Events & Festivals

A highlight of the festive season, Winchester Christmas Market opens on 17 November. Since 2006 the market has been recognised as one of the leading Christmas Festivals in the UK alongside Bath, Edinburgh and Canterbury.

The city has firmly established as a destination for a genuine Christmas experience, albeit one based firmly in the German tradition of Christmas markets. Around half a million people are expected to attend this year’s festival which will last for five weeks straddling November and December.

With roughly 100 wooden chalets crammed into the area around Cathedral Close, there’s still room for an ice rink to ensure fun for all the family. In addition to the usual Christmas paraphernalia there is a food court food with plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm, as well as a nativity scene – it is Christmas after all – and, naturally, the spectacular Winchester Cathedral looking down deignfully upon all the festivities.

Events include a traditional pantomime as well as concerts. Winchester Cathedral has produced Christmas in Winchester Guide which outlines all the venues and attractions in the area.

Winchester Christmas Market Dates

The Christmas Market will run from 17 November to 20 December.

Winchester Christmas Market Opening Times

The market will be open until 6:30pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 8pm (Thursday to Saturday).

Winchester Christmas Market Ice Skating

At the heart of the Christmas Market is the largest open-air Ice Rink in the region. This will be open from 17 November, 2018 to 2 January 2019. No need to worry if it’s raining – or snowing – as the rink is underneath a roof, and there is a large Christmas Tree underneath it to ensure you stay in the Christmas mood. With the side panels open, you can also enjoy views of the cathedral as you skate around the ice.

This year there will also be an Ice Rink Silent Disco, allowing you to choose which track to listen to when skating. The Ice Cafe will also be open. The discos are available each Tuesday and Thursday (7pm & 8pm) from 17 November to 20 December, at no additional cost to entrance to the Ice Rink.

Tickets for the Winchester Christmas Market Ice Skating

Tickets for one hour’s skating costs £6.95 to £11, including skate hire. These are available from the Cathedral Box Office (01962 857276) or online. Concessions include Parent and Toddler sessions (under 4s).

Won’t be in Winchester during Winter, why not attend the Winchester Festival instead?

Winchester Christmas Market / Ice Rink Opening Ceremony

The city’s mayor will open the rink at 6:45pm on 16 November, with a skating display and carol singing.

Things to do in Winchester

For ideas on what to do in Winchester, visit the local tourism site.

More information on the Winchester Christmas Market

Click here.