What’s on: enjoy the historic Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, boutique shopping, festive lights, Santa’s grotto, festive films under the stars, light shows, and dining with independent restaurants
Winchester promises to provide bounteous yuletide joy and holiday spirit with a diverse, jam-packed programme of Christmas events for families and couples wishing to make special memories this festive season.
Winchester’s free…
Christmas lights switch on kicks off the city’s seasonal festivities on Thursday 14th November, from 4.30-7.30pm. Live performances from local community groups, dance squads and primary school choirs take place on the stage situated in the heart of the city, outside the Guildhall. Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) teams up with the community to find a local hero to light up the city and mark the start of Winchester’s Christmas celebrations.
The Great Hall Makers’ Market
This takes place on the 9th – 10th November, from 10am – 4.30pm and is the perfect event for finding unique and personal gifts this Christmas. Discover over 50 stalls with a range of original present ideas including art, home décor, jewellery, and toys. The shopping experience is complemented with Christmas carols and festive treats. Tickets are available at £4 per person.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Returns on Friday 22nd November until Sunday 22nd December and is free to enter. Located in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, steeped in over 1,000 years of history, it makes for a unique festive setting.
Winchester BID Independent Business Chalet.
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. This year, visit over 15 independent businesses showcasing their wares in the Winchester BID Independent Business Chalet.
From Saturday 30th November to Monday 23rd December, the historic Great Hall is transformed into a Santa’s Grotto for the very first time. The festive magic starts at Westgate Museum where children are asked to write a list to Santa, before making their way down the merry Candy Cane Lane to discover the grotto nestled within the grandeur of this iconic site. After meeting Santa and receiving a special gift, the experience continues with storytelling, festive crafts, and delicious treats to enjoy. Tickets are £18.50 per child and £6 per adult. Prebooking is essential.
Marwell Zoo
Will be transformed for the festive period with seasonal illuminations and spectacular light displays. Glow Marwell is a magical nature light trail through a world of new displays and interactive experiences. Indulge in an extensive festive menu including giant stuffed Yorkshire puddings with all the trimmings, illuminated candy floss, and delicious crumble pots with custard. Glow Marwell tickets include entry to the zoo from 1pm until 4pm, and prices start at £22 per adult and £18 per child. Glow Marwell runs from Friday 29th November to Monday 30th December on select dates.
Santa is also spending some time in his sparkling grotto at Marwell Hall (at Marwell Zoo) before completing his global journey on Christmas Eve this year. Visit Santa on select days throughout December. Tickets cost £15 per child including a gift and £5 per adult. Prebooking is required.
Winchester Science Centre
For a truly unique festive experience, visit Winchester Science Centre’s Cosmic Christmas, a live-action immersive space adventure. Be transported to an intergalactic wonderland as Christmas comes to life through an immersive theatrical experience. Families are invited to join Santa as he makes the epic mission to the International Space Station while Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, brings it all to life through a magical space adventure in the Centre’s Planetarium.
The Cosmic Christmas event runs on weekends and during the school holidays, from Saturday 14th December to Monday 23rd December. Tickets cost £9.25 per adult and £14.25 per child (including a gift) in addition to the Science Centre admission cost.
Don’t miss Winchester Science Centre’s Starlight Cinema experience of ‘Elf’ under the stars in the Planetarium. This makes the perfect cosy setting for families and couples seeking festive respite ahead of the Christmas chaos. ‘Elf’ is being shown on select dates throughout December. Tickets must be purchased separately from admission and are £8 for both children and adults.
Winchester College..
Are hosting a Christmas Concert on the Saturday 14th December at 2pm. Winchester Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra, along with members of Winchester College Choir, will perform live family favourites to ensure guests leave feeling merry and bright. Tickets are £10 per person and children under 16 are free. Pre-booking is required.
For more information visit www.christmasinwinchester.co.uk to see a list of Winchester’s attractions and the latest deals available this Christmas.
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