Southampton's Snow Windows Trail: Snowmen on the Loose!

28 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Get ready to follow the trail of some very cheeky snowmen! Southampton's FREE Snow Windows Trail is back for its third year, bringing a brand-new collection of handcrafted festive window displays to the city centre.

This year's theme is snowmen, with 22 bespoke designs to discover across two new walking routes: the Hat Route and the Carrot Route.

Created once again by talented artist Tom Baker from Snow Windows, each display has been specially handcrafted for you to discover. Follow the free trail map and see what our snowmen get up to along the way.

There's also two festive puzzles to solve! Look out for a letter in the poster found at each stop and see if you can unscramble them to reveal the secret word. Once solved, head to the route's end location where children will receive a free prize, and adults can enter our winter prize draw.

Where to get your map

Trail maps are included in this year's Christmas guides. Printed versions will be available made available at key locations across the city. Check back here soon for details on where to pick up your map!

Looking for a digital copy? You can download yours here or browse the map below.

How does the Snow Windows trail work?

Each trail route has a different set of window displays and clues to discover. Here's how to take part:

1. Choose your route: Pick up a free trail map and decide whether to follow the Hat Route, the Carrot Route, or challenge yourself to complete both!

2. Find the snowmen: Follow your chosen route and visit each of the bespoke window displays across the city centre.

3. Collect the letters: At each trail stop, you'll find an A4 poster displaying a letter. Write down the letters in your map as you go.

4. Crack the festive code: Once you've collected all the letters, unscramble them to reveal the festive word.

5. Claim your prize: Head to the designated end location and show your completed trail map. Fill out the short feedback form and exchange for a free small prize for the children. You will also have a chance to enter our winter prize draw!

Prize collection

There are two new end locations this year: SeaCity Museum and Second Nature. You can collect your prize during the following hours:

• SeaCity Museum
  • Monday – Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
  • Sunday 11am – 4pm
  • Closed 24 – 26 December and 1 January
     
• Second Nature
  • Open 24/7, but we recommend collecting during the day

Please note that one prize is available per person, per completed trail route. Some window displays may not be visible during public holidays, so please bear this in mind when planning your visit. Prizes are subject to availability.

Don't forget to enter our prize draw!

When visiting one of our end locations, make sure to complete the prize draw section on the feedback form to enter our prize draw. You'll be in with the chance of winning our Winter Prize Bundle which includes:

• Family ticket of four at Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton
• Voucher for two for Locked In A Room Southampton
• £50 Build-a-Bear Workshop gift card
• £50 Tap & Tandoor gift card

The winner will be drawn in January 2027. For full T&C's click here.

About the artist

All of the snowy artworks in Visit Southampton’s Christmas trail are created by artist Tom Baker of Snow Windows. Since 2015, Snow Windows has been transforming ordinary window fronts into magical winter scenes, working with well-known brands including Odeon, TikTok, The Royal Mint, and This Morning. Find out more here.

Below are some designs created by Tom during previous Snow Windows trails.

Christmas in Southampton

Finished the trail? There's plenty more to discover during the festive season, from Christmas markets and seasonal shopping to family activities, festive food and drink, and events across the city. Plan your visit.