15 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Gloucestershire
For a festive extravaganza, escape to a Gloucestershire Christmas market this year. Imagine mulled wine, mince pies and marquees...
by Emily Crane / Events
With its historic towns, chocolate box villages and beautiful scenery, what better place is there to get into the Christmas spirit than the Cotswolds?
And there is plenty of Christmas spirit at our Christmas Markets, all offering lots of goodies, many locally made, so take time out to enjoy the build up to this magical time of year.
And we really love a Christmas Market in the Cotswolds, so luckily for us, we have many to choose from. Most of these take place from November and up to Christmas in December.
Find out more about our 3 favourite Christmas Markets in the Cotswolds each year…
Thursday 5th November – Sunday 19th December 2022
Fancy Christmas shopping in a World Heritage Site? The Bath Christmas Market is a wonderfully festive event, right in the heart of the city. Traditional wooden chalets line the streets of the main shopping area, offering beautiful, original gifts for all the family. A range of local delicacies add to the whole festive experience. Of course you have the joy of shopping in traditional Bath too, plus it’s a good excuse to visit the cosy tearooms. So put aside plenty of time because, let’s face it, 365 days of the year a trip to Bath would be a bonus!
And, if you want to feel extra Christmassy, don the skates and swirl and twirl (we’re thinking Frozen!) at the outdoor skating rink in the Royal Victoria Park. There’s even a pizza restaurant and bar if you need warming up afterwards. Or, if you’re thinking really warm, check out the Thermae Bath Spa with a whole range of bathing delights and wonderful views of the city, or visit the world famous Roman Baths and Pump Room.
If you love shopping, why not try one of these 27 super shopping experiences in the Cotswolds.
Saturday 20th November – Sunday 19th December
Shopping in Cheltenham is always special and this winter, the Promenade will once again host the annual Christmas Market event. This market is home to a host of traders with a huge range of great Christmas gifts and ideas on offer. Festive chalets line the street, creating a wonderful atmosphere in this beautiful setting. Find that perfect gift from the large variety of jewellery, arts and crafts and paintings and more unusual gifts and collectables on offer.
Is it us or is Christmas shopping just not the same these days unless you’ve a large glass of glühwein?! Don’t drink on an empty stomach though – tasty treats include traditional French crepes, delicious olives and German Bratwursts.
After an eventful day in town, why not rest your weary legs and take in a production at the highly acclaimed Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham – it is panto season after all… (oh yes it is!)
Saturday 4th December
Chipping Campden’s annual Christmas Market can be found in the Town Hall and Market Square, and is held over the second weekend of December.
Explore the stalls, picking up unique gifts and festive local delicacies, as well as enjoying an visit from Father Christmas. On the Saturday there will be live music and kids entertainment as the Christmas lights are switched on at 5.30pm.
Take a look at the Chipping Campden Market website for more information.
There are plenty of Christmas events in Cirencester this festive season!
2021 Dates to be confirmed
To kick of Cirencester’s Christmas celebrations, there is the annual Advent Festival. Opening at 11am, there will be an advent market, arts and crafts market, street food and drinks, live performances, Father Christmas and fair rides. Then at 7pm the town Christmas lights will be switched on by Countryfile presenter, Ellie Harrison, accompanied by a fire works display.
Saturday 6th November – Sunday 2nd January 2022
Gloucester’s Victorian Christmas market is a popular festive attraction, offering plenty of family-friendly things to do. Explore the many food and drink stalls, pick up a unique gift, or why not take a turn on the open-air ice rink. The Victorian Christmas Market can be found at Gloucester Quays.
The lantern procession will pass along Southgate Street, Westgate Street and College Street, with the city’s Christmas lights getting switched on as the parade passes each set of lights on its route to the Cathedral. The parade will then end in a free carol service in the Cathedral with refreshments available in the cloisters at 5pm. For more Gloucestershire Christmas markets, visit our blog: 15 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Gloucestershire.
More information on the Gloucester Christmas Lights and Procession.
Friday 19th November 2021
Oxford Christmas Light Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city centre, that is filled with arts, culture and festive fun. This year’s theme is discovery, and was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.
Over the three days explore the festive market, take in the light and sound installations, enjoy the music and dance performances and a the wealth of other free activities in different venues across Oxford.
For more information, take a look at the Oxford Christmas Light Festival.
Thursday 9th – Sundday 19th December 2021
Oxford is steeped in tradition and is not a city to shy away from a good celebration! Tuck into cheese, chocs, crepes and nuts at the Oxford Christmas market this December and enjoy a browse through the eclectic mix of Christmas stalls. If you’re stuck for present ideas or just want to soak up the Christmassy atmosphere, head to the market this December.
The huge range of goods on offer includes original art works and prints, jewellery, slippers, candles and pottery.
Once you’ve stocked up on gifts, you can take in the sights of this wonderful city from an open top bus tours, if you’re wrapped up warm, or from inside if it’s just too cold.
For more information, take a look at the Oxford Christmas market website.
Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th December 2021
Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market will be returning again this year, with a Dickensian theme. You can explore a variety of stalls, watch the entertainment or try one of the vintage fairground rides. There are a whole range of markets in Warwickshire throughout the year.
The Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market has been cancelled this year.
On the last Saturday of November, Moreton-in-Marsh will hold its annual Christmas street market and light switch on. Peruse the stalls filled with locally-made gifts and crafts, enjoy the carol service and some refreshments, before the town lights are switched on by Father Christmas.
Friday 26th – Saturday 27th November 2021
Woodstock Festive Fayre will be returning for a second year. The event takes place at Mary Magdalene Church in the town centre, and will include a range of gift and craft stalls. Hot and cold food and drink stands are available to keep you warm throughout the day. On the Saturday, the festive fayre will coincide with ‘A Night of a Thousand Candles’, that will take place at 6pm in the town square.
The Nutcracker – 19th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022
Illuminated Light Trail – 1st December – 24th December 2021; 26th December – 2nd January 2022
Christmas Market – 19th November – 19th December 2021
For Christmas 2019, Blenheim Palace will play host to a number of wonderful Christmas events. The state rooms will be taken over for the Alice in the Palace experience. The gardens will be lit up and Blenheim’s Great Court will be the location of a Christmas Market.
The beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-Water’s Christmas Tree in the River will be lit from the beginning of December.
Friday 26th November and Friday 3rd December 2021
Visit the quaint village of Broadway this festive season for some late night Christmas shopping and a wonderful atmosphere. Explore the selection of shops, enjoy carol music and street entertainers. Or, take a pony sleigh ride or just enjoy the glinting Christmas lights and festive spirits.
And when all that shopping is done, we need a lovely meal in a cosy Cotswold pub, so for a super list of dining pubs in the Cotswolds, don’t miss our super guide to 27 Amazing Dining Pubs in the Cotswolds.
Searching for a Cotswold Christmas break? Explore our self-catering Cotswold cottages available during the Christmas period.
by Emily Crane / Events
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