Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to the holidays in Winchester? Our guide has everything you need to know! For Winchester experts and beginners alike, our guide is your passport to yuletide adventures.
One of the highlights of the season is the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, renowned for its charming wooden chalets and festive atmosphere. With an array of local crafts and delicious seasonal treats, the market truly captures the spirit of Christmas. Another event to enjoy is the Christmas Lights Switch On, where the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling decorations. And the Glow: A Magical Light Experience at Marwell Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss; it features enchanting light displays that bring the zoo to life after dark. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Synchronized lighting of historic buildings in the city centre.
The Christmas Lights Switch On event in Winchester city centre features the installation of festive lights across the city, culminating in a grand switch-on ceremony on the Broadway, High Street, and The Square.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On
Interactive light displays and UV face paint designs.
Explore Marwell Zoo in a new light with breathtaking displays and interactive experiences featuring fire, earth, air, and water elements. Dive under the sea with jellyfish, drift amongst neon clouds, and stroll through glowing ancient woodlands. Enjoy vibrant UV face paint designs and festive treats like giant Yorkshire puddings and illuminated candy floss.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Glow: A magical Light Experience at Marwell Zoo
Traditional German-inspired wooden chalets with festive atmosphere.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a renowned European event featuring bustling atmosphere, stunning location, and high-quality exhibitors. Visitors can shop at pretty wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, enjoy festive lighting, Christmas carols, and mulled wine, and experience an authentic Christmas celebration with many services and events.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Unique wine tasting experience with redeemable vouchers and 8 free tastings.
Join Vineyards of Hampshire for a festive wine tasting experience at the Guildhall in Winchester. Sample eight wines from local vineyards, including Black Chalk, Danebury Vineyards, and more. Enjoy light festive food and special offers on wine purchases.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Vineyards of Hampshire Festive Fizz
Meet Father Christmas in a historic setting.
The Milestones Christmas Market offers over 40 stalls selling seasonal gifts and treats throughout the museum, including an award-winning shop. Children's entertainment includes meeting Father Christmas in his grotto, live music, and festive refreshments.
Where: Basingstoke | More Info: Milestones Christmas Market
Unique blend of local shopping and festive food.
The Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust offers a delightful shopping experience with over 60 local businesses selling personalized presents, Christmas decorations, and handcrafted treats. Traditional market food favorites and specialty hot chocolates, mulled wine, and cider are available. The event supports the charitable work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust.
Where: Andover | More Info: Christmas Market at the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Immersive theatrical performance with Santa and special effects.
Join Santa in the Planetarium for a live-action immersive space adventure where you'll meet the man in red, hear his cosmic adventures, and enjoy a special Christmas gift. The event features a live show, magical effects, and an out-of-this-world journey through space on the Planetarium dome.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre
Vintage-inspired burlesque with classic vaudeville and circus acts.
A vintage-inspired, Christmas-themed burlesque show featuring glittering showgirls, bawdy comedy, classic vaudeville, and awe-inspiring circus acts.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Hundred Watt Club - A Christmas Special
Christmas Steam event with craft market and Victorian cottage display.
Celebrate the festive season at the Brickworks Museum with a Christmas Steam event, featuring the site illuminated by Christmas lights and decorations. Enjoy a craft market and explore the Victorian cottage display to learn about Christmas past.
Where: Lower Swanwick | More Info: Christmas Festival at the Brickworks Museum
Immersive theatrical Christmas experience with Santa's private audience and interactive activities.
At The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park, embark on a 2.5-hour journey to the North Pole. Meet friendly elves, cheer on performers, and explore the Enchanted Forest. Enjoy a private audience with Santa, build your own bear, and make reindeer food. This theatrical experience includes a sleigh ride, visits to the Glacier Theater and Ice Castle, and a stroll through Sparkle Cops village.
Where: Headley | More Info: The Magical Christmas Adventure at 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
Immersive light festival celebrating natural history.
Explore a brand-new light festival at Gilbert White's House & Gardens, delving into the story of Gilbert White and discovering the natural world through a unique light experience.
Where: Winchester | More Info: White's Eco Light Festival
Candlelit tour of Jane Austen's House with expert guide.
Join us for a unique, candlelit guided tour of Jane Austen's House, where you'll discover her story through the House and its objects. Walk through rooms Jane and her family knew and loved, and enjoy the House dressed up for Christmas.
Where: Chawton | More Info: Candlelight Tour of Jane Austen's House
Luxurious afternoon tea with champagne.
Indulge in a delightful Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Lainston House, featuring savory and sweet treats crafted by Georgia and the pastry team, paired with an indulgent glass of fizz.
Where: Winchester | More Info: New Year's Eve Sparkling Afternoon Tea
Woodfire-cooked Christmas Day lunch with mulled wine and cider.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Christmas Day Lunch in The Wellhouse Woodfired Restaurant, located in the beautiful grounds of Lainston House. Upon arrival, enjoy a glass of mulled wine or cider before sitting down to four delicious courses all cooked on woodfire. Finish lunch with coffee and mince pies.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Christmas Day Lunch in The Wellhouse
Woodfired cooking with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Savor a three-course menu cooked in woodfired ovens at the Wellhouse Woodfired Restaurant, located in the grounds of Lainston House. Enjoy a delightful meal with friends and family, and take a stroll in the 63-acre grounds.
Where: Winchester | More Info: Boxing Day Lunch in the Wellhouse Woodfired
Interactive Christmas activities with Father Christmas and festive treats.
Celebrate Christmas at Finkley Down Farm with activities like decorating gingerbread treats, meeting Father Christmas, and making magical reindeer food. Collect your Christmas Activity Passport and enjoy all-day entry to the farm.
Where: Andover | More Info: Magical Christmas Experience at Finkley Down Farm
Interactive toy-making workshop with Santa's elves.
At Spinnaker Tower, children can join Santa's elves to craft their own cuddly toys, enjoy festive games, and visit Santa in his grotto. Each child will create their own toy, explore the tower, and discover hidden elves along the way.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Christmas Tower Toymakers' Workshop at Spinnaker Tower