It’s time for the magical Winchester Christmas countdown! Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) announces key 2026 Christmas dates.
Kickstarting the festive season in Winchester, the popular Christmas Lights Switch On event will take place on Thursday 19 November, before the official opening of the #IndieWinch chalet which returns in collaboration with the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market from 20 November to 22 December.
Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On, 19 November 2026, 4.20pm to 7.30pm
This annual sensational event, organised by Winchester BID and kindly sponsored by Costa Coffee Winchester, attracts many thousands of people to the city centre. Taking place in The Broadway outside the Guildhall, the Winchester Christmas lights will be switched on by local heroes nominated by the public. The event will be hosted by Jonny Meah from Heart Radio and promises an evening full of festive fun and wonderful live performances from Osborne School’s Rubik’s Cube, Encore Choir, The Pilgrims’ School Chamber Choir, Harestock Primary School Choir, Integr8 Dance, Winchester Rock Choir, Winchester Cathedral Choristers, Theatre Royal Winchester Pantomime Cast, Winchester A Capella, Love Soul Choir, Diva Academy and Weeke Primary School Recorder Club.
Enjoy the snow selfies at the Giant Inflatable Snow Globe which will be located by The Brooks Shopping Centre in Middle Brook Street on the day of the Switch On from 3pm to 8pm. Parked up nearby will be the Winchester Round Table’s Santa’s Sleigh from 3pm, so do make sure you pay Father Christmas a visit. Visitors to the Snow Globe are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Spare Change for Lasting Change, Winchester BID’s charity scheme which aims to help reduce street begging and rough sleeping in the city by supporting two local homelessness charities, Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon.
Independent Businesses Chalet at Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, 20 November to 22 December 2026
Winchester BID is hosting a Christmas chalet where a selection of local independent businesses will be trading. Why not visit the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market this festive season and see the local independent businesses showcasing their Christmas offerings. Whilst you are there, grab a FREE tote bag to promote shopping with local #IndieWinch businesses. The Winchester BID chalet will run for the full duration until the market closes on 22 December.
Here is the list of businesses participating this year*:
November: 20th and 21st Clue Capers | 22nd and 23rd Donna Laine Fine Jewellery | 24th and 25th Mythic Tabletop Games | 26th and 27th Mint Tea Boutique | 28th and 29th Montezuma’s | 30th The Well Worn
December: 1st The Well Worn | 2nd and 3rd Bar Lento | 4th and 5th P&G Wells | 6th Mooeys | 7th Jeremy France Jewellers | 8th and 9th Cytronex | 10th and 11th Ellie & Bea | 12th and 13th Projects | 14th and 15th Chococo | 16th and 17th Donna Laine Fine Jewellery | 18th and 19th Catkin and Pussywillow | 20th Mooeys | 21st Mixa Winchester | 22nd Kingsgate Wine & Provisions
(*Please note sometimes the independent businesses can change due to unforeseen circumstances at late notice.)
Peruse the market and visit our independent businesses ready to help make your festive season complete! Click here to visit our Winchester independent business directory.
Sarah Davis, Winchester BID Manager, said: “As always, we’re excited to be coordinating the Winchester Christmas Lights, the switch on event and the #IndieWinch chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market again this year. Our Christmas Lights Switch On event kick starts the festive season in Winchester and is a fun, family event that brings together the whole community and helps get everyone in the festive spirit. We’re delighted to welcome new and returning local performers to the stage as well as shining the spotlight on our well-deserving local heroes. We can’t wait for them to turn on the lights! A special thank you to our event sponsor Costa Coffee Winchester and to all the businesses which sponsor the High Street Christmas tree – we couldn’t do it without you.”
Ojas Thacker, Area Manager for Costa Coffee Winchester, event sponsor said: “Christmas is a special time for communities, and we’re delighted to be supporting the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local people to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and create lasting memories with family and friends. At Costa Coffee, we’re proud to be part of communities across Winchester, and supporting events like this is one way we can help bring people together during the festive season. We look forward to seeing the local community celebrate and make the most of everything the Winchester has to offer this Christmas.”
For social media updates, follow #WinchLights, #FestiveWinch and @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Instagram and X.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact Suzy Dierckx via marketing@winchesterbid.co.uk or call 01962 841000.
To find out more about Christmas in Winchester and festive activities in the city and wider district this year, please visit: christmasinwinchester.co.uk.
