Cathedrals, Carols and Concerts as Christmas Events in Gloucestershire 2025
Discover Cathedrals, carols & concerts as Christmas events in Gloucestershire. Six handpicked 2025 highlights with dates, times, addresses, websites, ticket links, and parking tips.
Updated 12/12/2025
Gloucestershire sparkles at Christmas, and nothing captures the season better than Cathedrals, carols & concerts as Christmas events in Gloucestershire. From resonant choirs beneath soaring Norman vaults to orchestral family shows in elegant halls, the county offers festive experiences for every mood. Picture candlelit aisles, ancient stones warmed by singing, and brass fanfares echoing across decorated naves.
In Cheltenham, Cheltenham Town Hall stages big, bright Christmas productions; in Gloucester, the Cathedral’s traditional carol services draw visitors from across the Cotswolds; in Tewkesbury and Cirencester, beloved parish and abbey traditions continue with moving readings and much-loved carols.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening surrounded by choral harmonies, bringing the kids to a film-in-concert spectacular, or simply seeking a quiet moment of wonder, this guide makes it easy. Below you’ll find six curated events with dates, start times, full addresses, official websites, ticket links, and parking guidance.
Everything is arranged to help you book confidently and arrive relaxed. Most venues sit in town centres with reliable public transport and nearby car parks, and several services are free or unticketed, perfect for spontaneous visits. Read on to find your perfect celebration, then gather friends and family for a season of music, light, and community. With the right plan, your December calendar will sing—literally.
Gloucester Cathedral – Cathedral Carol Service
Gloucester Cathedral’s Cathedral Carol Service is the county’s quintessential Christmas experience: timeless readings, congregational carols, and glorious music from the Cathedral Choir under the vast fan vaulting. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere as lanterns flicker along the cloisters and the nave fills with expectant hush. The liturgy follows a traditional pattern—uplifting processional hymns, Scripture foretelling the Nativity, and beloved carols that invite everyone to sing.
If you’ve never heard a full cathedral choir in this space, prepare for goosebumps when familiar descants ring out and the organ crowns the final verse. Families are welcome, and the service suits both regular worshippers and first-time visitors who simply want to share a beautiful civic moment. Seating is unreserved; doors usually open well ahead of the start, and stewards can guide you to accessible areas. The Cathedral sits in the heart of the city, a short walk from bus and rail links, with several council car parks nearby.
Date: 22 and 23 December 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Address: Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX
Website: Gloucester Cathedral
Ticket Link: Free, no tickets required
Parking: Multiple public car parks within walking distance
Dress warmly; medieval buildings can be cool in the evening. After the service, step onto College Green to admire the lit exterior or wander to the nearby quays for festive refreshments. Above all, expect warmth, hospitality, and a sense of peace that lingers long after the final “O come, all ye faithful.”
Cheltenham Town Hall – Step Into Christmas
“Step Into Christmas” returns to Cheltenham Town Hall with a feel-good, singalong celebration tailor-made for getting into the spirit. Starring a full band, vibrant vocalists, and festive arrangements of seasonal hits, the show blends classic crooners, big-band sparkle, and audience participation.
The Town Hall’s grand Edwardian setting—chandeliers, columns, and a sweeping auditorium—adds a splash of glamour, while the professional sound and lighting deliver that “switch-on” moment when December suddenly feels real. Expect toe-tapping favourites, sumptuous ballads, and a rousing finale that sends you out humming. Unreserved seating is straightforward: arrive when doors open to choose your spot, grab a drink from the bar, and settle in for 90+ minutes of glittering nostalgia.
Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
Time: 7:30 PM (doors 6:30 PM)
Address: Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA
Website & Ticket Link: Cheltenham Town Hall – Step Into Christmas
Parking: Nearest public car parks include Rodney Road and Regent Arcade; limited on-street spaces around Imperial.
This is a great pick for groups, office outings, or families with teens who enjoy live music and a lively crowd. Located in Imperial Square, the venue sits close to restaurants for pre-show dining and late-night treats. If you’re driving, plan for town-centre parking (Rodney Road or Regent Arcade are both close), or use the Racecourse Park & Ride for a fuss-free trip.
Book early—popular December dates fill quickly.
Tewkesbury Abbey – Christmas Carol Service
Tewkesbury Abbey’s Christmas Carol Service offers a hushed, candlelit encounter with one of England’s most beautiful medieval churches. Beneath the mighty Norman tower, voices rise in traditional carols and choral anthems, interwoven with readings that trace the Nativity story. The Abbey’s acoustics lend warmth and resonance, turning familiar melodies into something luminous; when the organ swells and a descant soars, the entire nave seems to glow.
The service is welcoming and reflective rather than performative—ideal if you crave calm amid the rush. Arrive early for the best choice of seats and time to admire the stonework and decorated chapels. Families often sit toward the nave centre for a good view; there’s accessible seating and steward support if needed.
Date: Sunday 21 December 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Address: Tewkesbury Abbey, Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ
Website: Tewkesbury Abbey – Christmas Carol Service
Ticket Link: Free, no tickets required
Parking: Several nearby pay-and-display car parks; closest options signposted (e.g., Gander Lane/Vineyards)
The Abbey is in the town centre with several pay-and-display car parks only minutes away, including sites that rarely flood; signage is clear, but December can be busy, so plan a little extra time. Afterward, step out into the historic streets for mince pies or a stroll along the river, where festive lights frame the Abbey’s silhouette. It’s a gentle, heartfelt way to mark the season.
Cirencester Singers – Christmas Concert at St John Baptist
Cirencester’s magnificent Parish Church of St John Baptist hosts the Cirencester Singers for a heartwarming community concert that balances tradition with local pride. Expect an inviting mix of audience carols, sparkling choral numbers, and maybe a surprise solo or two—perfect for families, friends, and anyone who wants to sing along.
The setting is breathtaking: a landmark wool church right on Market Place, where decorated trees and market lights add extra magic. Inside, the acoustic is clear and intimate, so every line of “Once in Royal David’s City” and “Hark! The Herald” lands with crisp detail. Seats are general admission; arrive in good time to admire the architecture and pick your pew.
Date: Tuesday 9 December 2025
Time: 7:30 PM (ends ~9:45 PM)
Address: Church of St John Baptist, Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX
Website: Parish information page
Ticket Link: Buy via TicketTailor
Parking: Several public car parks within walking distance of Market Place (charges apply).
The church is central and well-connected by bus; drivers will find multiple town car parks a short walk away. Wrap up warmly and treat yourself to a festive hot chocolate in the Market Place before or after the music. If you prefer a slightly quieter experience, consider the earlier portion of the evening when doors open and the church is still settling. Above all, you’ll feel part of Cirencester’s living Christmas tradition.
Cheltenham College Chapel – Christmas Eve Carol Service
For a candlelit Christmas Eve in Cheltenham, the College Chapel’s traditional Lessons and Carols offers beauty, stillness, and exceptional music-making. The neo-Gothic chapel is renowned for its choral sound; by the glow of candles and tree lights, familiar carols unfold between readings, culminating in a thrilling final hymn as Christmas begins.
Due to capacity and safety regulations, this service is ticketed and demand is high; tickets initially prioritise the school community, with remaining seats released to the public later. Plan ahead, set a reminder, and be ready when the box office opens. Doors typically open thirty minutes before; ushers will direct you to reserved or general seating. The campus is a pleasant walk from Montpellier and the town centre.
Date: Wednesday 24 December 2025
Time: 4:00 PM (doors 3:30 PM)
Address: Cheltenham College Chapel, Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7LD
Website: Cheltenham College Chapel – Christmas Eve Carol Service
Ticket Link: TicketSource – Christmas Eve Carol Service
Parking: Limited; some at College sports complex on Thirlestaine Road, otherwise use nearby public car parks.
Parking is limited: occasionally there’s overflow at the sports complex on Thirlestaine Road (a short walk), but most visitors use town car parks or on-street bays nearby. Dress warmly and arrive early for a calm entry—this is one to savour. When the final candle is carried out and the organ’s echoes fade, you’ll step into Christmas night with joy.
The Gruffalo & The Snowman in Concert – Cheltenham Town Hal
A magical pick for families, this film-with-live-orchestra event brings The Snowman and The Gruffalo to Cheltenham Town Hall’s Main Stage. A professional symphony orchestra performs the beloved scores in sync with large-screen projections, creating an immersive storytelling experience that delights children and charms adults. Expect seasonal touches, friendly introductions from the stage, and a warm, inclusive audience that applauds the orchestra as heartily as the films.
With two performances in the afternoon, it’s perfectly timed for a festive day out—pair it with a late lunch in Montpellier or a hot chocolate on The Promenade. Seating is reserved via the venue’s booking system; arrive early to navigate prams, settle little ones, and enjoy the decorated foyers. The show length is family-friendly (with interval), and buggy access and facilities are on hand.
Date: Tuesday 23 December 2025
Time: 1:30 PM (additional 4:30 PM performance)
Address: Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA
Website & Ticket Link: via official website here
Parking: No general on-site; use nearby Rodney Road or Regent Arcade car parks; limited on-street by Imperial.
If you’re driving, allow time for town-centre parking (Rodney Road or Regent Arcade are nearest), or opt for Park & Ride to simplify drop-off. This concert routinely sells quickly, so secure tickets in advance—kids will talk about the live orchestra for weeks.
From candlelit choirs to showtime sparkle, Cathedrals, carols & concerts as Christmas events in Gloucestershire turn December into pure celebration. Cathedrals and great churches offer moments of stillness and awe; town-hall spectaculars bring colour, rhythm, and family-friendly joy. With dates, times, websites, tickets, and parking tips above, you can shape a festive itinerary that flows—perhaps a midweek concert in Cheltenham, a weekend carol service in Tewkesbury, and Gloucester’s grand traditions to crown it all.
Wherever you go, arrive early, dress warmly, and sing when invited. That’s the heart of it: voices raised together, neighbours meeting in kindness, and music that lifts the season. Book now, share the links with friends, and let the countdown begin—see you under the lights.
