20 unmissable events to look forward to this Christmas in Cheltenham

Christmas is guaranteed to be an extra special one in Cheltenham with magical festive characters, trails, markets and over 70+ Christmas events all to look forward to. 

We have rounded up 20 of the best, must-see activities and events happening around Cheltenham to get in your diary this festive period, read on for the lowdown...

Cheltenham Christmas events

Christmas is all about the show-stopping events! 

Cheltenham Christmas Launch by Cheltenham BID

Cheltenham Town Centre, 19 November, 5pm – 7pm

Christmas is officially launched in Cheltenham on the 19 November, as presents unwrap themselves to have a party in Cheltenham town centre.

Featuring local choirs and charming Christmas characters, from Toy Soldiers to singing Sugar Mice you are guaranteed to get in the festive spirit, with fantastic 15-minute shows full of singing, dancing, music and charming banter. The performance will ‘pop up’ and ‘pop back down again’ bringing a brilliantly fun moment of Christmas magic.

Locations of free performances 

Cheltenham High Street at Cambray Place - 5pm

Pedestrianised Promenade near House of Fraser - 5pm

Imperial Gardens - 6.30pm

High Street near M & S - 6.30pm

Please note - There will be no official Christmas light switch on this year. Instead as dusk falls thousands of twinkling Christmas lights will come on throughout the town centre.

The Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party

The Brewery Quarter, 19 November, 3pm – 7pm

As if the 19 November wasn’t already jam-packed enough, The Brewery Quarters' annual Christmas party will also take place.

Although this year won’t feature an official light switch-on, you can expect the usual party atmosphere, with a great variety of live music, local community performers, dance and snow.

Acts include My Stage School, Thomas Trilby, Danceworks Studios, and even Father Christmas himself. Who will join presenter Craig Wright on the stage at various points throughout the show.

The Everyman Pantomime 

Everyman Theatre, 25 November to 8 January

Tweedy the Clown is back in the Everyman Theatre's purr-fect pantomime adventure. With spectacular sets and singalongs, a star-studded cast and gags aplenty set to transport audiences to the streets of old London town.

Join Gloucestershire's hometown hero as he ventures to London to seek fame, fortune and happiness in a magical rags-to-riches tale. Accompanied by his sidesplittingly silly feline sidekick Tweedy. 

Can the magical fairy help Dick defeat King Rat and win the hand of the fair maiden? You’ll have to book to find out. 

Cheltenham Christmas Wine Festival

Pittville Pump Room, 25 November, 6.30pm – 9.30pm

After a two-year hiatus, Tivoli Wines are back with their festive Christmas wine festival! Both Old World and New World, you'll be able to taste over 150 still and sparkling wines, plus a selection of spirits too.

Sample a range of wines from famous regions as well as those hidden gems from across the globe. From Champagne and English Sparkling to Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Whether you're looking to find those perfect bottles for the festive season ahead, or simply discover some new favourites, there'll be something for everyone. 

Pittville Pump Room Switch On

Pittville Pump Room, 26 November, 10am – 7pm

Join the Cheltenham Trust team at Pittville Pump Room as they switch on their Christmas lights.

Enjoy a day full of festive fun with live music, dance and choirs, a Christmas artisan gifts market; festive food in the Heritage Deco Café Orangery, drinks in the dedicated food fair and a visit from Father Christmas on his sleigh.

Younger visitors will be captivated by Disney’s Frozen characters, Queen Elsa of Arendelle, Princess Anna, and everyone’s favourite snowman, Olaf. While adults can enjoy hot mulled wine as they peruse the artisan market. 

The International

Cheltenham Racecourse, 9 and 10 December

Christmas comes early to Cheltenham with one of the greatest gifts of them all: two days of quality racing action at the Home of Jump Racing for The International.

Racing fans can expect an overseas flare in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, and more top-quality action in the shape of the Unibet Handicap Steeple Chase, Unibet International Hurdle and The International Gold Cup. This two-day race meeting is a highlight of the Christmas racing calendar.

With the festive season entering the home straight, Cheltenham regulars rarely leave the racecourse without a spring in their step from The International meeting. Of course, if you miss the race meeting in November there is always New Year's Day Racing to look forward to!

Christmas activities in Cheltenham

Fantastical light trails, competitions, games and a trip to see Santa. Cheltenham will play host to a bumper programme of seasonal activities this Christmas…

Nutcracker Christmas Trail

Cheltenham Town Centre, 19 November to 30 December 

New for this year. Cheltenham BID will bring a special Nutcracker Christmas Trail to Cheltenham town centre, from Christmas Launch Day, Saturday 19 November, daily until Friday 30 December.

Take the kiddies out to find the 10 Nutcracker Kings marked on the trail sheet map and fill out the sheet for each one, before posting it into Santa's postbox (marked on the map with a star).

All of Santa’s post will then be entered into a draw to win a £100 Cheltenham gift card! What could be better than that?

Santa Experiences with GWSR

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, 11 November to 22 December

Recreate the magic of the polar express as you travel by train from Cheltenham Racecourse to the North Pole to meet Santa and his elves in their workshop.

Walk through a Christmas wonderland to see Santa’s sleigh and visit the man himself in his grotto.

With complimentary hot mince pies, hot and cold drinks, biscuits and a quality present from Santa for the children this is a Christmas experience not to be missed.

Enchanted Light Trail

Cotswold Farm Park, 25 November to 31 December

Cotswold Farm Park’s mystical Enchanted Light Trail returns for another year this Christmas from Friday 25 November.

The new Enchanted Light Trail story, ‘Through the Wardrobe’, will see the park grounds transformed into a land of snow and ice, with barns, paddocks and woodland illuminated with twinkling lights. Meet the friendly fawn and feed the farm’s animals before bedtime, making magical memories for your little ones. 

The new storyline also features a Winter Ball in which visitors will be invited to dance, play and pay a visit to The Ice Queen’s Lair. Featuring mysterious creatures, and the opportunity to capture a magical family photo amongst a glorious banquet!

Early bird offer; redeem 10% off tickets with code WARDROBE (until 24th November at midnight).

Santa’s Grotto at John Lewis

John Lewis & Partners, 10, 11 and 17 December

Santa and his favourite elf are taking a hard-earned break. So pull up a chair and join them for a heart-warming cup of cocoa, a tasty festive biscuit and fun festive activities. Children will also be treated to a special Lego gift courtesy of Santa.

Spectacle of Light

Sudeley Castle & Gardens, 25 November to 30 December

Explore the new illuminated night-time trail around Sudeley Castle’s beautiful grounds and enchanted woodland.

Gaze at the sparkling water features, light beams and lanterns all while marvelling at the stunning ruins lit under the stars. The trail will be accompanied by wonderful music throughout, creating an immersive experience as you discover each new secret of this romantic environment.

Explorers can sip festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate as they follow the castle trails, and tuck into simple takeaway hot food and delicious doughnuts from the Castle Terrace. 

Festive Crafts at The Wilson

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, 3 to 24 December

This December, children can experience the magic of Christmas with Santa’s Head Elf. Creating a variety of Christmas crafts in Santa’s workshop.

Your kids will be transported to a cosy corner of the North Pole as they make a wooden bauble decoration, cut and build a moving flying reindeer, design and dress a Christmas fairy, and stamp a set of Christmas cards.

Children can also have their photograph taken with the Head Elf, as she gives all the children a small gift to thank them for their visit.

Father Christmas’s Naughty or Nice Machine

Regent Arcade, 26 and 27 November, 11am – 4pm

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Now is your chance to know for certain as Father Christmas’ Naughty or Nice Machine is installed in The Regent Arcade.

Bring the whole family along or make a quick pit-stop yourself in between gift shopping. Meet Santa’s elves and step in front of his magical machine to find out if you’ll be reiving a stocking full of presents, or a sock full of coal this Christmas day.  

Cheltenham Christmas markets and shopping opportunities

This year, there isn’t just one Christmas Market to look forward to, there’s a whole heap of them! The main Cheltenham Christmas Market takes place the 8 - 24 December with lots of smaller markets and festive fairs to enjoy in the run up to…

Christmas Craft Market

The Promenade, 19 and 20 November

Up first is the Cheltenham Christmas Craft Market, taking place on the 19 and 20 November, alongside the official launch of Christmas in Cheltenham!

Shoppers can look forward to stalls full of unique Christmas gifts, homeware and handmade goods by local producers, craftspeople and artisans from jewellery to glasswork and woodcraft to original art prints. 

The green and white striped pop-up stall will be lined outside Cavendish House (House of Fraser) along The Promenade and in the Long Gardens. 

Christmas Craft Festival

Cheltenham Town Hall, 26 and 27 November, 10am – 5pm

The Craft Festival returns to the Town Hall for its first pre-Christmas show in Cheltenham, with 100 of the finest designer-makers from across the UK. 

Attendees can meet makers of handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, and furniture plus a full programme of bookable workshops, demonstrations, and free family-friendly activities.

If you are gift-giving this Christmas, Craft Festival Cheltenham allows you to meet and buy from the finest independent businesses. Where everything is made with passion and built to last. 

Suffolks Christmas Market

Suffolk Road, 27 November, 11am – 5pm

Following closely behind the Christmas Craft Market is the Suffolks Christmas Market. Set amongst the quirky terraces of Georgian and Victorian townhouses, this year’s market promises to be a special one with stalls, Christmas carols, children’s entertainment and delicious street food. 

Organised by The Suffolks Traders Association, the market is carefully curated, featuring arts & crafts, designers & makers, vintage and food & drink.

Mince Pies and Mulled Wine in Montpellier

Montpellier Courtyard, 1 December, 5pm onwards 

Get into the Christmassy spirit with this special festive evening hosted by the Cheltenham BID.

Enjoy mince pies and mulled wine, as well as live, festive musical entertainment while you shop at the Courtyard’s many independent boutique stores and art galleries, which will remain open until late. 

Pick out the perfect presents for your loved ones before relaxing in one of Montpellier's many bars and restaurants with a delicious festive meal and a drink (or two!) 

Cheltenham Pop-up Christmas Market

The Promenade, 2 to 4 December

Popping up along the Promenade from the 2 to 4 December is this quaint pop-up Christmas Market, brought to us by Cheltenham BID.

Shoppers can browse pop-up gazebo stalls, made up of local independent traders selling food and drink crafts and gifts. 

Set against the backdrop of elegant Regency buildings, the market promises to evoke a sense of provincial market towns.

Cheltenham Christmas Market

The Promenade & Long Garden, 8 to 23 December

It’s the big one! The Cheltenham BID welcomes you to experience festive shopping at the NEW Cheltenham Christmas Market, running daily from Thursday 8 December to Friday 23 December.  

Organised by one of the UK's leading market operators, Cotswold Markets, the Christmas Market might look a little different than you remember it! With around 80 market stalls, operated by carefully selected sellers, to browse to your heart’s content.  

The market will run along the pedestrianised Promenade and Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Office, providing shoppers with lots of opportunities to pick up unique gifts, Christmas decorations and delicious festive goodies.

Of course, these are only a few of our top picks for things to do this Christmas in Cheltenham. There is lots more to see and do! Check out our dedicated Cheltenham Christmas page for all the information you need to make the most of the festive period.