I visited UK's traditional Christmas market that's hailed as 'one of the best in Europe'

There’s nothing better to get you in the festive spirit than exploring Christmas stalls while sipping a warm cup of mulled wine surrounded by twinkling lights. And that’s why Christmas markets have become so popular, with over 15 million people visiting them in the UK each year. 

Temporary markets are popping up everywhere, from major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and London to local pop-ups in towns and villages. But when there are so many to choose from it’s hard to decide which one to visit. 

That’s why I headed to Winchester on the opening weekend of the award-winning free market to discover whether its description as one of the best in Europe was accurate - and it didn’t disappoint. Though the November weekend was met with a cold snap and heavy showers, shoppers weren’t deterred from exploring the dozens of chalets host to vendors selling a variety of festive goods. 

From ornaments to scarves, booze and paintings, the market offers something for everyone and is the perfect place to explore if you’re stuck on what to buy loved ones this Christmas. 

I  stocked up on local cheeses, unique paintings and glass trinkets, feeling smug for having secured a handful of presents before December. 

What makes the Winchester Christmas market so special is the idyllic backdrop of the medieval cathedral (Adult tickets from £13 and child tickets from £5 can be booked online at winchester-cathedral.org.uk). The Gothic building is beautifully lit up at night, with the barn-door style chalets neatly arranged around it bringing festive charm.

Joe Slisz, 36, from London who visited the Winchester Christmas markets for the first time, was impressed by the charm and traditions on display. 

“The market was a really nice surprise, with a great variety of stalls on offer, both food/drink and crafts,” he said. “The backdrop of the Cathedral is a lovely setting, which looks amazing after dark. Of the other Christmas markets I have visited in this country, including Bath, Birmingham and Manchester, Winchester compares favourably.”

The layout of the event is also well thought out, with an in-and-out entrance to prevent overcrowding and temporary flooring put down for extra grip in the wintry weather. 

Unlike other markets I’ve visited in the UK, Winchester’s festive offering is perfectly situated a stone's throw away from the busy high street - allowing visitors to soak up the festive cheer in a specially curated area. 

It also feels authentic, featuring 128 traditional wooden chalets that have clearly taken inspiration from the original German Christmas markets.

The enchanting Nativity Scene also adds to the traditional element of the market, with the city keen to ensure the festive event remains authentic.

There are no garish inflatable characters or glitzy decorations, instead the classical designs succeed in transporting you to a Christmas wonderland complete with tasteful festive lighting, traditional carols and the sweet smell of mulled wine. 

Giant copper cauldrons filled with the festive tipple add to the ambience of the event, as one vendor sees a stirrer dressed in traditional attire tending to the huge vat of steaming wine from above. 

In the centre of the market, there is a large food quarter offering the traditional bratwurst, hog roast, mince pies and much more. It’s no wonder that the historic market attracts over 110,000 visitors each year.

Direct trains from London are under an hour and cost around £30 - though you can find cheaper tickets if purchasing in advance. 

This means it’s easy to visit the Winchester Christmas Markets on a day trip, but if you fancy making a weekend of it, there are plenty of charming hotels right in the city centre. 

I stayed at The Old Vine (room rates start from £162 for two people including breakfast), an 18th-century inn that’s just a short walk from the cathedral. The room was packed with character, from panelled walls to deep oak furniture and came with some thoughtful extra touches, such as a voucher for a free glass of mulled wine and their stall at the markets, cold milk in the fridge and earplugs. 

The pub downstairs was heated by an open fire and was packed full of punters, thanks to its superb menu of pub classics, light bites and extensive a la carte menu. Other central hotels include the Winchester Royal, the Westgate and the Hotel du Vin. 

The market is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 7pm on Thursday, 10am to 8pm Friday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Opening on November 21, the event will run until December 22.

You can find out more about Winchester and its Christmas market on visitwinchester.co.uk.