Hampshire highlights: five Christmas markets

Wander wooden chalets, pick out some lovingly made local gifts, and savour the smells of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts filling the air. Nothing says Christmas quite like a festive market – here are five of our faves in Hampshire.

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Friday 22 November 2024 – Sunday 22 December 2024

Winchester Christmas Market is the epitome of Christmas cheer with its wooden chalets twinkling with their festive wares framed by the incredible backdrop of Winchester Cathedral.

Recognised as one of the best in Europe, Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, stunning location, irresistible food and drink, and handpicked artisans, which attract visitors from around the world each year who come to eat and shop at the pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic grounds.

Find out more about the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market

Southampton Christmas Market

Friday 15 November 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025

Southampton Christmas Market returns to the city this festive season to transform Above Bar Precinct, Bargate, and Guildhall Square into a winter wonderland.

The magical market mix will include alpine chalets selling gifts, food, and drink; live entertainment; children's rides, Santa’s Workshop, and a light projection show illuminating the historic Bargate every evening from 17 November to Christmas Eve.

Find out more about Southampton Christmas Market

Gunwharf Quays Christmas Village

Saturday 9 November 2024 – Tuesday 31 December 2024

The Christmas Village returns to Gunwharf Quays with an enhanced look and feel following three successful years at the waterfront shopping outlet.

Visitors will be able to enjoy cosy igloo-inspired seating next to the Alpine Lodge Bar serving drinks like mulled wine; and food vendors including a traditional German Bratwurst grill, as well as Yorkshire pudding wraps, Greek souvlaki and sweet treats such as chocolate churros.

The giant Observation Wheel will provide guests with spectacular views of Portsmouth’s harbour from 15m high. At night, the Observation Wheel will be illuminated by over 10,000 LED lights creating a captivating light display.

There will also be artisan craft and gift traders in wooden chalets selling Christmas gifts. Traders will include Hampshire-based businesses, including local chutneys and cheeses and personalised decorations.

Find out more about Gunwharf Quays Christmas Village

Exbury Christmas Fair at Exbury Gardens

Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December and Saturday 7 December – Sunday 8 December

For the last day in November, and into the first two weekends in December, Exbury Gardens will be fully festive with the Exbury Christmas Fair filling the gardens with seasonal food and drink, local gifts and crafts, carol singing and music.

There will also be a children’s Christmas trail, the chance for visitors to ride the festive express steam train at Exbury Gardens is transformed into a special Christmas express train transporting visitors to see Father Christmas, and donkey rides.

Find out more about Christmas at Exbury Gardens

Milestones Christmas Market, Basingstoke

Saturday 30 November 2024 – Sunday 1 December 2024

The popular Milestones Christmas Market returns to Basingstoke from 30 November to 1 December featuring over 50 stalls selling festive treats and gifts from local and independent sellers along the museum’s immersive, historic streets.

There’s also the chance to meet Father Christmas at Milestones on selected dates from 30 November to 24 December.

Find out more about the Milestones Christmas Market

Find more Christmas events in Hampshire

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news, events and offers.

Follow our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook pages for lots more ideas and inspiration for what’s happening in Hampshire.  We’d love to see your photos of visiting and enjoying the county so please tag us in your pics.