What’s On This November

November sees the city of Winchester start to prepare for the festive season. Well known as a Christmas destination by many, Winchester really comes alive in the winter months. Here’s our guide for what’s on this November, helping you to further enjoy your stay with us at The Winchester Hotel & Spa.

This month the Winchester City Mill is running a tour,  giving you a chance to learn about this ancient mill, which is now almost 1100 years old. Discover more about Roman Winchester and the River Itchen, the history of the mill, the process, the machinery, and the current problems this historic building faces. You can also learn about the mill’s otter project. Tours take place on November 12th and 25th, and you can discover more HERE.

An annual favourite, this year the Winchester Christmas Lights switch on event takes place on November 16th, with festivities outside the Guildhall from 4pm with live entertainment hosted by HEART FM. There is also an opportunity to snap snow selfies at the Giant Inflatable Snow Globe which will be located in The Square on the day from 12 noon to 8pm, with proceeds from donations going to local charities.

This year The Winchester Hotel & Spa is honoured to be the official Accommodation Partner of the 2023 Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market.

Recognised as one of the best in Europe, the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is a huge draw to the city, bringing visitors from far and wide. Renowned for its bustling atmosphere, beautiful location and carefully selected high quality exhibitors, this year the Market takes place from November 17th to December 21st. The pretty wooden chalets, situated within the historic cathedral grounds, are inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, and with the festive lights and Christmas carols in the air, visitors love to soak up the festive atmosphere. Certain days have specific performances taking place, including The Salvation Army, Welsh male voice choirs and more, so it’s worth checking HERE to really make the most of your experience.

The Christmas Market will be open daily, Sunday – Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm and Friday – Saturday 10.00am – 8.00pm. We can’t recommend it enough.

Also taking place at the Cathedral, you may enjoy classical music from the baroque, by glorious candlelight in the beautiful nave of Winchester Cathedral. London Concertante brings Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to life in a concert celebrating the virtuosity of the violin in all its forms. The concert will also feature Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro Overture, and Vaughan-Williams’ work, The Lark Ascending. The candlelight concert will take place on November 23rd. Discover more and book HERE

The following day, November 24th, sees the annual lantern parade. Starting from Winchester Cathedral, the parade wends its way through the town and back to the cathedral, with the building’s Christmas lights being switched on to mark the finale.

Soak up the atmosphere and admire the array of weird and wonderful lanterns, it’s great fun and a real spectacle. Discover more about the event and the route HERE.

That’s our guide for this month, and we hope it helps to get you in the festive spirit. Do please explore our very own festive plans HERE at The Winchester Hotel & Spa, and we hope to welcome you soon.