Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
2026 dates confirmed
England, United Kingdom
Winchester Christmas Market 2026
Last updated · How we compile this guide
When is the Winchester Christmas market in 2026?
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market runs 20 Nov – 22 Dec 2026 (official 2026 dates). Entry is free. The first Sunday of Advent in 2026 is 29 Nov 2026.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market sets up in the cathedral close, with wooden chalets of crafts and food beneath one of England's great medieval cathedrals, and an ice rink nearby. It's regularly rated among the best in the UK.
21 NovOpened (2025)
22 Dec 2025Closed
Dates, location and website
Dates shown are from the 2025–26 season unless 2026 dates are marked — check the official website before you go.
Plan your visit to Winchester
Getting there
Winchester is about an hour from London Waterloo by direct train and around 20 minutes from Southampton. From the station it's a 15-minute walk through the town centre to the Cathedral Close.
When to go
The market is busiest on Saturdays. Weekday evenings, with the cathedral floodlit above the chalets, are the most atmospheric time to visit.
Make a day of it
Jane Austen is buried inside Winchester Cathedral, and the nearby Great Hall displays the legendary Round Table. Finish with a walk along the River Itchen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Winchester Christmas market 2026?
The official dates for 2026 are 20 Nov – 22 Dec 2026. Opening hours can change, so check the official website before you travel.
Is the Winchester Christmas market open after Christmas?
No — it closes on 22 Dec 2026, so plan your visit before Christmas Day.
Is the Winchester Christmas market free?
Yes, entry is free — you only pay for food, drinks and gifts.