Discover what's on and what's open in Winchester between Christmas and New Year
We know how to spend time in the run up to Christmas. There are carol concerts to sing at, Christmas markets to browse, Christmas events to attend, celebratory meals to enjoy and mugs of fragrant mulled wine to sip. But that strange, liminal period of time between Christmas and New Year's Eve? It often leaves us a bit stumped. (That's if you're lucky enough to have it off work.) Do you keep the festivities going? Or do you stay in your pyjamas for days on end?
If you're ready to put on some proper clothes, here's your guide to making the most of Twixmas in Winchester, whether you need something to keep the kids entertained or just a reason to get off the sofa.
Here's what's open in Winchester between Christmas and New Year, plus events and activities to keep you busy as we ease ourselves into January 2026.
Winchester Cathedral
The Cathedral is open for services only on Christmas Day, but visitors are welcome during Twixmas. Here are opening times for the sacred space between Christmas and New Year:
26 December: 9am – 4:30pm
27 December: 9am – 5pm
28 December: 12:30pm – 3pm
29 December to 2 January: 9am – 4:30pm
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum & City Museum
You'll be able to swing by The Great Hall between 10am and 5pm on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 December, as well as on 2 January.
Winchester City Mill
Winchester City Mill, which is looked after by the National Trust, will be open between 10am and 4pm on 27 and 28 December, as well as on New Year's Day.
Winchester City Museum
It's closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January, but open the rest of Twixmas between 10am and 5pm.
The Arc
The library, children's library, café and exhibition space is open 9:30am – 5pm on 27, 29, 30 and 31 December, as well as 2 January. It'll be open 11am - 5pm on Sunday 28 December.
Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but open 10am to 4pm for day visitors and Glow Marwell ticketholders all other days over Twixmas and into New Year.
Winchester Science Centre
It's closed over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but open 9:30am - 5pm the rest of the time over the festivities.
Jane Austen House Museum
You can visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton between 27 and 30 December. It's open 10am – 5pm and pre-booking tickets is recommended.
Fort Nelson
This one is Closed 24, 25 and 26 December, but open all other days between 10am and 4pm.
What's on in Winchester during Twixmas?
Under the Frozen Moon
The Nutshell
DATE: 27 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
Steam Illuminations
The Watercress Line
DATE: 28 Nov 2025 - 4 Jan 2026
Glow Marwell
Marwell Zoo
DATE: 28 Nov 2025 - 3 Jan 2026
Puss in Boots
Theatre Royal Winchester
DATE: 29 Nov 2025 - 4 Jan 2026
DATE: 6 Dec 2025 - 18 Jan 2026
DATE: 15 Nov 2025 - 4 Feb 2026
After Dark - Starlight Cinema: E.T.
Winchester Science Centre
DATE: 28 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025
Led Zeppelin: The Planetarium Experience
Winchester Science Centre
DATE: 27 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025
