Cheltenham truly ready for Christmas after late night festive shopping evening!

What a fabulously festive evening we had for our late night Christmas shopping event!  There was a truly joyful atmosphere throughout town from Montpellier to The Brewery Quarter and all down The Promenade and High Street.  We loved listening to the carol singers and buskers, had fun watching the panto characters and we were genuinely amazed at the skills of Thomas Trilby, our stilt walking, juggling, bike rider. A man of many talents.

Image - The children's choir from Lakeside Primary School belted out some festive classic tunes to crowds outside Marks and Spencer.

It was a joy to see families snuggled up under blankets watching movies under the stars in the Montpellier Courtyard and our rather saucy Mother Christmas (aka Emma Monrose from Monrose Boutique) was a big hit.

Many thanks to everyone involved especially Cheltenham BID for organising the wonderful evening, Stagecoach for putting on free buses (so that we could all enjoy a mulled wine at the Christmas markets!) and Cheltenham Borough Council. 

We’ve shared a few of our favourite photos below.  We would love to see your photos too so do tag us in on social media @VisitCheltenham.

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Home Alone and the Elf were played under the stars by Al Fresco Films in Montpellier Courtyard which has been decorated beautifully for Christmas.  Festive treats were on sale by Angelina's Bakery.

Bethany Goodman sang beautiful festive songs in Montpellier...

Thomas Trilby entertained all ages with his clever antics...

And of course shoppers made the most of the few extra hours to tick some Christmas shopping gifts off their lists...

Emma from Monrose Boutique was a big hit in her festive outfit...

It even snowed, (well outside of Beards Jewellers it did!)

It was lovely to see even pooches dressed up for this festive occasion...

You never know who you will see when Christmas shopping in Cheltenham!  Pirates from Promenade Productions mingled around town last night, practising their panto lines ready for Robinson Crusoe at the Bacon Theatre in January...

Stagecoach offered free buses so that shoppers could enjoy a mulled wine (or three!). They also provided a Christmas gift wrapping service on the High Street...

It also felt very festive in John Lewis & Partners with live music performances...

Local market stall holders got into the Christmas spirit too.  (The Danters family have a stall near John Lewis and sell incredible donuts with many toppings!)

And last but not least, this festive brass trio brought lots of joy to shoppers last night...

We hope you enjoyed the late night shopping evening as much as we did?  Don''t worry if you missed it, there are still many festive events taking place in and around Cheltenham over the next three weeks.  Check out our comprehensive guide to Christmas events in Cheltenham for more details.