22 of the best things to do this Christmas in Cheltenham

Christmas is a special time of year in Cheltenham. Whether you are planning a Christmas break or live nearby and want to get into the Christmas spirit, you'll find our guide to the top things to do at Christmas in Cheltenham 2024 helpful, featuring ice skating, magical light trails, Christmas markets and festive live performances. 

Cheltenham Christmas events

The festive season officially kicks off with three launch parties, all taking place on Saturday 23 November…

Christmas Countdown 

Cheltenham Town Centre, 23 November, 3.30pm - 7pm

Magical afternoon featuring choirs, dancers, bands, illuminated stilt-walking angels, Granny Turismo - the world's first shopping trolley dance display team & Santa. 

With the Christmas Gift Market on the Promenade also in full swing, it's the perfect opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Full programme by Cheltenham BID: Cheltenham Christmas Countdown.

Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room

23 November, 11am – 6pm

Join the Cheltenham Trust for a fun-filled day, featuring carol singing, dancing, Olaf, princesses, Santa, artisan market & countdown to lights.

Full programme: Christmas Lights Switch On.

The Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party

23 November, 2pm - 7pm

Festive celebration, featuring live music, princesses, circus acts, the Grinch, Santa & guaranteed snow! 

Full programme: Christmas Launch Party.

The Cheltenham Ice Rink

Imperial Gardens, 29 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

The spectacular Cheltenham Ice Rink is returning! Open daily, exc. Christmas Day. 

The undercover real ice rink will be more magical than ever. Following on from customer feedback, this year you can look forward to...

More festive lights, music & decorations, less skaters on the ice, hot refreshments served inside, exclusive Grown-Up Glide sessions and Little Princess Parties.

Making a return are the popular Little Gliders sessions for pre-schoolers, Relaxed Glide sessions for SEN skaters, Student Nights, group discounts & exclusive hire, banana & penguin skate aids. 

Family tickets from just £38. Tickets on sale now. 

Aladdin

The Everyman Theatre, 29 November – 12 January

Embark on a fun-filled adventure featuring the return of Gloucestershire’s favourite dame, Kevin Brewis playing Widow Twankey, as she tries to control the comic chaos caused by her son, TWEEDY Twankey!

Victorian Family Christmas

Holst Victorian House, 7 December, 11am – 3pm

Swap the hustle and bustle of a 21st-century Christmas for something more authentic. Taste traditional festive treats, make homemade presents like jam jar lanterns and peppermint creams and play games such as 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey.' Victorian fun for all the family!

Visitors can experience the house festively decorated from the 3 December to 4 January. 

The Christmas Meeting

Cheltenham Racecourse, 13 & 14 December

Christmas comes early to Cheltenham every year, with the greatest gift of them all: two days of quality racing action at the Home of Jump Racing. Saturday is the Christmas Extravaganza with themed family fun, including a Santa's Grotto.  

Jack and the Beanstalk

Cheltenham Playhouse, 13 December – 5 January

"FEE-FI-FO-FUM" Herr Kütte wants money from Jack and his mum. If they don't cough up, he has declared to cut the power to their ice cream shop for good! Will the ice cream shop freeze in debt? Will Jill stop the electric-stealing Giant? Little does Jack know, the sky's the limit for his next adventure.

The Rat Pack - Christmas in Vegas

Bacon Theatre, 22 December, 7.30pm

Swing into the Christmas season with The Rat Pack and their famous Christmas Concert, the official UK No.1 tribute show as voted by The Agents Association of Great Britain for three years.

New Year’s Day Racing

Cheltenham Racecourse, 1 January 2025

Celebrate the New Year with a day jam-packed with excellent racing and superb entertainment. Join the Cheltenham team for Cheltenham Festival insights, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment. The perfect way to spend the first day of 2025!

Christmas activities in Cheltenham

Stunning light trails, opportunities to meet Santa and more festive fun... 

Christmas Elf Trail 

Cheltenham Town Centre, 23 November - 5 January

Free Christmas trail by Cheltenham BID. Follow the trail to find the elves hidden around town, write down the letter written on each elf’s plaque and then unscramble all the letters to spell out a festive word. (Digital map download available soon).

Enchanted Light Trail 

Cotswold Farm Park, selected days 22 November – 31 December

The family-friendly illuminated light trail is a wondrous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations created by local artists, lighting designers and craft-persons. Let the thousands of twinkly lights guide you on an enchanting stroll through the farm park. 

Spectacle of Light 

Sudeley Castle & Gardens, selected days 22 November – 30 December

Follow the new illuminated trail around Sudeley’s beautiful grounds and enchanted woodland. Gaze at the sparkling water features and the mesmerising Garden of Fire. Light beams, lanterns and much more. 

Santa Express with GWSR

Cheltenham Racecourse station, selected days 23 November – 23 December

Take your family on a magical ride on a train to visit the North Pole, experience the Grotto and singing penguins. Little ones will get to meet Santa himself and will receive presents and goodie bags with help from the elves. There will be complimentary warm mince pies, mulled wine and other refreshments. We recommend you book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment. 

Santa's Tea Party at John Lewis

High Street, 15 - 17 December

Enjoy a delicious tea party with Santa who is visiting the store for festive goodies and story time. All children will receive a special gift.

Christmas Grotto at Webbs Cheltenham

Webbs Cheltenham, 30 November - 24 December

Step into a winter wonderland with Sammy Snowball. You'll meet a whole host of North Pole friends from waddling penguins to a cuddly mama polar bear. Visit the reindeer stables and mix up some magical reindeer food. Don't forget the recipe is top secret - they don't want you ending up on the naughty list for spilling the beans!

Christmas Grotto & Elf Bootcamp 101 at Elkstone Studios

Elkstone Studios, 5 - 6 December

Attend an Elf-run workshop at the The Elk Tipi at Elkstone Studios to be put through your paces and have a go at being a real-life North Pole Elf and find out what your Naughty and Nice levels are like. Early bird discount ends 8 November. 

Cheltenham Christmas markets and shopping

Experience the festive season to its fullest with a stroll around our local Christmas markets...

Christmas Gift Market

Cheltenham Promenade, 21 – 24 November

Experience festive shopping by one of the leading market operators - Cotswold Markets. Promising a fantastic selection of gifts, including homeware and food & drink. The Promenade will be full of Christmas chalets for the four-day period.

Suffolks Christmas Market

Suffolk Parade, 24 November

A fantastically popular event, guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit featuring Father Christmas, carols, children's entertainment and street food. The markets are carefully curated, featuring Arts & Crafts, Designers & Makers, Vintage and Food & Drink. The emphasis is on local, and all stall holders are independent.

Artisan Christmas Market

Pittville Pump Room, 23 – 24 November

Discover beautiful products created by local makers and creatives at the artisan market at Pittville Pump Room. The market is free to visit and showcases a host of pieces from artworks and scented candles to textiles and hats and jewellery that you won't find on the high street, all made by local artisans.

Christmas Gift Market

Elkstone Studios, 7 December

Following the success of their popular Farmers' Market, Elkstone Studios is bringing a festive shopping experience to you on Saturday, 7th December. This special event will feature a wide range of unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, making it the perfect opportunity to find those one-of-a-kind Christmas presents!

Christmas Arts & Crafts Market

Cheltenham Promenade, 12  – 22 December

The second Christmas market hosted by Cotswold Markets will see local traders and creators show their fantastic homemade crafts for ten consecutive days along the spectcular Promenade. Pottery, original art, glassware, jewellery, and much more will be on offer.

This is just a handful of the festive things to do. View our Cheltenham Christmas Events for full details and our guide to Christmas in Cheltenham for dining, weekend break & gift shopping inspiration.