Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2024 in England

Winchester Cathedral is the most iconic sight of this neat English city in the county of Hampshire. The place of worship built in 1079 takes pride in being the longest Gothic Cathedral in Europe. So it's worth visiting any time of the year, but especially during the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, which creates a very special and positive vibe typical of the Christmas season. The annual festive fair runs between late November and late December and draws thousands of locals and tourists.

Christmas Market

At Winchester Christmas Market, you can shop for some lovely holiday gifts and enjoy festive treats, including the iconic Bratwurst, mulled wine, and mulled cider. The Christmas Market offers a variety of goods, including accessories, clothing, arts and crafts, and festive decorations. Visit the Charity Chalet to support good causes, enjoy diverse food and drink options, and find games, toys, and unique handmade items at the Makers Market. Besides, kids and adults alike can have fun on the atmospheric ice rink. The original tradition, dating back to 1310, comes from Munich in Germany. But local tradition commenced only in 1982.

Live Performances

A community stage will be at the heart of this year's Christmas Market, highlighting local talents and visiting acts. The stage will make its debut during the Opening Ceremony of the Christmas Market on November 22.

Advent & Christmas Services

Winchester Cathedral invites everyone to join its Christmas Services, whether you're a frequent attendee or visiting for the first time. For families with young children, be sure to join The Big Nativity service. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite Christmas characters and take part in creating our special Big Nativity.

Things To Do

Winchester Cathedral hosts a vibrant events program, including concerts, Lantern Parades, Christmas Family Craft Workshops, and Christmas Family Tours. Enjoy a visit to the café, The Deanery Bookshop, and the gift shop, offering something for everyone.

Tickets & Open Hours

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is free.

Winchester: What to See

When you've had enough of the festive hustle and bustle at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, you might also want to explore the city. Historic Winchester is likewise famous for its 17th-century Morley Library and dozens of cozy Medieval houses and pubs. So take your time strolling around the charming city center and absorb the twinkling Christmas lights filling the streets.

Visitor Reviews

The rove.me team chatted with people who attended the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market in past years. We asked them about how the market was organized, how comfortable it was, and their overall impressions. We also wanted to know if they’d recommend visiting the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

“It’s a great place to find local makers and small businesses,” says Alison Smith from Four Marks, who attended the festival in the 2023-2024 season. Alison noted that the chalets at the front of the cathedral were perhaps not easy to access on weekends, as the crowd control barriers tended to discourage visitors from passing by these chalets. As a result, they felt somewhat separate from the main market. Despite this, Alison’s overall impression remained positive. She describes the market as having “a great festive atmosphere” and would definitely recommend it to others.