Press release 27 November 2018
Discover the Wonders of Christmas in Salisbury
Christmas in Salisbury is always a magical time and this year’s celebrations are set to be the most spectacular ever.
VisitWiltshire has compiled a list of the must-see and do events and activities taking place across the city over the festive period.
Here’s some of the reasons we should all make time for Salisbury this Christmas.
Salisbury Christmas Market in the historic Guildhall Square is one of the main city attractions at this time of year. Browse the beautifully decorated wooden chalets, warm up over some mulled wine or festive treats and listen to one of the bands, choirs or singers performing at regular times.
After the success of last year, opening days are being extended so it is open closer to Christmas from 29 November- 6 January and the food and drink area will be open until 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This year the Guildhall Square is also home to Ice Skating in Salisbury with a festive-themed outdoor rink in operation on the same dates as the Christmas Market. Tickets can be purchased from www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisburyicerink.
There are regular Christmas services at both Salisbury Cathedral and St Thomas’ Church in the lead up to Christmas including the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight service on 22 December in the Cathedral.
Earlier, on 8 December, you can join BBC Wiltshire for their live recording of 'Carols at the Cathedral' to be transmitted on BBC Wiltshire on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day morning.
This Advent and Christmas Salisbury Cathedral and Close will also be transformed inside and outside, with illuminated art installations on the West Walk, in the North Porch, on the Cloister Garth and in the Cathedral itself.
From Darkness to Light Illuminations runs from 3 December – 3 February 2019 and features immersive, walkthrough experiences, giant spheres, a galaxy of glittering stars and neon light displays.
The National Trust’s Mompesson House will be transformed into The Christmas House every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 24 November and 23 December.
Experience Christmas through the ages, from a Regency Christmas in the dining room to a 1950s Christmas in the library.
Follow the Salisbury Nutcracker Trail - 29 November- 6 January around the city centre and see how many hidden figures you can spot. Find them all for a chance to win a prize.
Families will enjoy the annual pantomime at Salisbury Playhouse, running from 1 December – 13 January it is the much-loved tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast.
Plus look out for family-friendly festive events at Salisbury Arts Centre, City Hall and The Salisbury Museum.
If you’re feeling particularly crafty why not drop in to the drop-in Winter Willow and Crafts Day at Coombe Bissett and Homington Village Hall where you can learn all about making wreaths, willow wands and other festive crafts.
- For more information on forthcoming events and activities taking place in the city go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/whats-on
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk . Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860.
Editors Notes:
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
Images for Salisbury Christmas Market can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery via this link https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/tL0Jwx. Photos may be used in print and/or online for the promotion of tourism to Wiltshire and any photos used must be credited to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, unless otherwise stated in the title of the photo. Full terms and conditions can be found here.