Is the Southampton Christmas market worth it? My thoughts

The wooden stalls manned by traders line high streets up and down the country as soon as the festive season rolls around.

It was a close call for Southampton this year as the city nearly missed out on the festive staple.

But S&D Leisure stepped in at three weeks’ notice to offer everything people could want during this time, from rides to food and a range of gifts.

I ventured down to the opening of the market on Thursday with my colleague Jose to see if it really is a holly and jolly event.

READ MORE: 47 pictures from Southampton Christmas lights switch on

Meet the owner

S&D Leisure is more than just a household name in the events world – it’s a family-run affair.

Debbie Reeves (the ‘D’ in S&D Leisure) kindly gave us a tour of the impressive market in Above Bar Street.

Debbie Reeves (Image: Chris Moorhouse)

The 62-year-old said she and her husband Stanley Reeves (the ‘S’), 65, have been in the Christmas market business for 10 years.

Debbie said: “Offering Christmas markets is something we have done for quite a few years, all over the country.

“It’s been really hectic for us here in Southampton and it was quite a challenge to put it all together.

“Normally, we know six months in advance and that’s when we start planning it all and getting the traders in.

“As we got booked for Southampton only three weeks before the event, most traders were booked up, but we managed it.”

Speaking on the vast and varied offering, Debbie added: “We give people things that are not sourced in their town or city, so it’s something from outside the area they live in.

“This is the first time we have done a Christmas market in Southampton, and we’ve been here setting it all up for the past three days.

“We have honoured the contracts of traders who were meant to operate at the original Christmas market here too.”

What’s on offer?

I think it’s safe to say it will be a long time until Jose and I eat another meal after our thorough tour of the market.

The offering is similar to that of previous markets held in Southampton – but with a few twists.

We started off at the marshmallow stall where, for £5, you can get three large marshmallows on a stick to roast over a nearby fire pit.

Considering last night’s freezing temperatures, this was an excellent, warming start to the evening.

Savoury samples were next to be ticked off the list and we tucked into our German sausages before enjoying a Yorkshire pudding wrap.

I’ve always been keen to try the latter and I must say this did not disappoint. It was packed with roast dinner fillings, from potatoes, vegetable stuffing, veggies, and gravy.

READ MORE: How expensive are this year's Christmas markets? See the full price list

This is a meal I would advise you don’t miss out on (but maybe don’t eat a lot beforehand as you will regret not being able to finish it).

We took a break from Christmas chomping to ride the carousel, something I have not done for over 10 years.

A ride costs £2.50 per person and it’s a fun experience especially if, like me, you want to relive your younger days.

Next on our comprehensive tour was – you guessed it – more food!

I was beginning to feel very full by this point, but I ploughed on to ensure this article was as comprehensive as possible (even if I never want to eat again).

And dessert was on the cards, so I was hardly going to say no to that.

We enjoyed a strawberry and Nutella crepe each before moving to the churros stand.

I’ve always been a huge fan of churros and it’s rare I get to eat them, so I was super happy about this pitstop.

However, space in my stomach was exceptionally low so I defeatedly ate one churro but enjoyed it, nonetheless.

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Samples of cheese were eaten next, and I was pleasantly surprised by the Gin and lemon flavour offered.

Admittedly, I was reluctant to try it but can highly recommend it, along with most of the other flavours.

Finally, to Fine Brownie Co for an Oreo brownie. Jose and I shared as we had finally reached our limits, but it was very tasty.

Christmas conclusion

I’m normally very sceptical about Christmas markets. I find them too loud, too busy, too crowded, but S&D Leisure’s offering surpassed all my expectations.

The market is well spaced out and there’s a range of new and exciting things to try, whether that be food or amusements.

Debbie and Stanley’s passion for creating a fun and memorable event certainly shines through, and I will not shy away from returning.

The trading huts are open 10am to 8pm every day, and the bars are open 10am to 10pm every day.

There will be free live music on Thursdays and Friday from 5pm to 7pm and Sunday 3pm to 5pm in the covered bar area.

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