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Christmas events in Winchester 2026

Your guide to what's on in Winchester this Christmas 2026, from Santa's grottos to cathedral carol concerts

Watercress line Steam Illuminations resized Steve Morley

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: 3 September 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 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.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market hot drink chalet

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.

Santa in front of the Round Table at the Great Hall HCT

Christmas events

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Santa in front of the Round Table at the Great Hall HCT
Children's

Santa's Grotto at the Great Hall

The Great Hall with Westgate Museum

Fire and Ice at Marwell Zoo

DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026

G4 Pic 3 Square

DATE: 21 Dec 2026 - 21 Dec 2026

MOTOWN XMAS SQUARE SKIDDLE 1

DATE: 19 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026

CHRISTMAS SQUARE SKIDDLE 3

DATE: 22 Dec 2026 - 22 Dec 2026

CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES WEBSITE PLAIN 3

DATE: 23 Dec 2026 - 23 Dec 2026

Santa best christmas ever 1920x947 1000x750 edit

DATE: 21 Dec 2026 - 21 Dec 2026

The Nutshell Christmas Makers Market

DATE: 5 Dec 2026 - 6 Dec 2026

Watercress line Steam Illuminations Tony Storey

DATE: 27 Nov 2026 - 2 Jan 2027

Children in the snow at Glow Marwell

DATE: 20 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026

Christmas orchestra

DATE: 11 Dec 2026 - 11 Dec 2026

Puss in Boots credit Danny Kaan edit2
Arts & culture

Sleeping Beauty

Theatre Royal Winchester

DATE: 4 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

Father Christmas

DATE: 12 Dec 2026 - 24 Dec 2026

Lux Moralis at Winchester Cathedral jpeg

DATE: 14 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026

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