Thrilled about holiday festivities in Cheltenham? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! Whether you're here to stay or just passing through, our guide makes the holidays in Cheltenham unforgettable.
Popular events include the Cheltenham Ice Rink, where families can enjoy the charm of winter skating under twinkling lights. Another highlight is the Christmas Gift Market, featuring unique stalls that offer a variety of handcrafted goods and local delicacies. And the enchanting production of Aladdin promises to bring magical storytelling and vibrant performances to the stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cheltenham
- Cheltenham Ice Rink
- Aladdin
- Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
- Christmas Gift Market
- New Year's Day Raceday
- The Christmas Meeting
- Christmas Lights Switch On
- The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party
- Christmas Countdown
- The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle (Winchcombe)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cheltenham Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch On
What to Expect:
Interactive light switch-on event with live music and character meet-and-greets.
Description:
Join us for a festive lights switch-on event at Pittville Pump Room, featuring live music, entertainment, and a Christmas artisan market. Enjoy free live music, meet Santa and Disney characters, and delight in children's entertainment.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On
Enchanted Light Trail
What to Expect:
Illuminated nighttime journey through a beautifully decorated farm.
Description:
The Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a family-friendly illuminated light trail showcasing marvelous creations, installations, and illuminations. Visitors can stroll through the farm park after hours, immersing themselves in stunning light displays and festive spirit. The trail includes animal interaction, firepits, marshmallows, and festive treats. It is pushchair friendly and offers free parking.
Where: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park | More Info: Enchanted Light Trail
Enchanted Woodland illuminated trail
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail featuring luminous birds and neon trees.
Description:
Explore trees from around the globe in a completely new light at Westonbirt Arboretum. Over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun. Discover luminous birds delicately balanced on branches, colorful neon trees, and sparkling tunnels of light. Grab seasonal snacks from the Christmas village or hand-picked street food vendors.
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum | More Info: Enchanted Woodland illuminated trail
The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail featuring The Sleeping Beauty story.
Description:
Explore the illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle's fairy-tale grounds, featuring iconic characters from The Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy festive food and drinks while discovering the story of the Princess's deep sleep and the heroic Prince's quest to awaken her.
Where: Winchcombe | More Info: The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Cheltenham Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Gift Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local handmade goods.
Description:
The Cheltenham Christmas Gift Market offers a variety of retail gifts, homewares, and food & drink items from local producers and artisans.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas Gift Market
Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans showcase their handmade crafts.
Description:
The Arts & Crafts Christmas Market in Cheltenham features over 30 stalls offering unique, handmade gifts and homeware, including jewelry, glasswork, pottery, and original art prints.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local shopping and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping features beautiful Christmas lights, live music, mulled wine, festive food, and great shops and eateries. Plus, enjoy reindeer and Father Christmas in a charming Cotswold village setting.
Where: Broadway | More Info: Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping
Winchcombe Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Multi-day market with live music and street performances.
Description:
Winchcombe Christmas Festival is a two-day event featuring over 40 market stalls with unique gifts, festive food, and live music. The town is decorated with over 70 real Christmas trees, and there are street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, and bands adding to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Winchcombe | More Info: Winchcombe Christmas Festival
Cheltenham Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Aladdin
What to Expect:
Dazzling costumes and iconic musical numbers.
Description:
The Everyman Theatre presents Aladdin, a spectacular pantomime featuring Kevin Brewis as Widow Twankey, with dazzling costumes and iconic musical numbers. Join the fun-filled adventure celebrating friendship, love, and adventure.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Aladdin
Christmas Countdown
What to Expect:
Community celebration with local choirs and dance performances.
Description:
Join a free community celebration in Cheltenham Town Centre featuring local choirs, dance performances, and Christmas characters, all illuminated by beautiful twinkly lights.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas Countdown
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Interactive performances and character appearances.
Description:
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party features live music, energetic performances by local groups, and special appearances by Santa and roaming princesses, creating a lively atmosphere with plenty of dining and shopping options.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party
Rockin’ & Swingin’ Christmas Evening
What to Expect:
Boogie woogie, rock 'n' roll, and swing classics with Christmas gems.
Description:
Rockin' & Swingin' Christmas Evening features a lively mix of boogie woogie, rock 'n' roll, and swing classics, including Christmas gems like "Down The Road Apiece" and "Santa Claus is Coming." Peter Gills and his band Good Time Charlies will keep the evening filled with great, feel-good tunes and plenty of humor.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Rockin’ & Swingin’ Christmas Evening
A Big Band Christmas
What to Expect:
16-piece big band performance featuring Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington classics.
Description:
Join Metz Big Band for a lively evening of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and modern classics, blending swing and rock in a festive celebration of music.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: A Big Band Christmas
That’ll Be The Day
What to Expect:
Hilarious comedy sketches blended with heartwarming Christmas song renditions.
Description:
That’ll Be The Day is a Christmas show featuring hilarious comedy sketches and heartwarming renditions of all your favorite Christmas songs, blending well-known festive classics with modern hits to create a musical journey through the seasons.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: That’ll Be The Day
The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show
What to Expect:
Rick Wakeman's three-man show featuring his son and Mollie Marriott.
Description:
Join Rick Wakeman, accompanied by his son Adam Wakeman and Mollie Marriott, for a night of hilarious banter, soaring vocals, and virtuosic keyboard performances. Expect a unique blend of old and new material from Rick's back catalogue, traditional Christmas songs, and audience participation.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: The Rick Wakeman Yuletide Christmas Show
Magnificent Bublé at Christmas 2024
What to Expect:
Authentic Michael Bublé tribute show with a 12-piece big band.
Description:
Magnificent Bublé at Christmas 2024 features a 12-piece big band performing Michael Bublé classics and new songs, including "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "Home." The show is led by James Billington and offers a delightful selection of feel-good music perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Magnificent Bublé at Christmas 2024
Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Jamali Maddix, Ivo Graham, and more: Live At Christmas
What to Expect:
Multi-award-winning comedians in a festive comedy show.
Description:
Join Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Jamali Maddix, Ivo Graham, and more for a spectacular all-star comedy show at Cheltenham Town Hall. Featuring Sara Pascoe, a multi-award-winning comedian known for her work on Live at the Apollo, Qi, and 8 Out of 10 Cats, alongside Taskmaster Champion Lou Sanders, Never Mind the Buzzcocks star Jamali Maddix, and master character comic Steen Raskopoulos. Ivo Graham hosts this hilarious lineup.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Jamali Maddix, Ivo Graham, and more: Live At Christmas
Christmas backstage heritage tour
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes tour of a historic theatre.
Description:
Explore the historic Cheltenham Playhouse with Co-Producer Matt Nolan, learning about the unique past of the old swimming baths and the operations of the theatre. See areas usually out of bounds and go onstage behind the scenes of this year’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas backstage heritage tour
ACCIDENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
What to Expect:
Unique blend of narrative and artistic techniques in everyday life subjects.
Description:
Richard Woods' latest artworks, including paintings, woodcarvings, and prints, are showcased in "Accidental Archaeology." The exhibition features everyday life subjects, blending narrative with artistic quality. Standout pieces include a prematurely upcycled Ikea chair with cryptic folk-like carvings that change color as viewed.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: ACCIDENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Cheltenham Other Holiday Activities
Cheltenham Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Inclusive ice skating for all ages and abilities.
Description:
Cheltenham Ice Rink offers an all-weather, fully wheelchair-accessible ice skating experience for all ages and abilities. Sessions include relaxed skating for SEND visitors and discounts for schools and group bookings.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Cheltenham Ice Rink
The Christmas Meeting
What to Expect:
High-stakes horse racing with festive family activities.
Description:
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse is a two-day event featuring top-quality horse racing, festive activities, and family fun. Enjoy themed family events, including a Santa's Grotto, and watch Grade 2 and 3 racing action, including Cheltenham Festival trials.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: The Christmas Meeting
New Year's Day Raceday
What to Expect:
High-quality racing with family-friendly entertainment.
Description:
Cheltenham New Year's Day Raceday offers thrilling high-quality racing action with seven highly-competitive races, including Graded and Listed contests. The event provides Cheltenham Festival insight, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment. Under 18s race free, and the Family Fun Zone is available to club/tattersalls ticket holders.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: New Year's Day Raceday
Christmas on the Farm
What to Expect:
Personalized Father Christmas visits with interactive activities.
Description:
Visit Father Christmas in his cozy grotto, participate in a teddy bear workshop, and enjoy gingerbread decorating. Explore the farm's resident animals and charming decorations in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park | More Info: Christmas on the Farm
FOLLOW THAT FREQUENCY - SOUND BATH
What to Expect:
Sound healing experience using resonant frequencies.
Description:
A sound bath event where participants immerse themselves in soothing frequencies to promote relaxation and well-being.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: FOLLOW THAT FREQUENCY - SOUND BATH
RELEASE, RELAX & REVIVE WITH QIGONG
What to Expect:
Holistic exercise combining tai chi and qigong for overall well-being.
Description:
Join RELEASE, RELAX & REVIVE WITH QIGONG to experience the flowing movements of Qi Gong, promoting health, balance, and energy through posture, movement, relaxation, and deep breathing.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: RELEASE, RELAX & REVIVE WITH QIGONG
FLOWING YOGA
What to Expect:
Dynamic yoga flows for all levels.
Description:
Flowing Yoga at Ella & Fleur Hot Yoga offers dynamic classes designed to awaken the body and energize the mind through invigorating flows and mindful movements.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: FLOWING YOGA
ONLINE: FLOWING YOGA
What to Expect:
Mindful movement practice for stress relief and well-being.
Description:
Flowing Yoga is a dynamic and meditative practice that combines gentle movements with deep breathing techniques to promote relaxation and inner balance.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: ONLINE: FLOWING YOGA
ONLINE: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
What to Expect:
Guided mindfulness meditation sessions.
Description:
Join ONLINE: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION for a serene and calming experience, focusing on mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: ONLINE: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
FREE: ART FOR WELLBEING
What to Expect:
Therapeutic art class with meditation and creative drawing.
Description:
Join FREE: ART FOR WELLBEING in Cheltenham for a monthly therapeutic art class. No drawing experience is needed; enjoy color and shape in a creative space. The session begins with a short meditation followed by creative drawing, aiming to help you cope with mental health.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: FREE: ART FOR WELLBEING
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gloucester (7 miles)
- Stroud (12 miles)
- Evesham (14 miles)
- Great Malvern (18 miles)
- Worcester (21 miles)
- Droitwich (26 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (26 miles)
- Witney (27 miles)
- Swindon (27 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (28 miles)
- Redditch (29 miles)
- Yate (29 miles)
- Hereford (29 miles)
- Bromsgrove (30 miles)
- Chippenham (30 miles)
- Stourport-on-Severn (32 miles)
- Banbury (33 miles)
- Mangotsfield (34 miles)
- Warwick (34 miles)
- Kidderminster (34 miles)
- Royal Leamington Spa (36 miles)
- Kingswood (36 miles)
- Oxford (37 miles)
- Shirley (37 miles)
- Bartley Green (37 miles)
- Kenilworth (38 miles)
- Abingdon (38 miles)
- Solihull (38 miles)
- Bristol (38 miles)
- Halesowen (38 miles)
- Bath (38 miles)
- Stourbridge (39 miles)
- Bicester (39 miles)
- Acocks Green (40 miles)
- Brierley Hill (40 miles)
- Trowbridge (41 miles)
- Birmingham (41 miles)
- Didcot (41 miles)
- Portishead (41 miles)
- Dudley (41 miles)
- Aston (42 miles)
- Coventry (42 miles)
- Washwood Heath (43 miles)
- West Bromwich (43 miles)
- Pontypool (43 miles)
- Nailsea (43 miles)
- Tipton (43 miles)
- Cwmbran (44 miles)
- Newport (45 miles)