A Winchester Christmas begins in November!
Christmas comes but once a year, but why stick to just one day when you can enjoy weeks of festive fun for the whole family. Whether you enjoy a quiet time of reflection, bright lights and music or simply love to partake in the odd mince pie washed down with something seasonably warming, Winchester has it all!
If you want all the above but find yourself unsure where to begin, let us immediately lighten that load! Have a look below at our top five festive suggestions. (In no particular order!)
- Winchester Christmas Light Switch On!
Most of us will, at some point during our childhoods, remember going to the local town to see it lit up in all its glory. The 17th of November is when the magic happens. Winchester is proud to be hosted this year by Heart Radio, lighting the way for Santa’s Sleigh by setting the merry scene alongside festive songs from the local choirs. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to be a snowman (stranger things have happened) then look no further! A giant inflatable snow globe will be installed in the Square for your photo pleasure, not only is this fun (let’s face it, you are never too old to embrace your inner child) you will also be supporting two local charities to help kick-off our season of goodwill to all!
Address: Winchester Tourist Information Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
Contact: 01962 840 500
Date: 17th November 2022
- Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
If you will excuse us saying so ourselves, we are rather well known for our diverse and ambient Christmas Market! All our vendors are hand selected, the crème de la crème of creative and unique gifts and keepsakes are crafted for this market. We are nothing if not traditional when it comes to Christmas, Winchesters craftsman present their wares in old style wooden chalets adorned with sparkling lights, welcome smiles and a warm atmosphere. The heady combination of retail therapy, the smell of spices on the air and the gentle accompaniment of carol singers makes for a magical experience for even the most reluctant of Christmas shoppers. The Cathedral itself is positively steeped in history and provides the perfect interactive backdrop for this season’s fun.
Address: The Close Winchester SO23 9LS
Contact: 01962 857 225
Date: 18 Nov 2022 - 22 Dec 2022
- Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade
This annual parade is yet another reason to travel to the Cathedral – incidentally, did you know that Jane Austen was buried there? (Told you it was steeped in history!). This event marks the first day’s trading of the Christmas Market in the prettiest of ways. You can enjoy watching with a warm beverage and something sweet as the procession walks by or you can get involved, make your own lantern (all levels of creativity welcome) and be part of aforementioned procession! There will of course be a winner of the best made lantern who will be announced alongside a speech from the Dean of Winchester. We invite you to let your creative juices flow.
Address: Winchester Cathedral
Date: 18th November 2022
- Father Christmas’ Grotto at Chawton House
Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Saint Nic, or Kris Kringle, whichever pseudonym you choose, is it really Christmas without a visit from the man himself? We say not! For a special chance to meet Mr and Mrs Claus in their very own grotto be sure to visit Chawton House. The grotto is set in this 400-year-old quintessentially English building with a fusion of architecture not to be overlooked as you relay your Christmas Wishlist. Each child (sorry mums and dads) will receive a Christmas gift to remember the day by. We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
Address: Chawton House Chawton GU34 1SJ
Contact: 01420 541010
Dates: 26 Nov 2022 - 27 Nov 2022
- Santa Saves Christmas
Presented by Honalee Media, Winchester will host this year’s festive production of The Santa Show 2022: Santa Saves Christmas! Our classic fairy tale characters are joined by the likes of Cinderella and Jack with his infamous beanstalk and tasked to save the magic of Christmas. Join this thrilling and interactive adventure to find out if Christmas will be saved or cancelled through the language of song and contagious music! For fun for the whole family and a good dose of Christmas spirit we encourage you to participation in the well-known favourites (Jingle Bells, Silent Night and We Wish You a Merry Christmas to name but a few).
Address: Theatre Royal Winchester 21-23 Jewry Street Winchester SO23 8SB
Contact: 01962 840 440
Dates: 19 Dec 2022
We hope we have helped you with where to begin amongst the plethora of adventures to be had this Christmas season in Winchester! For more information and exploration into our city’s activities, visit the Facebook Community Group Windependents.
Seasons Greeting!
Book you Christmas getaway here and let the festivities begin!