One of my favorite parts of visiting London during the holiday season was taking a day trip to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. Just over an hour from the city, Winchester feels festive and refreshingly local compared to some of the larger Christmas markets closer to London. Here is everything you need to know.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market has been running for over a decade and is widely considered one of the best Christmas markets in the UK.

Set beside the historic Winchester Cathedral, the market takes inspiration from traditional German Christmas markets.

With wooden chalets lining the Inner Close and views of the cathedral as you wander.

Year after year, it is consistently ranked among the top Christmas markets in England!

My Day at the Winchester Christmas Market

Here is a look at my day visiting this famous Christmas Market from London!

How to Get to the Winchester Christmas Market From London

We took the train from London Waterloo to Winchester, which took about one hour and fifteen minutes. We arrived around noon, which ended up being a great time to visit.

I bought our tickets in advance, which made the day feel easy and stress-free, especially during the busy holiday season. Once you arrive, Winchester is very walkable,e and you do not need a car to visit the Christmas market.

Arriving at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

From the train station, it is about a ten-minute walk to the market.

When you first arrive, you will see a large mulled wine station and a few small shops.

At first, I thought this was the entire market, but that is when I noticed the path continuing on.

As you follow it, the market opens up beside Winchester Cathedral, which is truly the highlight of the experience.

The cathedral is stunning, and you can take guided tours inside if you have extra time.

We did not do a tour, but it is something I would absolutely consider on a future visit.

Even just walking around the grounds and admiring the cathedral adds so much to the experience.

Check out all of my 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025!

Food, Shopping, and Stalls

Before shopping, we stopped for Italian roasted chestnuts, which felt very fitting for a Christmas market visit.

It truly put a new meaning to the classic lyrics, chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

The wooden stalls sell a mix of festive treats, handmade items, small gifts, and plenty of Christmas ornaments.

It felt thoughtfully curated rather than repetitive, which made browsing enjoyable.

Grab A Cup of Hot Mulled Wine

You also have to get a cup of the Mulled Wine, made in a giant chauldron!

It’s perfect to enjoy while strolling through the stalls.

There is also a large food and drink area where you can sit, warm up, and enjoy your time at the market.

It is easy to spend a few relaxed hours here without feeling rushed.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market Hours

The market runs from November 21 to December 22, 2025, with free entry and varied hours:

• Mon-Wed 10 am-6 pm
• Thurs 10 am-7 pm
• Fri-Sat 10 am-8 pm
• Sun 10 am-5 pm

I recommend checking the official Winchester Christmas Market website before your visit for the most up-to-date hours.

Where Is the Market?

The Winchester Christmas Market is located in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, England.

Explore More of London at Christmas

I spent an entire week doing everything festive in London.

Make sure to read my 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season in 2025.

I also recommend booking one, or all, of these 4 Festive Afternoon Teas in London To Try This Christmas.

For another amazing day trip, book Hogwarts in the Snow: A Holiday Must-See for Harry Potter Fans!

My favorite dinner spot is 34 Mayfair, the Best Christmas Restaurant in London.

Also, go Ice Skating at Somerset House in London at Christmas.

Read all of my London Travel Guides!