If you’re planning on wrapping up and heading out to soak up the festivities, there’s no place quite like Winchester in the Winter. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Winchester this Christmastime.
Christmas Market
There really is nothing like a Christmas Market, and there really is nothing like the Winchester Christmas Market.
Set in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, it is renowned as one of the most famous is Europe. High quality exhibitors, bustling atmosphere, great food and drink, all surrounded by the stunning cathedral. Not forgetting the ice rink, it has everything you’d want to enjoy this magical time of year.
Along with a fantastic video, you can also find out more on the Winchester Cathedral website.
Don’t forget, you can take advantage of our ‘Christmas Market’ package, which includes an overnight stay at The Winchester Royal Hotel with an evening meal, breakfast and, of course, delicious mince pies.
Christmas at the Zoo
From kids to big kids, who doesn’t love the zoo? Then throw Christmas is thrown into the mix and you’re in for a real festive treat.
From 18th November, right up until Christmas Eve, Marwell Zoo create an ‘Enchanted Christmas’ experience, which includes a magical winter forest and meeting Father Christmas, just to name a couple of their brilliant activities.
It’s known to be popular, so book your place quickly on the Marwell Zoo website.
Family Panto
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the pantomime, would it? (Don’t worry, we won’t do the usual ‘Oh no it wouldn’t’ jokes…!)
The Theatre Royal has an absolute classic this year in Peter Pan. Join Peter Pan and his Lost Boys on a swashbuckling adventure to defeat the evil Captain Hook.
The show runs from Tuesday 5 December until Monday 1 January. Tickets are £24.50 for adults and £22.50 for under 16s and are available directly from The Theatre Royal website.
The Science of Christmas
Now here’s something a little different from the usual Christmas activities. The Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium are never short of new ways to entertain and educate, and this winter they’ve introduced a new Christmas Experience.
From a journey to the north pole to a ‘Reindeer Round-up’ in the planetarium, their ‘Santa and the Elves Christmas Experience’ sounds fantastic from start to finish.
There’s more to it than we can round-up here, so head over to their website to find out more.
Lantern Parade
Back to the more traditional Christmas activities, but not less magical. The Winchester Lantern Parade takes place every year and is a wonderful way to spend an evening.
Participate by making your own lantern or simply watch the parade from the Cathedral through the Outer Close. There’ll be carol singing and a firework display to conclude.
It takes place on Thursday 30 November. Find out more on the Winchester Cathedral website.
Festive Afternoon Tea
If all these cold, outdoor activities become too much, then why not warm up with a festive afternoon tea in the relaxing environment of The Winchester Royal Hotel.
Parallel to Winchester’s High Street, and only a short stroll from all the festive activities, The Winchester Royal Hotel is your ideal winter destination when exploring everything this fantastic city has to offer.