Plan yourself a magical festive season in Winchester - from sell-out Santa's Grottos to perfect pantos
Too early? It may only be the start of autumn but Christmas in Winchester will be here before you can say 'lantern parade'. No one likes a last-minute scramble for tickets (or for presents - check out our guide to indie, sustainable and experience-based Christmas gifts here), so here's what you'll want to book up now, to secure yourself an easeful, low-stress Christmas season.
From the Santa's Grotto that always sells out to much-loved family-friendly light trails and popular panto slots, here's our pick of the 2026 Christmas events in Winchester you won't want to miss.
Curated by the Visit Winchester team.
Created: 13 October 2026.
Winter light trails in Winchester
While you don't need to book tickets to Winchester's annual Lantern Parade, other local events do require tickets, like The Watercress Line's Steam Illuminations (pictured), Marwell Zoo's new Fire & Ice immersive experience, light show The Gift by Luxmuralis, which is taking over Winchester Cathedral in December 2026, and more.
Santa's Grottos in Winchester
Winchester's Santa's Grotto at The Great Hall sells out most years for good reason; the atmospheric grotto is set within the stunning surrounds of a preserved medieval hall. You'll want to book soon to secure a seat on The Watercress Line's Father Christmas Express too, where Santa himself is one of the passengers on a vintage steam train as it zooms through Hampshire countryside. You can also hang with the big guy in red at Marwell Zoo, Paulton's Park and other spots near Winchester this winter.
Winchester's Christmas panto
This year, Theatre Royal Winchester are putting on a family-friendly, traditional panto version of the fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty. Expect lots of original songs, audience participation and festive mayhem!
Festive film screenings in Winchester
From a festive Peppa Pig cinema experience for toddlers at Winchester's Everyman to The Polar Express on the giant planetarium screen at Winchester Science Centre and a screening of classic fave Home Alone at the Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, here are the Christmas movie screenings to secure now for November and December 2026.
Festive shows and plays in Winchester
An atmospheric production of A Christmas Carol at The Hospital of St Cross? A sweet, solstice-inspired show for little ones at The Nutshell? How about Santa's Best Ever Christmas at Theatre Royal Winchester?
Immersive Christmas experiences in Winchester
You'll need tickets for immersive Christmas walk-throughs like A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner, which must be booked in advance. Your journey begins in Father Christmas' post room, where wishes from around the world are gathered, before you walk through the house to meet much-loved characters and discover their Christmas wishes, brought to life through beautiful decorations and displays.
Christmas markets and fairs in Winchester
Winchester is full of festive fairs in the run up to Christmas. Most of them, including the much-loved Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, which fills the city centre with wooden huts and festive vibes from November 20 - December 22 2026, are free to enter and don't require booking in advance. A few, like The Yard's Christmas Market are ticketed.
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