Discover Winchester this Christmas

Visitors to Winchester will be spoilt for choice this Christmas with a number of festive events and attractions on offer for the whole family. As well as the famous ice rink and Christmas market, visitors can also experience musical delights, Christmassy tours and festive craft fairs.

Below we have listed our top tips for a great day out in Winchester this festive season:

Winchester Christmas market; 27th November 2008 – 14th December 2008
The Winchester Cathedral Christmas market is returning for its third year with 82 stalls and some fantastic attractions. Stunningly situated at the foot of the Cathedral in the grounds of the Inner Close, shopaholics will love the traditional German themed market filled with unique, original and tasteful gifts. Stalls serving delicious food and drink, including seasonal and specialty foods from home and abroad will also be featured. For more information see winchesterchristmasmarket.co.uk

Winchester Cathedral ice rink; 27th November 2008 – 4th January 2009
Back by popular demand, the Winchester Cathedral outdoor ice rink will be perfect for a scenic skate this Christmas. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the 900 year old Cathedral, the ice rink will have its own café, offering warming drinks and snacks for skaters. For more information see winchester-cathedral.org.uk/icerink/

‘Making Merry’ shopping extravaganza; 21st – 30th November 2008
‘Making merry’ is Winchester’s popular celebration of contemporary art with a Christmas theme. This year, Winchester will be extending the shopping extravaganza to ten days, giving visitors even longer to discover the wealth of artists and craftspeople living and working in Winchester and the surrounding villages. ‘Making merry’ will give the discerning shopper the opportunity to visit the houses and studios of local artists, providing them with inspirational Christmas gift ideas and exciting demonstrations. For more information see visitwinchester.co.uk/site/whats-on/making-merry

Christmas pantomime at the Theatre Royal Winchester; 10th December 2008 - 4th January 2009
The Theatre Royal Winchester will be bringing a much-loved fairytale to the stage this year with it’s traditional family pantomime Beauty and the Beast. The pantomime promises lots of jokes, japes, hisses and boos, plus original music and audience participation - sure to get the whole family into the festive spirit! For more information see theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk

Watercress Line Santa specials – 20th – 24th December 2008
Take an hour’s ride on an authentic steam train across Hampshire’s beautiful countryside and rolling hills, a real treat for train enthusiasts of all ages. The special Christmas trips will also see Father Christmas paying a visit with gifts for all the children on board. Seasonal refreshments are included as the train stops off in the picturesque historic market towns of Alresford and Alton. For more information see watercressline.co.uk/

Christmas carols and tower tours at Winchester Cathedral
As well as traditional services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Winchester Cathedral will also be holding three carol services on the 19th, 20th and 22nd December. To get a different perspective on Winchester at Christmas time, Winchester Cathedral is also offering Christmas tower tours. The tours, available both during the daytime and as special ‘twilight’ tours, will give the unique opportunity to view Winchester from above and see the lights of the Christmas market and the skaters having fun on the ice below. For more information see winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Christmas at the Winchester Hotel
Visitors to Winchester can choose to spend a hassle-free Christmas at the Winchester Hotel this year where a two night residential package over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day starts from £199 per person. Located in Worthy Lane, within walking distance of the city centre, the package includes an evening drinks reception on Christmas Eve, midnight mass at Winchester Cathedral, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Christmas Day as well as a full English breakfast on Boxing Day morning. For more information, see pedersenhotels.com/

This year Winchester City Council has gathered together all things Christmassy in a single place online - winchesteratchristmas.co.uk. The website contains everything visitors to Winchester will need to plan their festive visit including downloadable Christmas and New Year menus and packages form the city’s finest eateries and hotels.