Winchester has been transformed into a beautiful Winter Wonderland this year and there are lots of things to do and see during the festive season. Discover sustainable gifts, head to Santa’s Grotto (hosted in a medieval hall) or munch away on traditional bratwurst sausages from the food & drink stalls. This authentic market experience is held in one of the most historical and major cities of England and we think you should visit! Find out everything you need to know in our Winchester Christmas Market Guide 2022…
Why you should visit the Winchester Christmas Market 2022 …
Did you know Winchester is known as the Christmas capital of England? Visitors from all over the world come and visit the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market to experience its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors. The Christmas Market will be open daily from Friday November 18th – Thursday December 22nd, 2022.
The Winchester market at Christmas time offers lots of magical moments for families. The location of the market is shrouded in fascinating history and medieval buildings which paint the perfect Christmas backdrop. The world famous Winchester Cathedral is over 1000 years old! The area has remnants of Roman, Iron Age, Anglo Saxon, Norman, and viking history. It even used to be the capital of England and contains numerous ancient monarchs of Wessex and Winchester! Knowing all the incredible history makes the experience more exciting. Who’s to stop you from making a whole weekend of it? We recommend trying out the 878 AD tour if you want to get your teeth into some history during your visit.
It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK with an unmatched festive atmosphere, delicious food, cobbled streets, and beautiful decorations. The Winchester Christmas Market 2022 is the perfect place to explore during the Winter holidays.
Food at Winchester Christmas Market 2022
Are your tummies groaning and aching for a cup of hot chocolate and some hot food? Amidst the lively atmosphere and wooden stalls you will find some food stalls in the food court area of the market where you can sample all kinds of British, French, and German food.
Warm your souls up with some mulled wine and a German bratwurst sausage. Munch away on a classic British fish and chips or some French raclette cheese. Just be warned that there are no seats available to sit down and eat at, nor are there covered areas so if it’s raining. If it’s best to head to the Refectory. Sip on hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks as you emerge from the exciting party atmosphere.
If you are desperate for seating you should head over to the Winchester Cathedral Cafe. You’ll find this gem located just before Curle’s Passage. This self service cafe has plenty of indoor space where you can dodge any rain or snow! There is even a courtyard terrace garden to unwind on after a day filled with shopping. It is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm. The cafe has disabled access and toilet facilities which is great to know if you have kids.
Winchester is a hub for great restaurants too so if eating market food isn’t your thing and you want to get back into the warmth you should check out…
- Brasserie Blanc (7 minute walk from the cathedral)
- The Chesil Rectory (9 minute walk from cathedral)
- The William Walker (1 minute walk from the cathedral)
- The Winchester Stable (2 minute walk from the cathedral)
- The Old Vine ( 2 minute walk from the cathedral)
Winchester Christmas Market stalls
In total, 112 market stalls will line the high streets of Winchester! Each market stall is designed like an alpine chalet, with each wooden chalet offers unique goods as well as delicious festive food. Make sure you keep an eye for the The Winchester Nativity Scene too – the giant figurines are back this year!
Charity Chalets
Makers Market
Sustainable Chalets
Luxmuralis Trail
Running from 13th – 18th December 2022 the Luxmuralis Trail is a breathtaking light and sound show that takes place inside Winchester’s famous medieval cathedral.
Artists from all different backgrounds and disciplines have come together to produce an event that combines traditional artwork, new media, and fine art in this exciting Christmas trail. Watch the grand interior be lit up with stars, bursts of light, and medieval artwork.
The Cathedral itself already has an abundance of artwork from Norman carvings, Pre-Raphaelite stained glass and contemporary sculptures, including Antony Gormley’s Sound II. Families have the chance to walk between the cathedrals’ tall pillars, passing through artwork from over 1000 years ago as well as experiencing new technology.
This is a separate ticketed event to the market so will have to pay. Here’s what we know so far about the early bird prices…
Tickets for 13th December will be discounted to the following prices:
- Adult £8
- Children £6
- Family Bundle £26.50
- Entry for under 3s go for free (for all dates).
Your Early Bird promo offer will be automatically applied at Checkout and will not show as a ‘discount’. *Please note that all online bookings will include a ticket commission of £1.25.
Celebrate this sacred space and grab your ticket!
Meet Santa at the Winchester Great Hall
Illuminate your Christmas experience in this historic city by visiting the big man himself, Santa Claus! This beautiful medieval hall is the perfect setting to get into the Christmas spirit. You will have to book this experience.
For £15.50 your ticket includes meeting Father Christmas, a free child’s hot chocolate and a festive gift. There will also be table crafts available for the kids to make some Christmas decorations.
You’ll have a wonderful time at the Christmas Fayre and in the magnificent Great Hall.
We hope you’ve found our Winchester Christmas Market Guide 2022 useful!Have you got the bug for Winter festivals? Christmas Markets are one of the best events to come out of the festive period with a variety of food, ice rinks, festive lights, alpine style chalets, and street entertainment – what’s not to love?
We have a whole host Christmas Market articles featuring the most picturesque cities in the UK. From Edinburgh Christmas Market to Birmingham Christmas Market, Bristol Christmas Market, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. We’ve got lots of great content for you to read through if you are planning to do a UK tour of Christmas Markets.
For more content like Winchester Christmas Market Guide 2022, you can find more festive events on our Christmas Inspiration page. Find everything from Christmas Pantomimes to Light Trails Near Me and so much more!