Winchester Christmas Market is known to be one of the best in the UK thanks to its historic Cathedral location, German-style wooden chalets and high-quality produce.
In this guide, you can find confirmed dates for 2024, opening times and the market specialties.
Winchester Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Winchester Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in April. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Winchester Cathedral Inner Close.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 6pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: King Arthur and Winchester Cathedral walking tour.
Public transport: Buses stop along the High Street and Southgate Street.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Visit the Cathedral to explore one of Europe’s finest medieval cathedrals and discover over 1,000 years of history.
Where to stay: You can’t stay closer to the cathedral than at The Old Vine.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free. Tickets are only required if you want to visit inside Winchester Cathedral.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 22nd November 2024 at 6pm (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Winchester Cathedral.
Cathedral tickets: Book online before you go.
Reason to Visit: Christmas carol concerts, Star of Wonder artistic light show (inside the cathedral). Stallholders have been selected based on sustainability goals that include fair trade, locally produced and low and zero waste.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Organic and low-emission food, mulled cider, British sausages and Wayfarer’s Dole.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended. Dogs are not allowed inside the cathedral.
Convenient Hotels
Winchester Cathedral is located just off the high street. The city is easy to get around and staying anywhere from the Buttercross Monument to the Winchester City Museum is generally convenient.
The Old Vine is a great option as it’s directly across from Winchester Cathedral.
For more options my guide to hotels in Winchester.
Find other places to visit with my UK Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience British food, history and culture.
Location Map
Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!
Christmas in Winchester
This popular event with more than 100 chalets and an ice rink attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually, with many people visiting from around the region of Hampshire and from further afield.
You can even visit on a day trip from London by taking the 1-hour 30-minute train journey from Waterloo station.
Having said that, I’d recommend staying overnight to see the pretty Christmas lights and decorations that the city is renowned for.
At the Market Stalls
- Mulled Wine: Always a popular choice, it’s served hot and often comes in a commemorative mug.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Vendors often sell them in paper cones.
- Bratwurst: The classic German sausage is available in the UK.
- Roast Meat Sandwiches: Sandwiches and rolls filled with slow-roasted pork, crisp crackling, and a dollop of apple sauce. Other meats are available, too.
- Stollen: This German Christmas bread is packed with dried fruit and nuts and dusted with icing sugar.
- Mince Pies: Hard to resist!
- Fudge: Artisan fudge is nice to take home or as part of a gourmet gift hamper.
What to Buy
- Jewellery: A huge range of handmade pieces.
- Ceramics: Ranging from practical items like mugs and bowls to decorative vases and ornaments.
- Artwork: Local artists use the market as a platform to sell their work.
- Decorations: It wouldn’t be a Christmas market without festive decorations.
- Gourmet Food Hampers: Visit the stall selling pre-packaged food hampers filled with locally sourced treats, such as cheeses, chutneys, biscuits, or sweets.
Travel Information
Visit Hampshire is the best resource for discovering Winchester and the region. You’ll find information on events, museums, shopping and places to eat out.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Shop Mindfully: Consider what you genuinely need before making purchases. This reduces unnecessary waste and supports mindful consumer habits.
- Walk, Cycle and Use Public Transport: Winchester is a compact and pedestrian-friendly city. If you’re staying within the city, consider walking or cycling to the market instead of driving. If you’re coming from afield, use public transport options like trains and buses.
- Stay in a Sustainable Hotel: If you’re staying overnight in Winchester, consider choosing a hotel that prioritises sustainability and uses renewable energy sources.
- Eat Locally Sourced Organic Food: Food vendors are local to Winchester, but all consider the source of your food when eating out at cafes and restaurants.
- Limit Your Consumption of Meat and Dairy: Consider trying some of the vegetarian or vegan food options available at the market.
- Explore More Than Just the Main Tourist Areas: Don’t forget to explore the rest of Winchester. Discover its historic sites, take a walk along the beautiful River Itchen, or explore the shops and eateries in its pretty side streets.
- Support the Arts and Attend Local Events: Alongside the market, other events often take place in Winchester. Check out any local concerts, plays, or art exhibitions happening during your visit.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
how can I book ice skating?
You can get tickets at the ice skating rink.