Festive dining in Cheltenham: where to enjoy Christmas meals, parties and seasonal treats

Whether you're planning a festive catch-up with friends, organising the annual office Christmas party, or looking for somewhere special to celebrate with family, Cheltenham has plenty of tempting dining options this Christmas.

From elegant Regency hotels and stylish private dining spaces to exciting new restaurants and family-friendly favourites, there are festive menus and seasonal experiences to suit every occasion and budget. With many venues releasing special Christmas menus and events, early booking is recommended, particularly for weekends and larger groups.

Festive dining at Cheltenham hotels

For those looking to combine seasonal dining with elegant surroundings, Cheltenham's hotels offer everything from traditional Christmas lunches to afternoon teas and private festive gatherings.

Queens Hotel Cheltenham

Celebrate the season overlooking the Imperial Gardens at one of Cheltenham's most iconic hotels.

Festive lunches are served in Victoria's Restaurant from 30 November, priced from £45 per person, while festive dinners are available in both Victoria's Restaurant and Duke's Tea Room from £65 per person. Guests can also enjoy a festive afternoon tea from £35 per person.

Best for: A traditional Christmas dining experience in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, with views across the spectacular Imperial Gardens and an elegant festive atmosphere.

Find out more: Queens Hotel Christmas celebrations

No.131 Cheltenham

For everything from intimate festive drinks to exclusive Christmas parties, No.131 offers a variety of stylish spaces across the property.

Groups can enjoy private celebrations at The House, while smaller gatherings can settle into Gin & Juice for cocktails, oysters and seasonal dining. The variety of spaces makes it a flexible choice throughout the festive season.

Best for: Private celebrations and larger group gatherings, alongside stylish festive drinks and dining for smaller parties.

Find out more: Christmas at No.131

No.38 The Park

Set on the edge of Pittville Park, this boutique Georgian townhouse provides a relaxed yet refined setting for festive celebrations.

Its three-course Christmas feast menu starts from £57 per person and includes festive favourites such as traditional turkey with all the trimmings alongside dishes including pan-roasted seabream and creamed celeriac.

Best for: A quieter festive meal in elegant surroundings just beyond the town centre.

Find out more: Christmas at No.38 The Park

More festive hotel dining in Cheltenham

Many other local hotels welcome diners across the festive season. Discover more festive dining options at Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin both located in Cheltenham town centre and Cowley Manor, Ellenborough Park and The Greenway Hotel located a short drive away.

Best festive dining for couples

If you're planning a Christmas date night, celebrating an anniversary or simply looking for somewhere special to enjoy a festive meal together, Cheltenham has no shortage of restaurants that make an occasion feel memorable.

Prithvi

Consistently recognised as one of Cheltenham's leading restaurants, Prithvi combines exceptional ingredients, refined presentation and attentive service to create a truly special dining experience.

Best for: Date nights, anniversary celebrations and food lovers looking for a memorable festive meal.

Our tip: Book an evening tasting menu, £95 for a five-course tasting menu, £110 for a 7-course, and let the chefs guide you through the experience. If you're hosting at home over Christmas, Prithvi@Home also offers a way to enjoy the restaurant's signature flavours during the festive season. 

Find out more: Prithvi Restaurant

Savoy Di Roma

For a romantic festive meal with a touch of Italian glamour, Savoy Di Roma's Christmas menu offers plenty of dishes designed for lingering over dinner together. Festive menus are available from £44.90 for two courses or £49.90 for three courses.

Best for: Couples who enjoy classic Italian hospitality and indulgent festive dining.

Our tip: Share the tableside Carbonara di Roma, prepared in a Pecorino cheese wheel, or opt for the Branzino, a seabass fillet served with a saffron and champagne sauce. Traditionalists may prefer the Tacchino alla Saltimbocca, featuring turkey wrapped in Parma ham with sage and onion stuffing. Finish with the theatrical Tiramisu Experience for two. 

Find out more: Savoy Di Roma festive menu

The Tivoli

A long-standing Montpellier favourite, The Tivoli combines a lively atmosphere with seasonal dishes and cosy interiors, making it a great choice for a festive meal before Christmas shopping or an evening out.

Christmas menu is available from £32 for two courses or £38 for three courses. 

Best for: Relaxed festive dining in one of Cheltenham's most popular neighbourhoods.

Our tip: Start with the smoked trout with pickled cucumber and dill aioli, followed by the turkey ballotine with pork and sage stuffing or pork belly with dauphinoise potatoes and blackberry jus. For dessert, the festive Bakewell tart served with brandy custard makes the perfect seasonal finish. 

Find out more: The Tivoli festive menu

Best places for a festive night out with friends

Whether it's a reunion with old friends or the annual Christmas get-together, these venues combine good food, drinks and entertainment for a memorable festive night out.

Flight Club Cheltenham

Flight Club in The Brewery Quarter has fully embraced the festive season, with tinsel, baubles, seasonal cocktails and sharing plates designed for groups.

Expect festive favourites including crispy brie bites with cranberry BBQ dip, pigs in blankets, pulled turkey and cranberry sliders, and miniature festive desserts, all served alongside the venue's signature social darts experience.

Best for: Work Christmas parties, friendship groups and anyone looking for an activity-led festive celebration.

Our tip: Book a private oche for the full experience and enjoy seasonal food and drinks between rounds of social darts.

Find out more: Christmas at Flight Club

Clavell & Hind

Located just outside Cheltenham in neighbouring Gloucester, Clavell & Hind has quickly developed a reputation for its sociable atmosphere, inventive small plates, Sunday roasts and excellent drinks offering. The industrial-style setting creates a lively backdrop for festive get-togethers, whether you're catching up with friends or planning a Christmas night out.

The seasonal menus focus on bold flavours and dishes designed for sharing, with diners able to mix and match plates while sampling wines, cocktails and craft beers throughout the evening.

Best for: Groups of friends who enjoy sharing plates, great drinks and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.

Our tip: Order a selection of small plates for the table and settle in for the evening. The combination of inventive cooking, good music and a buzzing dining room makes this one of the most enjoyable group dining experiences in the area.

Find out more: Clavell & Hind

Dunkertons Cider

A short drive from Cheltenham town centre, Dunkertons Park has become one of the Cotswolds' most popular social destinations, bringing together award-winning cider, street food, live music and a consistently vibrant atmosphere.

During the festive season, groups can enjoy a range of food options from the on-site kitchens, with favourites including flavour-packed burgers from The Woozy Pig, loaded fries and seasonal specials, all served alongside Dunkertons' award-winning organic ciders.

Best for: Casual festive gatherings, larger friendship groups and anyone looking for a lively alternative to a traditional Christmas dinner.

Our tip: Arrive early, grab a cider flight and sample dishes from multiple food vendors. With regular live music, events, plenty of seating and a fun, informal atmosphere, it's an excellent choice for a relaxed Christmas celebration with friends.

Find out more: Food at Dunkertons