Festive Thursdays return to Fareham with late night shopping and Christmas events
There will also be free parking in all council car parks
Festive Thursdays will return to Fareham this December to allow visitors to enjoy the magic of Christmas in the town centre.
On December 10 and December 17, many stores in the town centre will open until 7pm to allow shoppers the opportunity to buy Christmas presents and enjoy the festive evening atmosphere.
Starting from 4pm, there will also be a packed programme of winter activities, including free children's entertainment, festive performers, food and drink, and a variety of seasonal attractions throughout the shopping centre.
The market will also host a range of festive workshops, including silver jewellery making, Christmas card crafting, decoration, glass, vision boards, collage, writing, painting and Kinusaiga workshops.
At the heart of the celebrations, The Courtyard will be transformed into a Christmas market, organised by Flo's Market, which will feature an array of local traders, makers and artisans offering unique gifts and handcrafted products.
Families can also enjoy a free Santa's Grotto and Festive Christmas Workshop, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas and take part in festive craft activities as part of the celebrations.
There will also be Carols in the Garden will take place from 4.30pm on both evenings in the town’s Civic Gardens. The area will be decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and an illuminated archway, allowing visitors to enjoy live performances of much-loved Christmas songs while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
To make visits to Festive Thursday’s even easier, free parking will be available in all Fareham Borough Council town centre car parks from 4pm on both event dates.
Fareham Library will also host Quizmas on Thursday 10 December from 6pm to 8.30pm, with the Library Café open throughout the evening serving food and drinks, including a pre-order Christmas baguette available for £5 per person.
Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said: "Festive Thursdays are a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in Fareham. With extended shopping, festive entertainment, local market stalls and free parking, there's something for everyone to enjoy while supporting our fantastic local businesses."
Mike Taylor, Centre Manager, Fareham Shopping Centre, said: “We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the Festive Thursday activities and extended retailer opening hours. These activities are all about bringing the community together, creating special memories and giving families the chance to enjoy some festive fun whilst being able to shop.”