“Last updated: 9 August 2025”
Winchester Christmas Market 2025 is your festive guide to one of the UK’s most atmospheric markets, set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral. The market runs from Friday 21 November to Monday 22 December 2025 with free entry. Opening hours: Mon–Wed 10:00–18:00, Thu 10:00–19:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–17:00. Expect around 128 hand-picked chalets, live music on the performance stage, and plenty of mulled wine and raclette. Arrive car-free by train or use Winchester’s Park & Ride for an easy city-centre drop-off. Read on for insider tips, maps, accessibility info, and the best nearby hotels. Start planning your visit.
Quick‑Glance Facts 🎄
| 2025 Dates | 21st Nov – 22nd Dec 2025 |
| Opening Times | Mon–Wed 10:00‑18:00; Thu 10:00‑19:00; Fri–Sat 10:00‑20:00; Sun 10:00‑17:00 |
| Location | Inner & Outer Close, Winchester Cathedral, SO23 9LS. Get Directions. |
| Cost | Free entry (queues at peak times) |
| Chalets | ~ 128 wooden stalls selling gifts, crafts & gourmet treats |
| Stage & Entertainment | Live choirs, brass bands & community performances (no ice rink since 2021) |
| Nearest Station | Winchester (1 hr direct from London Waterloo) |
What to Expect in 2025
Hand‑Picked Retail Heaven
From hand‑blown glass baubles to locally distilled gin, the market’s 128 German‑inspired chalets are curated for quality rather than quantity—ideal for thoughtful gift hunters. Expect a refreshed Makers’ Market zone spotlighting sustainable and regional artisans.
Performances Under the Stars
Instead of the former ice rink, a performance stage fills the Close with carols, folk trios and school choirs most afternoons and evenings. Grab a hot chocolate, perch on a hay bale and soak up the live soundtrack.
Food & Drink Highlights
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Bratwurst & Raclette – classic Alpine comfort in baguettes.
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Hampshire Hog Roast – locally sourced pork, crackling included.
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Churros with spiced chocolate – perfect for winter evenings.
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Winchester mulled wine – look for chalets using New Forest honey.
Family‑Friendly & Accessible
The market pathways are flat and wide; accessible toilets and wheelchair hire are available at the Cathedral visitor centre. Pushchairs and assistance dogs are welcome.
Getting There & Parking Like a Local
By Train
Frequent South Western Railway services whisk you from London Waterloo to Winchester in about an hour, with equally easy links from Southampton, Bournemouth and Basingstoke.
Park & Ride
Avoid city‑centre congestion and £18‑a‑day car‑parks by using Winchester’s five Park & Ride sites (2,137 spaces). Buses run every 12–15 min and drop you at The Broadway, a five‑minute walk from the market. Day tickets cover parking and bus travel for up to seven passengers.
What’s new in 2025
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Confirmed run & longer season: The market runs for 32 days this year, Friday 21 November to Monday 22 December 2025, with extended late openings on Fri–Sat. That’s your longest window yet to visit.
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Bigger, clearly-zoned layout (128 chalets): Expect 128 chalets across the Inner & Outer Close, a dedicated Makers’ Market and a Food Court, plus a Cathedral-curated Nativity scene and interactive area highlighted in this year’s pack.
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Fresh traders mid-season: 2025 keeps the popular two-phase rotation so you’ll see different stalls if you visit twice. First half: 21 Nov–7 Dec. Second half: 8–22 Dec. Changeover is on Sun 7 Dec to avoid a late-close evening.
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Stronger focus on local, sustainable gifts: The Cathedral is actively developing lines in locally produced & sustainable gifts, childrenswear, homewares and artisan foods, so expect more thoughtful, regional finds.
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Makers’ Market upgrades: The Makers’ Market spotlights British craft you can buy direct from the maker, and there’s a live “New traders” hub showcasing first-time exhibitors for 2025—handy if you want to hunt what’s genuinely new.
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Stage > ice rink (still): The performance stage continues (live choirs, bands and community acts) and the ice rink won’t return—a post-2021 change that’s now the established format.
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Sharper look & greener lighting: Expect a more cohesive aesthetic: festoon-lit eaves with green garlands on every chalet and LED-only lighting requirements—small touches that make the Close brighter and more energy-efficient.
Insider Tips for Beating the Crowds
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Go mid‑week before noon for the quietest browsing.
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Late‑close Thursdays (till 19:00) are magical once the fairy‑lights glow, yet calmer than Friday/Saturday nights.
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Queue jump: enter via the Dean Garnier Garden gate (sign‑posted) when the main entrance backs up.
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Cashless is king, but pack a small stash of coins for buskers and smaller stalls.
Where to Stay
🏰 Luxury Escapes
| Hotel | Why Stay? | From* |
|---|---|---|
| Lainston House | 17th‑century country‑house hotel with 63 acres, fine‑dining & four‑poster suites. | £300 |
| Hotel du Vin Winchester | Boutique chic in a Georgian townhouse, minutes from the market. | £200 |
| The Old Vine | Award‑winning gastropub rooms opposite the Cathedral—roll out of bed into the market! | £185 |
🎁 Mid‑Range Comfort
| Hotel | Why Stay? | From* |
|---|---|---|
| Winchester Hotel & Spa | Indoor pool, spa and easy walk from the station. | £140 |
| Wykeham Arms | Historic 18th‑century inn with log fires & characterful rooms. | £150 |
| Winchester Royal Hotel | Central 16th‑century property with on‑site parking & walled garden. | £130 |
💡 Budget‑Friendly Picks
| Hotel / Guest‑House | Why Stay? | From* |
|---|---|---|
| The King Alfred Pub | Cozy pub rooms in leafy Hyde, breakfast hamper included. | £95 |
| The Westgate | Modern en‑suite rooms above a craft‑beer pub, steps from the market. | £90 |
| Settle in Winchester (Self‑check‑in) | Smart, self‑catered rooms near the station—ideal for longer stays. | £85 |
*Indicative two‑person rate for early‑December 2025; always check Booking.com for live prices & deals.
What to Pack & Weather Watch
Winchester’s December highs hover around 8 °C / 46 °F with damp drizzle likely. Think layers: thermal base, knit, waterproof coat, and sturdy shoes (cobblestones can be slick). Reusable cup = discounted refills at many vendors.
Final Thoughts
With its story‑book setting, hand‑curated stalls and easy London access, Winchester Christmas Market 2025 is tailor‑made for anyone chasing that classic English Christmas vibe. Book your stay early, plan your Park & Ride and let the cathedral bells soundtrack your mulled‑wine moments. See you under the twinkling lights!
Winchester Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Winchester Christmas Market 2025 start and finish?
A: It runs from Friday 21 November to Monday 22 December 2025.
Q: What are the opening hours for Winchester Christmas Market 2025?
A: Monday–Wednesday 10 am‑6 pm, Thursday 10 am‑7 pm, Friday–Saturday 10 am‑8 pm, Sunday 10 am‑5 pm.
Q: Does Winchester Christmas Market charge an entry fee?
A: No – entry is completely free and no tickets are needed.
Q: Is there an ice rink at Winchester Christmas Market 2025?
A: No. The rink was removed in 2021 and replaced by a community performance stage.
Q: Where should I park for Winchester Christmas Market?
A: Use any of Winchester’s Park & Ride sites (St Catherine’s, Barfield, South, East)—buses every 12‑15 min drop you at The Broadway, a 5‑minute walk from the market.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes—well‑behaved dogs on leads are welcome both at the outdoor market and inside the Cathedral.
Q: Is Winchester Christmas Market wheelchair accessible?
A: Most areas have ramps or decking and accessible toilets, but cobbles and crowds mean some wheelchair users may need assistance.
Q: Where are the nearest toilets?
A: Facilities are just outside the market in the Cathedral Visitor Centre and on Market Lane (≈5 min walk).
Q: Do stalls take card payments or should I bring cash?
A: Most vendors accept contactless and chip‑and‑pin, but carry some cash for smaller stalls or any signal issues.
Q: What food and drink can I expect?
A: Seasonal favourites such as German bratwurst, raclette potatoes, hog‑roast rolls, churros, mince pies and locally mulled wine.
