'Pure magic' Christmas market next to breathtaking cathedral returns this month

A Christmas market set in front of a breathtaking cathedral has been lauded for its beautiful setting and "festive magic". The Winchester market has been dubbed one of the best in Europe and it will be returning to the Hampshire city later this month.

Stalls, based in wooden chalets inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, will be selling everything from candles and home goods to art and clothing. Jewellery stores will include Sarah Ralph Designs, Roccabella, Thornhill Jewellery, while others offering smellies and soaps include The Sussex Handmade Soap Company, Neve's Bees, Lorem, and Solid Cologne UK. Open from November 21st to December 22nd this year, the market is free to attend and no pre-booking is needed.

For clothing and accessories, you could take a look at stalls like Wolfe Academy, The Leatherworker, and VIP Wardrobe - or if decorations are what you're looking for, try Paper Starlights, Lunar Glass, or Artifactually.

If you get hungry, there are a range of food vendors offering warm, delicious meals and snacks. Hog and Halloumi will be serving hog roast baps with stuffing and home-made apple sauce, as well as grilled halloumi burgers with pickled salad.

Meanwhile, the Mac Shack will offer indulgent mac and cheese, and Pujaban will be selling loaded samosa bowls, made up of a crispy samosa on a bed of golden masala chips with rich, slow-cooked chicken curry.

The market will be open from November 21st to December 22nd 2025 at the following times:

• Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm

• Thursday: 10am to 7pm

• Friday and Saturday: 10am to 8pm

• Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Previous visitors have lauded the range of stalls and magical cathedral setting. One wrote: "We stayed in Winchester on Sunday night so we could visit in the evening and again on Monday morning, to combine with some Christmas shopping.

"The market is a little tricky to find but once we found our way, it was fantastic, with lots of stalls, a central food area and even live music from a local children's steel band. The atmosphere was very festive, especially with the backdrop of the cathedral and the beautiful lighting."

Another praised the "fantastic array of food stalls" and recommended that people visit on a weekday for a "significantly quieter" experience.

A third said: "This place is pure magic! Free to enter, with fairly quick moving queues. Stepping into this festive wonderland feels magical right from the start. The twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine, and the delightful sounds instantly whisk you into the holiday spirit."

Someone else called the market "beautifully decorated" while another suggested going at night as the "beautiful floodlit cathedral makes it all the more special".