Everything you need to know about visiting Winchester's much-loved Christmas market
Planning a trip to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026? Keep reading to find the answer to any questions you might have before you visit. From parking and entry to the best Sunday roast spots nearby, this page is your go-to guide to Winchester's much-loved festive market.
Christmas in Winchester is magical, thanks to the city's atmospheric and historic centre, the twinkling festive lights, charming Christmas shopping streets and packed calendar of festive things to do. The annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market becomes the city's glowing heart, all soft lights and the wafting scent of mulled wine. It takes place in the shadow of the ancient cathedral in the run up to Christmas every year (Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December 2026), when the Inner Close is transformed with matching wooden huts selling handmade crafts, sweet gifts and delicious things to eat and drink.
A visit to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market makes for a dreamy festive day out, but it can feel full on, especially when you're juggling directions, parking, traffic and maybe even little ones too. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market before you go.
Written by the Visit Winchester team.
Last updated: 10 September 2026
When is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026?
The market runs from Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December 2026. It will be open from 10am – 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10am - 6pm Sunday to Thursday.
What is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets and the atmosphere is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit. It has over 100 hand-picked quality exhibitors, selling clothing, crafts, homewares, toys and more.
Do I need to book entry to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
No, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is free to enter and you don't need to book in advance.
If you are travelling to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market by coach as part of a group visit, please make sure you book in advance via Winchester Cathedral.
How should I travel to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
The market is located in the heart of Winchester so we recommend travelling by public transport. Winchester is just an hour from London by train. It's easy to walk from Winchester Railway Station to the cathedral in 10 minutes (walk along City Road to Jewry Street, then turn left into the High Street, which runs parallel to the cathedral, and head towards the Cathedral grounds). Find full details here. Winchester Bus Station is also a short walk from the Christmas market.
If you are travelling by car, please use the Winchester Park & Ride service, as parking in the city is limited during the Christmas season. St Catherine's and Barfield carparks are the closest to the city centre, and it's possible to walk into the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market from these locations if you don't fancy the bus both ways. Both East (St. Catherine's and Barfield) and South P&R buses stop at The Broadway. Monday to Saturday, buses will run at least every 10 minutes until 6pm. There is also usually a free Sunday bus shuttle to The Broadway from East Park & Ride (St. Catherine's and Barfield) car parks.
From The Broadway, it is a 5-minute walk up the High Street to the cathedral (turn left at Pret a Manger). From here, you will see the entrance to the cathedral grounds. Entrance to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is through Curles passage, on the right of the cathedral. This is the busiest entrance - you can also enter the market through Colebrook Street and St Swithun’s street.
Find out more about parking for Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market here.
When are the best times to go to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is open seven days a week. From Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December 2026, it will be open from 10am – 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10am - 6pm Sunday to Thursday. This may be subject to change if there is risk of adverse weather, so be sure to check Winchester Cathedral website for updates.
To beat the crowds, try visiting at off-peak hours. For quieter shopping, visit in the mornings; the crowds will start to pick up closer to midday. Evenings are also the perfect time to grab a snack in the central Food Court and cosy up for the night with some mulled wine. Weekdays are less busy than the weekends.
Can you buy food and drink at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
Christmas shopping can certainly build up an appetite! Luckily, there are plenty of food and drink chalets to explore. Last year there were Christmas classics on offer, including hog roast and pigs in blankets, as well as samosa bowls, crumble pots, artisan cheese and more. The market serves up lots of veggie, vegan and gluten free options, as well as plenty of drinks and sweet treats in chalets across the market. We'll update this page with more info once traders are confirmed for the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026.
Where are the closest public toilets?
Temporary toilets are installed on the edge of the Christmas market each year. The closest public toilets to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market can be found on Market Lane, which is less than a 5 minute walk from the Christmas Market. Also close to the city centre are the public toilets in Abbey Gardens.
Is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
All areas of the market are fully accessible to wheelchair users and buggies and additional ramps have been put in place. The nearest accessible and baby-changing toilets can be found in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre.
Are dogs allowed at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to visit the Christmas Market and to go inside Winchester Cathedral too.
How long do you need at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
As long as you'd like! You can pop in quickly for a cup of mulled wine and to just soak up the atmosphere. There are enough stalls in the cathedral's inner close to fill a couple of hours of shopping, and food huts for a cosy meal too. Make your trip longer by stepping inside Winchester Cathedral - the ancient space is fascinating and especially festive this time of year, with regular carol concerts to enjoy.
Located in the heart of Winchester city centre, the Christmas market is conveniently located for exploring the rest of the city, too. Turn your market trip into a full Winchester day trip by wandering along Winchester's buzzy high street, visiting independent shops and the city's street market, exploring historic attractions like The Great Hall, doing a self-guided walking tour of Jane Austen's Winchester, popping into an art exhibition or catching a Christmas show.
Is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market child friendly?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market makes a great family day out. It can get busy, but mornings are quieter for exploring the stalls with pushchairs or small children. You could combine with a visit to a nearby Santa's Grotto or winter lights trail. The closest children's playground is in Abbey Gardens, a short walk from the market. Check out our guide to 45 things to do with kids in Winchester and family-friendly places to eat in Winchester.
Can you visit Winchester Cathedral during the Christmas market?
Yes, you are encouraged to visit the cathedral while at the Christmas Market. The cathedral is open to visitors as usual and there are lots of events taking place in the cathedral this Christmas season too. During December, the Cathedral is bustling with festive workshops and activities. You can step inside from the cold and enjoy a series of carol concerts in Winchester cathedral. Find out more here.
Visitors are also welcome to worship within the cathedral, whether privately or by attending one of their Advent services. Find all dates here.
What else can I do in Winchester?
Christmas in Winchester is an experience like no other. Discover a calendar packed with Christmas events, from Santa's grottos to winter lights trails and festive film screenings. Enjoy a family day out at one of our attractions, find the perfect gift in one of our independent shops and finish off your Christmas experience by dining in one of our independent eateries. Check out our guide to spending the perfect day in Winchester here.
Fancy extending your stay in Winchester? Click here to explore our range of accommodation, from city centre hotels to cosy countryside cottages. This beautiful historic city and its surrounding district provides a charming backdrop for festivities this Christmas.
Walks in Winchester
Discover the best walks in Winchester, from self-guided city strolls to countryside hikes and…
How to spend one day in Winchester: things to do,…
Your Winchester day trip itinerary, from coffee stops and indie shops to traditional pubs and…
How to spend a weekend in Jane Austen's Winchester
A two-day itinerary for Jane Austen fans - things to do, places to eat, where to stay and more