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Christmas events in the Cotswolds

Posted: Thu, 24th Oct 2024
Christmas Market

Add a little seasonal sparkle and festive cheer to your Yuletide celebrations with a foray into one of the many Christmas events taking place in the Cotswolds. Wrap up warm for a wander through the treasure-laden stalls of a Cotswold Christmas market or follow an enchanted trail of twinkling lights through a winter wonderland. Warm up with a dreamy hot chocolate or a steaming mug of spicy mulled wine, accompanied by a crumbly mince pie or two, of course.

If you’ve already booked one of our beautiful boltholes for a Cotswold Christmas break or are still looking for the perfect winter weekend retreat, you’ll find a round-up of our favourite Cotswold Christmas events below. 

Enchanted Light Trail at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park

Selected dates between 22 November to 31 December 2024

This is a magical treat for the whole family, both young and old. Explore the farm park after hours, let your little ones feed the farm animals their night-time snack and then follow the enchanted light trail around the paddocks. Dotted along the paths are crackling fire pits (where you can toast a cheeky marshmallow) and wonderful photo opportunities. Indulge in some festive food and drink and splurge a little in the gift shop on unique Christmas gifts.

Cottages near Cotswold Farm Park: Temple Guiting Cottage, Teagles Cottage, Kimkeri, Poppy Cottage

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a magical experience for all ages. Explore the palace transformed to retell the classic story of Peter Pan or wander along the after-dark illuminated light trail where the picture-perfect gardens have been adorned by Tinkerbell with glittering tunnels of light and trees flooded in colour. Fairy dust has been sprinkled along a display of the London skyline, discover the Mermaid Lagoon and know that you are helping to support Great Ormond Street Hospital with a charitable donation on your visit. Alongside the light trail you can also enjoy a Neverland afternoon tea, visit the Christmas market and get your skates on at the ice rink.

Cottages near Blenheim Palace: Apple Store Cottage, Brown’s Cottage, Timber and Buff Lodge, Patch Hill House

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

22 November 2024 – 30 December 2024 (selected dates)

This magical after-dark experience brings the story of Sleeping Beauty to life in the spectacular grounds of Sudeley Castle. Follow the illuminated trail through the magical gardens, see sparkling water features and the mesmerising carpet of colour. Festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and hot chocolate are available to sip as you wander, then afterwards treat yourself to doughnuts on the castle terrace.

Cottages near Sudeley Castle: Sudeley Castle Guest Cottage, Barebones Farm, Mercia House, Outbak Shepherds Hut

Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas

Selected dates between 29 November 2024 – 31 December 2024

Enjoy a multi-sensory immersive experience among the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum. Set out on a magical adventure through the illuminated pathways, wonderful light displays and enchanting spectacles, an unforgettable experience for all the family. There are Christmas Villages to explore both pre and post the trail.

Cottages near Westonbirt Arboretum: 27 Horsefair, Grindstone Mill, Barns Lee, Charlton Down Cottage, Christmas Cottage

The Enchanted Garden by Night at Painswick Rococo Garden

Selected dates between 30 November 2024 – 4 January 2025

Meet the garden friends of Painswick Rococo Garden charmingly lit up by night. Dancing fairies, magical unicorns and friendly dragons are all illuminated against the backdrop of this beautiful garden. Enjoy delicious seasonal treats and winter warmers including marshmallow-topped hot chocolate and mulled wine and pop into the shop for locally sourced gifts.

Cottages near Painswick: Stable Cottage at Freams Farm, Court Cottage, Down Farm Manor, Highgate House

Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market

7-8 and 14-15 December 2024

Get into the festive spirit with a wander around the much-loved Victorian Christmas market. This themed, award-winning event sees stallholders dressed in Victorian costumes, fabulous food stalls and street entertainment, including a traditional funfair with a vintage carousel. If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit, nothing will!

Cottages near Stratford-upon-Avon: 33 Percy Street, Trinity Cottage, Swifts Retreat, Locke’s Cottage at Alscot Estate

Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Evenings

29 November 2024 and 6 December 2024

The stunning village of Broadway is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland for its two festive late-night shopping evenings. You’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time as you wander beneath the traditional fairy lights strung from the branches of the chestnut trees lining the main street, illuminating the timeless, Georgian architecture. Shop fronts are ablaze with lights and the streets are filled with music, festive food and mulled wine.

Cottages near Broadway: Box Cottage, Swallows Rest, Old Fox Cottage

Tetbury Christmas Craft Fair

 2024 date to be announced

Taking place in early December, the Tetbury Christmas Craft Fair is held in the Tetbury Goods Shed and features a wonderful array of work by local craftspeople. Stalls include books, jewellery, pottery, needlework, quilting and tapestry, plus artists and glass workers. It’s a fabulous place to pick up unusual and unique Christmas gifts.

Cottages near Tetbury: Hillside Cottage, New Church Cottage, Christmas Cottage

Cirencester Christmas market

30 November and 1 December 2024

Begin (or if you are exceptionally organised, finish) your Christmas shopping at the Cirencester Advent Market. This is sure to get the festive feelings flowing as you browse the stalls showcasing candles, homewares, local artists, handcrafted wooden toys and beautiful jewellery to a background of live music and carol singers. There will be plenty of festive food to keep you going as you shop.

Cottages near Cirencester: Field View, Fisherman’s Cottage, Woodmancote Manor Cottage

The Christmas Cotswold Fair at Todenham Manor

11-14 November 2024

The Christmas Cotswold Fair is the perfect place to pick up Christmas treats for your nearest and dearest and there is much to browse, all under one roof. The Christmas Cotswold Fair takes place in November at Todenham Manor and raises funds for WellChild. With 220 stalls in marquees offering an incredible array of products, you are sure to find something for even the most difficult of people to buy for. 

Cottages near Moreton-in-Marsh: Thatch Cottage, Corn Close, Upper Folly

Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas market and lights switch on

23 November 2024

Although only a one-day event, if you are close by a visit to the Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas market will fill you with festive cheer. The market opens at 10am with around 80 traders offering a fabulous array of gifts, foodstuffs and treasures. Father Christmas pays a visit from midday onwards and the event culminates with the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.

Cottages near Moreton-in-Marsh: Teagles Cottage, Pilgrim Cottage, Thatch Cottage

Read more: Festive Christmas markets in the Cotswolds

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