Mainland Adventures This Christmas – Festive Days Out On The North Island

Looking to make this Christmas extra special? Pop across the Solent and discover magical experiences you won’t find here on the Island – from dazzling light trails through Royal gardens to skating beneath a canopy of stars or stepping aboard The Polar Express itself. The mainland is packed with festive fun, new openings, and family traditions in the making – perfect for a winter getaway, day trip or weekend break. So, bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and see where the ferry can take you this Christmas.

You don’t need to travel far for a little Christmas magic. Just a short hop across the Solent brings you to some of the South’s most enchanting festive experiences — all within easy reach of Wightlink’s mainland ports.

29 & 30 November 2025, 10am–4pm

Just steps from Wightlink’s FastCat port, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard comes alive with festive cheer as the Love Southsea Dockyard Market returns — bigger, brighter, and more atmospheric than ever.

Set inside Boathouses 5 and 7, this two-day event is packed with handcrafted gifts, local produce, and one-of-a-kind creations. Wander the twinkling stalls, enjoy live music and carols from local performers, and sample festive food and drink surrounded by centuries of maritime history.

It’s the perfect excuse to make a day of it — after shopping, step out to explore the wider Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to world-famous attractions including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum. A festive shopping trip that doubles as a cultural adventure — all just a short ferry ride away.

December 2025 – January 2026

Portsmouth is putting on a show this Christmas – quite literally! With two spectacular theatre pantomimes lighting up the city, it’s well worth making the trip for a festive experience packed with celebrity sparkle, show-stopping sets and plenty of laughter.

At the Kings Theatre in Southsea, soar away on a magical carpet ride with Aladdin. Expect dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping scenery and all the festive fun you could wish for, starring Shaun Williamson (best known as EastEnders’ Barry) alongside Portsmouth favourite Jack Edwards and the legendary Rustie Lee as the Genie of the Lamp. It’s a laugh-out-loud adventure for the whole family, filled with music, mischief and a lampful of surprises.

Over in the city centre, the New Theatre Royal brings a wicked new twist to the timeless tale of Snow White. Follow Snow White, Nurse Nelly and the Magnificent Seven on a journey through enchanted forests and fairytale mayhem in a production brimming with magic, adventure and classic panto fun.

With star-studded casts, elaborate staging, magnificent theatre settings and that unmistakable pantomime buzz, these festive shows are a treat worth crossing the water for.

Elsewhere in the city you have two productions of Cinderalla to choose from! Groundlings Theatre, at it’s new home in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and Portsmouth Guildhall’s Lens Studio will both have their own productions of the classic fairytale.

So hop aboard a Wightlink sailing, grab your seats — and get ready to shout, “It’s behind you!” on the mainland this Christmas.

21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Just a short hop across the water, Portsmouth’s waterfront will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas. Christmasville at Gunwharf Quays promises an immersive festive adventure packed with family fun, live performance, and spectacular projection – just moments from either our Portsmouth Harbour or Gunwharf port.

Step inside The Elf Emporium, a theatrical journey through three enchanted realms filled with storytelling, puppetry and dazzling visual effects. Meet Father Christmas in Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can share their Christmas wishes and take home a special gift from the big man himself. When it’s time to warm up, head to The Bauble Bar — a cosy corner beneath twinkling lights serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive treats.

And of course, Gunwharf is the perfect spot for getting your Christmas shopping at outlet prices once you’re done.

Selected dates, November – December 2025

Just a short ferry ride from Yarmouth and a scenic 40-minute drive through the New Forest, Beaulieu’s Palace House invites visitors to step into A Palace House Christmas — an enchanting new festive experience celebrating the magic of pantomime.

Created by renowned designers Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Adrian Lillie, this theatrical trail transforms the stately home into a world of colour, character and Christmas cheer. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms filled with immersive soundscapes, glowing projections and lavish displays inspired by the rich history of panto.

Masked Harlequins greet you at the grand entrance, a life-sized theatre set brings the Drawing Room to life, and a glittering 20ft Christmas tree takes centre stage — surrounded by feathers, jewels and whimsical panto creatures hiding among the portraits. It’s a spectacular festive journey through the art of storytelling and a perfect day trip for Islanders looking to add a little theatre to their Christmas season.

Selected dates, November – December 2025

Just steps from our FastCat port at Portsmouth Harbour, Spinnaker Tower transforms into a festive wonderland this Christmas. Join Santa’s merry elves in the Tower’s Workshop, where children can build their own cuddly toy, add a sprinkle of Christmas magic and take home a keepsake charm.

After crafting, little ones can visit Santa in his cosy grotto to share their Christmas wishes, before following a trail of mischievous elves spreading cheer throughout the Tower. Round off the visit at the Cocoa Cabin, where kids enjoy a free hot chocolate and grown-ups can treat themselves to something a little more indulgent.

8 November 2025 – 11 January 2026

Just across the Solent and around a 90-minute drive from Portsmouth, Longleat’s Festival of Light returns with a distinctly British twist. Fans of Wallace and Gromit can enjoy a “grand day out” surrounded by illuminated scenes inspired by Aardman’s best-loved characters, iconic landmarks, and local wildlife. Wander the magical lantern trail from Stonehenge to Mossy Bottom Farm, enjoy the enchanting Christmas Tree show and take a winter safari for an unforgettable family day out.

14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Around two hours’ drive from our Portsmouth port, Blenheim Palace transforms into a festive wonderland once again. Explore the new Illuminated Trail through the palace grounds, discover the State Rooms reimagined as The Palace of Oz with a Christmas twist, and take in sweeping views from the Observation Wheel. Afterwards, skate on the covered ice rink or browse the Christmas Market before indulging in a themed afternoon tea featuring Oz-inspired treats.

30 November – 23 December 2025

The timeless Christmas classic takes to the stage this year, visiting towns and cities across the UK – including Guildford and Salisbury, both just a short trip from our mainland ports. Each performance includes a live orchestra and a special visit from The Snowman himself, creating the perfect festive treat for families.

November – December 2025

Step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical train ride to the “North Pole.” These family-friendly adventures combine storytelling, live entertainment and festive treats.  The nearest departures go from London Euston – perfect for a weekend adventure with the kids by train.

19 – 24 December 2025

A festive musical with a difference! TV favourite Craig Revel Horwood directs this immersive show where families help Santa save Christmas spirit. Just over two hours from Portsmouth or Lymington, it’s a fun, feel-good festive experience for all ages.

13 November – 31 December 2025

If you’re looking for a longer mainland break, head north to Manchester (around four and a half hours from Portsmouth) and include Twilight Tales, a brand-new immersive light and sound experience, in your visit. With its illuminated tunnels, mirrorball caves and playful North Pole Playground, it’s one of this year’s most talked-about festive installations and NEW for 2025.

15 November 2025 – 5 January 2026

Around 2.5 hours from either Portsmouth or Lymington, this alternative festive experience transforms Bristol’s immersive art space into “The Spr-Outer-verse” – where 1,000 sprouts, music and light collide for a quirky Christmas adventure unlike anything on the Island.

12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

Only 90 minutes by train from Portsmouth, this indoor fairground offers unlimited rides, an ice rink and a festive circus – perfect for escaping the winter chill. Keep an eye out for cheeky elves and characters roaming the hall for photos and festive fun.

November 2025 – January 2026

From Bristol’s Ashton Court to Sandringham Estate, Luminate’s illuminated trails are lighting up the country with dazzling displays and interactive installations – many within a few hours’ drive of Portsmouth or Lymington.

19 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

Five RHS Gardens across the country will sparkle with festive lights this winter. The closest location for Islanders is RHS Wisley in Surrey and it offers a journey through a garden reimagined in radiant colour and festive fantasy. Expect reimagined trails, new installations and plenty of festive food and drink.

27 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Wakehurst’s botanical gardens transform into a breathtaking world of light and sound. Explore glowing gardens, marshmallow fire pits and festive feasts. Make it a longer trip to see Christmas at Kew in Richmond for a double dose of Christmas garden magic.

27 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Just 45 mins from Lymington, Hampshire’s largest light trail returns brighter than ever. Wander through glowing gardens, dreamlike installations and enchanted hollows, with select nights featuring live circus performances.

November and December 2025 (various dates)

Less than three hours from Portsmouth, Highgrove Gardens – the private residence of His Majesty King Charles III – opens for a series of elegant festive events. From wreath-making workshops and afternoon teas to candlelit shopping evenings, it’s a Christmas celebration steeped in heritage and sustainability.

Extend your festive break with a stop at Tetbury for events and shopping or explore the nearby Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum.

Dazzling light trails, magical markets and immersive Christmas adventures; there’s so much to discover just across the water. With Wightlink, it couldn’t be easier to make a day trip or long weekend away. Sail from Fishbourne, Ryde Pier Head or Yarmouth, enjoy quick, comfortable crossings, and be on your way to festive fun in no time.

Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, meeting Santa with the family or soaking up some Christmas sparkle on the mainland, start your journey the easy way — book your ferry today.