Celebrate the Season in Gloucestershire: Best Christmas Lights, Markets, and Festivities (2024)
As the crisp winter air descends upon Gloucestershire, the region transforms into a festive haven brimming with twinkling lights, bustling markets, and enchanting celebrations.
Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas MarketWhether you're a local or a visitor seeking a magical holiday escape, Gloucestershire offers a plethora of activities that capture the spirit of Christmas. From the historic charm of Gloucester to the quaint beauty of the Cotswolds, this festive guide will take you on a journey through the best Christmas lights, markets, and events the county has to offer in 2024.
Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market
Step into a bygone era with the Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market, one of the most anticipated events of the season. Wander through the cobbled streets, where traders in Victorian attire offer an array of festive gifts, delicious street food, and seasonal treats. Marvel at the handmade crafts, decorations, and vintage goods, all while enjoying live entertainment from Victorian street performers and carolers.
Dates: November 17 – December 23, 2024
Location: Gloucester Quays, GL1 5SF
Highlights: Over 150 stalls, traditional carousel, live music, and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Cheltenham’s Christmas Market is renowned for its festive charm, set against the backdrop of the elegant Regency architecture of The Promenade. With over 80 wooden chalets adorned with fairy lights, this market offers a cozy setting to explore handcrafted gifts, seasonal food, and mulled wine. Be sure to take a leisurely stroll through Imperial Gardens, which will be beautifully illuminated for the season, adding a magical touch to your experience.
Dates: November 23 – December 20, 2024
Location: The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1PJ
Highlights: Artisan crafts, local produce, and festive light displays in Imperial Gardens.
Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas
A must-see for nature lovers, the Enchanted Christmas event at Westonbirt Arboretum is a stunning spectacle of lights. As night falls, the towering trees are illuminated, creating a magical forest trail that captivates visitors of all ages. Wander through the winter woodland, where interactive displays and artistic light installations add to the wonder of the evening. This is an unforgettable experience for families, with the added joy of spotting Santa Claus as you explore the enchanted forest.
Dates: Select dates from November 30 – December 22, 2024
Location: Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS
Highlights: Light trail, interactive displays, and festive food stalls.
Cirencester Christmas Market and Light Switch-On
Known as the heart of the Cotswolds, Cirencester comes alive during the Christmas season with its festive market and dazzling light displays. The Cirencester Christmas Market offers a selection of local artisan goods, festive food, and entertainment, all within the charming setting of the town’s historic marketplace. The highlight of the season is the Christmas Light Switch-On ceremony, where the town is bathed in twinkling lights, accompanied by carols, street performances, and a visit from Santa himself.
Dates: Market – November 25 – December 24, 2024 | Light Switch-On – November 30, 2024
Location: Cirencester Market Square, Cirencester, GL7
Highlights: Local crafts, live entertainment, and the spectacular light switch-on event.
Tewkesbury Festival of Lights
Tewkesbury’s medieval streets are transformed into a winter wonderland with the annual Festival of Lights. The town’s half-timbered buildings, historic abbey, and charming streets are festooned with Christmas decorations, creating a picturesque setting for the season’s festivities. Visitors can enjoy late-night shopping, festive food, and a variety of entertainment, including live music and performances that add to the holiday atmosphere.
Dates: December 1 – 23, 2024
Location: Tewkesbury Town Centre. The main event takes place in the High Street, Barton Street and Church Street which is closed off to traffic between 0600-2100 on the day of the event.
Nearby convenient FREE parking can be found at Spring Gardens/Oldbury Road car parks.
There are also other close FREE car parks at : Gloucester Road (suitable for coaches), Gander Lane and Howells Road.Highlights: Live performances, festive food stalls, and illuminated historic buildings.
Stroud Christmas Market and Light Trail
Stroud offers a unique Christmas experience with its eclectic mix of independent shops, creative stalls, and local food producers at the Stroud Christmas Market.Known for its artistic community, Stroud’s market is filled with handcrafted gifts, artwork, and sustainable products that reflect the town’s eco-conscious ethos. In the evening, visitors can follow the Stroud Christmas Light Trail, which winds through the town, showcasing beautifully decorated buildings and shopfronts.
Dates: November 24 – December 22, 2024
Location: Stroud Town Centre
Highlights: Eco-friendly crafts, local food, and the light trail.
Orchestra Pro Anima and Robert Plane (Clarinet): The Berkeley Castle Orchestral Christmas Concert 2024 - SOLD OUT
Mark your calendars for Sunday, 15th December 2024, as the Berkeley Castle Orchestral Christmas Concert returns, offering a magical evening of music, festivity, and seasonal charm. Set in the stunning historic surroundings of Berkeley Castle, this much-loved event will take place at 6pm, with a festive reception beginning at 5pm to welcome guests. Since its inception in 2002, this concert has become a holiday tradition, captivating audiences for over 20 years with its combination of world-class music, festive treats, and the castle’s enchanting Christmas ambiance, complete with twinkling lights and Christmas trees.
Plan Your Gloucestershire Christmas Adventure
Gloucestershire offers something for everyone this festive season, from the grand Christmas markets to the intimate glow of light trails in the countryside. Whether you're skating under the stars or browsing handcrafted gifts, the region's events promise to fill your holiday with joy and enchantment. Be sure to check official websites for ticket details, event timings, and any special activities to ensure a magical Christmas in Gloucestershire 2024.