Christmas Events in Cheltenham 2021

Christmas in Cheltenham 2021 is guaranteed to be a magical affair with a NEW Cheltenham Christmas Market from the 20 November to 19 December stretched along the pedestrianised Promenade, providing shoppers with lots of opportunities to pick up some unique treats, delicious eats, gifts and Christmas decorations.

Also new for this festive season is The Cheltenham Ice Skating Rink, running from 18 November to 2 January. The rink will be located in Imperial Gardens, in the heart of Regency Cheltenham reflecting the town’s historic Winter Gardens and indoor skating rink that once occupied a site in the gardens. The modern-day version, delivered by leading ice rink operator 11^th Hour, will be covered, making it Gloucestershire’s only all-weather ice rink. Tickets are now on sale. Book here.

Other  unmissable Cheltenham Christmas 2021 events include...

- Christmas Light Switch On Events - The two main light switch on events take place along Cheltenham High Street/The Promenade and The Brewery Quarter. Both are FREE events with no need to book. 

- Panto at the Everyman Theatre. This year the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk are getting ready to wow audiences! 

- The popular Spectacle of Light is returning to Sudeley Castle for it's sixth year with a brand new illuminated light trail.

- Santa will be very busy in Cheltenham this year! He'll be popping up in grotto's, on the stage, riding on a steam train with GWSR and turning on Christmas lights! Read our guide here - Best Places to See Santa in Cheltenham.

- There are two fabulous racing meets taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse, the home of Jump Racing, over the festive season - The International, Friday 10th & Saturday 11th December and of course the very popular New Years Day Racing. 

- The Suffolks 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, this is a pre Christmas event you do not want to miss!

- A Christmas Carol, a Dickens classic tale, is a magical Christmas treat for the entire family. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge, as he thaws his icy heart and changes his life forever. 

- Christmas at The Brewery Quarter will feature many magical events, special offers & seasonal themed menus to get you into the festive mood. 

Please note - Some of the most popular Cheltenham Christmas events book up very quickly. They have become a tradition for local families and attract visitors from all over the UK so don't miss out. Book today!

To help visitors find their way around the town and keep up to date with the main Christmas events, a programme has been created listing the key events and locations. The programme will be available in a variety of businesses across the town, at the ice rink box office situated beside Imperial Gardens and can be downloaded here. 

Scroll down for our Cheltenham Christmas What's On Guide ft. 50+ events! For New Year's Eve inspiration check out our Cheltenham New Year's Eve Guide.

Event organisers you can add your event for free to our what's on guide here.