The UK's 'best' Christmas market with 100 stalls to return to beautiful city

A Christmas market previously named the best in the UK is returning this year with more than 100 chalets for shoppers to browse. Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market is an annual event that takes place on the grounds of the iconic landmark in Hampshire.

This year, the free event will be running between November 21 and December 22, with an array of shops and attractions for locals and visitors to enjoy. Chalets sell everything from decorations and homewear, gardens and outdoor items, and clothing and accessories. There's also a Makers' Market showcasing the work of crafts people from the local area and across the UK.

Additionally, you'll find a wealth of food and drink options, including stalls selling cheeses, Spanish gourmet food, festive sweet treats, mead, and many others.

Visitors can also step into the vast religious site and take in its stunning interiors. The cathedral as it appears today was built between 1079 and 1420 and is one of the biggest of its kind in northern Europe.

Advent and Christmas services will be taking place in the lead up to Christmas sung by an internationally-acclaimed choir, making it a perfect destination for those looking for some festive cheer.

The market regularly tops lists of the best in the country. In 2020, the market voted the best in the UK, and one of the best in Europe based on a public vote organised by European Best Destinations, according to Group Travel World.

CN Traveller included the market among the top 16 in the world for last year, saying the "unique" event hosts more than 100 wooden chalets.

Express.co.uk has reached out to the cathedral to find out how many stalls are expected this year.

The Cathedral says its market attracts a whopping 110,000 visitors per year, as families flock to the heart of the city.

No pre-booking to attend is required, unless you're a coach organiser. Further details can be found on the cathedral's website.

The opening times this year are:

• Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 6pm
• Thursday: 10am to 7pm
• Friday and Saturday: 10am to 8pm
• Sunday: 10am to 5pm