Christmas is Coming to Salisbury!
Tradition is set to continue in Salisbury this Christmas with a festive offering bringing Dick Whittington, carol singers, illuminations and festive cheer to the city.
Salisbury BID, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Creative have come together to make sure the festive period is full of magic and merriment for all ages.
Here are some of the highlights:
Christmas Begins at the Market Place
The countdown to Christmas in Salisbury officially begins on Friday 17th November with celebrations full of cheer. This festive treat marks the first day of the twinkling Christmas lights as well as the opening of Christmas on the Square and the return of Santa's Grotto in The Maltings.
Starting from 1pm, there will be an Artisan Market with an array of Christmas gifts, fair rides, food and drink vendors and various other family-friendly entertainment throughout.
Christmas on the Square
The same day marks the opening of Christmas on the Square in front of the Guildhall.
Festivities will include a destination bar with cosy firepits, a food area serving up festive treats and lots of Christmassy activity.
Santa's Grotto
Santa has made time in his busy schedule to return to Salisbury this Christmas and he can be found this year in the Maltings Green space 🔗 BOOK NOW
Take your little ones along to visit Santa and let them enjoy the wonder of their surroundings. You will be able to take some family photos whilst each child prepares their own postcard for Santa. Follow the route to the big man himself where children can sit and have a festive story read by Santa.
Santa will give children a wrapped gift to take home, and don’t forget as you exit to post your postcard for Santa to read when he gets back to the North Pole!
Panto returns with Dick Whittington at Salisbury Playhouse
Tradition returns on Saturday 25th November with a spectacular production of Dick Whittington. With exciting escapades, dazzling dances, and sparkling songs from our live band, you’ll be singing and dancing all the way home after this festive treat.
Join Dick on the long journey to London to make his fame and fortune, in this classic, audience-favourite Panto which promises to be an unmissable experience. Tickets are on sale now from the Wiltshire Creative website
Salisbury Cathedral
For an authentically English Christmas experience head to Salisbury Cathedral.
Start the festivities with a Twilight Tower Tour at Salisbury Cathedral from Saturday 18th November and see the city’s Christmas lights from the spire! Climb 332 steps through the Cathedral’s historic roof to witness a birds-eye view of Salisbury dressed in its festive best with the Cathedral Close sparkling below. Tickets cost £18 for adults, £14 for students and £11 for children when pre-booked online.
The unmissable Darkness to Light Procession, when the Cathedral celebrates the start of Advent, will take place on Friday 1st December at 7pm, Saturday 2nd November at 7pm, and Sunday 3rd December at 5pm.
The City of London Sinfonia joins the full Cathedral Choir and four distinguished soloists for Handel’s Messiah which will take place on Saturday 9th December this year.
Then kick start the festive season with Carols by Candlelight on Friday 22nd December and Saturday 23rd December at 7pm, and everyone is welcome.
Eat, Drink, Shop
Salisbury is a City of Independents with a tradition of hospitality and Christmas is the perfect time to explore what they have to offer.
Browse big brands or beautiful boutiques for that special gift this Christmas. Book your cosy Christmas dinner in a medieval pub, festive drinks in a classy cocktail bar, or a stylish New Year’s Eve night out.
Festive Sunday Markets
It’s not just the city’s shops that will offer unique Christmas gifts this year.
There will also be the chance to shop for that perfect present at Salisbury's Festive Markets happening every Sunday from 26th November until 17th December in Salisbury Market Place.
Let it snow!
Whatever the forecast, it is going to be a white Christmas in Salisbury.
Courtesy of Salisbury BID, it will be snowing across the city. Keep an eye on the Experience Salisbury website for weather updates on where and when it will snow next.
Whatever you would like to do in Salisbury this festive season, you are sure to be inspired by a visit to our dedicated Christmas pages.