Christmas events in Portsmouth 2020: best festive activities for kids near me - from Santa's grotto to light displays

As Christmas draws closer, Portsmouth has a host of spectacular festive events to keep everyone entertained.

From Christmas with Peppa Pig to a trip back in time to Charles Dickens' life, you can still make Christmas magical this year.

Here are five events still going ahead in and around Portsmouth.

Festive High Tea

Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT

105 metres high and overlooking the harbour, indulge in a stunning Afternoon Tea for 2 at the Emirates Spinnaker Tower.

Including mini mince pies, fruit scones and unlimited tea and coffee for £60 per couple, you can also upgrade to a bottle of prosecco for an additional £28, or champagne for an extra £80.

You can enjoy this sweet treat and treat a loved one to a Christmas day out throughout December, excluding Christmas Day.

Booking is advised.

3-31 Dec, afternoon tea (per couple) £60/ with prosecco £88/ Champagne tea £140 http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/

Breakfast with Santa

Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3TT

The famous Spinnaker Tower will be hosting breakfast with Santa Claus this December and an elf will seat you at your allocated table on arrival.

The event includes a continental breakfast, a letter-writing workshop and a gift from Santa, with photo opportunities available and access to the tower’s panoramic sky view.

Breakfast will last 45 minutes and you will have access to the building for the duration of the day.

In order to maintain Covid government standards, bookings are limited to a maximum of six people, including babies.

5 Dec, 6 Dec, 12 Dec, 13 Dec, 19 Dec, 24 Dec, child £20/adult £17, http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/

Groundlings Theatre Tours

Groundlings Theatre, 42 Kent Street, Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3BS

Portsmouth is the birthplace of Charles Dickens, so what better way to bring in Christmas than to celebrate the famous novelist?

Built in 1784, Groundlings Theatre is largely true to its original form and you can visit it with guided tours and illustrated talks by actors dressed in periodic costumes, offering a thought-provoking insight into the past.

Dec 3, Dec 17, Dec 31, Tickets £5, https://www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/whats-on/

Peppa Pig’s Christmas Adventure at Paulton’s

Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey, The New Forest, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

Peppa Pig’s Christmas is sure to keep the kids entertained this December, with light shows, singing and dancing, a toyshop for any last minute gifts and wind down with some Christmas Dinner or an indulgent hot chocolate.

In addition, all the expected rides usually enjoyed on a family day out at the theme park can still be accessed.

Although Paulton’s will not reopen until December 5, you can book tickets on the website for the duration of the festive period.

5-24 Dec, £29.50/children under 1 meter free, https://paultonspark.co.uk/christmas/