There’s nothing more festive than a Christmas Market on a dark Winter’s night. Add to that English Christmas Carols (sung by the cathedral choir maybe?) piped in to add festive spirit, plus the incredible backdrop of one of the oldest cathedral in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why Winchester has gained the title of “Most Beautiful European Christmas Market” according to the New York Times at least.
Having lived in the Christmas Market capital of the World for quite some time, you can’t really compare a German market to an English one (they really are different – the one in Bath felt so different, it made me quite”homesick”!!), but Winchester Christmas Market is still really lovely (although possibly more of a “Craftmas” Market), and well worth visiting. The setting is really special, and there are of course the obligatory Gluhwein stands (two), a gebrannte mandeln (warm sugared almond) seller and of course a Bratwurst stall (I think it could probably do with a few more food stalls though to be honest – it tends to be mostly about eating, drinking and being quite merry in Germany!).
There’s a sweet little Hot Chocolate Hut tucked away in a corner that I spotted also sold stollen, so that can have a few extra brownie points (unlike Grandad who indulged the Toddler with a huge Nutella and Banana crepe. I can’t comment on whether that was good or not, but as it lasted mere seconds, I am guessing it probably was!)…
I should have written about my new local Christmas Market before now in all honesty, given that the last day is tomorrow (not the ice rink, that stays open until the 2nd January with silent discos and the like between now and then. The online pre-booking system is fabulous and makes the whole thing a lot easier when you are going skating with hoards of kids. You can also turn up and skate on the off-chance there’s space of course!) but this past month has been a whirlwind of theatre trips, school functions, nativity plays complete with toddler shepherds getting their crooks confiscated.
I also spent one Saturday afternoon as an elf at a Santa’s Grotto (don’t ask!), which I actually really enjoyed in the end. Three hours locked in a shed with a fan heater on full blast, the biggest coffee ever, a 1980’s Christmas CD on repeat, a few tickets to hand out and not much else to do at this time of year? Perfect (Christmas is definitely a time for peace on earth and all that, but Mothers in particular deserve a chunk of peace in the middle of the Festive season to stop them going slightly bonkers – even if they have to resort to Elfin measures).
Anyway, this little photo tour is a case of better late than never really, especially if you fancy putting Winchester on your must see Christmas Market location list for next November/December (and make sure you visit on a week day to avoid the crowds!)
Do venture beyond the Market to Cathedral Close to find another little Christmassy Corner, you might not even know it’s there if you aren’t local…
Just in case you really love your photography, you could venture to the top of St Catherine’s Hill as the light fades for the best view of the city in all of its festive twinkly light glory. Something else I have been meaning to do. Oh well, there’s always next year!…
so beautiful!
Thank you Tanja! :)
It looks so gorgeous and festive! I’d love to visit at some point.
Thanks Jennifer!
Great photos, Emma. Christmas markets are my favorite!
Thanks very much Marina! :)
Oh wow I love the traditional feel to this Market, what a beautiful place to pick up some nice presents and spend some time getting in the festive mood
Laura x
Thanks Laura! Have a lovely Christmas! x
I love Christmas Markets but have never been to the Winchester one. It looks lovely. Kaz
Thanks Kaz, it’s very sweet!
We live just outside Winchester and have been visiting their Christmas Markets for many years. Used to work in Winchester too and the lights up the high street are wonderful. Loads of quirky pubs there too!
It’s a great place to visit even when it’s not Christmas isn’t it? Thanks Dawn!
Winchester is such a lovely town! I’ve only been once but I found it so beautiful – hope to be back soon.
You must! Shout if you need any tips! :) Thanks Eva!
This looks like such a lovely Christmas market to visit, I will have to put it on the list for next year.
I would recommend it if you are nearby! Thanks Rebecca! :)
Oh this really looks gorgeous!
I hope you have a really happy Christmas. Hopefully meet up again in 2019, maybe if I’m passing nearby? I need to hear the story of the toddler shepherd and the confiscated crook! xx
That would be so lovely. I really hope so! I will tell you, it was very funny if not a predictable head in hands moment…
The location for the Christmas market is lovely. I really want to go to one this year as they are great for getting lovely gifts. Might have missed this one which is a shame x
It’s funny how some of them finish so early, and others so late! Thanks Melanie! :)
Winchester Christmas market is one of my favourites. I was there last weekend and I love it!
Sweet isn’t it? Thanks Hayley! :)