Step back in time to a Christmas of yesteryear at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Take a trip back in time to the Christmas traditions of yesteryear at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, from the cheer and camaraderie of Victorian sailors, to stories of Tudor Yuletide.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is also welcoming some special guests, with opportunities to meet Father Christmas, and for one day only a chance to rehearse with the band and choir from the Royal Marines School of Music. HMS Warrior will already be prepared for the festive season, with her beautiful Christmas tree illuminations lighting up Portsmouth, ready for a selfie or two as the days get shorter.
Kicking off the festive cheer is Christmas Ships, a series of events taking place on Saturday, December 6 across Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Onboard HMS Warrior an event is taking place across two weekends, introducing visitors to the warmth and wonder of a Victorian Christmas.
As the ship gets decked out for the festive season, her crew are preparing the ‘Grand Christmas Entertainment’ bringing laughter, cheer and nautical nonsense. Following the entertainment, young visitors will get the chance to meet Father Christmas himself in the Captain’s Cabin and receive a festive Victorian gift. This event is free with a valid attraction ticket and is taking place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Saturday 13, Sunday 14 December.
But Christmas Ships doesn’t end there, later in the day on Saturday, December 6 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is welcoming the iconic band and choir from the Royal Marines School of Music. This event begins at 1pm with a hands-on lantern making session in Boathouse 4, then from 3:15pm there’s a chance to rehearse with the band in Storehouse 9 before a performance begins outside HMS Warrior with a lantern procession up to the Mary Rose Museum. Finally, the event is brought to a close with a performance outside the Mary Rose Museum at 4:10pm. Visitors are encouraged to wear festive attire and come prepared for all weather!
During the Christmas Ships event the Mary Rose and its costumed storytellers are also transporting visitors back to the 16th century with a reworking of a festive classic, Twas the Night Before Christmas. What happens when King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn bump into the Lord of Misrule late on Christmas Eve? There’s also a special crafting session for visitors to make their own Angel Garland to add a bit of Tudor flair to their Christmas tree.
Unless stated otherwise all festive events are free with a valid Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ticket. The best value ticket to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is the Ultimate Explorer, offering 12 months of unlimited access to the world-class collection of ships, galleries and attractions. To purchase a ticket please visit: https://historicdockyard.co.uk/buy-your-tickets/