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What's on in Winchester

Discover events, festivals and activities on in Winchester during 2026

Helios, Here Comes the Sun at Winchester Cathedral

With a packed calendar of events and festivals, Winchester promises an unforgettable experience no matter when you visit.

Winchester is a vibrant district brimming with exciting things to do all year round, from art exhibitions and comedy nights to food festivals and Christmas markets. If you're looking to find out what's on in Winchester, this page is your ultimate events guide.

You'll find events on in Winchester city, as well as the surrounding district, which includes rural Hampshire countryside, characterful villages and the market towns of Alresford, Bishop's Waltham and Wickham. Discover Winchester traditions and annual events like Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, outdoor arts festival the Hat Fair, Alresford's Watercress Festival, Wickham Festival, Boomtown and more. You'll also find regular events like the Winchester Street Markets and Winchester Farmers’ Market, which is one of the largest in the UK, plus one-offs like family-friendly theatre shows, craft workshops, concerts, stand-up nights and more.

There are always things going on at Winchester Cathedral, from lunchtime concerts to installations and events, while The Arc, an iconic, Grade II listed building on the city's Jewry Street, hosts a selection of exhibitions, live comedy, music and theatre as well as classes and workshops. If you're looking for things to do in Winchester with kids, you'll find spotter trails, make and take crafts and shows at attractions like The Watercress Line and Winchester Science Centre.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to search all the events happening in Winchester below, so you can find what's going on this week, this weekend, this month, or what's coming up if you're planning a visit for later in the year.

Curated by the Visit Winchester team. 

Last updated: 6 November 2026

Van Gogh Alive Winchester
What's on in Winchester this month

From candlelit concerts to the opening of the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, here's what's on in Winchester this month.

Welcome to sparkly season. November in Winchester is the deep depths of autumn, but there's plenty of light to be found in the darkness. This month, we're looking forward to pretty frosty mornings, when Winchester is covered in a fine layer of natural sparkle, the big, bold bangs of Bonfire Night, twinkly Christmas lights switch-ons and those first festive feels as Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market opens towards the end of the month. This page is your guide to all the best events and things to do in Winchester during November 2026.

November in Winchester is a busy one. With Halloween and October half-term already behind us, it's full steam ahead towards Christmas in Winchester, with Christmas wreath-making workshops, festive light trails and Santa's grottos to book. Luckily, there are plenty of non-Christmassy things to do too, from bookshop mysteries and drag bingo to guided stargazing sessions and toilet-themed tours.

Here are all the best events on in Winchester this month. 

Festivals in Winchester

Winchester has a year-round timetable of festivals that inspire and intrigue. From jazz to chamber music, fashion to poetry, all artistic genres are celebrated.

A highlight is the world-famous Hat Fair. A free family-friendly festival of street performance and outdoor arts across the city, which takes place every year during the first weekend of July (next running in 2027).

The festive season in Winchester is truly magical. Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market draws visitors from far and wide. From mid-November to late December, the cathedral grounds are filled with charming wooden chalets offering unique gifts, festive treats, and holiday cheer.

For history enthusiasts, Winchester Heritage Open Days in September provide a unique opportunity to explore the city’s hidden treasures. Enjoy free access to historic buildings, guided tours, and special events celebrating Winchester’s rich heritage.

Other highlights include Winchester Chamber Music Festival in April, featuring performances by world-class musicians in intimate settings, Boomtown music festival which takes place locally in August, Winchester Poetry Festival in October, Winchester Books Festival in spring and the Watercress Festival, which takes over local town Alresford every May.

Festivals in Winchester

Hat Fair Autin Dance Theatres Parade The Wheel 1 Adrienne Photography
What's on in Winchester

Featured events

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Start date
End date
Cathedral tower tours

DATE: 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

Aerial view of the Hospital of St Cross c. Dr Steve Bailey
History & heritage

The Hospital of St Cross Chapel Tower Tours

The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty

DATE: 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026

LS JAH June 2023 lowres 100

DATE: 22 Jan 2026 - 10 Jan 2027

Hamilton

DATE: 29 Apr 2026 - 23 Dec 2026

Ray Harryhausen

DATE: 26 Sept 2026 - 17 Feb 2027

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DATE: 3 Oct 2026 - 8 Nov 2026

Stranger Folk The Vyne

DATE: 3 Oct 2026 - 8 Nov 2026

Nutshell Antiques Market

DATE: 7 Nov 2026 - 8 Nov 2026

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DATE: 7 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026

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DATE: 7 Nov 2026 - 7 Nov 2026

Bobbers Boys by Jim Pascoe Photography 135

DATE: 7 Nov 2026 - 7 Nov 2026

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Arts & culture

Juliet & Romeo

Theatre Royal Winchester

DATE: 10 Nov 2026 - 10 Nov 2026

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DATE: 11 Nov 2026 - 12 Nov 2026

DSOTMM

DATE: 13 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026

Seven dials

DATE: 13 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026

WSC Queen Cosmic Legacy September 2026

DATE: 13 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026

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