Christmas Markets and Lights Switch Ons
For a touch of sparkle and festive cheer, pop along to one of the many Christmas markets packed with fabulous festive stalls (mince pie or mulled wine anyone?) and Christmas lights switch ons being staged across the Cotswolds throughout November.
Cirencester Advent Market
Cirencester’s popular advent market and lights switch takes place on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December with over 200 stalls across the two days as well as family-friendly events and live entertainment. A special lights switch on ceremony kicks off at 4.25pm on the Saturday and will be broadcast on screens around the town followed by a silent fireworks display. More about Cirencester Advent Market
Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham
A fun-packed family day and lights switch on is being staged at the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham on Saturday 23rd November. Highlights include a Christmas market, food and drinks stalls and live music and entertainment. More about the Christmas lights switch on at Pittville Pump Room
Cheltenham Christmas Markets
Traditional wooden cabins will be lining the Promenade in Cheltenham for the annual Christmas markets with lots of stallholders selling unique handmade gifts and arts and crafts from 21st-24th November and 12th-22nd December. That’s your Christmas presents sorted. More about Cheltenham Christmas markets
Lechlade Christmas Lights Switch On
Lechlade Christmas lights switch on is being staged in the Market Square on Saturday 30th November from 4-6.30pm and includes a lantern parade and live music. More about Lechlade Christmas lights switch on event
Chipping Campden Christmas Market and Lights Switch On
The centre of Chipping Campden will be lit up for the town’s annual Christmas market and lights switch on which takes place from midday on Saturday 7th December and will feature stalls selling arts and crafts and food and drink as well as an indoor market in the town hall. More about Chipping Campden Christmas market
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market
Moreton-in-Marsh is hosting a magical Christmas market with over 50 stalls lining the streets and a tree lighting ceremony on Saturday 23rd November from 10am until 5pm. More about Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas market
Stroud Christmas Goodwill Evening
For some fun family-friendly festivities (and the chance to meet Father Christmas) pay a visit to Stroud’s Christmas goodwill evening on Friday 6th December from 6pm until 9pm for a spot of late-night shopping and lots of great entertainment including a fun fair, live music and jugglers and stilt walkers. Head to the Sub Rooms forecourt where the Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm. More information about Stroud Christmas goodwill evening
Bourton-on-the-Water Lights Switch On
Bourton-on-the-Water’s famous floating Christmas tree will light up the river at the town’s annual lights switch on on Friday 29th November at 4.30pm. Enjoy some late-night shopping, a Christmas market and seasonal food and drink. More about Bourton-on-the-Water lights switch on
Tetbury Lights Switch On
Tetbury will mark the start of its advent celebrations with a special late night shopping event on Thursday 28th November (complete with a glass of fizz and nibbles) followed by the annual lights switch on at 6.30pm on Friday 29th November, which also includes festive stalls and a lantern procession led by Santa and his elves. More about Tetbury annual lights switch on
Ice Skating at the Gateway Ice Rink
Whether you’re a family of seasoned skaters or a solo newbie, head to the Gateway Ice Rink at the Cotswold Water Park (open from 22nd November until 5th January) for a magical winter wonderland experience. This year sees the addition of some new fun sessions including DJ on ice for ages 12 and above, with flashing lights and music, and inclusive sensory skating sessions with low lighting and limited ticket numbers. Better still, guests of Cotswold Water Park Retreats will receive a discount on their booking if you let them know when you book! Plus, there’s Disney-themed Snow Princess skating for children of all ages. Afterwards, pop in to one of the nearby food outlets serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to crepes and waffles. More about the Gateway Ice Rink
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Experience a spectacular illuminated trail with over a million twinkling lights lighting up the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum on selected evenings from Friday 29th November until Tuesday 31st December. You might even get a glimpse of Father Christmas as you walk under 2,500 species of trees from across the globe, all magically lit up in rainbow colours. After your walk, grab a seasonal snack from the Christmas village or street food stalls and enjoy a hot chocolate or toasted marshmallow. More about Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle is the perfect setting for this magical after-dark experience featuring an illuminated trail around the beautiful castle grounds with fairy tale characters as you go on a quest to discover what’s happened to Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy a sip of mulled wine or hot chocolate and some delicious hot food along the way. This is event is being held on selected evenings from Friday 22nd November until Saturday 30th December from 4.45pm. More about Sudeley Castle spectacle of light
Cotswold Farm Park Enchanted Light Trail
This mesmerising night-time illuminated trail runs during weekends throughout November and December from 4pm until late showcasing wonderful creations, installations and illuminations by local artists and designers. It’s a great opportunity to explore Adam Henson’s farm after hours and is perfect for families (dogs are welcome too). More about Cotswold Farm Park enchanted light trail
The Enchanted Garden by Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
Journey through a world of wonder after dusk at Painswick Rococo Garden. Suitable for all ages, the enchanted garden by night event runs from Saturday 30th November until Thursday 2nd January from 4.15pm transforming the grounds into a twinkling wonderland with a few surprises around the corners. More about Painswick Rococo Garden enchanted garden by night
Special offer for dog owners: If you’re visiting Painswick Rococo Garden with your four-legged friend during daytime hours on 23rd or 24th November, dogs can bring their owner for free from 10am until last entry at 3pm!
Joy! Exhibition at New Brewery Arts
If you’re looking for the perfect handmade Christmas gift, New Brewery Arts in Cirencester has your seasonal shopping covered. Its latest exhibition, simply titled ‘Joy!’, is a wonderful celebration of exquisite work by hundreds of craftspeople from across the UK. From original homewares to handmade cards and gifts, there’s something for everyone in this exhibition which is being staged in the shop and gallery until 25th December. More about the Joy! exhibition at New Brewery Arts
Blenheim Palace Christmas Festival
Historic Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is the backdrop for a fabulous month-long Christmas festival where visitors can take their pick of the festive fun: discover the enchanting story of Neverland as they wander through the palace’s state rooms, sample food and drink delectables and buy handmade gifts at the seasonal wooden chalets, go ice skating in the Great Court, ride on a Ferris wheel or enjoy a special Neverland afternoon tea in the gorgeous orangery restaurant. There’s also a spectacular illuminated after dark trail. The festival runs from Friday 15th November until Wednesday 1st January. More about Blenheim Palace Christmas Festival
Henry’s Apres Ski Evening
Pull on your ski suits and/or Christmas jumpers for some apres ski fun at Henry’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Cirencester when the garden will be transformed into an alpine wonderland and festive drinks will be flowing, along with ski-themed treats and music, on Saturday 30th November from 8pm to 11.30pm. More about Henry’s Apres Ski Evening
