Christmas in the Cotswolds
Visiting the Cotswolds at Christmas is like stepping into a greetings card. Adorable stone cottages have a scattering of snow, twinkling fairy lights sparkle down historic village streets and markets pop up selling traditional Christmas gifts. It really is the most magical time of the year, and even though it’s only September, we secretly can’t wait!
The Cotswolds are beautiful at any time of the year, even if we do say so ourselves, but there is something extra special about the festive period. Put down your pumpkin spice latte and forget about jumping in crunchy leaves and join us for bobble hats, hot chocolates and a snowball fight as we take you through our favourite things to do in the Cotswolds at Christmas.
Picturesque Villages and Snowy Scenes
When a sprinkling of snow covers the Cotswolds it is a spectacular event. Grab your camera and wrap up warm to get some of the best photos of this area. Bourton-on-the-Water really goes to town at this time of year with a decorated tree sitting in the middle of the River Windrush which flows through its heart. Lights twinkle on the historic buildings and a feeling of merriment is in the air. Arlington Row in Bibury is also well worth a visit in winter. A popular spot in summer it can be hard to see through the crowds of tourists, but in the cooler months these do die down. Snap a couple of undisturbed photos of the most easily recognisable part of the Cotswolds.
We also recommend making the most of the crisp mornings to crunch through any fresh snow on a country walk. The villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are particularly beautiful and are joined by a leisurely riverside walk. Your peaceful surroundings will be disturbed with nothing but the sounds of nature as you get your day off to a jolly start.
Holiday houses nearby:
Shop the Festive Stalls
Immerse yourselves in the festive spirit at one of the fantastic Christmas markets that pop up in the Cotswolds. A long-standing favourite is the market at Blenheim Palace set in the Great Court where you have an unbelievable backdrop to your Christmas shopping. The market runs from the 15th November until the 22nd December giving you plenty of time to stroll between the wooden chalets browsing unique handmade gifts and warming up with some street food.
Meandering through the cobbled streets of Bath you will find the Christmas Market takes over between the 28th November and the 15th December. The sparkling stalls will be selling a range of goodies from local independent businesses. Take the opportunity to tick everybody off your Christmas gift list.
Holiday houses nearby:
Get Lost in Twinkles of Fairy Lights
Winter brings with it a unique chance to see popular Cotswold locations in a different light. Beautiful Sudeley Castle with its enchanting gardens is lit up for the magical Festival of Light. An illuminated trail tells the story of Sleeping Beauty for 2024 as it guides you around the castle grounds. Along the way you’ll be taken into fairytale scenes with Instagrammable photo opportunities at every turn.
If you’ve decided to head to Blenheim for the Christmas Markets, book in for the illuminated trail and Neverland story as well! The palace will be sprinkled with pixie dust becoming a magical Neverland while outside it’s a light spectacular. You will also find light displays throughout the festive season at Westonbirt Arboretum, Painswick Rococo Garden and Cotswold Farm Park.
Holiday houses nearby:
