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Christmas getaway in Cheltenham
This suggested itinerary is guaranteed to put you in the festive mood and will enable you to…
- Experience the best Christmas events in Cheltenham
- Discover the finest restaurants, bars and afternoon tea in Cheltenham
- Uncover some of the locals’ best kept secrets including independently run boutiques offering unique Christmas gifts and other hidden gems
For those looking for a getaway for Christmas that offers something a little different, then look no further than Cheltenham - the Cotswolds’ cosmopolitan capital of festive fun, award winning dining venues, unique boutique stores and live performances.
Suggested itinerary - Christmas getaway in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is one of the most accessible destinations in the UK. Less than an hour from both Birmingham and Bristol and only 2 hours by train from London Paddington with GWR. (Followed by a short five minute taxi drive from Cheltenham Spa train station into Cheltenham town centre).
Take advantage of this accessible location by checking into one of the town’s stylish hotels or guest houses. Unpack and then head out early for a stroll around the stalls at the Cheltenham Christmas Market, a well-earned Friday night festive dinner and celebratory drinks.
Cheltenham hotel staycation options
Cheltenham town centre luxury hotels include – Queens Hotel, No 131, Hotel Du Vin and No 38 The Park. For more ideas check out our helpful guide – Cheltenham town centre hotels.
Countryside retreats near Cheltenham – Ellenborough Park, Cowley Manor, Cleeve Hill Hotel and The Greenway Hotel & Spa. For more details check out – Country Hotels in Cheltenham.
Cool boutique hotels - The George Hotel, Spa Court by Staylets, Cotswold Grange Hotel. For more ideas check out – Cheltenham Boutique Hotels
Budget friendly town centre hotels - Holiday Inn Express, Citrus Hotel
For more inspiration check out - Christmas hotel staycation in Cheltenham
Images feature the Queens Hotel Cheltenham, decorated for Christmas
Festive dining in Cheltenham
For a guaranteed festive mood boost, treat yourself to delicious goodies at the Cheltenham Christmas Market located along the Promenade. Indulge in a giant bratwurst from the iconic German Schwenkegrill or roast pork bap, followed by Italian macaroons with a Bailey’s hot chocolate or Glühwein.
Cheltenham restaurants
Prefer to eat indoors? Cheltenham is home to many award-winning and guide book recommended restaurants. You’ll be truly spoilt for choice during your getaway for Christmas…
Treat yourself – Victoria’s, The Mahal, Memsahib Gin & Tea Bar, Brasserie Blanc
Cool but casual – MUSE Brasserie, Domaine 16, KIBOU
Great value – Bar & Wok, Bottle of Sauce, Brewhouse & Kitchen
Images feature festive afternoon tea at Ellenborough Park, Memsahib Gin & Tea Bar (a true hidden gem located on the Promenade) & fine dining at Brasserie Blanc.
After dinner drink options - Best bars in Cheltenham
Wherever you stay in Cheltenham for your Christmas getaway you’ll find plenty of bars nearby. Here are a few of our recommendations...
Cocktail bars - The Botanist, Gin & Juice, The Alchemist
Hidden gems - Memsahib Gin & Tea Bar, The Clarence Social, Imperial Haus
Cosy pubs – The Railway, Sandford Park Alehouse, Suffolk Arms
For more wining and dining inspiration check out our helpful guides…
Award winning restaurants Cheltenham
Independent restaurants in Cheltenham
Weekend entertainment – Christmas events in Cheltenham
Get ready for an action packed weekend full of festive fun! Here are some of the unmissable Christmas events in Cheltenham. All of the events below require you to pre book tickets. To avoid disappointment we recommend you plan your Christmas getaway in Cheltenham in advance of your visit, to ensure you can fit in a few of these festive activities…
Cheltenham Ice Skating Rink
New for 2021. Running daily to 2 January (excluding Christmas Day). Experience the magic of ice skating in the heart of Regency Cheltenham. The all-weather rink is located in Imperial Gardens, reflecting the town’s historic Winter Gardens and indoor skating rink that once occupied a site here. Tickets are now on sale. Book here.
Photos feature Tweedy, Gloucestershire's favourite clown and star of the Everyman Panto, spectators at the Ice Rink & festive drinks at the nearby Orangery Bar, located in Imperial Gardens.
Panto at the Everyman Theatre
An unmissable performance that attracts visitors from miles around and is guaranteed to have you roaring with laughter, no matter what you age! The all-singing, all dancing, Everyman Theatre Pantomime this year is the most gigantic show of all...Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Gloucestershire’s favourite clown (see above) – Tweedy! Running from 26 November - 9 January.
Cheltenham Christmas Light Trails
There are two main Christmas light trails near Cheltenham, they are both utterly magical and offer a unique festive after-dark experience…
Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle. Images by Steve Green
Spectacle of Light in the grounds of Sudeley Castle is now in its 6th year and has built a great reputation by both locals and visitors who now consider this their annual Christmas tradition.
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park is now in its second year and offers a festive evening strolling through the grounds of the farm and meeting some of the resident animals after hours.
Our top tip for both light trails is to wrap up warm, wear your wellies and treat yourself to a hot chocolate or mulled wine, to truly add to your experience!
Meet Santa in Cheltenham
Images feature Santa at his grotto in Skillicorne Gardens, Imperial Gardens & volunteer at the GWSR steam railway
Santa loves Cheltenham and will be popping up at various venues this festive season! Whether you decide to see him at his traditional grotto, during a live stage performance or whilst riding on a steam train with GWSR – the experience is sure to be memorable. Read our guide here - Best Places to See Santa in Cheltenham.
Cheltenham horse racing events at Christmas
There are two exciting racing meets taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse, the home of Jump Racing, over the festive season - The International taking place Friday 10 & Saturday 11 December and of course, New Year’s Day Racing which is very popular with families.
Cheltenham Christmas Markets
Strolling around a Christmas market is guaranteed to give you a warm fuzzy feeling. Whether it's from talking to the local stall holders or from sipping on the mulled wine as you browse the festive stalls, there are several markets to choose from. The main Cheltenham Christmas Market with traditional wooden stalls, is located along the Promenade in the town centre. Running daily until 19 December. Offering shoppers the opportunity to pick up unique treats, gifts and Christmas decorations.
Other Christmas markets in Cheltenham include - Cheltenham Craft Market, the Farmers Market and new for this year, the Artisan Market at Pittville Pump Room.
Live Christmas performances in Cheltenham
Images feature Everyman Theatre on Regent Street, the cast of this years panto and Cheltenham Town Hall, a live performance venue.
Cheltenham is lucky to have three theatres and several other live performance venues, including the Cheltenham Town Hall. All are offering some festive classics this year including the traditional Dickens tale - A Christmas Carol and Hansel and Gretel at the Everyman Theatre; Fairytale of New York and the Snowman with live orchestra at the Cheltenham Town Hall; A Swingin' and Rockin' Christmas and Christmas at Toad Hall at the Cheltenham Playhouse and Santa's Best Ever Christmas at the Bacon Theatre.
Historical tour of Cheltenham
Images feature Sean from Around Cheltenham Walks and Tours
Want to combine your Christmas getaway with the opportunity to learn about the history of Regency Cheltenham? There are several blue badge tour guides who offer fascinating insights into our spa town, including Around Cheltenham Walks & Tours who are currently offering a Christmas tour, sharing Cheltonian Christmas stories and insights into Christmas customs. Also Anne Bartlett, who offers both walking and coach tours for groups and individuals.
Above we have featured just a highlight of the festive events taking place. For lots more inspiration check out our helpful guide - Cheltenham Christmas Events.
Festive afternoon tea Cheltenham
Images feature afternoon tea at the Ellenborough Park. A truly special way to celebrate the festive season with family or friends
Dining is a huge part of the build up to Christmas and there is simply no better way to indulge than with delicious sandwiches, freshly made scones and delicate cakes! Afternoon tea in Cheltenham is an indulgent affair and especially so at Christmas time.
Town centre afternoon tea in Cheltenham options – Dukes Tea Room at the Queens Hotel, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, No 131, Regency Tea Rooms.
Country venues offering festive afternoon tea in Cheltenham – Ellenborough Park, Cowley Manor, The Greenway Hotel.
For more inspiration check out our helpful guide – Afternoon tea in Cheltenham.
Christmas shopping in Cheltenham
Images feature shoppers on the Promenade and a few of the boutiques in Regency buildings, Montpellier
In between indulging in delicious food and enjoying Cheltenham’s many Christmas events, make time for some Christmas shopping.
Cheltenham offers traditional shopping streets, many housed in gorgeous Regency buildings, combining the High Street brands you know and love including John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer’s, with fantastic independent retailers who offer unique products, you truly won't find anywhere else.
We thoroughly recommend every Christmas shopping trip to Cheltenham should include a visit to these shopping districts - The Promenade, Montpellier, The Suffolks, Tivoli and Bath Road.
For more inspiration check out our helpful guides –
Christmas hotel staycation in Cheltenham
