Festive events

Making Merry Open Studios

Takes place between Friday 19 November - Sunday 28 November 2010, click here to find out more about the artists and craft-makers opening up their studios and homes this year.

Making Merry City Space Exhibition

Come to the Discovery Centre between Saturday 13 November 2010 and Sunday 2 January 2011 to view craft pieces and find the perfect gift.
Click here for the latest information.

Round Table bonfire and fireworks display

This year’s extravaganza is set to top even last year’s. See www.winchester-roundtable.org.uk

Winchester Farmers’ Market

Savour the finest local produce - from watercress to water buffalo steaks, organic product to ostrich meat on the 14, 28 November and 12 December - click here to find out more.

Christmas lights switch on

Date TBC

Gather at the Buttercross to see the city lights illuminate Alfred’s city once more. www.wincity.uk.com

Dazzle - 1920s dress exhibition

Saturday 20 November 2010 to Sunday 16 January 2011

For a taste of Art Deco fashions from the Roaring Twenties, see a spectacular collection of 1920s beaded dress at Winchester Discovery Centre. Celebrating the exquisite detail, glamour and design of the roaring twenties, the exclusive exhibition presents over 25 items from Hampshire County Council's collection. In a rare opportunity to see these stunning but fragile pieces, The Gallery presents an enviable collection of Art Deco elegance in its full glory. With object loans from Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove and Portsmouth City Council Museum, Dazzle is set to be an unmissable exhibition.

Open Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm
Free entry.

Address: The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8SB
Call 0845 603 5631 or email winchester.discovery.centre@hants.gov.uk

Christmas Charities Market

Sunday 21 November

Make a real difference and support local charities this Christmas: www.winchester.gov.uk/WinchesterGuildhall

Events at Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is at the heart of Winchester's Christmas celebrations. Choral highlights include the Advent Carol Service, public carol services and Christmas Day services. For the full programme of Winchester Cathedral's Christmas services and events click here.

Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson is a Victorian Fort near Fareham and houses the national collection of big guns and cannon - museum entrance is free. Action-packed kids' events cost £2.50 for the over fives, £1 for adults, or buy a family ticket for just £5 (2 adults and up to 4 children). For more details of these events - and the Royal Armouries' full programme throughout the year - visit www.royalarmouries.org

Tuesday 21 December - Festive Fun at the Fort
Enjoy traditional Punch and Judy shows and Christmas Craft activities, plus lots more.

Thursday 23 December - Off with their Heads
Dress up as Tudor lords and ladies - but watch out for the executioner.

Tuesday 28 December - Commando Kids
Practise commando skills, including a junior assault course, radio-controlled tank driving, firing range and more!

Thursday 30 December - Roundheads and Cavaliers
Learn how to swing a sword and fight for King or Parliament but warch out for the gruesome surgeon!

No need to book - just drop in! Fort Nelson is located just off the M27 - follow the brown, tourist signs. There is ample free parking for cars and coaches.

Winchester ‘Christmas Past’ Guided Tours

Tours offered by Winchester’s official Blue Badge Guides, starting at the City Museum, The Square, Winchester. Stroll around the city’s brightly decorated streets learning how Christmas was celebrated through the ages.

Saturday 4, 11, 18 December at 2.30pm
Sunday 5, 12, 19 December at 2.30pm

Tours last one hour.
Tickets: Adult £4 / Child £1 available from Winchester Tourist Information Centre. To book call 01962 840 500 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk. For details of all Winchester's guided tours go to www.winchestertouristguides.com

Christmas at Marwell ... be enchanted

Take a magical journey through Marwell Hall this Christmas to meet Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their attentive elves.

Step through Marwell Hall’s enchanted wardrobe into the letter writing room where you’ll be given help to compose your letter to Santa. You’ll then be invited into Mrs Claus' library for storytelling and entertainment before meeting Santa.

Share a few moments with the big man himself and receive a special gift before soaking up the atmosphere of our Christmas tavern in the Tudor Rose Hall, and treating yourself to some festive food and wine, or blackcurrant for the little ones.

Your Christmas experience will last for at least one hour and includes the following:

entrance to enchanted Marwell Hall
crafting creative letters to Santa
storytelling and puppet show with Mrs Claus
special gift from Santa for children up to 14 years
entrance to the magical festive tavern
spicy mulled wine for visiting adults
your tickets also include entry to Marwell Wildlife

Address: Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1JH
Call: 0844 736 4200
Email: marwell@marwell.org.uk
Website: www.marwell.org.uk
Admission: Adults & Children 3 years and over £19.50. Children 12 months to under 3 £9.50. Babies under 12 months £5. Discounts are available on selected days.

INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium

Come inside to the warm and snug Planetarium. Advanced tickets on 01962 891 925. For details and dates throughout December visit www.intech-uk.com.

Winchester City Mill events

Watch milling demonstrations at Winchester City Mill, a National Trust property perched over the River Itchen in the centre of Winchester.

Don’t miss the traditional ‘Milling in the New Year’ on 1 January in conjunction with the Friends of King Alfred’s Buses rally and free bus service running day. The mill will be open and milling from 10am until 4pm

Watercress Line

Step back in time to join Santa on the Watercress Line – mulled wine and mince pies for the grown ups and an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Father Christmas for the children. See www.watercressonline.co.uk for timetable and booking information or call 01962 733 810.

New Year's Day Events

Twyford Waterworks

Start the New Year with a visit to Twyford Waterworks. On New Year's Day there will be guided tours and 'Annual Crank-Up' from 11am – 4pm. Parking is free and there will be a free bus service from Winchester.

Admission: £4 Adults, Children under 16 free.
Address: Twyford Waterworks, Hazeley Road, Twyford, Winchester SO21 1QA
Tel: 01962 714716
Visit the Twyford Waterworks website

Friend’s of King Alfred Buses Running Day in Winchester

For just one day see the preserved buses and coaches take over the streets of Winchester and the surrounding district, recreating a time now gone but fondly remembered. Enthusiasts, local residents and visitors can hop on a bus and take a journey around Winchester and central Hampshire.

For an up-to-date listing of events in the district look at our events calendar or call our tourist information centre on 01962 840 500 or email.