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Experience the Magic of Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
Each winter, the historic Cathedral Close becomes the heart of Christmas in Hampshire as Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market returns from 21st November to 22nd December 2025. Recognised as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, it features more than 100 hand-picked wooden chalets, inspired by traditional German markets.
Visitors can expect:
- Unique crafts, gifts, toys, and homeware
- Festive food stalls serving hog roasts, samosas, crumble pots, artisan cheese & more
- Vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options
- Mulled wine, hot chocolate & seasonal drinks
- Christmas lights, carols, and the stunning backdrop of Winchester Cathedral
Entry is free, and no booking is required unless you’re part of a coach group.
Opening Times for 2025
- Monday–Wednesday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Hours may vary in adverse weather. Always make sure to check the Cathedral website before you visit.
Book Parking for Winchester Christmas Market with JustPark
To make your trip as festive and stress-free as possible, book your parking near Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market in advance with JustPark.
With JustPark, you can:
- Reserve a space before you arrive
- Choose from private driveways and off-street spaces within walking distance of the market
- Avoid Winchester’s narrow one-way streets and traffic bottlenecks
- Extend your stay easily through the app if you stay for dinner or late-night browsing
Popular nearby areas for pre-bookable JustPark spaces include:
- St Cross Road & Southgate Street – closest to the Cathedral and the market entrance
- Fulflood – quieter streets with easy walking access into the centre
- Hyde & North Walls – historic routes leading to the High Street
- Parking Near Winchester Station – perfect for a relaxed walk through the city
Booking parking near Winchester Cathedral ahead of time means you can arrive knowing exactly where you’re parking. No circling busy streets, no queues, no stress.
How to Get to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
By Train
Winchester Railway Station is around a 10–15 minute walk from the Cathedral, making it one of the easiest ways to travel.
Regular direct trains run from:
- London Waterloo
- Southampton & Bournemouth
- Oxford
- Birmingham (via CrossCountry)
By Coach
National Express services operate to St Catherine’s Park & Ride, just outside the city centre.
From there, you can either walk into the centre or take the Park & Ride shuttle bus, which drops you close to the High Street and Cathedral grounds.
By Park & Ride
If you want to avoid Christmas traffic in the city centre, Winchester’s Park & Ride network is a great alternative option.
Park & Ride sites include:
- St Catherine’s
- Barfield & Barfield Phase II
- South Winchester
- Pitt Park & Ride
To support the Christmas Market’s extended opening, extra buses run between 19 November and 23 December 2025. All P&R buses stop at The Broadway, from which it’s a pleasant 5-minute walk up the High Street to the Cathedral.
Winchester Christmas Market – FAQs
Is the Christmas Market accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
Yes. The market has step-free routes, ramps, accessible toilets in the Visitors’ Centre, and a Changing Places facility at The Arc. Park & Ride buses are wheelchair accessible, and Shopmobility equipment can be hired at the Brooks Centre.
What food and drink options are available at the market?
You’ll find hog roasts, pigs in blankets, samosa bowls, crumble pots, artisan cheese, vegan and gluten-free options, plus mulled wine, hot chocolate, and other festive drinks.
Where are the nearest toilets?
Public toilets are on Market Lane (2–5 minutes away) and in Abbey Gardens. Accessible and baby-changing facilities are available in the Cathedral Visitors’ Centre.
When is the best time to visit the Christmas Market?
Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends, especially midday onwards, are busiest. Evenings offer the best festive atmosphere. For fewer queues, visit early or mid-week.
Should I visit Winchester Cathedral during the Christmas Market?
Absolutely! December includes carol concerts (7th, 14th, 19th & 21st December), Advent services, workshops, and short guided tours. It’s a great addition to your market visit.
Live Near Winchester Cathedral? Earn Extra Income This Christmas
If you live near St Cross, Fulflood, Hyde, Weeke, or anywhere within walking distance of the Cathedral, you could earn extra income by renting out your driveway during the Christmas Market.
With tens of thousands of visitors across five festive weeks, demand for parking is exceptionally high.
By listing your space on JustPark, you can:
- Set your own price and availability
- Get paid automatically after each booking
- Help visitors find convenient, reliable parking
Hosts near major Christmas markets often see their income increase by over 50% during December.
