Cheltenham dazzles in the glow of Christmas lights

Cheltenham is sparkling in a beautiful Christmas glow following the switch on of the town’s new festive lights.

The new Christmas lights, organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), are accompanied for the first year with golden baubles hanging from the trees on the pedestrianised Promenade and gold powder-coated holly, reindeer, stars and harps adorning the lampposts, allowing people to feel festive throughout the day and night. Alongside the new additions on the Promenade, there is also a stunning new Christmas tree on Montpellier roundabout.

Although the traditional Christmas light switch-on event was unable to go ahead this year, the lights offer a festive experience for those taking their daily exercise or using click and collect from local businesses.

Click here for details of the virtual Cheltenham Community Christmas Lights Switch On being organised by Cheltenham Borough Council this Thursday, 26 November. 

Belinda Hunt, operations manager at Cheltenham BID, says of the lights, “We are pleased that we took the decision earlier this year to have new Christmas lights.  We could not have foreseen how important these decorations would be and the fact that the display is as attractive during the day as it is at night is extra special. 

With the support of Cheltenham Borough Council, we have been able to give local businesses and people something to enjoy when they come to town, whether that is for their daily exercise or do their Christmas shopping when the restrictions are lifted.”

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for economy and development, added: “The Christmas lights are absolutely stunning and I’m certainly feeling in the festive spirit now. It is a real shame the traditional Cheltenham Christmas lights switch-on event, normally enjoyed by so many, had to be cancelled, but public safety quite rightly has been prioritised. I do hope however the people of Cheltenham are able to safely visit the town centre to experience this wonderful festivity for themselves.”

The spectacular Christmas lights follow the announcement of our Cheltenham Christmas campaign which encourages local residents and would-be visitors to support local businesses and shop small this Christmas.

Giant Advent Calendar at the Queens Hotel

As well as the Christmas lights, Cheltenham BID is pleased to be working with the Queens Hotel which has recently announced an exciting new project which will see its current scaffolding lit up with a projection of a giant advent calendar.

Supporting local charity, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which aims to help young people thrive, the organisations have developed a new children’s artwork competition surrounding the theme of ‘Kindness at Christmas’. Each day from 1 December a lucky winner will have their artwork revealed within the advent calendar. The winners will also be able experience the grandeur of the venue with an afternoon tea for them and their family when restrictions permit.  

Click here for everything you need to know about Christmas in Cheltenham including gift guides featuring unique products from independent local shops; local restaurants offering a takeaway service; Cheltenham Christmas events and local shops offering an online service including click and collect.