Your ultimate resource for the holidays in Gloucester is here! Our guide covers all the events and activities you need to enjoy a festive and fun-filled season. Whether you're intimately familiar with Gloucester or just getting to know it, this guide maximizes your seasonal joy.
As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, the Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays offer an array of local crafts and festive treats, inviting visitors to soak in the holiday spirit. For a delightful experience on ice, the Cheltenham Ice Rink provides a charming setting for skating amidst twinkling lights and seasonal cheer. And the Spectacle of Light is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it illuminates the historic scenery with enchanting displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Gloucester
- Spectacle of Light (Winchcombe)
- Cheltenham Ice Rink (Cheltenham)
- Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays
- Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room (Cheltenham)
- The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party (Cheltenham)
- Cheltenham Christmas Countdown (Cheltenham)
- Jack and the Beanstalk at Cheltenham Playhouse (Cheltenham)
- Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre (Cheltenham)
- New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse (Cheltenham)
- Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse (Cheltenham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Gloucester Holiday Light Displays
Spectacle of Light
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with festive food and drink options.
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 browsing the charming gift shop.
Where: Winchcombe | More Info: Spectacle of Light
Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room
What to Expect:
Interactive festive celebration with live music and character meet-and-greets.
Description:
Join us at Pittville Pump Room for a lively Christmas lights switch-on event featuring free live music, entertainment, and festive market stalls. Meet Santa and Disney characters, enjoy children’s entertainment, and explore local artisan market offerings.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room
Winter Glow 2024
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail and festive activities.
Description:
Winter Glow 2024 in Malvern, Worcestershire, features real ice skating, an illuminated light trail, and an indoor elf-themed crazy golf course, offering a variety of seasonal activities and attractions.
Where: Malvern | More Info: Winter Glow 2024
Enchanted Light Trail at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly illuminated light trail with animal interaction and festive activities.
Description:
The Enchanted Light Trail at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park features an illuminated nighttime journey through the farm, showcasing thousands of lights, animal interaction, and festive treats. The trail includes glowing animal barns, whimsical wanderings, and opportunities to toast marshmallows over firepits.
Where: Bourton-on-the-Water | More Info: Enchanted Light Trail at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Enchanted Woodland illuminated trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with international light installations and festive atmosphere.
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, featuring luminous birds, colourful neon trees, and sparkling tunnels of light. Discover a festive atmosphere with seasonal snacks and drinks available.
Where: Tetbury | More Info: Enchanted Woodland illuminated trail at Westonbirt Arboretum
Gloucester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and local foodie products.
Description:
The Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays offer a diverse range of festive gifts, locally produced foodie products, and delicious street food, all set across the historic docks.
Where: Gloucester | More Info: Christmas Markets at Gloucester Quays
JOY A celebration of everything crafted for the season
What to Expect:
Extensive display of seasonal crafts by UK makers.
Description:
JOY is a celebration of everything crafted for the season, showcasing hundreds of UK craftspeople's work in New Brewery Arts' shop and gallery.
Where: Cirencester | More Info: JOY A celebration of everything crafted for the season
Winchcombe Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and festive food in a charming Cotswold town setting.
Description:
Winchcombe Christmas Festival is a vibrant event featuring over 40 market stalls with unique gifts, festive food, and live music. The town is adorned with over 70 real Christmas trees, and street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, and bands add to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Winchcombe | More Info: Winchcombe Christmas Festival
Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping
What to Expect:
Unique blend of festive atmosphere, local artisans, and seasonal treats.
Description:
Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping event transforms the village into a vibrant holiday destination with beautiful Christmas lights, live music, mulled wine, festive food, and great shops and eateries. Reindeer and Father Christmas add to the excitement.
Where: Broadway | More Info: Broadway's Late-Night Christmas shopping
Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market at Blackfriars Priory
What to Expect:
Extensive selection of vegan products and treats.
Description:
The Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market at Blackfriars Priory features over 60 stalls offering all vegan and cruelty-free shopping, food, drinks, and gifts. Visitors can find unique holiday items while enjoying delicious vegan cuisine.
Where: Gloucester | More Info: Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market at Blackfriars Priory
Gloucester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cheltenham Christmas Countdown
What to Expect:
Community celebration with local choirs and dance performances.
Description:
Join Cheltenham for a free community celebration featuring local choirs, dance performances, Christmas characters, and beautiful twinkly lights.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Cheltenham Christmas Countdown
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Interactive character performances and live music.
Description:
The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party features roaming costume characters, choirs, dance acts, and Father Christmas, creating a lively atmosphere with live music and entertainment.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: The Brewery Quarter Christmas Party
Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre
What to Expect:
Family-friendly pantomime with comedic chaos and iconic musical numbers.
Description:
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 at the Everyman Theatre
Jack and the Beanstalk at Cheltenham Playhouse
What to Expect:
Pantomime with DJ-loving cow and electric-stealing Giant.
Description:
A hilarious pantomime adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring a DJ-loving cow and an electric-stealing Giant, at Cheltenham Playhouse.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Jack and the Beanstalk at Cheltenham Playhouse
Candlelit Christmas concerts at Blackfriars Priory
What to Expect:
Live music and theatrical adaptations in a historic, candlelit setting.
Description:
Candlelit Christmas concerts at Blackfriars Priory feature live music and theatrical adaptations in an atmospheric setting.
Where: Gloucester | More Info: Candlelit Christmas concerts at Blackfriars Priory
Gloucester Other Holiday Activities
Cheltenham Ice Rink
What to Expect:
Wheelchair-accessible ice rink with special sessions for all ages.
Description:
The Cheltenham Ice Rink is an all-weather ice skating experience located in Imperial Gardens, offering sessions for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair-accessible sessions and special events like Ice Princess parties.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Cheltenham Ice Rink
Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
What to Expect:
High-quality racing with festive activities.
Description:
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse is a two-day event featuring top-quality racing, festive activities, and family fun. It includes Grade 2 and 3 racing, Cheltenham Festival trials, and a Santa's Grotto. Under 18s race free, and there are various hospitality options available.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
What to Expect:
High-quality racing with family-friendly activities.
Description:
Cheltenham New Year's Day Racing features seven highly-competitive races with Graded and Listed contests, offering thrilling high-quality racing action and free family entertainment.
Where: Cheltenham | More Info: New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
Christmas on the Farm at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
What to Expect:
Personalized Father Christmas experience with animal interactions.
Description:
At Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, families can meet Father Christmas in his cozy grotto, participate in a personalized experience, and choose a special gift. The event includes a bustling Elf Workshop, animal feeding, and indoor and outdoor play. Exclusive members' prices are available for the Enchanted Light Trail.
Where: Bourton-on-the-Water | More Info: Christmas on the Farm at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cheltenham (7 miles)
- Stroud (8 miles)
- Great Malvern (17 miles)
- Evesham (20 miles)
- Worcester (22 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (24 miles)
- Yate (24 miles)
- Hereford (24 miles)
- Droitwich (28 miles)
- Mangotsfield (28 miles)
- Chippenham (28 miles)
- Swindon (29 miles)
- Kingswood (31 miles)
- Stratford-upon-Avon (32 miles)
- Bristol (32 miles)
- Stourport-on-Severn (33 miles)
- Witney (33 miles)
- Redditch (33 miles)
- Bromsgrove (33 miles)
- Bath (34 miles)
- Portishead (35 miles)
- Pontypool (36 miles)
- Kidderminster (36 miles)
- Cwmbran (36 miles)
- Nailsea (37 miles)
- Newport (38 miles)
- Trowbridge (38 miles)
- Clevedon (39 miles)
- Warwick (40 miles)
- Banbury (41 miles)
- Bartley Green (41 miles)
- Risca (41 miles)
- Stourbridge (41 miles)
- Halesowen (41 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (42 miles)
- Shirley (42 miles)
- Royal Leamington Spa (42 miles)
- Solihull (43 miles)
- Brierley Hill (43 miles)
- Oxford (43 miles)
- Abingdon (43 miles)
- Kenilworth (44 miles)
- Frome (44 miles)
- Acocks Green (44 miles)
- Dudley (44 miles)
- Birmingham (45 miles)