Thousands to Flock to Portsmouth’s Victorian Festival of Christmas
The South Coast’s biggest festive bash is back! Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is hosting its 17th Victorian Festival of Christmas from 25th to 27th November. More than 35,000 visitors are expected over the three-day spectacular.
New Interactive Light Show Wows Visitors
This year’s star attraction? A dazzling illuminations show projected onto the Action Stations building. HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, and the Mary Rose will come to life in “I Saw Three Ships.” Even better, visitors can control it!
Fancy a challenge? Spin the giant wheels opposite the building to race in raising one of the iconic ships from the Mast Pond. The fastest wheel-turners trigger a special one-minute light show, featuring sailors and dockyard workers helping to pull and hoist the vessels.
Step Back in Time with Snowy Streets & Famous Characters
Immerse yourself in Victorian Christmas magic as snow-dusted cobbled streets fill with colourful characters. Meet the beloved Father Christmas dressed in green, cross paths with Scrooge in his carriage, and spot lively chimney sweeps sweeping the lanes.
- Victorian magicians and musicians perform on the streets
- Fagin’s Tavern returns with festive cheer and real ales
- A bustling Christmas Market packed with seasonal delights
The festive spirit will be buzzing everywhere — from lively street performers to the crackling atmosphere inside Fagin’s Tavern.
All-Inclusive Tickets Unlock Historic Treasures
Tickets don’t just get you into the festival — they include access to the dockyard’s legendary ships and museums:
- The newly refreshed Mary Rose
- Historic HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860
- WWI monitor ship HMS M.33
- The National Museum of the Royal Navy
- Boathouse 4 and Action Stations
John Rawlinson, Director of Visitor Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, said: “This is one of the biggest events in the run up to Christmas on the south coast and every year just gets better. It’s always such a popular event and every year it’s wonderful to see hundreds of people lining the streets getting into the festive spirit.”
Don’t Miss Out
The Victorian Festival of Christmas runs from 10am to 6pm daily, 25th-27th November. Get ready for a festive blast packed with history, entertainment, and plenty of yuletide cheer.
For tickets and more info, visit: www.christmasfestival.co.uk
