As the festivities near, it’s time to think about which events you might want to book for Christmas in Gloucestershire this year. With so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide what to book. Here’s my round up of some of the best Christmas events in Cheltenham, Gloucester and beyond.
Let There Be Light – Christmas Lights.
First up in the Gloucestershire Christmas calendar are the multiple light switch-ons. Due to COVID, things may look slightly different to what they have in the past but there will still be plenty of chance to see our Cotswolds towns illuminated.
Cheltenham Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 20 November 2021, 2-7pm
It’s time to light to lights in Cheltenham town centre this weekend and this year, it will look slightly different. Whilst there won’t be a parade this year, families can meet multiple magical characters throughout the town centre. As dusk falls, be sure to look up as the lights get switched on across the town. If you’re in town, be sure to check out one of the many brilliant coffee spots, some of which I’ve written about here.
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Switch On Party
Saturday 20 November 2021, 4-7pm
If you’ve met all of the characters in Cheltenham town centre, then head over to The Brewery where there will be multiple performances ahead of the lights being switched on. Acts performing include a choir from Lakeside Primary School, dancers from Danceworks Studios, a performance by the children from My Stage School among others. There’ll even be an opportunity to spot Father Christmas just before the lights go on at around 6:30pm.
Gloucester Christmas Lights Switch On and Lantern Procession
Sunday 21 November 2021, 4:45-5:30pm.
As part of the Bright Nights programme, Gloucester will be hosting a stunning lantern procession starting on Southgate Street before the Christmas lights are switched on. Local artists and schoolchildren have been working on a series of lanterns on the theme of “Loving Our Planet,” highlighting the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment. Father Christmas is leading the procession as it travels through the city centre.
But Wait… There’s Myrrh – Christmas Shopping
Whilst many people will look to shop online again this year, there are plenty of chances to shop small at some of the Christmas markets taking place across the country.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
20 Nov – 19 Dec, Cheltenham Promenade
Enjoy one of the biggest Christmas markets Cheltenham has ever seen. The festive stalls will be set up along the beautiful Promenade area in Cheltenham. Whether you want to buy festive decorations, delicious food and drink, or unique gifts, there’s plenty of choice for everyone.
The Suffolks Christmas Market
28 November, 11am-5pm
A Cheltenham favourite, the Suffolks Market is back for a festive edition complete with Father Christmas and carol singing. You can find the festive stalls between Suffolk Parade and Montpellier Terrace, as well as the brilliant independent stores and restaurants in the area.
Festive Orchard Street Markets, Gloucester Quays
Every weekend from 6-7 Nov to 18-19 Dec 2021.
Orchard Street market will be on every weekend at the Quays sampling the best local makers, bakers and artisans.
Ice, Ice Baby – Christmas Ice Rinks
For the first time, there will be multiple ice rinks to enjoy this Christmas in Gloucestershire. Be sure to make the most of this opportunity to really get in the festive spirit.
Cheltenham Ice Rink, Imperial Gardens
18 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022
Set in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, this ice rink will be the county’s only covered rink this Christmas, ensuring you can enjoy it no matter the weather. Tickets can be booked on the VisitCheltenham website and start at £9.50 for adults and £8 for children. Family tickets are also available.
Gloucester Quays Ice Rink
25 Nov 2021 – 3 Jan 2022
Branded “the Quay to a wonderful Christmas”, Gloucestershire’s other ice rink will be set up for another year at Gloucester Quays. The Quays’ offering is open-air but promises fun for all the family (ages 3+). Tickets start at £9.50 for adults, £8.50 for juniors (11-16) and £7.70 for children (3-10). Family tickets are also available. All tickets can be booked on the Gloucester Quays website.
Oh Yes It Is, it’s Panto Season! – Christmas Theatre
Whether you want to see a traditional pantomime or enjoy one of the other theatrical offerings this Christmas in Gloucestershire, there is plenty of choice.
Jack and The Beanstalk, The Everyman
26 Nov 2021 – 9 Jan 2022
I love the Everyman and we always look forward to its’ brilliant panto. The Everyman’s much-loved panto is back and bigger than ever. In fact you might even say it’s gigantic! Jack and The Beanstalk is sure to be a huge success and with an all-singing, all-dancing cast including everyone’s favourite clown, Tweedy. Make sure you book your tickets soon as they’re selling fast. Tickets range from £5-£34 and can be booked on the Everyman website.
Hansel & Gretel, Irving Studio at The Everyman
24 Nov – 31 Dec 2021
A festive take on the classic fairy tale, perfect for younger audience members who aren’t ready for the main house panto. Tickets are £8.50 and can be booked on the Everyman website. The Irving Studio frequently hosts brilliant shows for younger children. We really enjoyed The Owl and the Pussycat a few years ago and I’m sure this take on Hansel & Gretel will be just as impressive.
The Christmas Carol, Irving Studio at The Everyman
1 Dec – 31 Dec 2021
Christmas in the perfect opportunity to enjoy this timeless classic. The Everyman Theatre presents The Christmas Carol, reimagined by Box Tale Soup featuring magical puppetry and all original music. Tickets are £11.50 for adults and £10 for concessions. Reserve your tickets now on the Everyman website.
The Snowman with Live Orchestra, Cheltenham Town Hall
23 Dec 2021
If you’re looking for something totally different from a production this year, this may be just the thing. Cheltenham Town Hall will be showing the Christmas classic, The Snowman, on the big screen whilst it is accompanied by the Mozart Symphony Orchestra playing live. Tickets are priced £10-30 and can be purchased on the Town Hall website.
The Final Sleigh – Outdoor Christmas Experiences
If you’re looking to experience the festive magic in all its wonder this Christmas in Gloucestershire, there are several options for wonderful light displays/trails that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Not to mention, several of them have a chance to meet the big man himself – Father Christmas.
Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle
26 Nov – 30 Dec 2021
Explore the beautiful new illuminated trail and experience the night-time magic of Sudeley Castle and its stunning grounds, now in its 6th year. Be sure to wrap up warm for this outdoor event! This is arguably one of the best events in Gloucestershire at Christmas and tickets do sell quickly. Prices start from £9.90 for children and £19.80 for adults. Family tickets are also available and can be booked via The Everyman website.
Enchanted Light Trail, Cotswold Farm Park
27 Nov – 31 Dec 2021
See the famous Cotswold Farm Park in a whole new light as you follow the enchanted light trail around the farm. A unique opportunity to see the farm at night, the set trail will also have crackling fires, hot chocolate and marshmallows, and a chance to do a spot of Christmas shopping in the festive shop. Tickets start from £8.55-£13.05 depending on the age of your child with adult tickets starting from £17.55. It’s essential to book tickets ahead of time on the Cotswold Farm Park website.
Christmas at Cattle Country
4 Dec – 23 Dec 2021
Book to enjoy the much-loved Cattle Country at Christmas and have all your festive activities included in your ticket price. Some of the activities include decorating gingerbread with Mrs Claus, meeting Father Christmas in his grotto, visiting the Elves’ workshop, toasting marshmallows, finding the reindeer on the reindeer trail. Tickets start at £13 for adults, £16.50 for toddlers and £18.50 for children. You can book on the Cattle Country website here.
Enchanted Christmas – Search for the Lost Reindeer, Westonbirt Arboretum.
Selected dates from 26 Nov – 21 Dec
Westonbirt is a firm favourite in our house and especially at Christmas. This year, families can help Father Christmas in his search for his lost reindeer. If you can reunite Father Christmas with his lost reindeer, you might even get a glimpse of Father Christmas himself! Your exciting adventure will take you through a trail allowing you to enjoy magical light displays in the gorgeous arboretum. You can buy tickets on the Westonbirt website. Children’s tickets cost £9 and adults’ tickets cost £18. Concessions/memberships are also available.
Santa’s coming to Slimbridge
11, 12, 18, 19 Dec 2021
Book in for all-day breakfast at the Kingfisher Kitchen restaurant and have Santa make an appearance during your meal. Then enjoy the wonder of Slimbridge – over 100 acres of wetland reserve. Admission is free to the WWT reserve for members but this event costs £14.95 for members. If you’re not a member, you can still enjoy this festive experience with tickets starting at £14.95 for children and £22 for adults. Reserve your tickets on the Slimbridge website.
