German Christmas market to return to Portsmouth high street

Shoppers will be able to get into the Christmas spirit with 18 log cabins outside Cascades Shopping Centre.

Stalls will offer food, drink and a range of gifts between 9am and 6pm every day and until 9pm on Thursdays.

Goods on offer include personalised Christmas stockings and tree decorations, sweets, chocolates, bags, scarves and jewellery.

Visitors to Commercial Road will also be able to enjoy a warming cup of gluhwein from the Bavarian-style bar as well as fake snow from a machine.

Councillor Donna Jones, leader of the Portsmouth City Council, said: ‘I’m delighted we’re welcoming back the Christmas market.

‘It’s a great addition to the city centre at this time of year and gives shoppers something a little bit different to enjoy.’

On Thursday, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Councillor Ken Ellcome and Father Christmas will be joined by the stars of the King’s Theatre pantomime Snow White to switch on the Christmas lights in Commercial Road.

The family fun starts at 4pm with dance groups providing the entertainment.

The switch-on ceremony will be followed by a firework display.

As previously reported in The News, Commercial Road is undergoing a clean-up to increase footfall and make the area more attractive for shoppers.

The four-week trial started last week.