Discover our top picks for a night of fun and festivities
Winchester is bursting with venues perfect for celebrating the Christmas season. Whether you are partying with family and friends or winding down for Christmas with colleagues, there is a venue in Winchester to fit all tastes and sizes. Here are our top picks!
Enchanting experiences at Lainston House
This classic country house dates to the 17th century, but they’re not here to stand still or stick to the script – there’s adventure waiting in the wings at Lainston House. With a stellar collection of one-of-a-kind experiences to elevate your Christmas party, prepare to be enchanted this festive season.
Take over the historic rustic-luxe wellhouse for the day and enjoy the delights of woodfired cooking. Both lunch and dinner packages offer unique food, drink and atmosphere for anyone from colleagues and clients to friends and family.
For the crafters and connoisseurs, sign up for one of the Christmas classes at Season cookery school or master the art of festive cocktails. Mix, mingle and make fabulous memories with the perfect holiday experience!
In full Christmas spirit, indulge in a delicious three-course lunch or dinner in your exclusive private dining room, accommodating up to 120 guests. Your private space will be filled with decorations, crackers, sumptuous food and flowing wine – the perfect pick for your seasonal celebrations.
A Christmas cracker at Winchester Science Centre
Join Winchester Science Centre this festive season as they delve into the science behind the Christmas with Science Lates: Christmas Cracker. What does Santa see, hear and do on his journey from East to West on Christmas Eve? How can Santa fit down a chimney? And how many mince pies can one person actually eat?
Plus, design your own bauble planet to take home and put on the tree, join the silent disco, play some classic Christmas games and fly around the solar system in a brand new Planetarium space adventure.
This adults-only event is just a short 10-minute bus ride from the centre of Winchester and is the perfect festive treat to enjoy with friends, co-workers or family.
A Pop Anthems party on The Watercress Line
This holiday season, party with friends on board the Steam Illuminations Pop Anthems Experience at The Watercress Line. From 29 December 2024 to 4 January 2025, these spectacular illuminated trains offer an unforgettable party experience under the dazzling glow of thousands of coloured LED lights.
Dance the night away with a soundtrack of iconic tunes spanning the 1960s to today, including pop favourites from Queen, Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Taylor Swift, as well as sing-along cheesy classics and crowd-favourite dance anthems.
Party guests are guaranteed an immersive journey that makes it impossible to stay seated, all while travelling through the Hampshire countryside on a heritage steam locomotive. The Pop Anthems Trains tickets are expected to sell fast, so book early for a party night to remember.
A cosy Christmas at The Wykeham Arms
This Christmas, The Wykeham Arms is ready to make your festive celebrations unforgettable. Nestled between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, this cosy pub is full of character and history.
This Christmas season, their menu is brimming with Christmas classics as well as delicious vegan and vegetarian options. Every dish is freshly prepared with the best quality local and seasonal ingredients. You can book a table in the restaurant for an ambient get-together or host a Christmas party in one of the stunning private rooms.
If the roaring fire and delicious meal has left you longing to stay, why not make use of one of The Wykeham Arms’ luxury rooms, each featuring spacious en-suite bathrooms and stunning Victorian style interiors. Top off the perfect night with a perfect sleep.
A festive feast at Rick Stein Winchester
Situated on Winchester High Street, this city centre restaurant is serving up a seafood spectacular this Christmas. With a 3-course lunch and dinner menu, you will be able to indulge in the likes of salmon en croûte with tarragon butter, poached quenelles of gurnard with a shellfish sauce and beetroot cured salmon whenever you choose to celebrate!
For the season of sharing, Rick Stein also has a selection of Christmas hampers on offer, the perfect treat for your nearest and dearest. All hampers contain Rick and the family's favourite wine, savoury snacks and sweet treats from their deli in Padstow. Give the gift of the seaside this Christmas.
Dinner and dancing at Winchester Royal Hotel
This 16th century hotel in the heart of Winchester offers an excellent choice of private and shared parties, festive feasts and a place to rest your head after a day of celebrations.
Bask in the festive ambience with a Christmas lunch or dinner, including a classic 3-course Christmas fare, Christmas crackers and mince pies to top off the feast. Or, give yourself the Royal treatment with a festive afternoon tea, the perfect way to spoil your loved ones this Christmas.
For your holiday hooley, enjoy a party night featuring a delectable 3-course meal, flowing drinks and a resident DJ to keep the dancing in full swing until midnight. If you want to enjoy your evening without having to worry about the drive home, stay the night in one of the Royal’s comfortable rooms and recover with a traditional English breakfast the following morning.
Tipples and treats at Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Bring friends, colleagues or loved ones together for a fun Christmas Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Led by one of their Gin Experts, indulge in an evening of mixology and learn to craft three delicious cocktails showcasing the different, unique expressions of our gin.
Enjoy a delightful grazing platter during the class, followed by a mince pie served to you in our Mill Bar, which will also open for you to enjoy and purchase additional drinks from our menu. You can also purchase some tantalising tipples at the Gin Shop.
Also perfect for small corporate groups or a large group of friends, Bombay Sapphire’s shared Christmas Party Nights are the perfect way to celebrate the festive period. Join on Friday 6 or 13 December to savour delicious gin cocktails, explore the iconic glasshouse and indulge in a festive three-course meal.
Magical moments at Oakley Hall Hotel
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and ring in the festive season with a magical Christmas Party Night at Oakley Hall Hotel, a family-run, independent hotel nestled in the heart of the Hampshire countryside.
The Garden Pavilion will be transformed into a Christmas scene, adorned with twinkling lights, sparkling decorations and Christmas trees. Indulge in a delicious Christmas dinner designed by in-house chefs and get ready to dance and sing the night away with live entertainment.
Oakley Hall’s Festive Afternoon Teas are also the perfect way to get together with your friends and family this festive season. Take your seats in the Glasshouse Restaurant and relax with a delicious selection of freshly made sandwiches, warm fluffy and freshly baked scones and a range of sweet treats. They also offer children's Afternoon Tea for Santa’s little helpers!
