Gunwharf Quays lights up for Christmas

Gunwharf Quays switched on its Christmas lights this week, the big Christmas tree is up and the festive market is in full swing.

I visited the market on Friday night, and the smell of chocolate, tzatziki and bratwurst sausages filled the air. There was an international atmosphere with the cultural foods including spicy loaded fries, German sausages and chocolate-coated marshmallows.

The festive fairground includes a Ferris wheel, some 22 metres tall with a glowing snowflake at its centre and bright lights which alternate between different patterns. Rides on the Ferris wheel and carrousel, both cost 1 token per person, and tokens are £3 each at a red-and-white hut that resembles a festive candy cane.

The market is designed to cater to all ages with the main adult feature being the Alpine Lodge bar which has German mulled wine and lagers from local Portsmouth breweries. It has a lovely seating area decorated to look like a snow globe, the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the foods/drinks that they have on offer.

The festivities didn’t just stop at the market; the entire shopping centre was decorated with presents hanging from the ceiling and miniature Christmas trees. The main-event central Christmas tree is outside the Vue Cinema. It’s golden and had over 40 strings of fairy lights which connect at its top.

Families were posing for photos in front of the huge golden tree and it created a very festive and picturesque scene, perfect for a family Christmas photo.

I sent a poll out on my Instagram story asking viewers to rate the decorations and on average they scored 8/10 which is a highly respectable score. Some people had reservations that it was “too early” but this didn’t take away from the beauty of its decorations in their opinions.

Overall, I thought it was an amazing festive experience to get you into the Christmas mood. It is free entry so even on a student budget it can make a lovely stroll just to take in the lights.