Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Opening Hours and Visitor Guide

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market runs from Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026 — 33 days in the Cathedral’s Inner Close. With 128 wooden chalets, free admission and no pre-booking required, it is one of the longest-running Christmas markets in the south of England.
The market is set out in the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral, in the centre of the city. Alongside the chalets there is a Makers’ Market and a food court.
| Market | Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market |
| Dates | Friday 20 November – Tuesday 22 December 2026 (33 days) |
| Opening hours | Friday–Saturday 10am–8pm; Sunday–Thursday 10am–6pm |
| Location | Winchester Cathedral Inner Close, The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS |
| Entry price | Free — “Admission to the Christmas Market is free, no pre-booking required.” |
The market
The market’s 128 wooden chalets fill the Cathedral’s Inner Close. The chalets are joined by a Makers’ Market — stalls from independent makers — and a food court, so the market covers gifts, crafts and festive food in one site.
Opening hours
The market opens later at the weekend: Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm. The Cathedral advises checking opening times in the week of your visit, as times can change at short notice.
Tips for your visit
- Admission is free and no pre-booking is required — you can simply turn up.
- Friday and Saturday are the longest days, open until 8pm; Sunday to Thursday the market closes at 6pm.
- The Cathedral advises checking opening times in the week of your visit, as times can change at short notice.
- Dates and hours can change at short notice, so check the official Winchester Cathedral page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market 2026?
Friday 20 November to Tuesday 22 December 2026 — 33 days.
Where is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market?
In the Inner Close of Winchester Cathedral, The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS.
What are the opening hours?
Friday–Saturday 10am–8pm; Sunday–Thursday 10am–6pm.
Is entry to Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market free?
Yes. Admission is free and no pre-booking is required.
How many stalls are there?
128 wooden chalets, plus a Makers’ Market and a food court.
Sources
- Winchester Cathedral, official opening-times page (live, re-checked 27 Oct 2026): https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/christmas/opening-times
- Winchester Cathedral, 2026 Christmas Market Sponsorship Pack (128 chalets): https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/app/uploads/2026/06/Digital-version-Christmas_Market_Sponsorship_Pack_2026.pdf
- Winchester Cathedral news (dates, 33 days): https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/news/winchester-cathedral-christmas-market-applications-open/