Considered England’s Christmas Capital, Winchester is a lively city that turns into a magical Christmas Winterland worth visiting. It owes its fame to the numerous festive activities taking place since mid-November when the Lights are switched on. On the grounds of a stunning Cathedral, one of the best Christmas markets of Europe is hosted, attracting thousands of visitors and bringing endless festive joy. Several other venues of the city, like the Marwell Zoo and The Science Center, also transform into enchanting places and promise to bring smiles in our little guests’ faces. As for stay, you can book Airbnb vacation rentals to celebrate the holiday season in privacy. Alternatively, you can check out glamping spots. Follow us to discover what the delightful Christmas Markets and events in Winchester, England, are during this season.
Popular picks in Winchester
House in the last existing main medieval gate of the city, Westgate Museum is truly an awesome sight where you can also wear Tudor costumes and replica coats of armor and click amazing pictures.
History buffs can re-live history at The Great Hall, which was the primary defense of Winchester, and learn about its rich, historic past.
Winter in Winchester
- According to Weather Spark, winters are mostly cold, windy, and cloudy in Winchester, and the temperature ranges from 36°F (2.2°C) to 71°F (21°C).
Christmas in Winchester
According to the official tourism website of Hampshire, Winchester is known as the Christmas capital of England. Some of the things you can enjoy during Christmas are:
- Relish a scrumptious three-course meal with your loved ones at Wykeham Arms.
- Alcohol lovers can visit Bombay Sapphire Distillery to join the Christmas Mocktail Masterclass.
- Families can also head to Theatre Royal Winchester to see Cinderella as well as other evergreen productions!
Nothing can be better than celebrating your Christmas in Winchester, as the city transforms into a wonderland and offers several events to enjoy with your loved ones. To learn more about all the fun and activities, check out our detailed guide here.
Christmas markets and events in Winchester
1. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
With over 100 wooden chalet stalls selling top-quality one-off products, a stunning location between the majestic cathedral and the large ice rink, and a unique festive atmosphere, Winchester Christmas Market deserves to be called one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Stallholders are thoroughly selected to ensure high quality, while new traders are invited each year to keep the market fresh. A number of British craftsmen and independent traders make sure you will find the finest gifts and decorations, among them pretty jewelry, fabrics, and paintings. Naturally, food stalls are also in abundance here, so don`t forget to try sourdough toasties, mulled wine, mince pies, and stollen as well. I would love to shop and sample the delicacies when I visit here. Wheelchair accessibility is feasible in some parts of the market, and harder during busy weekends.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Address: Winchester Cathedral Inner Close Hampshire SO23 9LS, United Kingdom
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official website of Winchester Cathedral.
Website: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Market highlights: Mulled wine, artisanal crafts, crafted ornaments, unique handmade gifts, knitwear, soaps, glass Christmas decorations, and gin
Stay close to this market: Budget - Nharakat Mansion; The Old Vine
What guests are saying about their Christmas market experience:
“Great Xmas market! Loved the atmosphere. It does get crowded so it is better to go in the early afternoon.” - by Google reviewer, Céline Phan
“This place is pure magic! Free to enter, with fairly quick moving queues. Stepping into this festive wonderland feels magical right from the start. The twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine, and the delightful sounds instantly whisk you into the holiday spirit. The market’s charm lies not only in its picturesque setting within the cathedral grounds, but also in the wide array of artisanal crafts and delectable treats on offer. From beautifully crafted ornaments to unique handmade gifts, there’s something for everyone, making it a shopper’s paradise during the festive season…” - by Google reviewer, Telina F
2. Christmas at Winchester Science Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit the Winchester Science Center and Planetarium during Christmas time to experience an unforgettable fun-filled day out. A number of exciting events including films, tours, live shows, and other special events await its young visitors. Among the events are projections of favorite Christmas films, like Elf or Arthur Christmas, fascinating storytime with Santa for our little guests, a live show featuring Reindeer Round-up in Space, and last but not least, the much loved Santa and the Elves Christmas Experience, where a live science show and elf-led activities will spread happiness among the young audience. I would love to experience these and enjoy the shows during my Christmas visit.
Christmas at Winchester Science Center
Address: Telegraph Way, off Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HZ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: For dates and hours, check out the official website.
Website: Winchester Science Center
Stay close to this market: Budget - Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7, an IHG Hotel; Luxury - The Winchester Hotel and Spa
Winchester Tour Guide
Bryan Walsh
I have worked as a guide from New York to London: on bikes, buses, boats, and Segways. Originally from Ireland, I went to school in Montréal. At McGill University, I studied History and Theatre. Working as an actor/comedian brought me all over the world. I am now based in Winchester, Hampshire. Private Tours are available in French.
Tours by Bryan
Winchester Tour Guide
Andrew Wheeler
Greetings. My name is Andy, and I am a Blue-badge Tourist Guide, accredited through the Institute of Tourist Guiding in London since c.2014. I live in the New Forest, a national park, famous for its wild ponies, located in Hampshire. The nearest city to me is Southampton. I conduct both walking tours and coach tours in the area known as Wessex, which includes the counties of Hampshire, Isle ... Read more
Tours by Andrew
3. Christmas at Marwell Zoo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
An enchanting experience awaits kids with their families that will pay a visit to the lovely Marwell Zoo. For this Christmas, they have prepared a magical experience where the kids join some of Santa’s elves and have the time of their lives. Among the things they participate in, are Nordic Gnomes Hide and Seek, and of course, meeting Father Christmas in person. A social media competition will also take place, so be prepared to take many selfies with the cute little elves. The ticket for this Christmas experience also includes zoo entry.
Christmas at Marwell Zoo
Address: Marwell Wildlife, Thompsons Lane, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1JH, United Kingdom
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official website.
Website: Christmas at Marwell
Stay close to this market: Budget - Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7, an IHG Hotel; Luxury - Harbour Hotel & Spa Southampton
Nearby Christmas event
4. Watercress Line - Father Christmas
Take your little ones for the most magical ride of their life! The train journey lasts for an hour and is full of surprises for kids and adults alike. Children receive a gift from Santa himself and his happy helpers, and an activity pack to keep them entertained during the train ride, while they are offered a soft drink and a gingerbread man. Adults are offered white wine and mince pies. I feel that traveling on the scenic Watercress Line is perhaps one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas.
Watercress Line - Father Christmas
Address: The Railway Station, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9JG, United Kingdom
Website: Watercress Line
Dates: For dates and hours, check out the official website of Watercress Line.
Stay close to this market: Budget - Tower Hill House Basingstoke; Luxury - Avington Estate
Magical Christmas in Winchester
Feel the Christmas joy in every corner of the Christmas capital of England and create your very memorable holidays here in Winchester. Concerts, train rides, Santa meetups, elf workshops, Christmas movies, pretty ornaments, local delicacies, and many more are there for you to experience them this Christmas. There is still time to book a trip, so, Winchester for Christmas?
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