If you’re wondering if Winchester has a Christmas market this year you’re in luck. This popular Christmas event in Hampshire is on in 2022. 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:
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.
What else is there to do?
If you plan visit Winchester Cathedral’s market in December you can also see the Star of Wonder illuminations inside the Cathedral.
This award-winning artistic collaboration takes visitors on an uplifting journey with projections and bespoke music transforming the historical architecture of this majestic building.
Tickets cost from £8 for adults and £6 for children.
The illuminations are on from 13 to 18 December 2022. Timed ticket slots need to be booked in advance.
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:
Father Christmas at The Westgate Museum
Book to visit Santa at Westgate Museum and receive a festive gift.
When you are finished in the Christmas Grotto head down to Winchester City Museum. There’s a Christmas trail, festive craft activity and hot chocolate to take away.
When? 10 to 11 and 18 to 19 December 2022. Advance booking is essential.
Meet Santa at The Great Hall
Come and visit Santa or even have brunch or afternoon tea with him in the atmospheric 13th Century hall, home of King Arthur’s legendary Round Table.
When? Saturday 17 to Thursday 22 December 2022. Advance booking is essential.
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:
What days is Winchester Christmas Market open?
This year the market is on from 18 November to 22 December 2022.
It’s open 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Find out more on the Visit Winchester website.
More things to do this Christmas
Here’s some more festive guides you might like:
