Looking for the best Christmas market in Hampshire, festive family days out, Christmas shopping, winter attractions and Christmas events? One of England's most popular Christmas destinations, historic Winchester is a magical place to visit during the festive season.

We love Winchester all year round, but the beautiful city, vibrant market towns and surrounding South Downs countryside provide the perfect backdrop to the festivities and looks especially pretty during the winter months, thanks to twinkly lights, stunning shop window displays and the annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

Visit Winchester in winter 2026 to discover a calendar packed with Christmas events, from a stunning lantern parade to craft workshops, family-friendly theatre shows and festive film screenings. Enjoy a family day out at one of our attractions, made up for the season in winter finery, or find the perfect gift in one of our independent stores and gift shops. It's easy to head out into the stunning South Downs countryside which surrounds the city of Winchester for a winter walk before finishing off your Winchester Christmas experience by dining in one of our independent eateries (this way for slow Sunday roasts and indulgent brunches), sipping a seasonal drink in one of the city's buzzy bars or getting warm beside a roaring fire in one of Winchester district's cosiest pubs.

So what should you expect from Christmas in Winchester? Each year the festive season kicks off with the Christmas Lights Switch On (Thursday 19 November 2026) followed by the annual Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (Friday 20 November - Tuesday 22 December 2026), recognised as one of the best in Europe - and then there's so much more while you're here.

Last updated: 27 October 2026