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WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL’S CHRISTMAS MARKET

Taking place from 22nd November – 22nd December,
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised
as one of the best in Europe.

Renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location and handpicked high quality exhibitors, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

The pretty wooden chalets, situated in the historic grounds, are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors and traders alike will be transported into a magical setting to browse Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

From Bratwursts to Churros, Hot Chocolates to Mulled Wines, the diverse range of food and drink stalls will cater for a range of dietary requirements. There’ll be an array of clothing and accessories stalls, so whether you’re looking for that perfect pair of socks to gift, a hat and scarf to keep you warm or a piece of jewellery for someone special, you’ll find it at this Christmas Market. 

The decoration and homeware styles will kit your home out perfectly for Christmas, from tree ornaments to crockery, you’ll want host Christmas day dinner to showcase your new purchases. Gardeners will be pleased to hear that there will be a number of garden and outdoor stalls to browse, and those with children on their present list will be equally as pleased to hear that there’s games and toys available to purchase.

If shopping isn’t your thing, don’t worry as there’s plenty of festive atmosphere to soak up. A community stage sits at the heart of the Christmas Market in the Food Court area, so you can enjoy the talents of the local community and visiting acts as you tuck into a tasty treat.

The atmosphere doesn’t stop at the market. Step inside Europe’s longest medieval cathedral to complete your trip and discover over 1,000 years of history.

Winchester Cathedral has been a living place of worship and welcome for over 900 years and seeks to offer a warm Benedictine welcome to all visitors and worshippers, as though they were Christ himself. There will be a number of Advent and Christmas Services taking place during the Christmas Market from Carol services to Advent Evensongs, worship at Winchester Cathedral is free of charge and you’d be most welcome to attend.

Click here to view What’s On at Winchester Cathedral

If you’re interested in discovering the history of the cathedral, one of the best ways to explore is with a trained Guide. They will be able to tell you all about its colourful past, including wonderful stories about the people associated with the Cathedral, such as William Walker, the diver who saved the Cathedral in the early 1900’s. 

As part of the tour, you may have the opportunity to discover the massive vaults of the Cathedral’s early Norman crypt, the ornate Renaissance chantry chapels, Jane Austen’s grave and the Great West Window. Frequent guided tours are available Monday to Saturday, from 10:00am – 3:00pm (subject to guide availability) and are included in the admission fee.

Group Offers

All groups, large and small, are welcome. Winchester Cathedral can arrange general interest and themed guided tours, provide catering packages and assist with other aspects of planning, such as the length of visit, advice on travel and parking, and neighbouring sites of interest.

A special rate of £11 per person applies for groups of 10 or more and includes entry and a standard Cathedral tour.
Special interest tours are available at an additional cost, contact visits@winchester-cathedral.org.uk to hear more.

Visitors who are feeling adventurous can also climb the Cathedral Tower, which offers magnificent views across Winchester and the surrounding county. This experience is particularly beautiful during the Christmas Market as you’ll be able to see a sea of twinkly lights as you look down from up high. You will also have the opportunity to see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the Nave roof with its huge wood beams. 

Visit the Winchester Cathedral website for more information (additional fees apply to Tower Tours, booking in advance is essential and a signed health and safety form is required).

Also on offer is Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation’, a spectacular three-level exhibition in the South Transept which takes visitors on an interactive journey, showcasing some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Highlights of this experience include the Winchester Bible, one of the UK’s finest illuminated manuscripts, the 17th-century Morley Library and the story of the Cathedral’s mortuary chests, believed to contain the remains of Saxon royalty.

Hampshire is the perfect blend of city, coast and country. Whether visiting for a day trip or short break, you’ll find a range of things to do, with so many attractions and experiences available.

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