SOUTHAMPTON is starting to feel festive as ever.
The highly-anticipated return of the Christmas market is fast-approaching – weeks after it was pulled back from the brink.
Organisers Wela Märkets unexpectedly decided not to hold the annual event, leaving a gap to be filled.
S&D Leisure has stepped in at short notice to offer a market.
It will run from November 17 to December 24.
Leader of the council, Cllr Satvir Kaur said: “I’m excited S&D Leisure, who have a strong track-record in delivering Christmas in places like Manchester and Bournemouth, will be in Southampton city centre during this year’s festive period.
“It means that small businesses that were hoping to trade can still do so, and we can still offer an exciting mix of entertainment, food, drink and shopping for visitors and local residents alike.”
Here’s what to expect:
Stalls
The market will host individual stalls, home to traders selling gifts and goodies for loved ones.
Mouth-watering treats including crêpes, German sausages, cheeses, and other Christmassy nibbles will also be available to purchase.
For those looking to enjoy a meal and a drink, there will be plenty of options.
The bars will offer festive Glühwein, tasty hot chocolates and hot mulled cider.
Visitors to Southampton Christmas Market can also expect a traditional horse carousel and other children's rides But the festive fun doesn’t stop there.
At Guildhall Square, the Bavarian Wünderland will also open in November with a range of traders plus live entertainment, games, food and drink and more.
READ MORE: Bedford Place to host its own Christmas market
Lights switch-on
Alongside the opening of the Christmas market on November 17, Southampton’s Countdown to Christmas event organised by GO! Southampton will take place from 4pm to 7pm.
It will feature a roaming theatre with snow lions and winter wonderland birds to runaway presents and live on-street music.
READ MORE: Saved! New operator puts on Christmas market in Southampton
Ice rink
The popular ice rink at Westquay has returned this year, much to the delight of residents and visitors.
The Covid-19 pandemic and “pressure on staff and resources” halted the attraction’s return to Southampton.
But for the first time since the start of 2020 the ice rink made a comeback yesterday.
READ NEXT: Westquay ice rink is finally open - See our video tour
As well as the 600 square metre ice rink, there is also an Après Bar serving mulled wine, winter cocktails, hot chocolate and Stein's of German beer.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel