We Shine Portsmouth
Visitors can experience a citywide programme of light installations, visual art, live performance, and interactive exhibitions across multiple community hubs. Offerings include light and art takeovers at Cosham Park and Victoria Park, a lantern parade and interactive art experience at St Mary's Church, and digital displays featuring VR, sound, and creative technology at Boathouse 5.
See more other Christmas activities near Portsmouth
Plan Your Visit
Going?
Tips & Advice
- Plan your route between the hubs, because the festival is spread across Cosham Park, Victoria Park, Boathouse 5 at the Historic Dockyard and St Mary's Church in Fratton.
- Bring the whole family to Victoria Park, where the light, performance and visual art programme is made for audiences of all ages.
- Head to Boathouse 5 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to try VR, moving image, sound and creative technology works by local and international artists.
- Dress warmly for time outdoors in November, since much of the festival takes place in Cosham Park and Victoria Park.
- Catch the lantern parade in Fratton, which runs alongside the new STRETCH interactive art experience at St Mary's Church.
Special Events & Promotions
- The festival is reimagined for 2026 to celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth's city status, as part of Portsmouth100.
- Cosham Park joins the festival, extending it into the north of the city.
- STRETCH, a new interactive art experience, comes to St Mary's Church in Fratton alongside the lantern parade.
Links & Contact
Run by Portsmouth Creates
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see?
Light installations, visual art, performance and exhibitions, plus ways to take part, at hubs across the city.
What's happening at Cosham Park?
Portsmouth Creates fills Cosham Park with a collection of light installations and artworks, bringing the festival into the north of the city.
Is Victoria Park suitable for kids?
Yes. Art Up (Portsmouth) CIC takes over Victoria Park with light, performance and visual art in an immersive experience for all ages.
What's at Boathouse 5?
Boathouse 5 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard hosts an exhibition of immersive, interactive and digital artworks. It includes VR, moving image, sound, installation and creative technology by artists from Portsmouth and around the world.
What's on in Fratton?
Fratton Together CIC runs the lantern parade alongside STRETCH, a new interactive art experience at St Mary's Church.
Browse Christmas in Portsmouth
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.