What’s on in Gosport: December Events

Make mine another mulled wine! Gosport is really getting into the Christmas spirit from the very first day of December. There’s traditional panto, Santa in the Park and even a Christmas pudding fun run. Why not slot in some of these events between your Christmas shopping?

1^st December – 5k Christmas Pud Fun Run

Start December with a spring in your step – and a smile on your face – as you take part in Gosport’s Christmas Pud 5k fun run. This fancy dress dash takes place on Sunday 1^st December, starting at 10:15am outside the Bayside Cabin in Stokes Bay and finishing in the same place. Choose to run, walk or jog the distance – this isn’t a competitive race – but do don your most Christmassy outfit to fuel the festive atmosphere. There is a small fee to enter but all money raised will be donated to Gosport Rotary Club and the Absolute 545 RunClub. Each participant will receive a Christmas pudding and post-run refreshments. Advance registration online is required.

5^th, 6^th, 7^th & 8^th December – Christmas Tree Festival

Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce or a trusted faux option taken out of the box every year - a Christmas Tree is an essential part of the festivities. St Mary’s Church in Alverstoke is celebrating this tradition with a three-day Christmas tree festival. The church will atmospherically glow when the trees are lit, with traditional music provided by local schools, choirs and music groups. Entry is £3 for adults but is free for children.

7^th, 14^th, 16^th & 21st December – Breakfast or Brunch with Santa

There are several chances to dine with the big man in the red suit throughout December at Alver Valley Garden Centre. Father Christmas is hosting breakfasts and brunches on the first three Saturdays in December - 7^th, 14^th and 21^st - with an additional session on Monday 16^th. Pre-booking is strongly advised and an adult will need to eat with each child and. Ticket prices are between £14 and £20, and this includes a small gift.

7^th December - Immersive Event & Street Market

It’s the combination you never knew you needed but wartime history meets Christmas on Saturday 7^th December. Portsmouth & Gosport History presents Christmas on the Front, a free event taking place between 10.30am and 6.00pm at Priddy's Hard. Expect a unique wartime immersive experience, with reenactments, talks and storytelling, accompanied by a Christmas market that includes food vendors, music, 25 traders and two bars powered by Powder Monkey Brewery/

13th to 31st December – Panto

Panto is the best thing about Christmas! Oh no it isn’t! You can come to your own conclusion by booking tickets to Hansel & Gretel – The Arden Theatre’s chosen panto for 2024. The classic fairytale has been reimagined with a twist or two, playing to crowds between

13th and 31st December 2024. Tickets are from £9.

22^nd December – Santa’s In The Park

Santa will be making one of his final appearances before the big day at Leesland Park on Sunday 22^nd December. All visiting children will be given a free gift and as there is no pre-booking required, this is the perfect opportunity to see Santa if you’ve missed out on other grottos. The event is free to attend and takes place between 1pm and 3pm.