Christmas is a special time of year in Cheltenham. Whether you are planning a Christmas break or live nearby and want to get into the Christmas spirit, you'll find our guide to the top things to do at Christmas in Cheltenham 2026 helpful, featuring a Christmas projection, magical light trails, Christmas markets and festive light performances.
Cheltenham Christmas events
The festive season officially kicks off with two Christmas launch parties...
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party
21 November, 2pm - 8.30pm
Join The Brewery Quarter as it kicks off Christmas in Cheltenham with an afternoon and evening of free festive entertainment. Enjoy appearances from Santa, The Grinch and Bluey, alongside live performances, circus acts and the return of the hugely popular Huntrix trio. From dusk, the magical town centre Christmas lights will be switched on, marking the start of the festive season in Cheltenham.
Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room
28 November, 1pm - 7pm
Head to the Christmas Lights Switch-On Extravaganza at Pittville Pump Room for festive fun, including crafts, Santa visits, face painting and seasonal treats, plus live entertainment featuring local choirs, dance performances and appearances from the cast of Cheltenham Playhouse's pantomime.
What's new this Christmas
Cheltenham Christmas projection
Municipal Offices - 3 to 16 December, 5pm - 10pm
Experience A Cheltenham Christmas: From Snow to Starlight as the iconic Municipal Offices are transformed by a free Christmas light projection. Combining festive storytelling, music and spectacular animations, the dazzling display celebrates Cheltenham's rich heritage, vibrant festivals and much-loved landmarks on the historic building's façade.
Christmas Late Night Shopping
3 & 10 December
Cheltenham's Late Night Shopping sees shops across the town centre stay open later on the first two Thursdays of December, including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Søstrene Grene and HMV. Full list of shops opening later here. Selected stores will be offering festive refreshments, including mince pies, mulled wine and prosecco, alongside competitions, special activities and appearances from festive characters. Free parking from 3pm will be available in Cheltenham Borough Council town centre car parks listed below, courtesy of Cheltenham BID.
- Bath Parade car park
- Bath Terrace car park
- Chelt Walk car park
- Commercial Street car park
- Coronation Square car park
- High Street car park
- Pittville Pump Room car park
- Rodney Road car park
- Royal Well car park
- Sherborne Place car park
- St Georges Road car park
- St James Street car park
- Town Centre East car park - The car park is locked at 8pm
- West End car park
* Free parking from 3pm applies to Cheltenham Borough Council town centre car parks only and excludes Regent Arcade car park.
Regency Roller Rink
Cheltenham Town Hall - 28 to 30 December
Head to Cheltenham Town Hall between Christmas and New Year as its Main Hall is transformed into a festive roller rink. With family-friendly skating sessions, evening skates and a dedicated SEND-friendly session, visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy music, festive fun and time on wheels during the Christmas break.
Live Christmas performances in Cheltenham
Cinderella
The Everyman Theatre - 27 November to 10 January
Watch as Cinderella sets off on a magical journey from the kitchen to the ballroom, with help from her Fairy Godmother, plenty of pantomime mischief, laugh-out-loud comedy and all the audience participation you've come to expect from the Everyman Theatre.
A Christmas Carol
Parabola Arts Centre - 10 December to 31 December
Join Ebenezer Scrooge as he's swept into a night of festive chaos by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in Parabola Arts Centre's joyful new adaptation of A Christmas Carol, packed with music, mischief and Christmas spirit.
Peter Pan the Pantomime
Cheltenham Playhouse - 11 December to 2 January
Watch as the Cheltenham Playhouse takes flight with a completely original take on Peter Pan, as Peter, Tinker Bell and a wildly unpredictable circus troupe attempt to stage a spectacular show while the ever-scheming Captain Hook lurks close behind, with music, magic, mayhem and plenty of festive fun.
The Nutcracker
Bacon Theatre - 13 December, 1pm & 3pm
The Bacon Theatre's The Nutcracker returns this Christmas as the award-winning Let's All Dance Ballet Company brings the beloved festive classic to life with fabulous dancing, gorgeous music and stunning costumes in a magical family-friendly production.
Best places to see Santa in Cheltenham
Christmas on the Farm
Cotswold Farm Park - 27 November to 23 December
Step into a magical festive world at Cotswold Farm Park, where twinkling lights, joyful characters, and heart-warming experiences bring the spirit of Christmas to life. From an unforgettable meeting with Father Christmas to hands-on creative workshops and cosy winter gatherings.
Santa Express
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway - 28 November to 23 December
Climb aboard the GWSR’s Santa Express for a festive train ride through the Cotswolds. Little ones will get to meet Santa himself and will receive presents and goodie bags with help from the elves.
Christmas Grotto
Webbs Cheltenham - 5 December to 24 December
Wander through a traditional Christmas Grotto, children can post their letters to Santa before mixing their own reindeer food to take home ready for Christmas Eve. Then it's time to see Santa in his cosy cabin to complete the magical experience before choosing a toy.
Discover more: Best places to see Santa in Cheltenham
Collage (left) horse racing image by The Jockey Club and Cheltenham Racecourse, (top right) Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle by Steve Green, (bottom right) Cheltenham Lido by S.L.Legge Photography
Festive events in and around Cheltenham
Spectacle of Light
Sudeley Castle - 20 November to 30 December
Explore the night-time beauty of Sudeley Castle and follow the amazing illuminated trail around the glorious grounds. Discover the Court of King Arthur and meet some of the characters from the ancient legend.
The Christmas Meeting
Cheltenham Racecourse - 11 to 12 December
Christmas comes early to Cheltenham with two days of top-quality racing action at the Home of Jump Racing. Alongside festive entertainment across the racecourse, under 18s can attend for free, while families can meet Santa and his live reindeer on the Saturday. Expect a lively festive atmosphere both on and off the track, making it a great day out in the run-up to Christmas.
Christmas Day Plunge
Cheltenham Lido - 25 December
An amazing opportunity to challenge yourself and take part in the lido's traditional Christmas Day Swim!
New Year's Day Racing
Cheltenham Racecourse - 1 January
There is no better way to jump into 2027 than racing on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham. Thrilling and high-quality racing action, that is sure to provide Cheltenham Festival insight, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment.
Cheltenham Christmas markets & shopping
Christmas Artisan Night Market
Pittville Pump Room - 27 November, 5pm-9pm and 29 November, 11am-4pm
Showcasing the best of the region's creative talent, Watch This Space Collective's festive market brings together independent artists, makers and designers offering handcrafted gifts, original artwork, artisan products and festive treats, making it easy to find unique Christmas presents while supporting local businesses.
The Suffolks Christmas Market
Suffolk Parade - 29 November, 11am-4pm
A fantastically popular event, guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit featuring Father Christmas, carols, children's entertainment and street food. The markets are carefully curated, featuring Arts & Crafts, Designers & Makers, Vintage and Food & Drink. The emphasis is on local, and all stall holders are independent.
Christmas Craft Market
Dunkertons - 6 December
The Christmas Artisan Craft Market brings together a curated selection of local makers selling handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, jewellery, ceramics, artisan food and more, alongside opportunities to meet the makers and enjoy seasonal treats.
Christmas Gift Market - Sainte Market
Elkstone Studios - 6 December, 10am-2pm
A creative setting to gather with friends, spend time with family, and enjoy delicious food, browse distinctive handmade pieces, and seasonal local produce, all within the inspiring surroundings of Elkstone Studios.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Promenade & Long Gardens - 10 to 23 December
Experience festive shopping by one of the leading market operators - Cotswold Markets. Promising a fantastic selection of gifts, including homeware and food & drink. The Promenade will be full of Christmas chalets for the four-day period. Pop along and enjoy a browse of the stalls with a mulled wine.
Christmas Fireworks & Market Stalls
Ellenborough Park - 18 December
Ellenborough Park's Christmas Fireworks Spectacular brings together festive market stalls, Santa's grotto, real-life reindeer, food and drink, funfair attractions and family entertainment, before lighting up the night sky with a spectacular musical fireworks finale.
Discover more: Cheltenham Christmas markets
This is just a handful of the festive things to do this season. View our Cheltenham Christmas events for full details and our guide to Christmas in Cheltenham for dining, weekend break & gift shopping inspiration.
Prefer a printable what's on guide? View a copy of our Christmas in Cheltenham leaflet or pick up a copy from the Tourist Information Centre.
FAQ
Is the Cheltenham Ice Rink returning for Christmas 2026?
There will not be a Christmas ice rink in Cheltenham in 2026 following the end of the previous operating contract. However, Cheltenham's festive programme will feature a wide range of seasonal events, attractions and entertainment throughout the Christmas season.
