A sparkling new Christmas light projection show, festive markets, family-friendly pantomimes and world-class horse racing are among the highlights of Cheltenham’s Christmas celebrations.
Collage (top left) Municipal Offices Christmas projection show, (bottom left) Pittville Pump Room, (right) Santa at The Brewery Quarter.
Cheltenham is set to sparkle this Christmas, with more than 90 festive events bringing the Regency town to life including charming festive markets, family-friendly days-out, late-night shopping and a spectacular new Christmas light projection illuminating one of its most iconic landmarks.
At the heart of the celebrations is a dazzling new Christmas projection, illuminating the town’s Grade-II listed Municipal Offices from the 3rd to 16th of December, every night from 5pm – 10pm. ‘A Cheltenham Christmas – From Snow to Starlight’ will transform the historic building with a captivating light and audio display celebrating the town’s rich spa heritage, Regency architecture, world-renowned festivals, home to GCHQ, famous horse racing and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Created in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, Visit Cheltenham and leading local film production company, Evenlode Films and Productions, the family-friendly installation brings together the town’s past and present in a sparkling new festive spectacle.
Collage (left) Christmas markets on The Promenade, (top right) Santa Express at GWSR, image by Jack Boskett, (bottom right) horse racing at Cheltenham Racecourse, image by The Jockey Club and Cheltenham Racecourse.
Speaking about her inspiration behind the projections, Catherine Mountain, Co-Owner of Evenlode Films and Productions, said, “My inspiration for the projection comes from everything that makes Cheltenham unique. Its festivals, history, music, its beautiful Regency architecture and the many different strands of character that make the town so special. Ever since we produced, ‘They Are Remembered’, I’ve wanted to return to the Municipal Offices and create something completely different, something uplifting, visually exciting, celebrating Cheltenham in a spectacular way through animation designed around the building itself.
“This is believed to be the only free Christmas projection-mapping show in the Cotswolds area this year, with spectacular animation mapped to the architecture and some original music. We're creating something truly special for the whole family, and I hope it brings people from far and wide to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Cheltenham.”
Cheltenham’s festive fun begins with the annual Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party, Saturday 21st November from 2pm – 8.30pm where families of all ages can enjoy local choirs, dance groups, visits from Father Christmas, panto characters, The Grinch, Bluey, Huntrix Tribute act, silent disco and plenty of festive surprises.
The celebrations continue at Pittville Pump Room for the annual Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 28th November, with a magical afternoon of live music, family entertainment and Christmas characters kicking off the season in style. On Friday 27th and Sunday 29th November the venue will also host an artisan Christmas market with gifts, crafts and artisan products on sale from local makers and producers.
Set on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham offers plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy late-night shopping (3rd & 10th December), browse independent boutiques and festive shop windows in Montpellier, or warm up in one of the towns cafes and bars with a hot drink and seasonal bite. Soak up the seasonal atmosphere at the much-loved Cheltenham Christmas Markets, which returns to The Promenade from the 10th to 23rd of December with forty wooden chalets selling unique gifts, seasonal treats, handcrafted presents and hot festive food and mulled wine.
For a family festive day out, climb aboard the GWSR Santa Express for a magical journey through the Cotswolds, and take a trip to the Everyman Theatre and The Playhouse for this year’s pantomimes, Cinderella and Peter Pan. The world-famous Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, 11th & 12th December, with Santa and his reindeer visiting on the Saturday, brings even more excitement to the packed festive calendar.
Collage (top left) Christmas launch at The Brewery Quarter, (bottom left) Peter Pan cast outside Cheltenham Playhouse, (right) Everyman Theatre stage.
Speaking about the town’s festive programme, Lisa Kowalkowski, Destination Marketing Manager for Visit Cheltenham said, “We are very lucky in Cheltenham to have such an iconic setting for Christmas celebrations, and this year we're delighted to unveil something truly special. Our new Christmas projection will be a spectacular addition to the festive programme, bringing one of Cheltenham's most recognisable buildings to life through light, animation and music. Combined with our Christmas markets, festive events, live seasonal performances and vibrant town centre, it's the perfect reason to plan a visit and experience the magic of Cheltenham this Christmas."
Here are some of Cheltenham’s Christmas highlights to add to your festive calendar:
• The Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party, 21st November, 2pm – 8.30pm
• Cinderella at the Everyman Theatre, *27th November to 10th January
• Pittville Pump Room Christmas Lights Switch-On, 28th November from 1pm
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express, *28th November to 23rd December
• NEW for 2026 - Late Night Shopping in Cheltenham, 3rd and 10th of December
• NEW for 2026 - Cheltenham Christmas Projection, Municipal Offices, 3rd to 16th of December
• Cheltenham Christmas Market, The Promenade, 10th to 23rd of December
• Peter Pan at The Cheltenham Playhouse, *11th of December to 2nd of January 2027
• The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, 11th to 12th of December
• Christmas Day Swim at Cheltenham Lido, 25th December
• NEW for 2026 – Regency Roller Rink at Cheltenham Town Hall, 28th – 30th December
• New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse, 1st January 2027
*On selected nights
Discover more festive events in our Christmas events guide 2026.
