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What's on this festive season

It’s that magical time of year again! While many are already ticking off their Christmas shopping lists, the official start of Christmas in Salisbury begins on Friday November 21 – and it’s set to be a spectacular celebration.

Here’s a look at what’s on this festive season.

Christmas Begins – November 21

From 1pm to 8pm on Friday November 21, Salisbury Market Place becomes a festive hub filled with market stalls, live music and delicious food and drink.

Christmas on the Square – November 21 to December 31

Salisbury’s Guildhall Square is once again being transformed into a winter wonderland. Hosted by Salisbury City Council, Christmas on the Square offers something for everyone, including:

Santa’s Grotto

Children can meet Santa himself and take home a special wrapped gift straight from his workshop! Entry is £6 and visitors are encouraged to pre-book online.

From November 21 until December 12, the grotto is open from 4pm until 7:45pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 11am until 7:45pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

From December 13 until December 23, the Grotto is open daily from 11am until 7:45pm.

On Christmas Eve you can meet Santa from 9:30am until 5:45pm.

Street Food

Tuck into irresistible festive flavours, from bratwurst and Yorkshire pudding wraps by Charter 1227 Catering to sweet treats from Symonds Event Catering – churros, crepes, doughnuts and steaming hot chocolate!

Street food stalls are open Monday to Wednesday 11am until 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am until 8pm and Sunday 11am until 6pm.

Snow Globe Bar

Sit back, relax and toast the season with a drink at the Snow Globe Bar, open daily from 11am to 10pm. Expect a cosy atmosphere, festive tipples, and live music and entertainment on select dates.

Festive Retail Huts

Shop local this Christmas! Browse a selection of independent stalls and find unique gifts at the retail huts in Guildhall Square, open daily from November 21 until Christmas Eve.

Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime – November 29 to January 11

Oh yes it is! The Salisbury Playhouse’s annual pantomime returns with Jack and the Beanstalk, running from November 29, 2025, to January 11 2026.

Join Jack on his quest to rescue Dolly the Cow and outsmart the music-hating Giant in this family favourite.

Tickets start from £18 and are available to buy here.

Sunday Festive Markets – November 30 to December 21

Every Sunday in the run-up to Christmas, Salisbury Market Place will host festive markets featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and local artisan products.

Entry is free to the market which starts at 10am until 4pm on November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21.

St Thomas’s Church Christmas Tree Festival – December 2-7

The much-loved Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas’s Church is returning for its 21^st year!

Discover 100 decorated trees and nativity scenes on display along with live music. It’s free to enter, but donations can be made to support charities Cloud’s House and Julia’s House.

The festival is open 10am until 6pm from Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 and 12 noon to 6pm on Sunday 7 December.

Salisbury Cathedral events and activities – December

There are a host of activities and events happening at Salisbury Cathedral throughout December and into the new year, for all the family.

This includes:

Christmouse Activity Trail

Some very cheeky mice are hiding around the Cathedral waiting to be found! Find them all to receive a special prize. The fun family trail is included with admission.

The Snowman with live orchestra – December 19

This special screening of the beloved classic is brought to life by an orchestra – with an appearance from The Snowman himself! As an extra bonus, the performance will include a brand new animated short film featuring Peter and the Wolf.

There are screenings at 2pm, 4pm and 7pm on December 19. Tickets start at £10.

Carols by Candlelight – December 22-23

The carols by candlelight services feature everyone’s favourite Christmas carols, bible readings, and choral works sung by the Cathedral Choir as they tell the story of Jesus’ birth.

The service starts at 7pm and it will be livestreamed on Monday 22.

Family Crib Service on Christmas Eve

This short service for all the family, especially younger children, is a fun retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. It includes traditional Christmas carols and music from the Cathedral’s junior choristers and the Cathedral Youth and Junior Choirs.

No booking is required. The service is at 1pm and again at 2:30pm.