Travel back in time to England’s ancient capital city, Winchester, where you’ll find one of the quaintest Christmas markets in the country.
Pretty miniature chalets takeover the gardens around Winchester Cathedral, serving up hot mulled wine and bratwurst sausages, alongside artisan cheese sellers, candlemakers, ceramicists, and more.
Here’s our tinsel-topped guide to the Winchester Christmas Market.
Winchester Cathedral and Christmas Market in Winchester, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Allan Baxter
When is the Winchester Christmas Market?
The market will open on Friday 22 November 2024 and close on Sunday 22 December 2024. Opening times vary depending on the day. From Sunday to Thursday, the market will be open from 10am to 6pm. Fridays and Saturdays have slightly longer hours from 10am to 8pm.
Where is the Winchester Christmas Market located?
This iconic Christmas market sits in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, right at the heart of the city. You can enter from either Cathedral Close, Great Minster Street or Loverose Way.
How to get to the Winchester Christmas Market by train
If you’re traveling from outside Winchester, the best way to get there is by train. London is just 56m away by train; multiple direct services are available each day. There are also direct trains running from Oxford (from 1h 7m) and Southampton (15m). From Winchester train station, it’s a 15-minute walk through the main shopping streets to the market.
Christmas stalls lining High Street of Winchester, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, Allan Baxter
Why is the Winchester Christmas Market famous?
It’s been voted one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, thanks to its beautiful setting. Winchester Cathedral, the longest medieval cathedral in Europe, provides the backdrop. With its towering facade and beautiful arched windows, this 1,000 year-old historical site is particularly ambient when illuminated at night.
Is the Winchester Christmas Market worth visiting?
Absolutely. Visiting the Winchester Christmas Market is an easy day trip if you are staying in London. It’s a great way to experience a traditional Christmas market and explore a different British city with its own history and charm.
Best hotels near the Winchester Christmas Market
Bed down at The Old Vine, a cozy 18th-century inn located right in the city center. Just six rooms make up this character-filled pub-hotel. Book the Nina Campbell room with its romantic mahogany sleigh bed and breakfast table by the window. Downstairs, they serve high-end British pub food. Think sausage and mashed potato with rich onion gravy.
Alternatively, The Winchester Hotel and Spa offers affordable double or twin rooms, close to the Christmas market. Take full advantage of the onsite ESPA spa, which includes a sauna, steam room, and hydro pool. If you really want to splash out, book a traditional afternoon tea (complete with cucumber sandwiches) in Alfred’s Bar.
Chocolate-filled crêpe. Image Credit: Getty Images, Liudmila Chernetska
What foods are popular at the Winchester Christmas Market?
You can’t visit a British Christmas market without trying a hog roast. Sink your teeth into a bread roll filled with slow-roasted pork, sage and onion stuffing, plus a good dollop of apple sauce. Gourmet mac and cheese, chocolate-filled crêpes and Neapolitan pizzas are also readily available here. Wash it down with a cup of mulled Hampshire cider, a fruity alternative to mulled wine.
Fun facts about the Winchester Christmas Market
- Did you know more than 130,000 visitors attend Winchester Christmas Market each year?
- Famous author Jane Austen is buried inside Winchester Cathedral, just a few steps from the Christmas Market.
- Entry is completely free!
Aerial view of Winchester, England. Image Credit: Getty Images, yujie chen
5 things to do in Winchester besides the Christmas Market
Just next to the market is Winchester Cathedral. Step inside this incredible building with its showstopping vaulted nave and 17th-century library. Take a peek at the Winchester Bible, a 12-century manuscript regarded as one of England’s greatest works of art.
History fans will also enjoy visiting the ruins of 13th-century Winchester Castle, originally built by Henry III. The Great Hall still stands, housing a Round Table that commemorates King Arthur.
Fancy stretching your legs? Follow the Keats’ Trail, a self-guided route that famous British poet John Keats took regularly during his stay in 1819. You’ll pass the tranquil water meadows and medieval almshouse at St Cross.
Winchester also boasts some great pubs. Head to The Wykeham Arms for a pint of ale in the wood-paneled bar. Or, if you prefer to shop, Winchester is packed with an excellent array of independent boutiques. Browse books at P&G Wells or pick up a bottle of Italian wine at Toscanaccio.
Soak up the holiday spirit in Winchester. Download the Trainline app for the best deals on train tickets to this popular Christmas market. And, for more Christmas Market guidance, check out our handy must-see list:
- Best German Christmas Markets in 2024 to add to your holiday wishlist
- See two of Prague’s best Christmas markets in Old Town
- See the angelic Christkind at the Nuremberg Christmas market
- Wien-ter Wonderland: visit Vienna’s Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas market
Two people holding mulled wine mugs at Christmas market. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari
