Here in the Cotswolds Christmas is so much more than just the one day. From the local Christmas lights switch on to the Christmas markets and shopping evenings, all the little things during the countdown make it an extra special time for locals and visitors alike.
We’ve put together a guide of our favourite festive activities in The Cotswolds for you to enjoy…
Christmas Markets in the Cotswolds
With wooden chalets draped with sparkling lights, colourful decorations, locally made gifts, creative crafts alongside the smell of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and velvety hot chocolate – Cotswolds Christmas markets have become an annual tradition.
Check out these markets which add an extra dose of sparkle to the region’s towns:
Bath Christmas Market – from the 28th November to the 15th December, Bath comes alive with the best independent makers from across the south west.
Cheltenham Christmas Gift Market – the Christmas gift market takes place on the 21st to 24th November, followed by the arts and crafts Christmas market frmo the 12th to the 22nd December. Both take place on the Promenade.
Christmas Events in Stroud – from around the 17th November all the way through to the 20th December there are Christmas markets and craft fairs across Painswick, Bisley, Eastcome, and Berkley. For last minute purchases the Cornhill Christmas market takes place on Friday 20th December.
Christmas Events at Blenheim Palace – 15th November to 1 January. With a winter wonderland and illuminated light trail plus over 70 traders in the Great Court you can make a full day of your visit to Blenheim.
As well as the larger events, there are also several towns and villages which have one-off Christmas markets in the Cotswolds, often as part of their Christmas lights switch-on events. These markets are on the smaller scale but have equal amounts of charm and beautiful scenery.
- Nailsworth – 29th November 3 to 9pm
- Painswick – 25th November 5 to 8pm
- Moreton-In-Marsh – 23rd November from 10am
- Tetbury – 29 November at 7pm
- Chipping Campden – 7th December 12-6pm
- Winchcombe-8th December at 5pm
Ice Skating
The magical Cheltenham Ice Skating Rink returns to Imperial Gardens Christmas on the site of the town’s original Winter gardens and skating rink in the late 19th century. The rink is open to the public from the 29th November up until the 5th January 2025 but do remember to pre-book your tickets to guarantee your space on the ice. Luckily, it is undercover so no need to worry about the weather, especially with hot drinks and tasty treats available at the Imperial Gardens barn afterwards.
You can also take a spin on the ice at Bath on Ice in Victoria Park from the 15th November to the 5th January, and the Cotswold Water Park’s ‘Gateway Ice Rink’ from the 22nd November until the 5th January 2024.
Christmas Sunday Roasts
The perfect way to start the Christmas celebrations early is with a delicious roast dinner on a Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. Bar + Block have launched their Christmas Festive menus and this year they are donating 20p from every child’s meal to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Additionally their Christmas Day menu features all the festive favourites with beef-dripping roasties, grilled Brussel sprout gratin nestled alongside their turkey with all the trimmings! Take a look at their menus and book your table at their Bath venue here.
The Halfway at Kineton has a host of winter events from wreath making to quizzes and obviously their Christmas Day lunch. Throughout December you can get into the festive spirit with Turkey featuring on their Sunday lunch menu right through to the big day itself.
Worth a visit is The Stump, near Northleach, where Baz and Fred have a fabulous Sunday lunch offering in addition to the pizza and craft beer that has made them famous with the locals. Their private event space – Russell’s Barn, is also a fantastic wedding or private party venue too
Make your own Christmas Wreath
Spruce up your home & decorate your front door with a beautiful handmade Christmas wreath this year, with tuition from expert florists. All of the flora, fauna and tools are provided, all you need is your imagination and maybe a Santa hat! All of these events will need to be pre-booked so click through and reserve your space today!
Newark Park – 5th to 12th December
Westonbirt Arboretum – 1st, 4th and 8th December
Ellenborough Park – 24th November to 9th December
The Slaughters Manor House – 3rd, 4th and 11th December
Daylesford Organic – 13th November to 20th December
Light Trails
Grab a hot chocolate or spiced apple and explore a magical illuminated light trail this Christmas. With sparkling light displays set to music, these trails through the Cotswolds’ gardens and outdoor scenes are more popular than ever, with 5 local trails to choose from this year.
Commence the excitement of the festive season with one of these enchanting light trails from the 24th November from the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle, Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, Illuminated Light Trail at Blenheim Palace and The Enchanted Garden at Painswick.
Indulge in a festive Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is an English institution and it gets a little extra sparkle this Christmas in the Cotswolds! With hotels & restaurants hosting festive menus, you can enjoy seasonal delights like turkey & cranberry sandwiches, spiced scones and mince pies at Ellenborough Park, Lygon Arms, Stratton House and Charingworth Manor.
Create your own Christmas Hamper
The Cotswolds is bursting with fantastic artisan food & drink suppliers, so why not get creative and make your own Christmas hamper – whether that’s for yourself or friends and family! Stock up on local favourites from the Cotswold Cheese Company, Diddly Squat Farm Shop, Tubby Tom’s sauces, Costello & Hellerstein chocolates as well as charcuterie from Salt Pig Curing Company.
Late-Night Shopping
Soak up the festive atmosphere and watch the store fronts come to life during the festive late night shopping event in the Cotswolds. Pick up unique gifts from the independent shops in Broadway on the 29th November and 6th December – the village comes alive with festive crowds enjoying mulled wine & mince pies while they browse. Winchcome Christmas Festival sees the shops open late on the 6th and 7th December. Whilst Malmesbury town hall on the 6th December is home to the grand opening of their late night shopping by the local Mayor.
The Flight Before Christmas
For a Santa’s Grotto with a difference, head to the Cotswold Airport in Kemble for The Flight Before Christmas 2023. From the 23rd November to 24th December, children can meet Santa in his only grotto on a Boeing 747! After a naughty or nice security check-in, there are activities for young ones to enjoy like decorating gingerbread men and assembling toys.
Christmas Concert
Celebrate Christmas in the Cotswolds with a concert at Berkeley Castle on the 5th and 7th December. The evening starts with mince pies and mulled wine by the fire in the Long Drawing Room, followed by the Orchestra Pro Anima string group playing classical pieces from the last 200 years in the Great Hall. Enjoy Gloucester Cathedral at night on the 14th and the 19th to the 21st December. And do a good deed when you purchase a ticket for the Flowers Brass Band at Christ Church, Cheltenham as all proceeds from the event on the 10th December go to Maggie’s.
We hope that’s inspired you with what to do in the Cotswolds at Christmas! If you’re considering relocation to the Cotswolds, then please get in touch with our Cotswold Letting Agent team on 01993 684572 and we will be happy to help you find the right home or cottage to rent in the Cotswolds.