Thursday 21 November - Sunday 22 December 2019
Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe because of its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance, with a delightful Food Court, British Crafts Village, and over 100 chalets to explore.
In 2018, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market was voted 2nd best in the UK by Booking.com and one of the top 8 Christmas Markets in Europe by the New York Post. It’s no wonder that traders travel from far and wide to join in the festive fun!
About the Christmas Market
Founded in 2006, our Christmas Market is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. The pretty wooden chalets are situated in the Cathedral’s historic Close surrounding our covered, rain-free real ice rink. All our exhibitors have been hand-picked for their interesting, high quality and unique products many of which can’t be bought on the high street.
Many of our exhibitors will be attending for the full duration but some will only be here for the first half with new exhibitors filling the chalets for the second half.
Food and drink
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink at the Christmas Market. You’ll find chalets selling festive favourites such as, mulled wine, bratwurst, mince pies and stollen. Alternatively, our Cathedral Refectory and Ice Rink Café Bar & Kitchen provide a warm and comfortable setting with plenty of seating and great menus.
British crafts
We invite many British craftspeople to take part in the Christmas Market. If you’re looking for that special something make sure you visit the jewellers, painters, glass makers and textile artists selling unique gifts and decorations.
Nativity Scene
At the far end of the British Crafts Village you will find an enchanting nativity scene - providing an ideal opportunity to share the Christmas story amongst your party and take a fun photograph for Christmas.
Access and facilities
Crowds - weekends are extremely busy and queues at entry points to the Christmas Market should be expected. If you can visit during the week from Monday - Friday you will experience a more leisurely visit and better opportunities to browse the 100 plus chalets.
Wheelchair users - the Christmas Market is situated in the Cathedral Inner and Outer Close. Although we have worked hard to provide wheelchair access throughout the site some of our chalets remain inaccessible to wheelchair users. We have a team of stewards on duty at all times who are happy to provide assistance if requested. Please be aware that at weekends the Christmas Market is very busy and although level access and ramps are in place the crowds can make these hard to identify and utilise. Please take great care when visiting the site as there are areas of uneven ground and pavements which can be hazardous.
Toilets - toilets and disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre. There are no toilets in the main area of the Christmas Market.
Dogs - dogs are allowed within the Christmas Market but must be on a lead or carried at all times. We do not recommend you bring dogs to the Christmas Market at weekends as the site is very busy.