Events
Your guide to what's on in Winchester this Christmas 2026, from Santa's grottos to cathedral carol concerts
Looking for Christmas events in Winchester for 2026? Visit one of Europe’s best Christmas markets, enjoy independent Christmas shopping, festive lights, Santa’s grottos, immersive light shows, cosy pubs and more.
This page is where you'll find all our Christmas event listings for 2026 - keep scrolling to the bottom of the page to see the full event calendar. For more festive things to do, attractions and itineraries, check out our full guide to Christmas in Winchester.
Last updated: 23 October 2026
The highlight of Christmas in Winchester might just be Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market, which returns on Friday 20 November until Tuesday 22 December 2026 and is free to enter. Set against the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, the market invites you to explore its charming wooden chalets, each offering unique gifts, handcrafted decorations, and a variety of delicious seasonal treats. The market is recognised as one of the best in Europe with tourists traveling from all over the world for its bustling atmosphere, and handpicked, high-quality local exhibitors.
The cathedral hosts special events, including atmospheric Christmas services, the annual Lantern Parade, popular Christmas carol concerts, and beautiful performances by the cathedral choir. This year the cathedral will also play host to immersive light display The Gift by Luxmuralis. So while you are visiting the market, don't forget to step inside and immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history.
Other Christmas events in Winchester include the historic Great Hall being transformed into a Santa’s Grotto from Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026 and the traditional festive panto taking over Theatre Royal Winchester. This year it's going to be a production of Sleeping Beauty.
Santa will also be taking up residence in the magical Marwell Hall, while Marwell Zoo is set to be transformed into wintery wonderland during their Fire & Ice event. Head to The Watercress Line to ride the rails in a vintage steam train with the Santa as part of the Father Christmas Express or on their technicolour Steam Illuminations rides.
Christmas events
Featured events
Santa's Grotto at the Great Hall
The Great Hall with Westgate Museum
DATE: 28 Nov 2026 - 23 Dec 2026
Search all our Christmas events events
DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 22 Dec 2026
DATE: 19 Nov 2026 - 19 Nov 2026
DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026
DATE: 28 Nov 2026 - 23 Dec 2026
DATE: 21 Dec 2026 - 21 Dec 2026
DATE: 23 Nov 2026 - 23 Nov 2026
DATE: 11 Dec 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
DATE: 12 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026
DATE: 14 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
DATE: 22 Dec 2026 - 22 Dec 2026
DATE: 28 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
DATE: 7 Dec 2026 - 7 Dec 2026
DATE: 27 Nov 2026 - 2 Jan 2027
DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 22 Dec 2026
DATE: 28 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
DATE: 3 Dec 2026 - 22 Dec 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best Christmas events in Winchester?
Winchester is England's Christmas capital. Home to the much-loved Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, Winchester also plays host to charming Christmas lights, lantern parades, winter illuminations, sell-out Santa's grottos, festive pantomimes and plays, Christmas carol concerts and more during the festive season. For 2026, look out for Fire & Ice at Marwell Zoo and The Gift by Luxmoralis at Winchester Cathedral and more.
- When is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market runs between Friday 20 November and Tuesday 22 December 2026. The cathedral's Inner Close is transformed for the festive period with pretty wooden chalets selling locally-made gifts and festive food and drink. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is free to enter and explore. Read our guide to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026.