The Best Christmas Markets In The South of England
Britain's festive markets will soon be opening their doors with the season once again making a merry appearance.
Discover our list of must-experience Christmas markets featuring mulled wine, ice rinks, carol singers, and much more in the south of England.
Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
open daily from Friday 17th November 2023 – Thursday 21st December 2023.
Dubbed one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe due to its unique location, high-quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere, the Winchester Christmas Market’s festive installation features 100 chalets selling food and festive gifts.
Located in the heart of Winchester, a historic city in southern England, Winchester Cathedral is a magnificent backdrop for this annual market extravaganza. With its breathtaking medieval architecture and rich heritage, the cathedral creates a magical ambiance that resonates with the essence of Christmas.
The wooden chalets are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and combined with the festive lighting, the sound of Christmas carols and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air, visitors will be transported into a festive setting to purchase their Christmas gifts and take in the atmosphere.
Open from Sunday - Thursday 10:00am-6.00pm, Friday - Saturday, 10.00am-8.00pm
Canterbury Cathedral Christmas Market
10th November to 24th December
The continental Christmas market will return to Canterbury this Christmas, with more than 70 cabins throughout Whitefriars available for visitors to enjoy.
Shop for unique Christmas gifts, decorations, and food specialities as you savour the aroma of barbecued bratwurst and mulled wine.
Open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm Christmas Eve closes at 4:00pm.
Cirencester Christmas Market
Sat, 25th November – Sun, 26th November
Enjoy and explore Cirencester’s Christmas Market this festive season set to the backdrop of the Christmas tree and lights, live entertainment, and some fantastic street food.
Stalls this Christmas will offer an eclectic mix of homewares, produce, craft and clothing. It’s the perfect place to find something special for someone special.
The festive programme continues with a special weekend Christmas Market on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of December with live music and street entertainment.
The following weekends include a festive Farmers’ Market, General Market and Christmas Gift Markets, and from 15th December, Markets will be held daily until the final Farmers’ Market for those last-minute supplies on 23rd December.
Charter Markets will be held as normal throughout December.
One Garden Christmas Market at Stanmer Park
Date: December 3rd & 10th, 2023 from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
As the festive season approaches, the picturesque Stanmer Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the aroma of sumptuous treats. Introducing the One Garden Christmas Market, the event promises to be a delight for locals and visitors alike.
Looking for that perfect present for your loved ones? Look no further. The market will boast an array of carefully selected handmade crafts, artwork, and bespoke treasures from talented local artisans. From handcrafted ceramics to intricately designed jewellery, you're sure to find something special for everyone on your Christmas list.
Southampton Christmas Market
16th Nov - 2nd January 2024
Sip mulled wine and listen to festive music while you wander along lines of traditional stalls selling beautifully crafted gifts and decorations at the Southampton Christmas Market. Set to the theme of a traditional German fayre, the market will include bratwurst, wooden toys, jewellery, waffles, and, of course, a beer garden.
The market will be on the city centre high street until December 23 and will feature over 40 independently designed chalets.
Chalets are open Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 10:00pm daily.
Rochester Christmas Market
25th November – 10th december
Set in the picturesque Rochester Castle gardens, stalls will be filled to the brim with unique gifts and unusual stocking fillers.
An all-new children’s Christmas Village opens this year: Mrs Claus and her elves have worked hard to bring your children a magical Christmas experience that includes Christmas stories in Mrs Claus’ snug, crafting their own Christmas decorations in the Elves’ workshop and decorating a festive sweet treat to take home.
Tickets are just £10 per child (ages 4-11). Adults do not need a ticket. There must be at least one, but no more than two adults for every entry.
Visit Rochester’s website for details of each day’s open times.
Spanning the summer from Saturday 1 July to Thursday 31 August 2023 the Kensington and Chelsea Festival will take place across the borough in a reimagining of its spaces.