Experience Christmas in Salisbury this December
It’s December, and the countdown to Christmas really begins!
Whether you want traditional carols, original theatre, Christmas games or family trails, we have it all across our modern medieval city.
Here are some of the events to experience this December in Salisbury:
Christmas at the Cross Keys Shopping Centre
In the heart of the city centre, the Cross Keys Shopping Centre has many festive activities planned during December.
Free festive face painting will be taking place there every Saturday between 11am and 5pm up until Christmas Day – that's 4th, 11th and 18th December.
On Saturday 11th the Salisbury City Royal British Legion Band will also be at the centre playing. And, children (and adults if you really want!) can get their pictures with Father Christmas on Tuesday, 21st December.
Snow White
Inject some fun and laughter into your Christmas with Wiltshire Creative’s 2021 festive family show. Delve into a magical 1950s wonderland from 3rd December at Salisbury Playhouse with Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon. Children and adults alike will enjoy the toe-tapping live music, dazzling design and laugh out loud entertainment. Tickets have to be booked in advance. Find more details here.
If you want to read more about the show from one of the main cast, Snow White herself, head to the Experience Salisbury blog pages for our 5 Questions With Snow White feature.
Snow White cast in rehearsals
Sleeping Beauty
From one iconic character to another! Bemerton Players' return with their 44th pantomime – Sleeping Beauty. Their productions have been loved by hundreds of thousands of people on stage and online, and if you don’t want to miss this one make sure you buy tickets now! Performances run from 2nd to 4th December at St Michael’s Community Centre with both evening and matinee shows available. Find out more here.
Festive music
If you’re looking to join in with some carols or indulge in a Christmas concert, here’s where you can find them....
- 3rd December, Music and Carols in the drawing room at Arundells. Includes a selection of Christmas Carols from Sir Edward Heath’s carol book (please bring your best singing voice!)
- 11th December, Handel’s 'Messiah' returns to Salisbury Cathedral with the City of London Sinfonia joining the full Cathedral Choir and four distinguished soloists
- 12th December, join Sarum Voices for an evening of Christmas music by candlelight at St Martin’s Church
- 15th December, a magical evening of music with the St John Singers at St Thomas’ Church with their Magic of Christmas Concert
- 17th December, Celebrate Voice are back to celebrate the festive season with a stunning Christmas Gala, in the majestic surroundings of Salisbury's Guildhall
- 22nd and 23rd December, Carols by Candlelight at Salisbury Cathedral. Free.
- 24th December, a Family Service for Christmas Eve at Salisbury Cathedral, filled with lots of fun, singing, giant puppets, a real-life donkey and camels! Free.
- 24th December, begin your Christmas with Choral Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral, a moving service of choral music, readings and prayers sung by the Cathedral Choir. Free.
Even though some of the above events are free, tickets for all of them must be booked in advance.
Christmas on the Square and Santa’s Little Wonderland
If you are looking for somewhere festive to celebrate Christmas with friends and family then Frost, the destination bar in the Guildhall Square, is the place to be! There are also food huts to enjoy as part of Christmas on the Square, and Santa’s Little Wonderland! If you want to make dreams come true this Christmas with a trip to see Santa at his Little Wonderland, please make sure to book tickets in advance. Find out more here.
The city centre has come alive this Christmas, with plenty for all the family to enjoy. Make a day of it by taking a magical walk through our festive streets to find all 12 trees on the Christmas Tree Trail (download a map here), play Hide & Seek with the Nutcraker Kings, decide which Christmas window is your favourite, pick up some unique gifts in our independent shops and round it all off with a delicious meal in one of our tasty eateries! Why go anywhere else this Christmas.
Christmas at Arundells
Arundells, the home of former Prime Minister Edward Heath, is looking spectacular this Christmas. The house has been decorated from top to toe and is now open to visitors admire. Each room has a themed tree and decorations, many of which have been hand made by staff and volunteers. There are also special festive workshops and events throughout. You can find the whole list by clicking here.
Festive Markets
Salisbury is a city full of creativity and Christmas is an ideal time to take advantage of that by picking up some unique gifts!
- The last Salisbury Art Scene market of the year has a festive feeling to it and takes place on Thursday 2nd December. Local artists, artisans and musicians, from in and around the city will showcase their skills in the Market Place.
- Salisbury City Council’s Sunday Festive Markets take place in the Market Place each Sunday up to Christmas (5th, 12th and 19th December) with festive stalls and food to enjoy.
- Fisherton Mill’s Courtyard Christmas Makers Markets continue in December (4th and 11th December). The Saturday markets feature six individual stalls run by artists offering original handcrafted fare and a range of quirky gifts.
- There are two more Christmas Craft Fair’s to come at the Guildhall, on Saturday 4th and 11th December. Take time to browse the different craft stalls and find something special and unique directly from these talented makers.
If buying your Christmas presents this year is a bit too easy, what about making them?! There is a whole range of workshops during December that will enable you to add a very personal touch to gifts.
From festive felt robins to silver jewellery, wreath making and painting winter scenes you can find them all in Salisbury. Head to our What’s On pages to see all the options and get ready to....
#ExperienceSalisbury this Christmas