We all know about the biggie. One of the best festive markets in Europe, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market fills the city with twinkling lights and the wafting scent of mulled wine between 21 November and 22 December 2025. The annual market is pure festive joy, with matching huts stocked with gifts and treats, Christmassy performances and seasonal fare to keep you warm and jolly. But it's not the only place in Winchester to find stocking-fillers.
If you're after an alternative Christmas shopping experience, there's Winchester's lovely independent gift shops to explore as well as an array of smaller makers' markets popping up in and around the city in November and December. Read on to find late night shopping dates and intimate fairs and markets for Christmas shopping.
Christmas Market at Abbey Mill
Local sellers are popping up in Abbey Mill this Christmas for an evening of shopping, soundtracked by festive tunes. There will also be burgers from The Original Fry Up Material, toasted marshmallows and mulled wine on offer once you've ticked everything off your list.
Abbey Mill, Winchester. Friday 21 November.
Winchester Street Market: Christmas Shopping Day
Immerse yourself fully in Christmas shopping season with Winchester Street Market's special Christmas shopping day on Sunday 23 November. Offering a blend of seasonal produce, unique festive crafts, and delightful Christmas treats, this one-off market day is the perfect opportunity to shop for gifts.
High Street, Winchester. Sunday 23 Novermber.
The Makers' Sale at The Grange Winery
Pick up art, books, ceramics, vintage, baskets, bags, candles, bath oils, belts, honey and more at The Grange Winery's annual celebration of indie makers. You'll find a pop up café for lunch, a coffee van and The Grange's Land Rover fizz bar to fuel your shopping.
The Grange Winery, near Winchester. Thursday 27 November.
Projects Christmas Faire
Visit Projects Store & Kitchen on 29 November for their Christmas market. You'll be able to browse items from local artists, makers and crafters, from jewellery to candles and art prints. Expect festive fare on offer too.
Projects Store & Kitchen, Winchester. Saturday 29 November.
Christmas Fair at The Yard
The Yard is hosting a two day Christmas market, where small businesses will be selling wares for your festive shopping needs. Expect everything from bath salts, jewellery and handmade wash bags to artisan peanut butter. You need a ticket for entry, which includes a raffle entry. The Yard's café will also be open.
The Yard, Chiltern Candover, nr Alresford. Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December.
Winchester Maker's Market: Festive Edition 2025
The ground floor of the library will be transformed on 6 December for the Winchester Makers Market, showcasing an array of unique and locally crafted goods from talented artists and creatives in the Winchester community. Expect beautiful homemade gifts and festive refreshments.
The Arc, Winchester. Saturday 6 December.
The Nutshell Christmas Makers Market
Head to The Nutshell for a vibrant celebration of independent designers, creatives, makers, and small businesses this festive season. This carefully curated market brings together over 30 talented makers and food vendors under one roof, offering a unique shopping experience in the heart of Winchester during the busy Winchester Christmas season.
The Nutshell, Winchester. Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December.
Wickham Christmas Fair
The village of Wickham is playing host to local sellers, crafters and makers for the day on Sunday 7 December. There will be gifts to buy, festive music to enjoy and food and drink on offer too. Santa will also be in attendance.
Wickham Community Centre, Wickham. Sunday 7 December.
Christmas Market at Hampshire Pantry
Browse market stalls selling gifts, festive treats and seasonal decorations at Hampshire Pantry, a working farm on the edge of Winchester. You can also toast marshmallows by the open fire, enjoy lunch from Pala food truck and pick up a Christmas tree too!
Hampshire Pantry, Winchester. Sunday 7 December
Late Night Shopping in Alresford
Visit the pretty market town of Alresford on Wednesday 10 December for their late night shopping and Christmas market. The town's indie shops will have extended opening hours, as well as special extras like mulled wine and festive treats. There's a special market from 5pm, choirs singing carols from 6pm and the arrival of a very special guest dressed all in red at 7pm.
Broad Street, Alresford. Wednesday 10 December.
Artisan and Handmade Market
Support small, local businesses at this December market, bringing together a handpicked mix of Hampshire makers and creators. You'll discover handmade gifts, one-of-a-kind homewares, foodie treats and lots of treasures you won’t find on the high street.
Badger Farm Community Centre, Winchester. Sunday 14 December.
Makers at Winchester Visitor Information Centre
Drop into Winchester's Visitor Information Centre, decked out in festive finery for the season, to browse the creations of local artists and makers. What's on the shelves in the centre changes regularly and you can find out more about which local makers are being stocked in the run up to Christmas.
Visitor Information Centre, Winchester. Open daily.