Winchester Christmas Light Switch On & Christmas Market
Christmas is set to kick off in style for Winchester today, with the annual Christmas light switch-on bringing in the festive spirit this evening.
Getting under way at 4pm, the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch-on will see entertainment in the form of karaoke, dance groups and choirs. The main event will see the city light up at 6pm, with popular Big Issue seller Kevin Collick having the honours of turning the lights on.
Following the lights switch-on, next up in the festive calender will be the Christmas market, recognised as one of the best in Europe.
Starting on Monday, November 20 and running daily until Friday, December 22, the market will see dozens of wooden chalets line the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, offering visitors unique crafts and other items, as well as festive food and drink.
The market will be open to the public between 10am and 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 7.30pm Thursday to Saturday.
Last but by no means least is the temporary ice rink, also set up in the ground of the cathedral.
Running from November 20 to January 7 a standard ticket for the ice rink – which includes an hour’s skating and skate hire – is £11.50, with numerous concessions and packages available, including Parents and Toddlers sessions for 2-4’s, children’s parties and much more.
It is one of the highlights of Winchester’s Christmas offer, attracting an unprecedented 56,000 skaters last year.
The highly popular Ice Café also returns, with a new and exciting offer provided by the Cathedral’s new caterers, BaxterStorey, who took on the contract during August.
WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON – Thurs, November 16:
From 4pm-6pm
Harestock Primary School Choir
The Pilgrims' School Chamber Choir
Lucina
DJ Munza's Christmas Karaoke
Winchester Musicals and Opera Society
Catherine Turness, Winchester BID
SimplyHealth Professionals
From 6pm-7pm
Lights switch-on
Spinnaker Chorus
Integr8 Dance