Portsmouth Christmas lights and pantomimes - everything happening in the city and beyond for Christmas

But with the crisp chill also comes a number of heartwarming festive events – from Christmas light switch-ons to pantomimes and more.

Some Christmas lights have already been turned on in the Portsmouth area, with Commercial Road receiving the Christmas treatment on Thursday, November 17, and Gunwharf Quays also kicking off the festivities. But there are plenty more to come, with light switch-ons planned throughout the region.

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Meanwhile theatres, drama companies and more are hard at work rehearsing this year’s pantomimes. With so much acting talent in Portsmouth and the surrounding towns, people will be spoiled for choice. It’s been a tough year for so many of us this year – from the hangover of Covid-19 to the ongoing cost of living crisis – so we could all do with a bit of festive cheer in 2022.

Fareham Christmas lights

The next set of Christmas lights to be lit up will be in West Street, Fareham, on Saturday, November 19. The theme of this year’s lights is ‘Nutcracker Christmas’ and promises face painting, fun fair rides, festive gift stalls, delicious food and drink and activities all day between 10am and 7pm.

The day's festivities will be overseen by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. There will be performers throughout the day, both on the main stage and entertaining the crowds along West Street – and Father Christmas will, of course, also be making an appearance as the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Mike Ford.

Southsea Christmas lights

On Thursday, November 24, Southsea’s Christmas lights will be switched on in Palmerston Road.

The line up for Southsea's Christmas lights switch on also features stars of panto – such as Grant Urquhart from Channel 4's First Dates – along with a cast of local performers. It is being hosted by Wave 105's Mark Collins and sponsored by Nexus Independent Financial Advisers.

Also, be sure to visit the Love Southsea market for glorious gift ideas from local makers, and discover the area's many excellent indie shops and eateries.

Lee-on-the-Solent Christmas lights

Just 24 hours after Southsea’s lights are switched on, another seafront will also be transformed into a promenade of festive wonder. On Friday, November 25, Lee-on-the-Solent’s Christmas lights will be lit up, with the festive ceremony starting at 6.30pm.

Lee-on-the-Solent High Street will be pedestrianised for this one-day event suitable for all. As someone who has been involved and supported Christmas in Lee for over 20 years, local councillor Graham Burgess does not want to lose a much-loved event starting the run-up to Christmas.

With the returning French market plus other stalls, children’s choirs from both Lee schools, the switching on of the Christmas lights and our carol service conducted by the Rev Paul Chamberlain of St Faiths Church.

Gosport Christmas lights

Christmas lights in Gosport High Street will follow soon after Lee-on-the-Solent, taking place on November 26. There will be full-on stage entertainment from 2.30pm until the lights go on at 6pm – all hosted by Wave 105s Stuart McGinley.

As well as a full entertainment line-up, the borough council is promising childrens' rides, food and drink stands, face painting and craft bus in Lawrence Square from 10am. There will also be the Brouhaha Carnival parade up the High Street from 3.40pm.

Cosham Christmas lights

The High Street in Cosham is the final area to celebrate the Christmas lights switch on. Join stars of panto, a cast of local performers and Wave 105's Mark Collins for the big switch on finale - sponsored by Nexus Independent Financial Advisers.

Kings Theatre pantomime

This year, the Kings Theatre in Albert Road, Southsea is doing its pantomime on Cinderella. The panto will be staged on Monday, December 5, Thursday, December 8 and a BSL interpreted performance will be on Sunday, December 10.

Starring our very own Jack Edwards as the crazy and unpredictable Fairy Godmother, Channel 4’s First Dates Star Grant Urquhart as the dashing Prince, born to be bad Julia Worsley and Harry Howle as the wicked step-sisters, Ben Ofoedu as Dandini and Peter McCrohon as the Fairy King. Join ‘Search for Cinders’ winner Michelle Antrobus on this magical tale packed to the brim with breath-taking special effects, scenery and live music.

Fun for all the family, Cinderella has everything you can expect from a classic pantomime including sparkling costumes, hilarious jokes and plenty of audience participation.

Groundlings Theatre pantomime

The theatre in Kent Street, Portsmouth, is bringing its panto back with multiple performances from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday, December 31. This year ticket prices have also been reduced, with the Groundlings Theatre Trust claiming to have Portsmouth's most affordable panto.

This year’s pantomime is Robin Hood – deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the poor to pile up his gold, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marion. But the most heroic outlaw of them all, Robin Hood, is determined to save Maid Marion and win her hand whilst outwitting the villain's plans.

New Theatre Royal pantomime

The New Theatre Royal in Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, is performing Sleeping Beauty from Friday, December 9 until Saturday, December 31.

The princess is searching for happiness, evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his jokes and Dame Nellie is searching for any man in the front two rows.

The New Theatre Royal Trustees are promising another spectacular show full of music, laughter, amazing special effects and plenty of surprises. Swash-buckling Prince Valiant will make dreams come true this Christmas.

Titchfield Festival Theatre pantomime

At Titchfield Festival Theatre in St Magarets Lane, Fareham, an original performance of The Nutcracker will be held on Saturday, December 17.

Join Clara and Fritz as they adventure into a magical world of Uncle Dusselmeyer's creations full of wonder and amazement. Clara Stahlbaum is gifted a Nutcracker by her Godfather, Drosselmeyer, and she is enchanted by the doll. But later that night, she tiptoes downstairs to find her living room filled with mice, the room has grown, and her Nutcracker has disappeared! With the help from Prince Cavalier, Sugar Plum and Mother Ginger - Clara and Fritz must defeat the evil mouse king to get her Nutcracker back.

Portsmouth Guildhall pantomime

This new laugh-a-minute musical panto reimagined by Curtain Call will be playing at the Portsmouth Guildhall Studio from December 19 to December 27 and is the perfect under-the-sea, must-see.

The familiar tale of the Mermaid Princess who craves to explore the world above the waves, in her quest for adventure she makes a terrible bargain with the evil sea witch who is trying to take over the ocean. Can her friends Crabby and Prince Eric help defeat the evil witch and restore harmony beneath the seas?

Be ready to laugh, cheer, boo, and put your fins together for what promises to be a bubbly pantomime.