Located in the county of Hampshire, just an hour’s train from Waterloo station, Winchester has what has been dubbed one of the best Christmas markets to visit in 2025 by The Independent.
Coming in fourth place on The Independent’s list of the UK’s best Christmas markets after Cardiff, Winchester’s festive offering made the cut thanks to the city’s rich history, its breathtaking cathedral backdrop, and its much-loved carol services.
The market offers a traditional feel, complete with rows of wooden chalets where visitors can shop from a range of vendors.
Running for five weeks from November 21 to December 22, 2025, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market transforms the cathedral’s historic inner close into a festive wonderland.
It brings together a collection of artisan makers, craftspeople, food producers and independent traders, and is free to enter.
The cathedral, dating back over 1,000 years, also offers a regular lineup of Christmas and advent events like carol services and music performances, which visitors are welcome to enter.
The market features everything from crafts and handmade gifts to Hampshire-based produce along with a broad selection of street food vendors.
Visitors can tuck into hog roasts, pigs in blankets, samosas, artisan cheeses and crumble pots, or enjoy a hot drink while listening to live performances to ramp up the Christmas spirit.
The market is open daily, with extended evening hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The town boasts plenty of history, from the cathedral itself, which was built between 1079 to 1532 and is the final resting place of writer Jane Austen, and its old City Mill, known as Britain’s oldest working mill, which you can still see today.
You can also visit its Great Hall, dating back to the 13th century, which appeared in BBC’s Wolf Hall, and Winchester College, first built in 1382, that also appeared in the 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables staring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.
