Courtyard will host a packed programme of festive workshops throughout the season. Visitors can try their hand at activities including:
- Silver jewellery making
- Christmas card crafting
- Christmas decoration workshops
- Glass workshops
- Painting and collage sessions
- Writing workshops
- Kinusaiga workshops
- Vision board workshops
These hands-on sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to learn a new skill, enjoy some festive creativity and even make your own handmade Christmas gifts and keepsakes.
Christmas Lights Switch On
The festive season officially begins on Saturday 21 November with Fareham’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On.
Running from 10am until 7pm, the town centre will come alive with funfair rides, festive food and drink, gift stalls, children’s activities, walkabout entertainment and live performances throughout the day. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Father Christmas before joining the countdown to the switch-on at 5.30pm in the town centre.
The event will feature a Christmas market, community stage performances and a special appearance from the cast of Fareham Live’s pantomime, making it the perfect way to launch the festive season.
Find out more, including timetables of activities and entertainment throughout the day.
Visit Santa’s Grotto
No Christmas celebration would be complete without a visit to Santa! Children can meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto in Osborn Square in Fareham Shopping Centre and receive a free Christmas gift.
Santa’s Grotto opening dates:
- Saturday 5 December and Sunday 6 December, 11am to 4pm
- Saturday 12 December and Sunday 13 December, 11am to 4pm
- Saturday 19 December and Sunday 20 December, 11am to 4pm
Please note: Santa will be taking a short break each day from 1pm to 1.30pm.
See Fareham Shopping Centre’s Christmas 2026 booklet detailing everything that’s happening this year.
Festive Thursdays return
Two special Festive Thursdays will take place on 10 and 17 December, bringing extended shopping hours and evening entertainment to Fareham town centre.
From 4pm until 7pm, visitors can enjoy:
- Late-night shopping
- Free children’s entertainment
- Festive performers
- Seasonal food and drink
- A festive indoor market
- Free parking in all Council town centre car parks from 4pm
- Santa’s Grotto
- Christmas craft activities and workshops
The events are designed to help residents shop locally while enjoying a fun-filled festive evening with family and friends.
Extra festive fun on Festive Thursdays
Santa and his friendly Elf will also be welcoming visitors to the grotto during Fareham’s Festive Thursdays, with every child receiving a free gift from Santa.
Thursday 10 December, 4pm to 7pm
- Meet Santa and his Elf
- Magic Bean Wish Baubles workshop
- Gold Egg Decorations workshop
Thursday 17 December, 4pm to 7pm
- Meet Santa and his Elf
- Jack’s Christmas Plant Pot workshop
These free activities are a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy some festive fun while making memories and getting creative in the heart of Fareham town centre.
Carols in the Garden
Following the success of the summer’s Tunes in the Garden programme, Fareham is introducing Carols in the Garden this December.
Taking place in the Civic Gardens on 10 and 17 December, from 4.30pm to 6pm, the free events will feature local performers singing traditional carols, festive favourites and Christmas classics. Refreshments and seasonal treats will also be available.
Adding to the atmosphere, the Civic Gardens will be transformed into a spectacular Winter Light-Up Garden, complete with festive lighting displays and an illuminated archway, creating a magical backdrop for the celebrations.
Find out more, including the acts you can expect to enjoy each night.
Enjoy Christmas in Fareham
With festive lights, Christmas markets, local shopping, family entertainment, seasonal workshops, Santa visits, carol concerts and magical light displays, Fareham town centre is the place to be this Christmas.
So wrap up warm, support local businesses and join us in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year right here in Fareham.
