There’s something undeniably spellbinding about visiting a charming Christmas market with festive stalls strung with twinkling lights and intoxicating scents flooding the air. From finding the perfect gift to pop under the tree, to listening to carollers singing timeless classics, to seizing the chance to see Father Christmas himself, these festive celebrations offer something for everyone.
So that you can seek your favourite market, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Christmas markets in Hampshire this year, from day-long events to month-long celebrations.
Portsmouth Indoor Christmas Market
1st November 2025
Commencing seasonal celebrations in style, the Portsmouth Indoor Christmas Market will host around 150 stalls at Mountbatten Centre this November. Offering a huge variety of products for rich Christmas pickings, the market will showcase a wide selection of festive treasures by producers and makers from all over Hampshire and beyond. Supporting local businesses and celebrating regional talent, it’s a real favourite on the festive calendar.
Whether you’re visiting with a specific gift in mind or are seeking inspiration, you can find plenty to capture your interest at Portsmouth Christmas Market. Later, if you’d like to indulge in timeless Christmas reveries, you are only a short distance from Portsmouth’s winter ice rink. You can also visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is especially enchanting for families and often hosts brilliant Christmas events.
Southampton Christmas Market
13th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Pursue a Christmas celebration to remember with a trip to one of Hampshire’s largest Christmas markets. Running for nearly two months, Southampton Christmas Market transforms the waterside city into an Alpine-inspired wonderland. Take your time wandering the streets and wend past traditional wooden chalets curated with unique presents and appetising amuse-bouches. From chocolate-dipped strawberries to creamy English fudge to traditional bratwurst, there is all sorts to tempt the appetite.
Ensuring all generations are captivated, the market’s offerings are complemented by countless activities, rides, and attractions. Taking festive reveries to new heights is the Uk’s tallest Ferris wheel, while Santa’s Runaway Train is a delight for families. For refreshment, the Moose and Alpine Bars serve moreish tipples, such as soothing hot chocolate, spice-infused gluhwein, and steins of traditional German beers. To complete the experience, marvel at the historic Bargate building as it is illuminated by a bewitching laser show.
Winchester Christmas Market
21st November - 22nd December 2025
Set within the foreground of Winchester Cathedral, Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is not only one of the most popular Christmas markets in Hampshire, but the UK too. Open every day and running for a month, it is also the longest-running Christmas event in Hampshire in 2025, affording plenty of opportunities to admire an incredible array of decoration-adorned market stalls and soak up the merry atmosphere.
Look forward to perusing over a hundred German-inspired wooden huts selling everything from mulled wine to candles and pick out the best stocking fillers crafted by skilful artisans. Once you’ve chosen the perfect Christmas gifts, you can also branch out to explore the rest of the city which is full to the brim with wonderful attractions. Of course, the cathedral itself is a must-visit, especially if you can tie in your visit with a carol concert.
Hawk Conservancy Trust Christmas Market
27th - 30th November 2025
Head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s Christmas market this year for a wonderful way to stock up on local goodies, begin your Christmas shopping and support a charitable cause all at the same time. Held onsite at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, this superb fundraising fayre is a ticketed event, the proceeds of which help to support this vital local charity and its work to rehabilitate and conserve birds of prey in Hampshire and beyond.
With more than 50 local businesses to discover, as well as the trust’s giftshop, you can look forward to perusing all sorts of lovingly-made items, from personalised gifts to homewares. More temptingly still, there will also be a wide assortment of culinary treats available, such as speciality hot chocolates, churros, and barbecued treats. All tickets include a small mulled wine or hot apple juice on arrival, perfect for warming yourself against the chilly winter air.
Lymington Christmas Markets
13th December 2025
Residing on the Hampshire coastline, the Georgian market town of Lymington is a picture of New Forest perfection. Full of enchantment, it is the perfect place to spend spellbinding Christmas weekends and winter retreats, close to country and coast for joyful festive moments. Making seasonal escapes in Lymington even more tempting this year are its Christmas markets taking place on select days.
Wrap up in your cosiest layers and explore the town and absorb the ambience. Commencing celebrations, Lymington’s High Street transforms into a winter wonderland with glistening Christmas lights and seasonal markets. Meanwhile, in the run up to Christmas, Lymington Craft and Gift Market on Saturday 13th December proposes even more festivity with Christmas stalls brimming with delights.
Petersfield Christmas Festival
Dates TBC
Taking place in December is the Petersfield Christmas Festival. Lining the town centre with multi-coloured stalls and stands, this open-air Christmas market promises over 100 sellers, live family-friendly entertainment and even a possible visit from Father Christmas too. Complemented with rides and play areas for children, all generations will be enthralled.
Wend your way over for a few hours of festive fun and take your time browsing all the Yuletide gifts and treats. From local fare for your table to the greenest Christmas trees to locally made crafts, you can find everything you need for a Christmas to remember. Treat yourself to a mulled wine and a mince pie to fuel your exploration (both are available in generous supply) and enjoy a soundtrack of Christmas favourites as you go.
Feeling inspired? Explore our collection of luxury cottages in Hampshire.
