Free parking for late-night Christmas shopping & dining in Cheltenham

Shoppers can enjoy free parking at two town centre car parks when they visit Cheltenham for late night shopping and dining in the run up to Christmas.

The council is supporting shopping locally, offering free parking in two of its public car parks each Thursday from 1 December to Thursday 22 December.

Parking will be free of charge after 5pm at the multi storey Town Centre East and open surface Chelt Walk car parks.

A few Cheltenham town centre retailers are open later on a Thursday (see list below) and and this Thursday, 1 December sees Montpellier play host to a festive event by Cheltenham BID with mulled wine, mince pies, late night shopping and free festive musical entertainment.

Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said: “Local shopkeepers have asked what we could do to support the local economy this Christmas and it’s only right that we do what we can to help. This limited free parking offer will coincide with plenty of fun activities during the Christmas shopping period.

“I hope visitors to the town centre will also support our local hospitality industry by popping in for food and drink at local pubs, bars and cafes.’’

Belinda Hunt, operations manager at Cheltenham BID, continued: “Christmas is such an import time of the year for the retail and hospitality sector, and everyone is feeling the squeeze right now. We anticipate that a lot of people will be happy to take advantage of this offer and come and support the local businesses.”

For more details on Christmas in Cheltenham visit: www.visitcheltenham.com/christmas and for information about alternative transport options to the town centre, including parking, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/parking.

Christmas late night shopping in Cheltenham

A few of the stores opening until late on Thursdays...

Thursday 1 December - Some Montpellier independent stores for a festive evening from 5pm until approximately 8pm

John Lewis Cheltenham open until 7pm every Thursday. See store opening hours here. 

Boots on the High Street, Cheltenham open until 8pm on Thursday 15 December & 22 December -  See store opening times here.

Regent Arcade Cheltenham open until 8pm every Thursday in December. See festive store opening times here. 

**Please note Cheltenham Christmas Market on the Promenade and Long Gardens is only open until 5pm. (Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm).