Celebrate Bonfire Night in Winchester

Remember (remember) to book tickets to one of the firework displays happening in and around Winchester to mark Bonfire Night 2026. There's Winchester Bonfire & Fireworks taking place on Saturday 7 November, starting with a free torchlit procession which will make its way from Winchester Guildhall up the High Street and across Jewry Street before heading to the firework and bonfire display, which is ticketed. Head to Alresford on Friday 6 November for a procession and display at Arlebury Park, or check out displays in Whiteley, Wickham and more.

Read: Where to celebrate Bonfire Night in Winchester 

Hunt for second-hand treasure at a flea market

The Nutshell Antiques & Flea Market is a quarterly pop-up event dedicated to bringing creativity, community, and vintage charm to central Winchester in an indoor market. Expect a handpicked mix of mid-century gems, vintage clothing, eccentric bric-a-brac, retro vinyl, and genuine antiques.

The Nutshell Antiques & Flea Market at The Nutshell.
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Watch a humorous twist on Shakespeare's most-famous tragedy

A duet about love, loss and longevity, Juliet & Romeo reveals the real story of Romeo and Juliet. It turns out they didn’t die in a tragic misunderstanding; they grew up and lived happily ever after. Well, they lived at least. This blend of dance, theatre and comedy takes on our cultural obsession with youth and our inevitable issues with longevity.

Juliet & Romeo at Theatre Royal Winchester. 
Tuesday 10 November.
📍Winchester city centre 

Discover Winchester's war memorials

To coincide with Remembrance, Winchester Cathedral are running a special interest tour exploring a thousand years of conflict, resilience, and reverence. The 90-minute tour will reveal how Winchester's Cathedral - founded in 1079 following the Norman Conquest - has stood as both witness and memorial to centuries of conflict, sacrifice, and endurance. The Cathedral is home to one of the most comprehensive war memorial collections in the country. Nearby, Winchester College are also running a War Cloister tour on Saturday 7 November - Winchester College’s War Cloister is the largest private war memorial in Europe.

Conflict and the Cathedral Tour at Winchester Cathedral.
Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Winchester College War Cloister Tour. 
Saturday 7 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Read: Remembrance in Winchester

Go to a family-friendly, guided stargaze

If you've ever looked skywards and wanted to know more about what you're looking at, head to Winchester Science Centre's Night Sky Live! You'll start off in the Planetarium, learning the skills you need to identify what’s above your head, before following your stargazing host outside into the South Downs National Park. Being a Dark Sky Discovery Site, it's the ideal spot to have a go at spotting stars, constellations and planets in the November night sky.

Night Sky Live! at Winchester Science Centre. 
Thursday 12 November. 
📍Winchester city

Read: Stellar places for stargazing near Winchester 

Paint and Sip like Studio Ghibli

Grab a glass of wine and a paintbrush to join artist Alan Beckett for a magical evening of painting inspired by the enchanting worlds and unforgettable imagery of Studio Ghibli. From dreamy landscapes to beloved characters, this session celebrates the imagination and creativity that make these films so special. Alan will guide you through the painting process step-by-step, making it accessible and enjoyable for all experience levels.

Arc After Dark: Studio Ghibli Inspired Paint and Sip with Alan Beckett at The Arc. 
Friday 13 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Solve an Agatha Christie mystery inside a historic bookshop

To mark 50 years since the death of Agatha Christie, budding detectives and their sidekicks are invited to take on a baffling mystery. Find Christie-inspired clues hidden around the historic P&G Wells bookshop and solve fiendish puzzles to work out who did it, with what, where, when and why. Each team (maximum of four people) will be solving their own mystery, with a different solution to others sleuthing at the same time. Tickets include one drink.

The Seven Dials Mystery at P&G Wells. 
Friday 13 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Go to a spellbinding opera for little kids

When a curious child discovers a mysterious camera washed up on the beach, the photos inside reveal a chain of children linked across time and space and an extraordinary underwater world. Turtles carry cities, starfish dance, octopi read by lamplight – but who took the pictures and where will the camera travel next? Kerry Andrew’s luminous new score and text blends music, movement and storytelling to explore curiosity, connection and the boundless power of imagination. Little ones will be able to get up close to the instruments at the end of the 35-minute show.

Flotsam at The Nutshell. 
Friday 13 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Step inside a magical festive house

Wander through the historic house at Hinton Ampner, transformed for Christmas, where every room holds a wish waiting to be discovered. The journey begins in Father Christmas' post room, where wishes from around the world are gathered. Travel through the house to meet much-loved characters and discover their Christmas wishes, brought to life through beautiful decorations and displays.

A Christmas Wish at Hinton Ampner. 
Saturday 14 November - Thursday 3 January 2027. 
📍Cheriton, near Alresford

Make paper Christmas decorations for Jane Austen's House

Drop into this fun, relaxed workshop and help to prepare the decorations that will adorn Jane Austen’s House this Christmas. Using pages from old, discarded copies of Jane Austen’s novels, you will create beautiful, delicate decorations in a range of festive shapes – from stars to snowflakes – ready to go on display in the author's former home.

Drop in and Make: Paper Decorations at Jane Austen's House.
Saturday 14 November. 
📍Chawton, near Alton

Sing with Winchester Cathedral choir

Boys aged between six and 10 are welcome to explore the exciting world of choral singing at Winchester Cathedral. Participants will get to sing and perform with the Winchester Cathedral Choir, dress up in choir robes, explore the majestic cathedral building and hear the mighty cathedral organ. No singing experience necessary.

Be a Chorister: Open Day at Winchester Cathedral. 
Saturday 14 November.
📍Winchester city centre 

See a radio play live on stage

A performance with a difference, this show's setting is a radio studio, the actors ready as if for a radio broadcast. See television favourites Colin Baker and Sophie Aldred lead the cast of a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic - which also features a specially recorded appearance by Tom Baker as Jacob Marley.

A Christmas Carol: a radio play live on stage at Theatre Royal Winchester.
Sunday 15 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Watch the Christmas lights switch on

Kick off the countdown to Christmas by watching Winchester's high street come alive with twinkling bulbs. The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday 19 November in The Broadway outside the Guildhall. The countdown will begin just before 6.30pm, when local heroes will help press the giant red 'ON' button that will light up the city. There will also be live performances from local choirs like The Pilgrims' School Chamber Choir and Winchester Rock Choir. The event will be hosted by Heart Radio's Jonny Meah.

Winchester Christmas lights switch on 2026.
Thursday 19 November.
📍Winchester city centre 

Read: Where to see Christmas lights in Winchester 

Play boardgames and escape games in Winchester

Is there a better way to spend the darker months of the year than cosied up playing games? Winchester is a great place to embrace your competitive side, thanks to escape games, boardgame cafés and pubs where you'll find everything from AR darts to skittles alleys.

Read: Places to play games in Winchester

Listen to folk music at a local indie brewery

Head to Dummer Down Brewery's taproom for an intimate candlelit evening of live music - traditional folk from the British Isles, seamlessly mixed with roots and Americana. Expect banjos, fiddles and a roaring fire!

Transatlantic Sessions at Dummer Down Brewery. 
Thursday 19 November. 
📍Dummer

Browse Winchester's Street Markets

Thinking about Christmas shopping? Winchester's markets are a great place to head for unique and unusual gifts, from crafts made by local artists to food and drink grown and made by local producers. You'll find The Winchester City Street Market in the heart of the city Thursday to Saturday, The Antiques, Vintage, Retro & Collectables Market every first Sunday of the month, The Art & Design Market every third Sunday and Hampshire Farmers’ Market on the second and last Sunday.

Read: Your guide to Winchester's markets.

Read: Alternative Christmas markets in Winchester

Take a tour of Winchester's toilets

Head off on a rather niche guided walk, exploring the history of Winchester toilets to mark UN World Water Day and UN World Toilet Day. A donation from the ticket price will be made to WaterHarvest charity. The 90-minute toilet tour will be run by one of Winchester’s professional guides and will start at Winchester's Visitor Information Centre.

Privies, Pots and Pits: not a bog standard guided walking tour. 
Thursday 19 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Visit Winchester's much-loved Christmas market

Our annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is back, transforming the centre of Winchester into a mulled wine-scented festive wonderland. From Friday 20 November until Tuesday 22 December 2026, the Cathedral's inner close will be lined with matching wooden chalets selling unique gifts - from wooden music boxes and ceramic Christmas tree decorations to artisan cheeses and locally-brewed ales. There are also food and drink chalets selling haloumi burgers, pigs in blankets, doughnuts and more. Considered one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a must visit, whether you're there to do your Christmas shopping, to sample seasonal treats or to soak up the festive atmosphere beside the community stage.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026. 
Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Read: Our full guide to visiting Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Discover icy illuminations and festive flames at the zoo

Fire & Ice is a new immersive experience at Marwell Zoo for winter 2026, where fire blazes, ice shimmers and nature’s winter stories come to life. Alongside seasonal activities across the zoo and magical moments with Santa in his grotto, you can expect illuminations, installations, interactive play, fire effects and storytelling inspired by how animals survive and adapt through winter, from icy habitats to hibernation.

Marwell at Christmas: Fire & Ice and Santa's Grotto at Marwell Hall. 
Friday 20 November - Wednesday 30 December. 
📍near Winchester

Try drag bingo at adults-only soft play

Expect an outrageous evening of drag performances, musical bingo, comedy, mini-games and brilliant prizes. There will be three hilarious rounds of bingo, packed with entertainment, cheeky humour and plenty of audience participation followed by a chance to unleash your inner child with adults-only soft play at the end.

Dolley Trolly Presents Drag Bingo at Thrive + Wild. 
Friday 20 November. 
📍Kings Worthy, near Winchester

Head off on a mulled wine walk through Winchester

Explore the historic city of Winchester in all its festive finery before enjoying a mug of mulled wine. These daily bookable tours will set off from the Westgate, the medieval entrance to Winchester, before seeing the Great Hall and hearing of the legend of King Arthur. You'll then wander underneath Christmas lights through the high street before concluding close to the cathedral and Christmas Market for a glass of something warming.

Christmas Mulled Wine Walk.
Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December. 
📍Winchester city centre

Hear Winchester's newest orchestra perform

The Orchestra Session, Winchester's newest orchestra, is putting on their debut performance inside The Hospital of St Cross' medieval chapel. Twenty string players will come together in the extraordinary surroundings for an evening featuring some of classical music’s best-known and best-loved works, alongside pieces that might introduce you to something new.

The First Movement – A String Orchestra Concert at The Hospital of St Cross.
Saturday 21 November. 
📍Winchester city

Follow a festive trail inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas

Head to National Trust property The Vyne from Saturday 21 November to take part in their festive garden trail, featuring games inspired by the Twelve Days of Christmas. The festive fun continues inside the historic house, which will have been transformed. Visitors can play a free game of Christmas Bingo while spotting the famous gifts and characters woven throughout the decorations!

Twelve Days of Christmas at The Vyne. 
Saturday 21 November - Sunday 3 January 2027. 
📍near Basingstoke 

Go to a candlelit Whitney Houston concert

Listen to a world-class live band and one of the UK's leading Whitney Houston tribute artists perform in the glow of hundreds of candles. You'll feel the thrill of Whitney's iconic songs, including 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' and 'I Will Always Love You'.

The Music of Whitney - The Candlelight Concert at The Guildhall.
Saturday 21 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Take part in Winchester's annual lantern parade

Welcome in the festive season by walking in Winchester's whimsical lantern parade. Wander through Winchester's pretty historic streets with your own handcrafted lantern, from Winchester Cathedral and back again, where prizes will be awarded to the winners of four lantern categories. This year, participants are encouraged to make their lanterns out of materials that would otherwise have ended up in the bin. Think magical festive junk modelling. If you don't have a lantern, you can watch the colourful spectacle from the side lines.

Winchester's Lantern Parade, from Winchester Cathedral. 
Monday 23 November. 
📍Winchester city centre 

Ride on an illuminated Christmas steam train

The Watercress Line's Steam Illuminations see vintage steam trains decked in technicolour lights for the season. Once you step into the glowing carriages, you’ll be wrapped in a vibrant light and sound display. Thousands of synchronised LED lights – both inside and out – create a dynamic, ever-changing show as the train steams through the countryside. There's also singalongs and entertainment on board, festive drinks and snacks, singing Christmas trees and more.

Steam Illuminations at The Watercress Line.
Friday 27 November - Sunday 2 January 2026. 
📍Alresford 

Conduct Christmas dinner research

'Tis the season to curl up in cosy pub corners with a comforting Sunday lunch. There are countless places in and around Winchester serving up incredible roast dinners every Sunday, from traditional meaty affairs to plant-based roasts. And it's a good job too. Trying this lot out is actually very important research for your own attempt on 25 December.

Read: Great Sunday roasts in Winchester

Take your teddy bear to a festive concert

Join the King's Chamber Orchestra for a fun and interactive festive concert, perfect for families with little ones. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favourite teddy bear along for the afternoon and enjoy a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with lots of creative, entertaining tunes.

King's Chamber Orchestra - Teddy Bear Concert at Hope Church, Winchester. 
Saturday 28 November. 
📍Winchester city centre

Meet Father Christmas in a medieval hall

Santa's grottos don't get more impressive than this one, set inside Winchester's Great Hall, one of the finest surviving aisled halls of the 13th century and the last remains of Winchester Castle. Visitors will share a magical moment with Santa and his elves in the magical Great Hall Grotto and be given a very special Christmas gift. There will also be crafts and activities to take part in, as well as a complimentary hot chocolate for every ticket holder.

Santa's Grotto at the Great Hall. 
Saturday 28 November - Wednesday 23 December.
📍Winchester city centre

See A Christmas Carol in an atmospheric setting

The Hospital of St Cross is playing host to a magical new stage production of Charles Dickens’ much-loved tale this November. Blending illusion, live music and spine-tingling storytelling, The Three Inch Fools bring Dickens’ great supernatural tale vividly to life, embracing all the ghosts, darkness and strange happenings that have made A Christmas Carol such an enduring part of Christmas.

A Christmas Carol – The Three Inch Fools at The Hospital of St Cross.
Monday 30 November - Wednesday 2 December. 
📍Winchester city