1st December until the 3rd. Corner Collective Christmas Show
The Corner Collective on Albert Road is holding its annual Christmas show this week. Opening on Thursday evening the 1st of December, it has a PV at 7pm and is set to be as much of a success as last year with all new festive work from resident artists and local creative friends. Watching the build-up to the show I can tell you there are some fantastic surprises going to be available so if you still have cool presents to buy for loved ones or yourself then pop along to view some seriously cool gifts. FREE TO ATTEND
1st December to the 4th December My Dog Sighs Open Studios
It is quite a while since My Dog Sighs has done an open studio so fans of his work will rejoice at the chance to go and visit. Opening the studio doors from 4pm until 7pm on Thursday the 1st and 2nd December, and Saturday and Sunday 10am until 4pm allows for plenty of browsing. Having this rare chance to visit the studio above the Wedgewood Rooms offers the public the opportunity to see unseen works, buy books and prints with a few T-shirts for sale as well as meet the artist. FREE TO ATTEND
3rd and 4th December Castle Road Christmas Market
Southsea’s most iconic street, Castle Road has a Christmas market on both days from 11am until 4pm. Taking advantage of the new pedestrianised area of the street this event will bring a Christmas vibe to this side of town and is open to everyone. All the eateries along this road including Pie & Vinyl and Delaney’s usually drum up some Christmas food and hot mulled wine so make sure to stop by. FREE TO ATTEND
3rd and 4th December Traders Keep and Hotwalls Studios Christmas Market.
This stretch at Old Portsmouth really comes alive this time of year and Traders Keep is renowned for bringing top-quality artisan traders to the Round Tower. Compass Candles are back with their incredible soy wax candles which really do last and offer lovely Christmas smells in your home! Southsea Eyes will be there with her intricate lino printing designs and her carefully curated Christmas cards which offer that real artisan Christmas vibe when handing them over to your loved ones.
The Hotwalls Studios will have all their studios open so you can meet the artists and there will be a huge stretch along the front of traders offering cool gift ideas for you to buy. FREE TO ATTEND
9th December Empty Bowls Project St Simon’s Church
The empty bowls project is back and with over 100 bowls that were made last year along with £ 1’700 raised in one night, it means the money is going to a very good cause! Held at St Simon’s church the event is very popular. This year the local ceramics community has been challenged by The Makers Guild to produce their most beautiful bowls. Together with the wider ceramics community, it will be something special.
Limited tickets are available either through The makers Guild or through St Simon’s Church directly.
Choose a bowl, select some soup and take some bread.
Fabulous Lucky Dip.
Suggested donation – £10 per Ticket.
All proceeds go to the Homeless
10th and 11th December Staggeringly Good Christmas Market
Staggeringly Good smashed their Xmas market last year and once again will be hosting a Christmas market with an amazing selection of Christmas gifts, street food, clothing, craft beers, wines, and spirits with loads of live entertainment from brass bands, live acts, a retro arcade and more!
It’ll all be taking place in the large open warehouse taproom above the brewery and is COMPLETELY FREE! So get some Rex in your Xmas this year and head on down. All ages are welcome!
10th and 11th December Portsmouth City Museum
Portsmouth City Museum is opening for a Christmas market on these two days. There will be a variety of local sellers that will be offering incredible items including:
Handmade silver jewellery
Beautiful ceramics
Local historical books
Fantastic art prints and greetings cards FREE TO ATTEND
Ice Skating in Guildhall Square Until the 8th of January
Ice skating is back in Guildhall Square which really does give the feeling of festive happiness. You can pre-book a place by clicking here. With prices from £11.50 for an adult and £12 for an adult and toddler, it is a great way to build up to the big day or even those in between Christmas days you might want to fill. Times in the week are; last skate at 8pm and Fridays and Saturdays until 9.15pm.
Join in the new addition fun with DJ nights happening on 3rd of December (Soul Train) and 9th of December (Pride Ice) and a special NEW YEARS EVE skate on the 31st of December. Make sure to pre-book to avoid disappointment.
