Late night shopping and traditional celebrations in our market towns
While Winchester is bustling with festive cheer this Christmas season, some may prefer a quieter time in the district. Just a short drive or bus journey away, Bishop’s Waltham, Alresford, Wickham and Whiteley offer a selection of independent shops, local yuletide celebrations and a change of pace for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you are craving a quintessentially country Christmas or want to extend your city break into the district, find out how to enjoy the perfect day out in our market towns.
Bishop's Waltham
Bishop’s Waltham is a vibrant and historic market town set in the glorious Hampshire countryside. With a foot in the South Downs National Park and located at the midpoint of a long-established route between Winchester and Portsmouth, the town has long been appreciated as a place to stop and relax.
The town is known for its varied range of independent shops. From gorgeous gifts, clothes and homewares at Luvvit Want It to fresh produce and flowers at Hylands, you can spend hours browsing for the perfect Christmas treats.
On Thursday 28 November, visitors can enjoy the annual Late Night Shopping event. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm, there will be craft stalls, food and drink, a mini funfair, and music. For our smaller visitors, be sure to keep an eye out for some special festive friends from Arendelle!
A family trip to Bishop’s Waltham would not be complete without a visit to Marwell Zoo. Glow Marwell returns this Christmas with a magical world of breath-taking new displays and interactive experiences. Follow the enchanted nature light trail, see the zoo in a new light, and end your day with a visit to Father Christmas. You have the chance to win tickets to Glow Marwell here!
For the winter walkers, Bishop’s Waltham Palace is the perfect spot for a stroll. Set within attractive grounds, much remains of the 12th and 14th century buildings, including the impressive three-storey tower and the windows of the great hall. Plus, it is just a five-minute walk from the town centre.
Alresford
Alresford is hosting an evening of late-night shopping on Wednesday 27 November, the perfect opportunity to tackle your Christmas gift list. One of these late opening shops is Long Barn, known for its English-grown lavender goods, where you can enjoy exclusive offers including 10% off womenswear, delightful tastings, and takeaway treats from their café.
On Wednesday 4 December, Alresford has an evening packed with festivities. View the Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Church from 3pm, listen to carols on Broad Street at 6pm and watch as Santa arrives in Alresford at 7pm. This is also a late-night shopping evening!
A seasonal top-pick for the whole family is The Watercress Line’s Steam Illuminations. This incredible sound and light show on and in a steam train consists of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. Until 28 December, the journey will be filled with big Christmas hits that will get you dancing about in the festive spirit.
Wickham
The Wickham Christmas Fair is being held on Sunday 1 December at Wickham Community Centre. Featuring many new stalls with fresh ideas for Christmas, join from 11am to 3pm for a magical day of Christmas crafts.
If you don’t tick off the whole Christmas list there, a visit to The Chesapeake Mill is sure to finish the task. Here, you will find a huge variety of traditional and vintage lifestyle accessories, a wonderful range of unique and hard to find products with timeless appeal for the home, garden and the special people in your life.
No winter visit to Wickham is complete without a walk around the Water Meadows. Just around the corner from the town square, you will find the signs for the Meon Valley Trail. You can follow this along the old railway bridge and get lovely views of St Nicholas Church from above. The path will take you past the golf course and Wickham Vineyard, concluding at the Water Meadows where you can brave a paddle or stop for a picnic.
Whiteley
Whiteley at Christmas is the ideal combination of fun-filled shopping and festive flair. For the kids there are plenty of Christmas characters making an appearance, including Santa and The Snow Sisters! Also arriving in time for the Christmas holidays is the incredible Little Giggle Street – a miniature fun-filled village of make believe.
For the rest of the family, enjoy Christmas pop-up stalls at the mini market and eat, drink and be merry with a selection of festive menus. Discover all the best gifts from your favourite high street brands and beat the festive rush with late-night Thursdays from 28 November to 19 December (9am to 8pm).
