Winchester is a beautiful city to visit all year round, but when Winchester Christmas Market is on it really comes into its own. The city, based in Hampshire and close to the South Downs National Park, has even been dubbed “the Christmas capital of England”!
Winchester Christmas Market opening times
The Winchester Christmas Market runs every year, usually for a period of 4-5 weeks from mid-November to just before Christmas. Here’s the exact dates and times for Winchester Christmas Market this year.
Set up in 2006, it has grown from an initial 40 stalls to well over 100. It has hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, from across Britain as well as from abroad.
Where can I find Winchester Christmas Market?
It’s set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. With festive fairy lights and garlands strung all around, it is truly magical and the ultimate backdrop for a Christmas market.
It’s worth noting that only a few stalls can be seen when you first approach the cathedral but don’t be alarmed! The main part of the market is in Inner Close, which can be found if you walk down Curle’s Passage to the right-hand side of the cathedral.
Do I need a ticket for Winchester Christmas Market?
It’s completely free to enter and you don’t need a ticket. You can come and go as you please, so if you want to leave and re-enter later then you can, although there can be queues at times.
What can you buy at Winchester Christmas Market?
The beautiful wooden chalets lined around the cathedral are inspired by traditional German Christmas markets. The chalets are filled with unique items from independent retailers, offering you gift ideas that you won’t find on the high street.
There’s a Best of British and crafts focus which I love, and the retailers are handpicked every year so you can rest assured everything for sale is good quality and that there is a variety of companies to discover. Winchester is an affluent area, so it’s worth bearing in mind that it won’t be selling anything “cheap and cheerful”.
Is there food and drink at Winchester Christmas Market?
There is a food court where you can pick up something to eat, including typical German bratwurst sausages, British fish and chips, as well as other delicacies.
One of the most unique sights is this stunning gold cart that serves gluhwein (mulled wine) and there were others that sold roasted chestnuts and churros too. I’ve never seen anything quite like them, they were so impressive!
Are dogs allowed at Winchester Christmas Market?
Yes they are, as long as they are kept on a lead or carried. We took our shihpoo Rufus along on a Thursday lunchtime. It was pretty busy so at times we scooped him up and held him for a bit. I think if we’d gone at a weekend when it would have been even busier it would have been a bit too overwhelming for him. So I’d advise thinking about what day/time you plan to visit, and also consider that there are steps in and out part of the market, just in case your dog struggles with these.
Is there parking at Winchester Christmas Market?
There is no parking specifically for the market. There are plenty of car parks in Winchester so you shouldn’t struggle to find a space, but these are between 5-10 minutes walk away. There’s also the option to do a park and ride from just outside the city centre.
What other shopping is available in Winchester?
As well as the Winchester Christmas Market, there is also a general market held in the city three days a week (Thur-Sat). Stalls include fruit and veg, flowers, jewellery, and bric-a-brac. Unlike some markets nowadays which can be a bit lacklustre, there is a decent number of stalls to browse. I’d definitely advise heading over to Lower High Street to see it if you’re in the area on one of those days.
If after all that you still require more shopping, you’re in luck! There’s a great variety of high street shops too, including Marks and Spencer, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Boots, and many more.
Where can I eat in Winchester?
If you want to refuel during your Christmas shopping and have a warm sit down, then there’s plenty of options to eat out in Winchester. Three Joe’s focuses on pizza, with their sourdough made from scratch daily. The interior is simple and modern, similar to the menu, and it looks out over the cathedral.
Just along the street is The Old Vine, an 18th century inn that has a charming façade as well as interior. Menu options include steak, burgers, lamb shank, and chicken schnitzel as well as sandwiches and light bites.
Piecaramba! needs a mention because of its brilliant name. As you’ve probably guessed it specialises in the hearty meal of pie (and mash) and they cater extremely well for all dietary requirements. Great on a cold winter’s day.
If you want somewhere stylish and photogenic, try Forte Kitchen. Depending on how hungry you are, you can choose from sandwiches and rolls, hot meals such as fish and chips or roast ham, or indulge in an afternoon tea.
As there’s no cover at the Winchester Christmas Market food court, I’d really recommend taking the very short walk into the city centre so you can dine in the warmth and pick from the many dining options Winchester has to offer.
What else is there to see in Winchester?
There’s so much to check out in-between your Christmas shopping. On the high street you’ll spot the City Cross (also known as the Buttercross) which dates back to the 15th century. It features 12 statues of the Virgin Mary, plus other saints and various historical figures, which have been added throughout history.
The last existing part of Winchester Castle is the Great Hall. The Great Hall was rebuilt sometime between 1222 and 1235, and still exists in this form. It is home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, King Arthur’s Round Table, as well as wrought steel gates that were installed in 1983 to commemorate the wedding of Charles and Diana.
Winchester City Mill is a restored water mill that is owned by the National Trust and listed as a grade II building. It’s had various uses over the years including a laundry and a hostel, but following restoration after 90+ years, it’s back to its original use of flour milling.
For a more modern installation, if you head to Great Minster Street and The Square pictured above, you’ll find a series of 24 quirky bollards painted in the style of famous artists. Organised by Winchester City Council, the paintings were done by local art studio, The Colour Factory, between 2005 and 2012.
Tips to remember about Winchester Christmas Market
- Weekdays are always less busy than weekends if you’re able to visit then.
- The main part of the market is through the passageway to the right-hand side of the cathedral (it isn’t well sign-posted).
- Consider whether it’s worth bringing your dog – the crowds could be quite overwhelming for them but may not be a problem if you’re able to carry them for a bit.
- If you’re travelling by car, look up car parks or the city’s park and ride option in advance.
- To avoid missing out on a stall you definitely would want to see, take a look online beforehand at the list of the traders and note them down.
- There’s no shelter at the market’s food court so if it’s cold or raining, you can find several cafes and restaurants less than five minutes walk away in the city centre. Visiting the gluhwein stall is a must though.
- Try to give yourself time to explore the city’s shops and history too!
The Winchester Christmas Market will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit so I hope you have a wonderful time!
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
