If you’re wondering if Winchester has a Christmas market this year you’re in luck. This popular Christmas event in Hampshire is on again this year. Here’s what you can expect from Winchester Christmas Market including what’s there, when it’s open and whether you have to pay to visit:
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What is Winchester Christmas market like?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is famed as one of the best in Europe. It is also regularly recognised in the UK’s top 10.
What makes it so special is its unique location in Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close, which is lined with handpicked high quality traders. A lot of other UK Christmas markets model themselves on it.
The traders are in pretty wooden chalets surrounded by festive lighting and the sound of Christmas carollers. Live music will be laid on throughout the market’s opening hours.
You’ll also notice the aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon and roasted chestnuts filling in the air. It all makes for the perfect setting for picking out some lovely Christmas gifts.
Will Santa be at the market?
If you decide to visit with young children it’s worth bearing in mind that there’s not a Santa’s Grotto at this Christmas market.
However, you can find the big man elsewhere in Winchester. Here’s some of the places that may have grottos and Father Christmas appearances this year:
Do you have to pay to go to Winchester Christmas Market?
No, it’s free to browse the market but expect it to be busy as it’s extremely popular.
Where is Winchester Christmas Market?
The market is set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral where a place of worship has stood since the seventh century.
The Cathedral on the site today was built by the Normans. Its Gothic features added in the centuries that followed.
Here’s where to find it on a map:
When is Winchester Christmas Market open?
It’s open 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Find out more on the Winchester Cathedral website.
Where to stay
If you’re planning on making a festive weekend out of your visit to Winchester Christmas Market here are some suggested places to stay:
- The Old Vine in the centre of Winchester and just 150m from the Cathedral has family rooms with two double beds.
- Another city centre option for couples is the Wykeham Arms. The luxury rooms at this characterful pub have original period features and ensuite bathrooms.
- Elevate your weekend getaway by booking a room at Lainston House. The 17th-century country hotel, three miles from Winchester Cathedral sits in 63 acres of parkland and has a triple AA Rosette Restaurant.
Take a look at more options on booking.com.
More things to do this Christmas
Here’s some more festive guides you might like:
- Christmas events in Hampshire
- Where to find more Christmas markets in the UK
- Christmas light trails to visit this year
- Christmas days out around the UK