Gunwharf Christmas market: Big wheel, Bavarian curling and Bratwurst
As the new Haribo store in Gunwharf opens, Portsmouth’s city centre shops are gearing up for Christmas, despite the cost-of-living squeeze that is predicted to rein in the festive spending.
“Many households are delaying their Christmas spending in the hopes they can grab a bargain in the upcoming Black Friday sales,” said Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium.
“With spending levels expected to be much more muted this year, the run-up to Christmas could be the most challenging we’ve seen since pre-pandemic days,” said Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail, KPMG.
With such gloomy predictions ahead, both Gunwharf and the city centre are keen to draw people out to spend. Here are some upcoming local events to watch out for:
Gunwharf Quays Christmas Village, from 11th November
Ever fancied the alpine sport of Bavarian curling? It’s sort of bowling on ice. There’ll be two lanes at the Gunwharf Christmas village, where up to four players can compete in this slippery sport. The press release also promises lots of “festive selfie spots”, fake snow and massive baubles. There’s a giant Observation Wheel too which will “twinkle with over 10,000 LED lights”. Market stalls will have Bratwurst sausage and there’ll be hot spiced Glühwein in the Alpine Lodge Bar , which has two “exclusive igloos” with table service.
Portsmouth Christmas Market, Commercial Road, from 16 November
German sausages stalls and hot glühwein vans, Christmas stocking treats and tree decorations. Plus, lots of local independent eateries will have pop-ups.
Gunwharf Black Friday, 24 November
Gunwharf will have extended shopping hours, 9am-9pm, and many shops will have further discounts. Just what is Black Friday? It’s a US term for the Friday after Thanksgiving and marks the start of the Christmas shopping season as it represents the point when retailers begin to turn a profit – from being “in the red” to “in the black”.
Portsmouth on Ice, Guildhall Square, from 25 November
A giant covered ice rink will soon be outside the Guildhall. It’ll be £13.00 for an adult for a one-hour session, and there are two Christmas Live DJ nights in the pipeline, Sat 2nd Dec from 20:00 – 21:00 and 21:15 – 22:15. Fri 8th Dec from 20:00 – 21:00 and 21:15 – 22:15.
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