Things to do in and around Winchester this Christmas

Nov 24, 2021

Every year around the festive season, local attractions around Winchester offer some great Christmas themed events. So with Christmas fast approaching, we’ve made a list of all the festive fun you can get up to this December!
Winchester BID Gingerbread Trail
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New for this year, Winchester BID are organising the Gingerbread Christmas Trail. Find the 10 gingerbread characters in different locations across the city centre and discover 10 letters and numbers. Once you have written them all down, unscramble them all to make a Christmas phrase and enter the free hamper prize draw. Find out more here.

Winchester Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe thanks to the unique historic location and high-quality exhibitors. There are over 100 chalets, all selling seasonal treats, hot food and drink, delicious produce, and Christmas gifts. 

Instead of an ice rink, there will be a larger food court and main stage which will host a variety of exciting, free performances throughout the duration of the market. The stage which will host local acts from across Hampshire, including choir groups, community bands, school choirs, city buskers, and jazz groups. 

The Lamp Trail at The Brooks

We’re delighted to announce a free Magic Lamp Trail throughout The Brooks Shopping Centre, running until the 27 December! Hidden throughout The Brooks Shopping Centre are ten magic lamps. Each lamp contains a letter that spells out one of the character’s names in Aladdin, the magical family Pantomime at the Theatre Royal this Christmas.

Trail maps and entry forms can be collected from various points around the city including; the Mr & Mrs Santa Claus pop-up shop, 99 Vintage, Winchester Visitor Information Centre, and the Theatre Royal Winchester. Completed entry forms can then be posted in the post box close to Primark, or entries can be made online. Completed entries will then be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to see Aladdin at Theatre Royal Winchester on the 2 January 2022 and a free Play to the Crowd goodie bag!

The Magic Lamp Trail is free to enter and runs from Thursday 18 November to Tuesday 27 December.

Christmas at Marwell Zoo

Wrap up warm and get closer to the wonders of the natural world with a magical visit to Marwell Zoo this winter. Meet hundreds of exotic and endangered animals from Amur tigers and snow leopards to meerkats and penguins, and let the little ones run wild in the adventure playgrounds!

You’ll be able to meet Santa, as well as enjoying some magical decorations and festive scenes around the park. Find out more here.

Winchester Aladdin Panto

Make your wishes come true for Christmas 2021 with a spellbinding production of Aladdin! Can the hero find the magic lamp and marry the girl of his dreams – Princess Jasmine? Or will Aladdin’s plans be thwarted by the villainous Abanazar, who wants the lamp – and the princess – for himself? With original songs, a great cast and hilarious script, this family show is the perfect family treat. Find out more here.

Steam Watercress Line

Steam Illuminations on the Watercress Line is an incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of LED lights and LED wristbands. This makes the train look magical both inside and out! Find out more here.

Save The Date: Late Night Student Shopping Event – 14th September
Save The Date: Late Night Student Shopping Event – 14th September

Save the date! Join us for our Student Night on September 14th 2023 from 6pm. The Brooks are excited to announce our upcoming student night on September 14th from 6pm! We will be open late and offering student discounts, goody bags and more.  More details will be...

Charity Bake Sale at The Works Winchester – 6th, 7th & 8th May 2023
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Festive opening hours at The Brooks Shopping Centre
Festive opening hours at The Brooks Shopping Centre

Here are the opening hours of The Brooks over the coming festive season; 24th December 2022 - 8 AM – 4 PM   25th December 2022 - CLOSED   26th December 2022 - CLOSED   27th December 2022 - 10 AM - 5:30 PM   28th - 31st December - 9 AM - 6:30 PM   1st January 2023 -...