CHILDREN will be able to meet Father Christmas this year as he makes his first appearance at a popular Christmas market.

The Winchester Cathedral market, now one of the largest of its kind in Britain after attracting more than 300,000 people last year, returns on Thursday, November 25, bringing with it Father Christmas in his Ice Cave.

Then on Friday, December 17, TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh will be presenting the Lord Lieutenant’s Carol Concert at the cathedral, featuring Winchester Cathedral choirs.

The market opens at 6pm with a lantern procession through the newly-paved streets of Winchester, arriving at the cathedral for a short ceremony at the Christmas tree to open the market.

The market itself has more than 80 wooden chalet stalls in the style of a traditional German market. A variety of Christmas gifts and crafts will be on offer, and a food court featuring festive food and drink will accompany the market.

The open-air real ice rink will also return to the city, along with the next-door alpine café, for family fun and Christmas parties with tickets available at the rink box office on 01962 857276.

The ice rink in 2008

There will be plenty more on offer at the market throughout December, including the popular Christmas Tower and Twilight Tower tours where visitors can be taken on guided tours of the towers and be treated to spectacular views of the city. Tickets for both include drinks and a mince pie.

The market will also host a free live nativity scene at the market on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout its stay, where families can meet Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, as well as their faithful donkey.

For ticket information contact the Cathedral box office on 01962 857275 or call the Tourist information Centre on 01962 850500.