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What to expect at Winchester Christmas Market 2023

What to expect at Winchester Christmas Market 2023

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If you’re wondering if Winchester has a Christmas market this year you’re in luck. This popular Christmas event in Hampshire is on in 2023. Here’s what you can expect from Winchester Christmas Market including what’s there, when it’s open and whether you have to pay to visit:

Visitors experience Winchester Christmas Market
Picture credit: Visit Winchester

What is Winchester Christmas market like?

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is famed as one of the best in Europe. It is also regularly recognised in the UK’s top 10.

What makes it so special is its unique location in Winchester Cathedral’s Inner Close, which is lined with handpicked high quality traders. A lot of other UK Christmas markets model themselves on it.

A cart selling roasted chestnuts

The traders are in pretty wooden chalets surrounded by festive lighting and the sound of Christmas carollers. Live music will be laid on throughout the market’s opening hours.

You’ll also notice the aroma of mulled wine, cinnamon and roasted chestnuts filling in the air. It all makes for the perfect setting for picking out some lovely Christmas gifts.

Will Santa be at the market?

Mr Tin Box and Tin Box Tot walking through an avenue of decorated trees

If you decide to visit with young children it’s worth bearing in mind that there’s not a Santa’s Grotto at this Christmas market.

However, you can find the big man elsewhere in Winchester. Here’s some of the places that may have grottos and Father Christmas appearances this year:

Do you have to pay to go to Winchester Christmas Market?

No, it’s free to browse the market but expect it to be busy as it’s extremely popular.

Where is Winchester Christmas Market?

The market is set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral where a place of worship has stood since the seventh century.

The Cathedral on the site today was built by the Normans. Its Gothic features added in the centuries that followed.

Here’s where to find it on a map:

What days is Winchester Christmas Market open?

This year the market is on from 17 November to 21 December 2023.

It’s open 10am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Find out more on the Visit Winchester website.

More things to do this Christmas

Here’s some more festive guides you might like:

 

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