The Best Christmas Markets in Hampshire 2025

From Big, Bustling Christmas Markets to Local Artisan Fairs Across Hampshire

There’s something truly magical about wandering through a Christmas market — fairy lights twinkling overhead, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and carols filling the streets. From Winchester to Portsmouth, Hampshire transforms into a winter wonderland every festive season, with markets big and small bursting with charm, gifts, and good cheer.

Whether you’re hunting for handmade treasures, savouring mulled wine, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, here’s your guide to the best Christmas markets in Hampshire this year.

Winchester Christmas Market

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market
21 November – 22 December 2025
Winchester Cathedral, SO23 9LS

Arguably the most famous Christmas market in Hampshire (and one of the best in the UK), the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market draws visitors from far and wide. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cathedral, the wooden chalets brim with artisan gifts, decorations, candles, and festive treats. Enjoy a warming cup of glühwein, tuck into a bratwurst, and listen to carol singers as the Cathedral bells chime in the background.

You can also stop by the Artisan and Handmade Market at Badger Farm Community Centre on 14 December, or visit The Barn at Avington’s Christmas Fayre on 30 November for more local crafts and festive charm.

Christmas Markets Near Romsey

Romsey offers a delightful collection of festive fairs and artisan markets this year.

Cromwell Christmas Market, 29 November 2025 – Held at The Cromwell Arms, expect local crafts, hot food, and mulled wine in a cosy pub garden.

Artful Christmas Weekend, 22 November 2025 – Free entry to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens where you’ll find contemporary art and handmade gifts.

Romsey Joint Charities Christmas Fair, 15 November 2025 – At Crosfield Hall, enjoy live music, raffles, and even a visit from Father Christmas.

Christmas Makers Market – Romsey, Sunday 14th December 2025 from 10am until 3pm – Romsey’s festive calendar wouldn’t be complete without the Christmas Makers Market. Spread throughout the town centre, this vibrant market will feature around 37 stalls, showcasing handmade gifts, crafts, and festive treats. Visitors can enjoy hot food, drinks, live music, and more, making it a perfect day out for families and friends looking to soak up the Christmas atmosphere while supporting local makers.

Christmas Artisan & Wellness Fayre, 13 December 2025 – At The White Horse Hotel, browse handmade gifts and wellness products perfect for thoughtful presents.

Each event has its own character — from community spirit to creative flair — making Romsey a lovely place to find one-of-a-kind festive goodies.

Christmas Markets in Portsmouth & Fareham

If you fancy festive shopping by the sea, Portsmouth and Fareham deliver plenty of sparkle.

Portsmouth Indoor Christmas Market
1 November 2025
Mountbatten Centre, Hilsea
With over 125 stalls, Portsmouth’s biggest indoor Christmas market kicks off the festive season in grand style. Expect handmade gifts, jewellery, decorations, and tasty treats from Hampshire’s talented makers.

Fareham Indoor Christmas Market
2 November 2025
Fareham Leisure Centre
One of Hampshire’s largest indoor Christmas markets, this much-loved event features more than 125 independent traders and a magical festive atmosphere.

Festival of Christmas Markets at Port Solent
6 & 7 December 2025
The Boardwalk, Port Solent
Port Solent’s waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland for this two-day festival. Browse over 100 stalls packed with gifts, homewares, and seasonal delights. Refuel in one of the many cafés or restaurants overlooking the marina and soak up the live music, twinkling lights, and Christmas cheer.

Whiteley Shopping Centre Christmas Market, 6 December 2025, and QECP Indoor Christmas Market, 30 November 2025, also promise festive fun for all ages with crafts, food, and free entry for families (and dogs!).

Christmas Markets in Basingstoke & North Hampshire

Milestones Christmas Market
7 December 2025
Milestones Museum, Basingstoke
Step back in time and celebrate Christmas on the cobbled streets of Milestones Museum. With over 40 stalls, live music, children’s entertainment, and plenty of festive food, this annual event is a real crowd-pleaser.

Overton Christmas Market, 29 November 2025, brings festive joy to the high street with Father Christmas, live music, and even a special appearance from Rocky the Reindeer.

Meanwhile, the Discovery Centre Craft Market, 22 November 2025, is perfect for finding unique, handmade presents from local artisans.

Christmas Markets in the New Forest

The New Forest is enchanting at any time of year, but especially so at Christmas. With fairy lights glimmering in ancient villages and the scent of mulled wine and pine needles in the air, its festive markets are the stuff of storybooks.

From Hythe to Ringwood, local town markets get a magical Christmas makeover in December, with stalls selling artisan crafts, gifts, and delicious local produce.

Brockenhurst College’s Eats ’n’ Treats, 16 November 2025, celebrates local food and drink producers — the perfect place to stock up on festive goodies.

Lymington’s High Street also shines bright with Christmas markets and lights, and Lymington Craft & Gift Market, 13 December 2025, is ideal for finding something special.

Whether you’re sampling spiced cider, browsing handmade gifts, or listening to carols under the stars, the New Forest’s festive markets offer a heart-warming experience for all ages.

Southampton Christmas Market

13 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

If you’re looking for a market that goes big on festive atmosphere, look no further than Southampton. The city centre transforms into a Christmas village with alpine chalets, a Ferris wheel, and even Santa’s Runaway Train for the kids.

Tuck into chocolate-dipped strawberries, traditional bratwurst, and creamy fudge as you wander through the glowing streets. For adults, there’s the Moose Bar and Alpine Bar serving mulled wine and German beers — the perfect winter warm-up.

Don’t miss the nightly laser show that lights up the historic Bargate — it’s one of Hampshire’s most dazzling Christmas spectacles.

Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market

27 – 30 November 2025

This one’s a little different — a charity market that combines Christmas shopping with conservation. Held at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, this ticketed event supports the Trust’s vital work protecting birds of prey. Expect 50 local traders, handcrafted gifts, festive food, and even a complimentary mulled wine or hot apple juice on arrival.

Petersfield Christmas Markets

The Petersfield area has plenty of festive sparkle this year, with several Christmas markets bringing seasonal cheer to the countryside.

Watoto Christmas Fair
11–12 November 2025, 9am–4pm
Tithe Barn, Ditcham, Petersfield
Set in the stunning Tithe Barn, the annual Watoto Christmas Fair is a must-visit for anyone looking to kick-start their festive shopping early. With more than 50 stalls offering gifts, clothing, homeware, and festive food, there’s something for every Christmas list. Entry is £6, which includes tea, coffee, and cake — the perfect excuse for a festive catch-up while supporting a brilliant fundraising cause.

Sky Park Farm Christmas Markets
Every weekend from 29 November – 24 December 2025 (also open 22–24 December)
Sky Park Farm, West Harting, near Petersfield
Enjoy a magical Christmas experience at Sky Park Farm, where the outdoor Christmas Market takes over the farm every weekend in the run-up to Christmas. Expect artisan food stalls, local crafters, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. With free all-day parking and beautiful countryside views, it’s the perfect setting for a festive day out.

While there’s no large town-wide Christmas market confirmed for 2025, the Petersfield Christmas Festival Market has been a much-loved event in previous years, drawing crowds with over 100 stalls, live music, and a visit from Father Christmas. Visit Petersfield notes this popular market is one to keep an eye on for future announcements.

Time to Get Festive!

Hampshire’s Christmas markets are bursting with festive magic this year — from the grand scale of Winchester and Southampton to the cosy charm of Romsey and Lymington. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, delicious treats, or simply some seasonal cheer, there’s a market nearby waiting to welcome you.

So, wrap up warm, grab a mince pie, and get ready to make this Christmas in Hampshire one to remember.