Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2025 Guide
Winchester, Hampshire • 21 Nov – 22 Dec 2025 • England
Once voted one of Europe’s best, this atmospheric market surrounds Winchester Cathedral with handpicked exhibitors and a towering Christmas tree.
Why visit in 2025?
- Craft Village showcasing British designers and makers
- Cathedral services, concerts and lantern parades throughout Advent
- Gourmet chalets with mulled wine, bratwurst and sweet treats
At a glance
Location
Winchester Cathedral Close, Winchester SO23 9LS
Opening hours (2025)
- Sun–Wed: 10am – 6pm
- Thu–Sat: 10am – 8pm
- Ice rink sessions from 10am daily
Costs
Market entry is free. Ice rink, tower tours and Cathedral events require tickets.
Contact
Why Winchester’s market is special
Inspired by traditional German markets, Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market sits in the historic Inner Close with the cathedral’s Gothic architecture as a backdrop. Over 100 wooden chalets showcase crafts selected by the cathedral’s curators, including glass art, textiles, artisan food, jewellery and decorations. The Great Hall, King Arthur’s Round Table and the bustling High Street are just moments away.
The covered ice rink (with clear roof and twinkling lights) makes skating possible whatever the weather. Inside the cathedral, visitors can explore the lantern-lit nave, attend carol services or follow the Christmas tree trail. The ambience here is quieter and more contemplative than many city markets.
Getting there
By train
Winchester station is a 10-minute walk. South Western Railway runs frequent services from London Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth and Basingstoke.
By coach
National Express coaches stop at Winchester Bus Station. Stagecoach services (1, 5, E1) connect the park & ride sites to the city centre.
Driving & parking
Use the South Winchester or St Catherine’s Park & Ride sites for shuttle buses into the centre. City car parks (Chesil Street, River Park, The Brooks) fill quickly at weekends.
Accessibility
Most chalets are on level walkways. Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities are available in the Inner Close. Carers skate free with paying guests—contact the cathedral box office.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: A resident team of volunteer “Market Makers” offers free guided walks and stall recommendations twice daily.
- Year established: 2006.
- Typical attendance: Around 400,000 visitors each year.
- Official opening: Led by the Dean of Winchester Cathedral with a lantern procession featuring local school choirs.
- Entry cost: Free.
Top things to do
- Skate under the lights: The clear-span roof keeps rain out while letting you see the cathedral spire.
- Cathedral concerts: Book tickets for candlelit performances, Messiah concerts and family carol services.
- Foodie treats: Try Hampshire charcuterie, artisan mince pies, churros and Alpine raclette.
- Shop ethical: Many stalls are fair-trade or locally made, with curated “Winchester Cathedral seal of approval.”
Make a weekend of it
Explore Winchester’s Great Hall, Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, and the Watercress Line’s “Steam Illuminations.” Treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at The Ivy Winchester Brasserie or a stay at the Guildhall boutique hotels. South Downs National Park walks are a short drive away for frosty mornings.
At a glance
Location
Cathedral Close, Winchester SO23 9LS
Opening hours (2025)
- Sun–Wed: 10am – 6.30pm
- Thu–Sat: 10am – 8pm
Costs
Free entry. Tickets required for guided tours, the ice rink (if running), and special carol concerts.
Contact
Why Winchester’s market is special
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, Winchester Cathedral’s event has become one of the UK’s most atmospheric festive experiences. Around 120 wooden chalets sit beneath the soaring façade of the cathedral, selling British-made crafts, artisan foods, festive decorations and seasonal treats. A huge Christmas tree and sculpted nativity scene sit at the heart of the square.
The market team curates a rolling programme of independent makers, with daily live music from choirs and bands on the bandstand. Cathedral services, lantern parades and community carol concerts run throughout the season, while local businesses host late-night shopping evenings.
Getting there
By train
Winchester station (SWR, CrossCountry) is a 10-minute walk. Direct trains run from London Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth, Oxford and Birmingham.
By coach
National Express coaches use Winchester Bus Station (The Broadway). Bluestar and Stagecoach local services stop outside the cathedral.
Driving & parking
Use Park & Ride sites at South Winchester (M3 J11), East Winchester (Bar End) or St Catherine’s to avoid congestion; buses drop at the Broadway. Central car parks include Chesil Street, Cattlemarket and Tower Street.
Accessibility
Cathedral Close has paved and gravel surfaces; mobility scooter hire is available (pre-book). Accessible toilets sit next to the refectory. Quiet sessions and sensory maps are published ahead of opening.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: Winchester’s chalets are arranged in a chevron layout to mirror traditional German markets and maximise views of the cathedral.
- Year established: 2006.
- Typical attendance: Around 350,000 visitors.
- Official opening: The Dean of Winchester leads the blessing and opening ceremony.
- Entry cost: Free.
Top things to do
- Shop the chalets: Discover glassware, ceramics, textiles, artisan cheese, chutneys and seasonal hampers.
- Warm up with treats: Sample glühwein, rum-spiked hot chocolate, mince pies and Hampshire hog roasts.
- Skate the rink: The covered ice rink (if confirmed for 2025) offers day and evening sessions with cathedral views.
- Attend a service: Join Advent processions, candlelit compline or the Christmas Carol Concert in the nave.
Make a weekend of it
Explore Winchester’s Great Hall (home to King Arthur’s Round Table), the City Mill and the South Downs National Park. Consider trips to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Jane Austen’s House in Chawton or the Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations for extra festive magic.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.