17/12/2021

Salisbury's Weekend What's On 18/19 December

Only one week to go!

It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and there is a lot going on in Salisbury that will put a smile on your face this festive season.

From hidden mice to giant Christmas trees and laugh-out-loud theatre, we have it this weekend in Salisbury.

Here are some of the highlights to find on 18th and 19th December:

Christmas trees and selfies!

Salisbury City Council’s Christmas Tree Trail will have you feeling festive in no time! There are 12 beautifully decorated trees to look out for as you wind your way through the medieval streets of Salisbury. Perfect for some selfie snaps.

Salisbury has many more festive photo opportunities. Huddle by the big bauble in the Old George Mall, stand under the Guildhall decorations or check out the twinkling lights and Christmas tree in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre. Spread the Christmas cheer this year.

If you do head into the Cross Keys Shopping Centre, make sure to take the kids to see the Facepainting Fairy! The facepainting will be taking place once again between 11am and 4pm. What will you become?!

A modern Snow White

See festive faces smile with joy as you watch Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon at Salisbury Playhouse. There are a few tickets left for both Saturday and Sunday. Book soon before they go! Snow White, Wiltshire Creative’s 2021 festive show, is full of fun, songs, dance, jokes and laughter. The perfect way to celebrate Christmas this weekend. You can find more information and a full review by clicking here.

Christmas Charity Coffee Morning

Pop into the United Reformed Church on Fisherton Street on Saturday morning for some tea, coffee, Christmas cake and mince pies! The Christmas Coffee morning is in aid of local charity, Childrens Chance, which aims to give vulnerable children and young people the opportunity to do things that would otherwise be denied them. The coffee morning will run from 10am to midday.

Last chance to see a Christmassy Arundells

Arundells in the Cathedral Close is holding its last open weekend before closing for the season. The house, the former home of the late Sir Edward Heath, has been dressed in decorations with a themed tree in each room. A lot of the decorations have been made by the staff. It really does look magical. There are even Christmas cards that were sent to Sir Edward before his death. Visiting hours are 11am to 5pm this Saturday and Sunday.

Christmas at Salisbury Cathedral

There is a lot to see and do at Salisbury Cathedral this Saturday. And all of it will have you feeling very festive!

A towering tree

This year’s Christmas tree at Salisbury Cathedral is a 33ft Norway Spruce grown and felled in Longleat Forest, where trees are managed sustainably. The tree has been decorated with over 1000 LED lights, glass baubles and glass droplets by Cathedral staff and volunteers. It looks stunning!

Renaissance style Nativity

Salisbury Cathedral displayed its magnificent Nativity panels for the first time in 2019 and they are back for 2021. The Renaissance style tableau features members of staff and volunteers, past and present which is a lovely touch. The three enormous panels are around 10ft wide by over 35ft long and hang nearly 50ft above the ground. It is a great sight.

Sit-on sheep!

This year, the Cathedral has introduced a new child-friendly, wooden Nativity created by Ray Wirick, a chainsaw artist. Some of the animal figures can even be sat on!

Hidden mice

The children might also like to try the Cathedral’s Christmouse trail. They’ll have to become detectives to find the ten knitted mice that have been hidden at various locations around the building, using clues to find them. There’s a prize for those who track them all down.

Salisbury Cathedral is managing the number of people they welcome at one time for everyone’s safety so we recommend you book your visit in advance (especially if you want to guarantee entry at your time of choice). More information can be found here.

Last Sunday Festive Market

Don’t miss your last chance to soak up the atmosphere at the final Sunday Festive Market of the year. The historic Market Place will be filled with 70 stalls this Sunday, 19th December. From crafts to food, clothes and jewellery you can support our local traders and pick up some unique presents. From 10am to 4pm.