England's ancient capital is getting ready to sparkle as it transforms into a Christmas capital. This beautiful historic city and its surrounding district provides the perfect backdrop to the festivities and looks even more spectacular during the yuletide season.

Here's our round-up of what to see and do this Christmas in Winchester over the next two months…

Christmas Lights Switch On – Thursday 17 November (Free event)
The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On takes place from a stage on The Broadway outside Winchester Guildhall. There is live entertainment from 4-7 pm. The countdown begins just before 6pm, as a local hero takes centre stage to flick the switch to light up the city. winchesterbid.co.uk/christmas-2022/

Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade – Friday 18 November (Free event)
Make your own lantern, see the displays inside the cathedral, and join a free, fun family parade starting from the cathedral at 5.45pm and meandering up the High Street arriving back at the cathedral. The parade is a great event for all the family. www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/lantern-parade

 Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market – Friday 18 November – Thursday 22 December (Free entry)
At the heart of the city's celebrations and recognised as one of the best in Europe, is Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, the pretty wooden chalets are situated within the historic grounds of the cathedral. christmas.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/

Glow Marwell - Friday 18 November – Saturday 30 December (Tickets from £12)
This Christmas, Marwell's majestic grounds will become twinkling wonderland. This immersive light extravaganza is an opportunity to explore the zoo in a whole new light. There will also be winter warming catering with plenty of seasonal treats available. All tickets to be purchased in advance from www.marwell.org.uk

Festive artisan market, The Arc - Saturday 26 November (Free entry)
Enjoy a Christmas shopping spree and support local makers who will be selling handmade and artisanal wares. Entry to the market is free and festive treats will be available from the café at The Arc during your visit. www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/festive-artisan-market

Cosmic Christmas at Winchester Science Centre - Saturday 3 December and Saturday 24 December (Tickets from £10)
Join Santa and Aster, the intergalactic planetary elf, as they recreate the epic tale of their first mission to the International Space Station. This immersive family Christmas adventure takes place in the iconic and totally unique Planetarium. All tickets to be purchased in advance from WinchesterScienceCentre.org. 

The Wizard of Oz, Theatre Royal Winchester - Saturday 3 December - Monday 2 January (Tickets from £10.50)
A traditional family pantomime. Written and directed by James Barry with music by Simon Slater. Expect original songs, corny jokes and loads of audience participation as you head down the Yellow Brick Road in this panto style production of The Wizard of Oz. Box office www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/wizard-oz

 Star of Wonder, Winchester Cathedral - 13 – 18 December (Tickets from £6)
The vast interior of Winchester Cathedral will be transformed with spectacular sound and light artwork. The award-winning artistic collaboration, Luxmuralis, will take visitors on an uplifting journey that promises to be a stunning experience for the whole family. All tickets to be purchased in advance from www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/star-of-wonder-sound-and-light-show-by-luxmuralis/

Five Star Swing at Christmas, The Arc - Thursday 15 December, 7:30pm -  (Tickets £12 advance / £15 on the door)
Swing into Christmas with the unique Five Star Swing Band show – as featured at London's Leicester Square Theatre and on BBC's Children in Need. Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment, from Glenn Miller and Sinatra to Slade. www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/five-star-swing-christmas

A Christmas Carol,  Winchester City Museum - Saturday 17 December (included with museum admission tickets - from £4)
Join author and professional storyteller, Dawn Nelson, for a family friendly performance of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. Told through traditional storytelling and with the use of Kamishibai theatre (Japanese paper theatre).www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/christmas-carol-family-storytelling-and-craft

The Naughty Fox, The Arc - 19 – 24 December (Tickets £9 / £32 for a family of four)
Snuggle up in a magical den with comfy creatures – Honk, Splash and TaWit TaWoo – as they teach The Naughty Fox a very important lesson: it's better to share. Feel your way through the immersive, multi-sensory, fully accessible and relaxed journey of friendship. www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/naughty-fox 

Santa Claus is coming to town – prices and locations vary
Book in advance to see the big man who is visiting Winchester before he makes his annual trip around the Westgate Museum Saturday 10, Sunday 11, Sunday 18 and Monday 19 December. www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/father-christmas-grotto-experience

Santa will also be at The Great Hall on Saturday 17 – Thursday 22 December. Come and visit Santa or even have brunch or afternoon tea with him in the atmospheric 13th-century hall, home of King Arthur's legendary Round Table. www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/greathall

Magic show and workshop, Winchester City Museum - Thursday 29 December (Included with museum admission tickets - from £4)
Join Tony Charles for a magical performance. Whether you're in need of a touch of magic or you are an aspiring magician, this performance promises to be fun for all! The three shows will be followed by three interactive workshops. Suitable for all ages. www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/magic-show-and-magicians-workshop-0

Unique shopping and dining
Winchester BID has created a Winchester Independents Festive Map, which can be picked up at various locations across the city. It features great places to buy unique gifts and enjoy a delicious festive treat or meal out. You will also find some rather special independent shops, cafes and restaurants in our nearby market towns of Alresford, Bishop's Waltham and Wickham. Pick up one of our Market Towns guides at the Visitor Information Centre for more details.

Room at the Inn
If you are looking for the perfect place to stay for your festive visit to Winchester, then the Holiday Inn is it. As well as great accommodation and family deals there is a tranquil spa and a chance to celebrate with some themed party nights, festive afternoon teas and a banquet to see in the New Year. Visit www.hiwinchester.co.uk for full details.

For the latest news of Winchester's Christmas events across the district go to christmasinwinchester.co.uk.

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