Everything you need to know before you visit
Christmas in the city can be tricky to navigate, juggling Christmas shopping, directions, children and traffic. Make your trip to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market a stress-free experience with this handy guide, answering all your questions before you visit.
What is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe. The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets and the atmosphere is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit. It is free to enter and has over 100 hand-picked quality exhibitors, selling clothing, crafts, homewares, toys and more!
How do I get there?
The market is located in the heart of Winchester. Those travelling by train can walk from Winchester Railway Station to the cathedral in 10 minutes (walk along City Road to Jewry Street, then turn left into the High Street, which runs parallel to the cathedral). Find full details here.
We strongly recommend those travelling by car to use the Winchester Park & Ride service, as parking in the city is limited during the Christmas season. Both East (St. Catherine's & Barfield) and South P&R buses stop at The Broadway. Monday to Sunday, buses will run at least every 10 minutes until 6pm. There is also a free Sunday bus shuttle to The Broadway from East Park & Ride (St. Catherine's & Barfield) car parks. Find full details here.
From The Broadway, it is a 5-minute walk up the High Street to the cathedral (turn left at Pret a Manger). From here, you will see the entrance to the Cathedral Green. The entrance to the market is through Curles passage, on the right of the cathedral. You can also enter through Colebrook Street and St Swithun’s street.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
All areas of the market are fully accessible to wheelchair users and buggies and additional ramps have been put in place. The nearest accessible and baby-changing toilets can be found in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre.
When are the best times to go?
The market runs from 22 November to 22 December 2024. Sunday to Thursday trading is 10:00am to 6:00pm. Friday and Saturday trading is 10:00am to 8:00pm. This may be subject to change if there is risk of adverse weather, so be sure to check Winchester Cathedral website for updates.
To beat the crowds, we recommend visiting at off-peak hours. For quieter shopping, visit in the mornings; the crowds will start to pick up closer to midday. Evenings are also the perfect time to grab a snack in the central Food Court and cosy up for the night with some mulled wine. Weekdays are less busy than the weekends, so make the most of a mid-week trip to Winchester.
What food is on offer?
Christmas shopping can certainly build up an appetite! Luckily, there are plenty of food and drink chalets in the Food Court to get your fill. There are Christmas classics on offer, including Hog Roast from Wild Garlic Catering and Yorkshire pudding wraps from Harleys. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy wraps, burgers, hot dogs and chips from Flapping Jacks Yummy Veggie Treats. Meanwhile, gluten free options are available at The Homemade Brownie Company, The Old Vine and El Murrino pizza. There are also plenty of drinks and sweet treats in chalets across the market.
Where are the closest public toilets?
The closest public toilets can be found on Market Lane, which is less than a 5 minute walk from the Christmas Market. Also close to the city centre are the public toilets in Abbey Gardens.
Should I visit Winchester Cathedral?
Yes, you are encouraged to visit the cathedral while at the Christmas Market! There are lots of events taking place in the cathedral this Christmas season.
This December, the Undercroft will be bustling with various festive workshops. From candle-making and glass fusing to silversmithing and painting, not forgetting the singing workshop! Find all workshops here.
You can step inside from the cold and enjoy a series of carol concerts in the cathedral, including the Naomi House & Jacksplace Christmas Carol Service, the Winchester Cathedral choirs’ Christmas Concert and Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols.
Visitors are also welcome to worship within the cathedral, whether privately or by attending one of their Advent services. Find all dates here.
What else can I do in Winchester?
Christmas in Winchester is an experience like no other. Discover a calendar packed with Christmas events and get inspired by our archive of festive reads. Enjoy a family day out at one of our attractions, find the perfect gift in one of our independent shops and finish off your Christmas experience by dining in one of our independent eateries. You can find more information about Christmas in Winchester here.
Fancy extending your stay in Winchester? Click here to explore our range of marvellous accommodation, from city entre hotels to cosy countryside cottages. This beautiful historic city and its surrounding district provides the perfect backdrop for festivities this Christmas.
