Fareham Borough Council is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Fareham town centre as Festive Thursdays return on Thursday 10 December and Thursday 17 December.

Taking place from 4pm to 7pm at Fareham Shopping Centre, the events will give shoppers the opportunity to browse for Christmas gifts and enjoy a festive evening atmosphere, with many stores remaining open until 7pm.

To make visits even easier, free parking will be available in all Fareham Borough Council town centre car parks from 4pm on both event dates.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of activities, including free children’s entertainment, festive performers, food and drink, and a variety of seasonal attractions throughout the shopping centre.

Families can also enjoy a free Santa’s Grotto and Festive Christmas Workshop, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas and take part in festive craft activities as part of the celebrations.

At the heart of the celebrations, The Courtyard will be transformed into a festive indoor market, organised by Flo’s Market, featuring an array of local traders, makers and artisans offering unique Christmas gifts and handcrafted products. Shoppers can browse stalls selling everything from jewellery, candles, handmade soaps and homewares to sweet treats, local tea, preserves, artwork, crochet gifts, eco-friendly products and much more.  No two days will be the same!

The market will also host a range of festive workshops, including silver jewellery making, Christmas card crafting, decoration, glass, vision boards, collage, writing, painting and Kinusaiga workshops, providing opportunities for visitors to create their own handmade gifts and keepsakes.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Carols in the Garden will take place from 4.30pm on both evenings in the gardens between Fareham Live and Fareham Library. For the events, the Civic Gardens will be transformed into a spectacular Winter Light-up Garden, featuring sparkling Christmas lights and an illuminated archway, creating a magical setting for visitors to enjoy live performances of much-loved Christmas songs while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Adding to the celebrations, Fareham Library will also host Quizmas on Thursday 10 December from 6pm to 8.30pm, with the Library Café open throughout the evening serving food and drinks, including a pre-order Christmas baguette available for £5 per person.

The events form part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting Fareham’s town centre and encouraging residents to shop local during the festive season.

Cllr Frair Burgess, Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said: “Festive Thursdays are a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in Fareham. With extended shopping, festive entertainment, local market stalls and free parking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while supporting our fantastic local businesses.”

Mike Taylor, Centre Manager, Fareham Shopping Centre, added: “We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy the Festive Thursday activities and extended retailer opening hours. These activities are all about bringing the community together, creating special memories and giving families the chance to enjoy some festive fun whilst being able to shop.”

Visitors looking for more festive events, community activities and local businesses can also explore the Live Love Local Fareham website, which showcases what’s happening across the borough through its events calendar, business directory and community news hub: Live Love Local | Supporting Fareham’s Traders

For more information about Festive Thursdays including participating stores and other seasonal events, visit www.fareham.gov.uk.events.