Celebrating a Cosy Christmas in Winchester
While the city offers a range of festive activities, this blog will focus on a selection of heart-warming options that cater to the needs and interests of the elderly.
Winchester, a historic city with a charm that only grows during the holiday season, provides a beautiful backdrop for seniors to celebrate Christmas. While the city offers a range of festive activities, this blog will focus on a selection of heart-warming options that cater to the needs and interests of the elderly.
Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral is a must-visit during the Christmas season. The Cathedral is adorned with stunning decorations, a majestic tree, and hosts traditional carol services. You can attend one of the festive services or simply take a leisurely stroll through the Cathedral, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere.
The beautiful melodies and familiar carols of their Christmas Concert are sure to create a joyful and heart-warming experience. The Christmas Concert – A Festival of Choirs is on Friday 15th December starting at 19:00 and tickets must be purchased beforehand (link), prices start at £16.25-£36.25. If you are unable to attend on that date don’t worry, the month of December plays host to a range of Advent & Christmas Services running from 2nd – 25th and you can find out more about them here.
Winchester Christmas Market
Winchester’s Christmas Market is renowned for its enchanting atmosphere. Seniors can browse through the charming wooden chalets, savour delicious seasonal treats, and shop for unique gifts. The market’s festive ambience, with the backdrop of the Cathedral, is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. The market takes place this year from 17th November – 21st December and can get quite busy, particularly on weekends so avoid peak times if you would like a quieter atmosphere. To learn more about the Winchester Christmas Market you can visit this link.
Norton Park Hotel Festive Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is a great early Christmas present or a perfect excuse to have a seasonal catch-up. At the Norton Park Hotel, you can indulge in a festive afternoon tea including a glass of prosecco for £35. The selection includes traditional turkey sandwiches, scones, and of course warm mince pies. Dates are available throughout December, but pre-booking is essential, you can find the booking information here.
Festive Film Screenings
One local venue hosting a festive film screening of the Christmas classic ‘Elf’ is the Everyman Cinema Winchester. In conjunction with Home Instead Central Hampshire the Everyman Cinema Winchester offers a monthly dementia-friendly screening, this December the movie is the comedy Elf, the morning matinee is free of charge, on Wednesday 6th December and arrivals are welcome from 10.15 am. It’s a great way to relive holiday favourites and share the joy of the season with friends and family.
Craft Workshops
Get creative by participating in craft workshops and make your loved ones some homemade presents that they can treasure, or create some beautiful holiday decorations for around your own home. Bella Crafts in Winchester offer a range of festive themed crafts from wreath making, glass painting, decopatch and pottery painting. Some do require booking in advance but there are also plenty of themed workshops you don’t need to pre-book. These workshops offer an excellent opportunity to create holiday-themed crafts and engage with your artistic side.
Switch On
Winchester’s Christmas Lights are a sight to behold. Take an evening walk through the town centre to see the enchanting illuminations. Many local shops and cafes participate, offering the opportunity for a bit of Christmas shopping or a warm beverage such as the classic mulled wine to keep you cosy. You can be in on the action this year and watch the office lights switching on ceremony, taking place Thursday 16th November on The Broadway outside the Guildhall from 4pm and enjoy live entertainment hosted by HeartFM or you can enjoy the lights throughout the winter months if you don’t fancy a crowd.
Theatre Royal Winchester
Theatre Royal Winchester has serval productions with various running times this holiday season. You can immerse yourself in the musical talents of the Tenors Un Limited on 12th December, and enjoy the vocal harmonies of the group as they perform their renditions of popular Christmas classics such as O Holy Night, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and more.
Or join in with the Christmas pantomime ‘Cinderella’, promising original songs and a twist on the classic fairy-tale, you can join in and embrace the fun this holiday season.
Another one-night-only production is ‘A Christmas Carol’ Starring Colin Baker and Peter Purves, Dr Who fans will no doubt be excited to meet to of the doctors in this radio-play-live-on-stage, with sound effects created live, all combining to transport the audience to Victorian London, for this 180th anniversary production of Dickens’ timeless tale of charity, forgiveness and redemption at Christmas.
Winchester is a city that comes alive with festive spirit during Christmas. These activities offer a range of options for the elderly to enjoy the holiday season, from traditional carol services and visits to the Cathedral to exploring the Christmas market and indulging in warm afternoon teas. Embrace the warmth and charm of this historic city and create cherished memories this Christmas.