Christmas in Winchester 2022

The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is undoubtedly the biggest event on the Winchester calendar. 

There are stalls catering for all tastes from arts and crafts, sustainable gift ideas, accessories & clothing, decorations & homeware, food & drink, toys & games as well as the Makers' Market showcasing local and UK products and gift ideas.

For more details check out our post all about the market here

Celebrate Christmas at Winchester City Mill and head back to Tudor times, when Queen Mary 1 gave the Mill to the City of Winchester. 

This ancient building is set for a royal feast, with festive decorations as well as tasty treats for visitors in the café.

Sit upon the throne at the head of the grand feast table in the mill space, with dressing-up items available for both adults and children for the perfect photo opportunity.

In visitor reception, kids can enjoy dressing up as a Tudor with a selection of period costumes.

For more detail click here

Steam Illuminations is a unique Christmas, pixel mappable digital LED train! 

It’s an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of fully controllable colour mixing LED lights and LED wristbands. 

This makes the train look magical both inside and out. Popular and traditional Christmas music will play along with the lights onboard the train.

There will also be comical narration throughout your journey from the one and only Voiceover Man, as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor!

Trains depart from either Alresford or Alton and complete a round trip, back to the starting station.

This is a wonderful experience for the whole family and is sure to be an event to remember.

There is also a Party Mix which is an opportunity for those aged over 18 to experience our Steam Illuminations train with a special DJ set. 

More information and to book tickets click here

An immersive light extravaganza as Marwell’s majestic grounds are turned into a twinkling wonderland full of fairy lights, magic and delight.

Glow Marwell invites guests to explore the zoo in a whole new light with more than 250,000 LED bulbs making up our wonderful illuminations.

Full of gently glowing displays and spots for reflection, the light event promises an uplifting evening of festive delights.

Along the route there are winter warming catering with plenty of seasonal treats including marshmallow toasting round cosy firepits.

More information and to book tickets click here

New for 2022 is the light trail at the award-winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.

The trail will showcase the gardens as they have never been seen before, transforming them into an awe-inspiring, kaleidoscopic and multi-sensory world of light and sound.  A truly unforgettable, magical walking experience for the whole family, and lovers of the great outdoors.

You’ll find a shimmering Tree of Joy, hypnotic lasers around the pond, mesmerising projected animals on the trees and a breathtakingly beautiful light show in Himalayan Valley to name just a few of this year’s spectacular and festive light art installations. 

There will also be a feast of delicious street food and festive drinks for you to enjoy along your journey. 

More information and to book tickets click here

This festive season join Santa in Cosmic Christmas, a brand-new immersive family adventure.

Hidden in an intergalactic wonderland there’s a Christmas space tale waiting to be told. 

Join Santa and watch as he recreates the story of his epic first mission to the International Space Station. 

Get set for a 45-minute live-action performance in the Planetarium auditorium. 

Join in with Santa and Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, as the story is brought to life through immersive experiences, live science and an out-of-this-world journey through space.

More information and to book tickets click here