It is also a popular time to paint the town red with work-dos, festive parties and nights out all common place during the season – at least in the years prior to 2020.
The News’ photographers have been there to capture the Christmas spirit at some of the popular night spots.
MORE RETRO: Here's what a night at Tiger Tiger looked like in the 00s | Can you remember these lost Portsmouth nightclubs from the 00s?
We decided to dive back into the archives to find images from festive nights in Portsmouth.
Make sure to click through all the pages of the gallery!
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9. Christmas nights out
Marcus Patric (left) arriving at Tiger Tiger in Gunwharf Quays with Jon Saunders. Picture: (104124-284) Photo: Sarah Standing
10. Christmas nights out
Marcus Patric with (left) Mandie Bartlett (32) and her mum Sue Bartlett (65) at Tiger Tiger in Gunwharf Quays on December 17, 2010. Picture: (104124-297) Photo: Sarah Standing
11. Christmas nights out
Clubbers enjoy a Christmas night out at Tiger Tiger in Gunwharf Quays on December 17, 2010. Picture: (104125-281) Photo: Sarah Standing