Christmasville Portsmouth – Immersive Holiday Experience
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Gunwharf Quays - Portsmouth

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AN IMMERSIVE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

This festive season, discover an immersive winter wonderland at Gunwharf Quays. Taking place at ApolloDomes from 21st November until 4th January, get ready for a magical Christmas adventure.

From enchanting interactive experiences to festive theatrical shows and spectacular projection, let us transport you to a whole world of Christmas wonder this winter.

Whether you’re looking for all-day family fun, festive evenings with friends, or magical live performances, Christmasville is the ultimate seasonal destination.

Step Into the ApolloDomes

Experience Elf ELF EMPORIUM

A magical North Pole encounter where families step into beautifully styled spaces to meet Father Christmas. Calm, personal, and full of wonder, each visit is designed to feel truly special - every child leaves with a thoughtful gift and a memory to treasure for years to come.

Experience Grotto GROTTO

A magical North Pole encounter where families step into beautifully styled spaces to meet Father Christmas. Calm, personal, and full of wonder, each visit is designed to feel truly special - every child leaves with a thoughtful gift and a memory to treasure for years to come.

*Grotto tickets purchased separately from Elf Emporium.

Experience Pine PINE PICTURE HOUSE

A cosy cinema beneath the dome where classic Christmas films glow on the big screen. Guests snuggle under soft blankets, hot chocolate in hand, as timeless festive stories flicker across a warm, nostalgic setting, filling the space with laughter, wonder, and the comforting magic of the season.

Experience Bauble BAUBLE BAR

An atmospheric retreat serving seasonal bites and warming drinks, the Bauble Bar is a festive haven for friends and family. By day it’s a cheerful social hub buzzing with holiday chatter, and by night it transforms into a lively hideaway glowing with Christmas spirit, music, and drinks. Opening a few days before the show on 15th November, the bar welcomes all visitors with free entry!

PRACTICAL INFO

  • Date:
    Bauble Bar opens 15th November. Show and Grotto opens from the 21st November
  • Opening hours:
    10am-7pm
  • Duration:
    Around 60 to 90 minutes
  • Location:
    ApolloDomes, The Plaza, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ
  • Age requirement:
    All ages!
  • Accessibility:
    The venue is wheelchair accessible
  • Price:
    Ticket prices will start at £10
JOIN THE WAITLIST

GUNWHARF QUAYS

ApolloDomes, The Plaza, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3TZ
We have great links to public transport, including rail, bus, park and ride and bike links.

GET DIRECTIONS

FAQs

Do you have any questions?

Maybe you can find the answer here!

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

What can I expect from the event?

A heartwarming festive world where families make memories by day and festive-loving adults celebrate by night.

The Elf Emporium By day, families step inside a glittering dome to discover a groundbreaking immersive theatre adventure led by the Warden of Wonders and their mischievous apprentice Pip. Together, you will journey through three enchanted realms of Joy, Presence and Hope, each unlocking a vital part of the Christmas Spirit. 

Blending live performance, puppetry, projection and cutting-edge effects, The Elf Emporium transforms audiences from spectators into active participants. Families sing, dance and share memories, their energy powering the magic around them. 

The Grotto

The Grotto is doorway into a world where the magic of Christmas is real, and Father Christmas is ready to welcome children into a moment of warmth and wonder. Inside, children share their Christmas wishes and hear a heartwarming story about the true secret of giving from the big man himself. 

Every child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas, sparkling with North Pole magic, and take a keepsake photograph to capture the moment forever. With a dash of laughter, a sprinkling of joy and the spirit of Christmas all around you, this is a magical festive experience your family will treasure forever.

The Pine Picturehouse When night falls, The Elf Emporium transforms into a cosy winter cinema, screening old classic festive films.

The Bauble Bar The second dome is home to The Bauble Bar, an atmospheric hub serving themed food and warming drinks throughout the day and night. For grown ups in search of a playful twist, Confession Sessions with Santa offers a hilarious one to one with the big man himself, a chance to laugh about your triumphs and those moments you would rather forget as you attempt to charm your way off the naughty list.

Where is the experience located? You can find Christmasville at ApolloDomes on The Plaza at Gunwharf Quay
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? The main show and the Grotto are both housed indoors - there is extension seating for our bar and café area outside that is available. . Please note, queuing is outside so please prepare for all weather.
How long does the experience last? The show will last approximately 30 minutes - you are free to explore the Bauble Bar for as long as you please.
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase? Yes - food and drink will be available both before and after your show experience at the Lantern Lounge, including a selection of snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Will there be vegan / vegetarian / gluten-free options available? Yes, there will be some options available to cater for dietary requirements.
Is there parking available? Yes, we have a car park available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Please click here to find out more.
What other transport options are there? We have great links to public transport, including rail, bus, park and ride and bike links. For full details, please click here.
Will there be merchandise for sale? Yes - exclusive merchandise will be available on-site for purchase.

ABOUT ACCESS TO THE EVENT

Do I need to arrive at the start of my scheduled session? Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled show time - you are welcome to use the bar and café area, which includes plenty of seating, before the time of your show, so we encourage you to arrive early to be sure! If you miss the start of your show we will endeavour to accommodate you in the next available show but you will not be able to enter your originally booked show after it begins.
Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed? Yes, Guide and Assistance dogs are allowed. No other animals will be permitted.
Is the venue accessible? Yes, the venue is accessible, including access for wheelchairs. If you have any specific requirements you would like to discuss in advance, please email Fever.
What are the prohibited items at the experience? You are not able to bring on to site large suitcases or backpacks that can not be reasonably carried by you at all times. You may be asked to place larger items, including strollers, in a holding area for the main shows, and we do not take any responsibility for lost or damaged items left in this area. Please see our code of conduct for more.
Do you offer carer tickets?

Visitors who require assistance are entitled to a complimentary carer ticket. This is available on Fever. 

If you require the assistance of a Companion/PA, we ask that you provide one of the following forms of documentation, to be shown on entry. This will act as evidence of your requirements. Without this documentation we will be unable to provide a complimentary Companion/PA ticket.

Accepted forms of documentation include:

  • Middle or Higher rate DLA for care and/or mobility.
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) documentation.
  • Evidence of being severely sight impaired.
  • CredAbility Access Card with a “+1” category requirement.
  • A recognised Assistance Dog ID card.

Please note that the guest requiring assistance must have a valid entry ticket.

Is the experience accessible for deaf/visually impaired people? Unfortunately, this experience is not accessible for those with auditory and visual impairments.
Will there be strobe lights? There will not be strobe lights at Christmasville.
Are there chairs available? Can I be seated during the experience/exhibition? Yes - you will be seated during the show. Due to capacity limitations, you may be required to sit on a beanbag - if you require a seat, please inform a member of staff before entering the dome.
Will restrooms be available on site? Due to our temporary set up, we do not have restrooms in ApolloDomes on site - however, they are available a short walk away within the Gunwharf Quays - please follow the signs on the day.
Can I take photos or record the experience? You are welcome to take photos throughout the venue - and we encourage you to take photos with our props throughout the venue. However, there is no photos or videos within the main theatrical shows or in the santa grottos.
Is there a Lost & Found? Please speak to a member of staff if you have lost an item whilst at the site. If you have already left, please register your lost item on the following page https://www.gunwharf-quays.com/en/guest-services/lost-property
Is coat check available? Unfortunately, there are no lockers or cloakrooms available at the venue.
Is there an age requirement? There is no age requirement, however please keep in mind the experience will include live actors, video and sound
Will there be an audio guide? Unfortunately, this experience does not include an audio guide.

ABOUT TICKETS

Where can I get tickets? Official tickets for Christmasville can be purchased via Fever.
Can I purchase a ticket at the door? Yes you can purchase tickets at the door. However this is subject to availability, so we advise to book in advance where possible.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?

Yes, you can transfer your ticket to another person for free. Any queries relating to your ticket(s) should be directed at the ticket provider directly.

Fever Ticket Support Centre 

Do I need to print my ticket?

No, your contactless tickets will be delivered directly in the Fever App, available on the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.

You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email.

I can’t find my ticket. What can I do?

You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever app, within the Tickets section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Remember to log in using the same account that you used when buying the tickets.

Any issues with your tickets, please contact the ticket provider directly.

Fever Ticket Support Centre

Are refunds allowed? What is the exchange policy?

Tickets are non-refundable. For more information, please refer to the T&Cs of your booking. For any queries relating to your ticket(s) please contact us here

Subject to availability, changes of date and/or time are permitted up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience. Please contact Fever Ticket Support for assistance.

Can I make a group booking? Unfortunately, we do not offer group bookings.