As always here is my Christmas run down for Christmas events near Cheltenham 2021, events for all the fun festive events for all the family! We’ve visited many of these in previous years as H is now 7, and B, 4, and so any recommendations here are places we’ve been. In some cases we haven’t been to the Christmas events but have visited for other reasons, and they are on our bucket list!
So without further preamble (don’t get me started!), Keep scrolling down to find some awesome places to visit this winter around Cheltenham… from where to visit Santa to gorgeous lights and illumination displays keep on scrolling down…
Ice skating this Christmas
Ice skating in Cheltenham!
Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
I have to mention this first as it is so exciting, and I know if you’re local, you will be too! For the first time ever we have a fabulous winter ice rink in Cheltenham, how amazing! Not only that it is Gloucestershire’s only ‘all weather ice rink’, so a winner in any weather. All the pictures I’ve seen so far look fantastic, and the penguin supports for kids, a definite winner.
Book at https://www.visitcheltenham.com/ice-skating
Ice skating at Gloucester Quays
Of course as in previous years, the Gloucester Quays ice rink is also back this winter. I guess the only differences are, it is open air and slightly further to travel if you are based in Cheltenham. However, if you’re planning a Christmas shopping trip to the Quays, or a Christmas lunch, it would be a perfect Christmas activity (aka child bribe!)
Book at https://www.gloucesterquays.co.uk/events/open-air-ice-rink/
Illuminations near Cheltenham
SUDELEY CASTLE
Spectacle of Light
Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire, Winchcombe GL54 5JD
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light is a festive event in its 6th year. We’ve never actually made it to the Christmas lights but every year it is on my bucket list. How do we always end up elsewhere? I’ve no idea! Particular when it’s so close to Cheltenham! So, if you’re after stunning lights and illuminations and don’t want to travel far, this is your closest illumination event to Cheltenham…
Many nights are now sold out, however, some tickets remain!!
Book at https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/spectacle-of-light-sudeley-castle/
COTSWOLD FARM PARK
Enchanted Light Trail
Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5FL
Cotswold Farm Park’s Enchanted Light Trail looks and sounds is an absolutely fantastic Christmas activity for everyone to enjoy, lights, marshmallow toasting, feeding the animals, this really does have it all. I day this from experience as we went to their first ever event last year! Do check out our review and video over on You Tube (we paid ourselves)!
Book at: https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/
REVIEW: COTSWOLD FARM PARK – ENCHANTED LIGHT TRAIL 2020
Cotswold Farm Park’s Enchanted Light Trail it is a fantastic event, I’d thoroughly recommend it! Have a watch of our Enchanted Light Trail video from our visit….
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM
Enchanted Christmas
Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS
Westonbirt are back again with their Enchanted Christmas illumination event… Another winner which many of our friends enjoy year after year.
Book at: https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas
THREE COUNTIES SHOWGROUND
Malvern Winter Glow Light Spectacular
Three Counties Showground, Malvern WR13 6NW
The first Christmas Winter Glow Light Spectacular at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern is round 40 minutes from Cheltenham and looks magical…
Book at: https://www.threecounties.co.uk/
The most traditional Christmas lights…
Visit to Cheltenham to see the lights in town
A wander around Cheltenham is a must do, have a look at the fabulous lights, a wander along the Prom and Montpellier, spy the Christmas tree at the top of Montpellier, and enjoy a hot chocolate.
It is a must do, and is FREE! Just look how gorgeous it is…
Christmas markets
Obviously one of the most Christmas-y things to do is visit a Christmas market… Although now I’m a parent I think I love the kids events more!
Cheltenham and Gloucester both have Christmas markets, so perhaps a visit to see their lights, some shopping, ice skating and a wander around the markets. Actually that sounds a very exhausting day!
This will be a work in progress part of the page! More to follow!
Do message me or contact me on social media if you have any fantastic events I’ve missed!
We are very lucky to have these on our doorstep in Cheltenham, all within 40 minutes drive. We also have several Santa events – from Breakfast with Santa to Santa Special train rides – all included in my previous where to visit Santa near Cheltenham posts (I haven’t updated it this year, but there are lots ideas if you haven’t booked anywhere yet!)
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