Looking for all the glittery goings on in Cheltenham this Christmas? You’re in luck! From ice skating, magical light trails and festive markets to street food and live music, grab our curated guide with everything going on in the Regency town.

GET YOUR SKATES ON

Get your skates on and hit the ice at Cheltenham’s magical, covered indoor ice rink, centrally located in Imperial Gardens, from Fri 29 November – Sun 5 January.

The fully accessible ice rink is suitable from ages 3 years and up, and this year will feature special sessions exclusively for students, adults, schools, pre-schoolers and relaxed sensory sessions, in addition to the open skate sessions for all.

Little ones will go wild for the new Ice Princess Party sessions, featuring special ice-skating appearances from everyone’s favourite snow queen and her sister! If skating isn’t your thing, you can tuck into hot food and drink amongst the Christmas trees and festive lights and enjoy watching the wobblers and whizzers on the ice. Pre-book your tickets to get your first choice slot.

SEE A LIGHT SWITCH ON

Christmas officially starts on Saturday 23 November this year – we’re calling it! Because the town kicks into winter wonderland life on this date – with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas.

Watch as thousands of twinkly lights set the streets of Cheltenham alight, join in the fun at The Brewery Quarter’s Christmas Launch Party or Pittville Pump Room’s Christmas Lights Switch On.

BROWSE A CHRISTMAS MARKET

In addition to Cheltenham’s already awesome shopping (from John Lewis to cosy Hatchards, and the many excellent independent shops) the town boasts some brilliant Christmas markets.

From 21 – 24 November, Cheltenham’s historic Promenade will be transformed into a Christmas Gift Market, featuring festive chalets packed full of gifts, homewares, food and drink.

From 12 – 22 December, the traditional Arts & Crafts Christmas Market will return with unique items including pottery, art, glassware, jewellery and gifts galore. On Sun 24 November, the popular Suffolk’s Christmas Market will return to this charming neighbourhood on the edge of the town centre. This independent market features arts, crafts, gifts, sweet treats, clothing and everything in between. There will also be children’s entertainment, carol singing, street food and a visit from Father Christmas himself.

SEE A PANTO

For festive silliness, don’t miss The Everyman Theatre’s popular family panto, which for 2024 is the epic tale of Aladdin, featuring Gloucestershire favourite, Tweedy The Clown. Or head over to The Playhouse Theatre for their creative rendition of Jack & The Beanstalk.

Cheltenham’s impressive Town Hall will bring the classic film The Snowman to life with the help of the Mozart Symphony Orchestra in this beloved family-friendly live performance that has become a regular festive highlight.

CATCH THE SANTA EXPRESS

The ever-popular Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway’s Santa Express is heading to the ‘North Pole’ on selected days from 23 November until 23 December. Tickets now on sale and selling out fast, so don’t delay.

The beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. As you settle into your comfortable seat, the train whistles, the journey winds through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds. When you get to ‘The North Pole’ you’ll get to meet the big fella, his elves, and children receive a present. Refreshments included in the price.

WALK A SPECTACULAR LIGHT TRAIL

Experience the magical Spectacle of Light trail around Sudeley Castle’s award-winning gardens and grounds from 22 November – 30 December, just a short drive from Cheltenham in the neighbouring village of Winchcombe.

Sip warming mulled wine and hot chocolate as you explore this enchanting Christmas light trail, this year designed to the theme of Sleeping Beauty.

DINE OUT

Whether you’re looking to book an intimate family Christmas meal in Cheltenham; a lavish Christmas meal with friends or a sophisticated festive afternoon tea, here are our top picks:

Book an Après Ski Party at Cheltenham Racecourse.  Taking place at The Jockey Club on selected dates from 7 Dec – 22 Dec will be a night of alpine elegance and frosty festivities. From £80 per person, you get a three course festive dinner, live entertainment and DJ and disco with a winter wonderland backdrop.

Go for a Festive Lunch and music at the Pittville Pump Room with pianist Francis Sanville. Taking place at 12pm on Thurs 12 and 19 December, expect festive swing and jazz classics with creative arrangements of Christmas tunes and carols.

Feast on a festive Afternoon Tea at the festively decorated Victorias at the Queens Hotel, from £30 per person and just £10 for kids, or, escape the cold and enjoy a delicious meal at one of Cheltenham’s many outstanding restaurants.

GO TO THE RACES

Cheltenham is internationally renowned for horse racing and The Christmas Meeting on Fri 13 and Sat 14 December will kick-start the festive sporting season, complete with Christmas-themed family fun, including a Santa’s Grotto.

See in the new year with a day of thrilling race-action, fresh air and family entertainment at Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day Raceday on 1 January 2025. Under 18s go free, 18 – 24 year olds can get 50% off admission tickets by signing up to RacePass, and groups of six or more can enjoy 10% off. Try your luck with seven highly-competitive races on the day – a top day out with the whole family and under 18s go free.

Cheltenham Christmas at a glance…

• 21 – 24 November: Christmas Gift Market on Cheltenham’s Promenade
• 22 November – 30 December: Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
• 23 November: Free Christmas launch events around Cheltenham ·
• 23 November – 23 December (various dates): Santa Express with GWSR
• 24 November: The Suffolks Christmas Market
• 29 November – 4 January: The Elves and the Shoemaker at The Everyman Theatre
• 29 November – 5 January: Cheltenham Indoor Ice Skating Rink
• 29 November – 12 January: Aladdin pantomime at The Everyman Theatre
• 5 December – 4 January: Sherlock Holmes and a Christmas Mystery at The Everyman Theatre
• 11 December: Festive comedy featuring Sara Pascoe at Cheltenham Town Hall
• 12 – 22 December: Cheltenham Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
• 13 December – 5 January: Jack & The Beanstalk panto at The Playhouse Theatre
• 13 and 14 December: The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
• 23 December: The Snowman & The Gruffalo at Cheltenham Town Hall
• 1 January: New Year’s Day Raceday at Cheltenham Racecourse

To find out more about Christmas in Cheltenham, go to visitcheltenham.com.