Hampshire, UK, comes alive with festive charm during the holiday season, thanks to its enchanting Christmas markets and special events.
These markets are a delightful spectacle of twinkling lights, wooden chalets, and the joyful hum of visitors seeking unique gifts and seasonal treats. From the historic streets of Winchester to the picturesque villages of the New Forest, Hampshire's Christmas markets offer a magical shopping experience. Visitors can explore a treasure trove of handcrafted ornaments, locally-made crafts, and artisanal delicacies. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, adding to the warm and festive ambiance. With live entertainment, Santa's grotto, and a host of family-friendly activities, these Christmas markets in Hampshire are the perfect destination to create lasting festive memories with loved ones.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas market in the heart of the UK is a winter wonderland that captures the essence of the festive season. Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, this event attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year.
There will be over 100 chalet stalls set across the Inner and Outer Close of this magnificent building
Set against the magnificent backdrop of Winchester Cathedral, the market is a visual spectacle with its twinkling lights and traditional wooden chalets. Visitors are transported into a world of yuletide magic as they meander through the rows of stalls adorned with handcrafted gifts, intricate decorations, and delectable treats. The aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked goods fills the air, enticing all to indulge in the seasonal delights. Live music performances and the laughter of families add to the joyful atmosphere. The Winchester UK Christmas market truly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas, making it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike during the festive season.
Location: Inner Close, Winchester Cathedral
Dates: Friday 17th November 2023 – Thursday 21st December 2023 inclusive
Times: Sunday to Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm / Friday and Saturday 10.00am – 8.00pm
Admission to the Winchester Christmas Market is free
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The Southampton Christmas Market is a winter wonderland that captivates visitors from near and far. Nestled in the heart of the city along its pedestrianised High Street, this enchanting market offers a delightful array of festive delights and holiday cheer.
The air is filled with the sweet aroma of mulled wine, spiced cider, and freshly baked gingerbread, enticing visitors to warm themselves with seasonal treats. Stalls adorned with twinkling lights showcase a myriad of handcrafted gifts, unique ornaments, and traditional souvenirs, making it the perfect place to find that special Christmas present. The sound of joyful carolers and live music adds to the festive ambiance, spreading merriment throughout the market.
Location: Southampton High Street (Bargate)
Dates: Thursday 16th November 2023 – Wednesday 2nd January 2024 inclusive (TBC)
Times: 10.00am – 10.00pm (TBC)
Admission to the Southampton Christmas Market is free
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Over 100 independent businesses from all over Hampshire and beyond will showcase their products at St. Mary's Church in Portsmouth this Christmas!
Location: St Mary's Church
Dates: 11th November 2023
Times: 11.00 - 4.00pm
Admission to the Portsmouth Indoor Christmas Market is £1 (cash only). Those aged 15 or under are free
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Funyard events Events also run other festive markets around the county, including in Eastleigh, Havant and Fareham, details of which can be found here
The Nutshell In Winchester warmly invites you to join them for their Alternative Christmas Makers' Market; a celebration of independent designers and makers from Winchester and the surrounding areas.
This hand-curated market will feature some of the areas most talented independent crafters, who will be on hand to discuss their creative process, tools and techniques as well as selling their finest products.
Location: The Nutshell, Winchester
Dates: 9th and 10th December 2023
Times: 10.00 - 4.00pm
Admission to the Alternative Christmas Makers Market is free
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The Great Hall in Winchester will be hosting a Christmas Makers Market bringing together local artists and crafts persons alongside independent businesses producing delicious food and drink.
Peruse a variety of stalls inside The Great Hall including jewellery, art work, textiles, mead and bottled ales to name a few! A pop-up festive cafe will be serving a selection of hot drinks and food, including hot chocolate and mulled wine, hot turkey and 'pulled pork' baps and a sweet cart selling fill-your-own sweet baubles.
Location: The Great Hall, Winchester
Dates: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November 2023
Times: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Admission to this event is free
Click here to request more details
A festive day in the centre of Petersfield with over 100 stalls, family entertainment, Father Christmas and much more.
Location: Petersfield
Dates: Saturday 9th December 2023 - Sunday 10th December 2023
Times: Saturday - 7.00 pm - 9.00pm on Saturday and 10.00 am - 4.00 pm on Sunday
Admission to the Petersfield Christmas Festival is free
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A morning of festive fun - stalls, gifts, a Grand Draw Raffle, bottle tombola, Santa’s grotto, mince pies, arts and crafts, and much more
Location: The Elizabeth Foundation, Cosham, PO6 3LL
Dates: Sunday 3rd December 2023
Times: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Admission to The Elizabeth Foundation Christmas Bazaar is free
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Enjoy the run up to Christmas, come and enjoy this delightful, festive shopping experience. Shop from over 60 local craftspeople and businesses and find personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted treats, beautiful homeware and much more.
Location: Hawk Conservancy Trust
Dates: 23rd, 24th and 25th November 2023
Times: 3.00 pm - 8.00 pm on all 3 days
Admission to the Hawk Conservancy Trust at Christmas 2023 is £2.50 per person
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There is no Christmas Fayre planned at Chawton for Christmas 2023
For more details about other events at the house, please click here
Sparkle Party is a fashion show like no other. We are all about empowering anyone impacted by cancer, so support your friends, family and colleagues as they strut their stuff on our red carpet runway! The clothes will be supplied by none other than high-street favourite, Matalan, Eastleigh.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Attendees will also get the chance to shop our ‘Sparkle Market’ area. 30 fabulous local businesses will be there on the night selling wonderful products – perfect Christmas gifts for all the family (or just a treat for yourself!).
Location: The Atrium, Ageas Bowl, SO30 3XHs
Dates: Thursday 9th November 2023
Times: 6.30 pm - 10.00 pm
Admission to the Sparkle Party 2023 is £15
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The Victorian site will be shining in the glow of Christmas lights and decorated to begin the festive period. Find out about Christmas’ past in their Victorian cottage display, and shop at the Festive Craft Market.
As if that wasn’t enough, the museum will be 'in steam', with two children’s play areas, interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. Train rides will be available for a small extra fee (which goes towards the up-keep of the trains and rails) and their Coffee Shop will be open throughout the event.
Father Christmas will also be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Museum. Click here for more details and dates.
Location: Brickworks Museum
Dates: Sunday 26th November 2023
Times: 11.00 am - 4.00 pm
Admission to this festive event at the Brickworks Museum starts at £9.50 (kids are free)
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This Christmas Market, held on the first weekend of December, is a very special event in an ancient tithe barn, with an emphasis on a local, sustainable crafts and produce.
Location: Featherstone Flower Barn
Dates: Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December 2023
Times: Friday 10.00 am– 5.00 pm, Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm and Sunday 11.00 am– 3.00 pm
Admission to this festive event is £2.50 per adult and kids go free
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Location: The Lookout at Lepe Beach
Dates: Thursday 7th December 2023
Times: 6.00 pm– 8.00 pm
Admission to this festive event is free
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Join this great Hampshire charity at their popular Christmas Carol Concert with celebrity readers. Martin Clunes OBE, Carla Mendonça and Alan Titchmarsh MBE
Enjoy these festive readings and renditions of Christmas classics from our musical performers, ranging from brass bands and violinists, to Rock Choir and the charity's very own Sing for Life Choir
Location: St Peter's Church, 12 Church Street, Titchfield, Fareham PO14 4AG
Dates: Monday 4th December 2023
Times: 6.30 pm - 9.15 pm
Admission to this festive event is from £20 per person. More details via the link below
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Location: The Round Tower, Hotwalls, Portsmouth.
Dates: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November 2023
Times: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Admission to this festive event is free
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Location: The Hospital of St. Cross, Winchester
Dates: Saturday 30th September 2023
Times: 10.30 am - 4.30 pm
Admission to this festive event is TBC
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Location: Titchfield Christmas Barn
Dates: Saturday 25th November to Thursday 21st December (closed Mondays and Tuesday except for the final week)
Times: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm everyday except for Sundays, when the opening times will be 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Admission to this festive event is free, although there visits to Santa's Grotto need to be booked here
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Location: White Hart Hotel, Andover
Dates: 21st October 2023
Times: 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Admission to this festive event is free
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Click here for more details of other markets and festive events across the New Forest. This guide is put together by Go New Forest
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