Start 2026 in Winchester with these parties, NYE events and celebration menus
Looking for the perfect New Year's Eve plans in Winchester? We're here to help. NYE can be whatever you want it to be. An epic, champagne-filled night out, a fancy meal with friends or even a reflective walk in nature to round off the year. Whether you want to dance your way well into 2026 at a party, toast in the new year with a quiet drink in a cosy pub or set intentions at a yoga class, here's our guide to celebrating New Years Eve in Winchester and starting 2026 right.
Remember, the fun doesn't have to stop at midnight. There's plenty to do in Winchester on New Year's Day, from brunches and lunches to riding vintage buses around the city. If you're feeling organised, start planning your 2026 in Winchester too.
We'll be updating this page with more New Year's Eve 2025/2026 events and parties as they are announced.
Party on board a Pop Anthems Party Train
From 29 December until 4 January, you can boogie on board The Watercress Line's Pop Anthem Party trains, surrounded by colour and light. The steam train ride features a soundtrack of iconic tunes spanning the 1960s to present day, including pop favourites from Queen, Rihanna and Taylor Swift, as well as sing-along cheesy classics and crowd-pleasing dance anthems. Book one of the four trains on New Year’s Eve.
Pop Anthems Party Train at The Watercress Line, Alresford. 29 December - 4 January 2026.
Treat yourself to afternoon tea
For a more relaxing way to celebrate the New Year, enjoy a Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Lainston House, a stunning 17th century manor in the heart of Hampshire. With savoury and sweet treats as well as an indulgent glass of fizz, an afternoon at Lainston House is the perfect way to round off 2025. If you want to turn your afternoon at Lainston into an overnighter, book New Year's Eve at the Avenue for a drinks reception, six-course dinner with wine pairing, DJ and dancing in the drawing room, fizz at midnight, a room for the night and breakfast on New Year's Day.
Lainston House, near Winchester.
Enjoy a seasonal feast with friends
Book a table at Bistro du Vin on the biggest night of the year for raising glasses and celebrating with loved ones. They are offering their seasonal à la carte menu, along with some decadent surprises.
Hotel du Vin, Winchester.
Reset with a New Years yoga ritual
Slow down with a 90-minute, candlelit yoga practise where you'll set intentions for the year head. It's a "chance to release the weight of the year that's closing and carve out space for what is to come." You'll do a flow, before melting into yin and restorative practices.
Turning Point: Yoga for Renewal at New Energy Yoga, Winchester.
Dance the night away to ABBA hits
Join ABBA's Angels for a night of festive food, live music and plenty of singalong moments! An ABBA tribute act will bring iconic hits to life for a New Year's Eve of music, nostalgia, and celebration. Tickets include a sharing board for your table.
The Westgate, Winchester.
Dress up as your ultimate 'pop icon'
Head to the KA on 31 December for cocktails, a three-course dinner, a pop quiz and live music. This year's theme is 'Pop Icons' and fancy dress is very much encouraged!
The King Alfred Pub, Winchester.
Spend the evening at a historic Winchester pub
Enjoy a delightful night at one of Winchester’s cosiest and most historic pubs. The Wykeham Arms' New Year's Eve menu is £85 per person and includes a glass of English Sparkling, a selection of canapes and a multi-course dinner menu.
The Wykeham Arms, Winchester.
See in the new year with dinner and live jazz
Spend a buzzy evening at the Winchester Royal Hotel for drinks, a four-course celebration dinner and live jazz, followed by a DJ and dancing into the early hours. You can upgrade your night by booking a room in the hotel too.
Winchester Royal Hotel, Winchester.
Sip complimentary prosecco under twinkling lights
Expect golden lights, great food and complimentary prosecco on entry at Abbey Mill this New Year's Eve. They've got Field & Furnace serving steak frites throughout the night, with live music and a festive party atmosphere until 1am. Best of all, it's free entry.
New Year's Eve at Abbey Mill, Winchester.
Book a NYE spa break
Head to Norton Park Hotel for a relaxing overnighter on 31 December. They are offering one- and two-night breaks over New Year, where you can relax at the hotel, making use of the spa facilities, and also see in 2026 with an evening of dinner and dancing at their NYE Gala. You'll get a relaxed breakfast and late check out on New Year's Day for a chilled start to the year.
Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House, near Winchester.
Dine at one of Winchester's award-winning restaurants
Winchester restaurant Lucky Lychee won Britain's best local restaurant in 2025, so what better way to round off the year than feasting there on NYE. They're putting on a special three-course sharing menu for the evening. Expect a celebratory atmosphere and dishes like sesame prawn toast bao with cuttlefish mouse and lime leaf mayo and roti with citrus flavours and chocolate ganache.
Lucky Lychee, Winchester.
Have a Steven Spielberg-inspired night out
Enjoy a five-course set menu, music, drinks and dancing at St James Tavern this New Year's Eve. The fancy dress code is 'everything Steven Spielberg', which could make for a memorable evening. E.T. or Jurassic Park anyone?
St James Tavern, Winchester.
Do the countdown early with your little ones
Kids will countdown to the New Year just a little ahead of time at Marwell Hotel on 31 December. They're hosting a children's disco with face painting, glitter art, glow sticks and a party packed lunch. There will also be a big countdown to the new year, but it'll all be over by 1:30pm, so there's plenty of time for you to get a babysitter for the real thing!
NYE Kids Party at Marwell Hotel, near Bishop's Waltham.
Eat your way to midnight
Sit down to an epic eight-course adventure at Pulpo Negro. The second sitting of the evening, from 8:15pm, will see diners eat their way through an incredible eight courses of tapas delights to an electric soundtrack and a party atmosphere. You'll welcome 2026 all together with full bellies at the end.
Pulpo Negro, Alresford.
