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 21 November 2025 – Monday 22 December 2025

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

Thursday 13 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026

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 16 November to Christmas Eve.

Find out more about Southampton Christmas Market

Portsmouth Christmas Market 

Saturday 22 November 2025 – Tuesday 30 December 2025

Commercial Road in Portsmouth will be filled with smells of glühwein and festive fayre with the chalets of the Portsmouth Christmas market selling food, gifts, and decorations. And down at Guildhall Square, the festivities continue with ice skating at Portsmouth on Ice from 22 November until 4 January.

Exbury Christmas Fair at Exbury Gardens

Saturday 29 November – Sunday 30 November and Saturday 6 December – Sunday 7 December

For the last weeekend in November, and the first weekend 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

Sunday 7 December 2025

The popular Milestones Christmas Market returns to Basingstoke on 7 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 22 November to 21 December.

Find out more about the Milestones Christmas Market

Find more Christmas events in Hampshire

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