25 of the best things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds [2026]

With frosty mornings, pretty villages decked in twinkling lights, Christmas carols, cosy fires, the smell of pine trees and maybe even a snow flurry or two, Christmas is a great time to visit the Cotswolds. Whether you’re planning a Christmas break in the region or live locally and want to get into the spirit of the season, here are 25 of my top things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds in 2026, from festive light trails and reindeer farms to ice skating and Christmas markets.

When to visit the Cotswolds at Christmas

Winter in the Cotswolds is generally cold and damp. Average highs fall from 11°C (52°F) in November to 8°C (46°F) in December, with lows dropping from 5°C (41°F) to 2°C (36°F). Pack warm layers, a waterproof coat and footwear for muddy paths and cobbled streets. It gets dark by around 4pm in December, which is ideal for Christmas lights but leaves less time for sightseeing.

Mid- to late November is a good time to avoid the crowds. Light trails, stately homes and ice rinks open towards the end of the month, and some offer cheaper off-peak November tickets. Christmas markets start too, with many smaller village markets from 27–29 November.

December offers the widest choice of Christmas markets, carol concerts and late-night shopping. But it gets busier the closer you get to Christmas, especially over the weekends, so book accommodation and popular events well in advance or visit during the week if you can.

Between Christmas and New Year the Christmas markets have finished but you can still see decorations in the villages, and pantomimes, light trails, ice rinks and steam train rides continue after Christmas. Check opening hours though, as some attractions close on bank holidays.

Things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds

Christmas lights and winter outdoors

1. Follow a sparkling Christmas light trail

Grab a hot chocolate or spiced apple and explore a magical illuminated light trail this Christmas. With sparkling light displays set to music, these trails through the Cotswolds’ gardens and outdoor spaces are more popular than ever, with four local trails to choose from this year.

Enjoy the backdrops of Blenheim Palace for the Illuminated Light Trail (13 November 2026–3 January 2027) and Sudeley Castle for the Spectacle of Light (20 November–30 December 2026). Or walk through illuminated trees at Christmas at Westonbirt (27 November–31 December 2026).

You can also bring your dog with you at The Enchanted Garden By Night trail at Painswick Rococo Garden (27 November 2026–2 January 2027). And if you don’t mind travelling a bit further afield, there are alos light trails at Longleat’s Festival of Light and Malvern Winter Glow.

2. Warm up with a wintry walk

If you’re looking to work off the Christmas indulgences with a winter walk, here are a few of my favourites. Leckhampton Hill south of Cheltenham has spectacular views from the top, with a 3-mile loop across its rare limestone grassland. Or you can follow a 5.4-mile circular route from Bourton-on-the-Water along the Rivers Windrush and Eye to Upper and Lower Slaughter.

From Broadway there’s a 4.4-mile circular walk which climbs up to the fairytale Broadway Tower and through the deer park before descending back down to the village. You can also follow the start of the Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden for the 4.1-mile circular walk to the viewpoint at Dover’s Hill, where you can see as far as the Black Mountains in Wales on a clear day.

3. Visit the Cotswold reindeer

Did you know there are reindeer in the Cotswolds? The Cotswold Reindeer Herd is tucked away in the countryside at Ampney Crucis. You can meet and feed the reindeer on selected dates from 16 November–31 December 2026, with late-night opening on some evenings. There’s also Santa’s Grotto, Santa’s Forest with its illuminated Christmas trees and Mrs Claus’ Tearooms.

4. Get your skates on

The Great Skate returns to Blenheim Palace, with a covered rink in the palace’s spectacular Great Court (13 November 2026–3 January 2027). You can also take a spin on the ice at the Cotswold Water Park’s Cotswold Ice Rink (19 November 2026–17 January 2027). Or show off your triple axels before a game of Glow Golf at Bath on Ice in Victoria Park (20 November 2026–3 January 2027).

5. Pick out a Christmas tree

Turn choosing your Christmas tree into a festive outing at one of the Cotswolds’ farms and forestry businesses. Jolly Nice near Stroud creates a pop-up Christmas Tree Forest from 21 November, with freshly cut trees as well as festive food at the farm shop and resident reindeer.

Primrose Vale near Cheltenham sells cut and pot-grown trees, but its speciality is living trees you can rent and return after Christmas. You can also find locally grown trees at Over Farm near Gloucester, five different varieties of tree at Dowdeswell Forestry outside Cheltenham, and trees from a family farm at Upthorpe near Dursley with free hot chocolate and mince pies at weekends.

6. See decorated Cotswold towns and villages

Many Cotswold towns and villages go all out for Christmas with sparkling trees. But there’s something a bit unusual about the tree in Bourton-on-the-Water, which is set in the middle of the River Windrush, with lights reflecting in the water. Cirencester, Winchcombe and Broadway are also beautifully lit, with a Tree of Light in Broadway to commemorate lost loved ones.

You can admire Christmas trees decorated by local community groups, charities and schools in the cloister at Lacock Abbey. And Christmas tree festivals are being held at St Peter’s Church in Winchcombe (3–4 December 2026), St Laurence’s Church in Stroud (27 November–5 December 2026) and St Saviour’s Church in Tetbury (1 December 2026–4 January 2027).

Festive experiences and entertainment

7. Spend a night at the panto

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the panto (oh no it wouldn’t…). With its colourful mix of singing, dancing and audience participation, the Christmas pantomime is a family tradition. This year’s pantos include classics Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty:

• Chipping Norton Theatre: The Snow Queen (18 November 2026–17 January 2027)
• Barn Theatre, Cirencester: Honk! (21 November 2026–3 January 2027)
• Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham: Cinderella (27 November 2026–10 January 2027)
• Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury: Sleeping Beauty (28 November 2026–2 January 2027)
• Theatre Royal Bath: Beauty and the Beast (10 December 2026–10 January 2027)
• The Sub Rooms, Stroud: Beauty and the Beast (18 December 2026–3 January 2027)
• Cheltenham Playhouse: Peter Pan (11 December 2026–2 January 2027).

8. Sing along to Christmas carols

Listen to local choirs singing Christmas classics – or join in yourself – outdoors or in the Cotswolds’ beautiful churches. Carol concerts take place at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 21 November–20 December 2026 in the village church of St Peter at National Trust site Dyrham Park.

There are also free Christmas carols in the Cotswolds at:

• Gloucester Cathedral (29 November, 6pm)
• St Saviour’s Church in Tetbury (5 December, 5pm)
• Burford Church (20 December, 3pm, 5pm and 7.30pm)
• Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester (multiple dates)
• Northleach Market Place (date to be announced).

9. Meet Father Christmas

Father Christmas makes appearances across the Cotswolds from traditional grottos to canal boats. At Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton, Christmas with the Clauses takes families through a series of scenes before a private grotto visit, with illuminations, festive activities, admission to the farm and a gift included. It runs on selected dates from 21 November–24 December 2026.

For a more traditional experience, children can meet Father Christmas in small groups of up to six at Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh on 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20 December. Each child has time for a chat and photograph and receives a personalised gift. Or climb aboard a 25-minute Santa Cruise along the canal from Wallbridge Lock in Stroud on weekends in December.

10. Treat yourself to a festive night away

Why not escape for a night or two to one of the Cotswolds’ historic hotels? Many of them are beautifully done up for Christmas with lavishly decorated trees and roaring log fires. If you want to get away for the big day, there are some high-end Christmas packages available with all the trimmings (or if Santa’s not that generous, look out for bargain deals in the New Year).

Celebrate Christmas in gourmet style at the Manor House Hotel* in Castle Combe. Go for broke at New Year with a casino night, black tie gala dinner and live music at the Lords of the Manor* in Upper Slaughter. Or relax with a Twixmas spa break at The Lygon Arms* in Broadway.

11. Make your own Christmas wreath

Decorate your front door with a beautiful handmade Christmas wreath this year, with tuition from expert florists. Wreath-making classes are available at various venues around the Cotswolds in November and December, some of which also include a Christmas afternoon tea:

• Daylesford, near Kingham (multiple dates)
• Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, Chipping Campden (multiple dates)
• Ellenborough Park, near Cheltenham (multiple dates)
• The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter (28 November and 3 December 2026)
• Badminton Estate (28 November and 4 December 2026)
• Burleigh Court, near Stroud (27 November, 4 and 6 December 2026)
• The Tetbury Flower Co, Sopworth (3–7 and 9 December 2026).

12. Take a festive ride on a steam train

A ride on the Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Steam Railway is a journey back in time to the golden age of rail travel. This volunteer-run rail route runs from Cheltenham to Broadway, with vintage carriages hauled by an original steam locomotive for those evocative sounds and smells.

The GWSR hosts a couple of different festive events. The popular Santa Specials family trips depart from Toddington on selected dates from 28 November–23 December 2026 to visit Santa and the elves at his North Pole winter wonderland – but book early as they do sell out. Or you can take a Festive Steam Special day trip between 27 December 2026 and 3 January 2027.

13. Experience a country house Christmas

You can also see how Christmas was celebrated through the ages at historic houses around the Cotswolds. At Dyrham Park, this year’s Christmas decorations take inspiration from objects in its collection, from Delftware to still life paintings (20 November 2026–3 January 2027).

You can see how the Fox-Talbot family spent Christmas in the Great Hall at Lacock Abbey, with traditional decorations and an impressive tree (28 November–31 December). And Upton House and Gardens features displays inspired by the Greek Muses (14 November–3 January).

There are also Christmas tours of stately home The Hall in Bradford on Avon (various dates from 13 November–12 December 2026), with mulled wine and mince pies before the tour.

Christmas shopping, food and drink

14. Visit a Christmas market

Christmas markets have become an annual tradition, with Christmas music and stalls draped with colourful lights selling artisan gifts and crafts, tree decorations, local food and drink – not to mention all the tasty treats like mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and spiced biscuits.

Bath Christmas market is back from 26 November–13 December 2026, with over 180 wooden chalets selling crafts, festive food and drink in the streets around the Abbey. Cheltenham’s Christmas gift market on the Promenade also returns from 10–23 December 2026.

There are several food and craft markets in Cirencester and Stroud, and one-off festive markets in towns and villages including Moreton-in-Marsh (28 November), Winchcombe (3–4 December), Chipping Campden (5 December) and more – find a full calendar here.

15. Go late-night shopping

Soak up the festive atmosphere and pick up unique gifts from the Cotswolds’ independent shops at a late-night shopping event. Broadway hosts theirs on 27 November and 4 December 2026, with beautifully decorated streets and mulled wine and mince pies. They’re also being held in Cheltenham (3 and 10 December), Malmesbury (4 December) and Winchcombe (3–4 December).

16. Indulge in a festive afternoon tea

Afternoon tea is an English institution, and it gets a little extra sparkle at Christmas in the Cotswolds with special festive versions. Look out for seasonal delights like turkey and cranberry sandwiches, Christmas pudding cheesecake, mincemeat frangipane and freshly baked scones.

You can book festive afternoon teas at luxury Cotswold hotels including The Slaughters Manor House, The Lygon Arms, Buckland Manor and The Greenway on dates through December. And kids can enjoy a special tea with Santa at Ellenborough Park on 20 December 2026.

17. Shop for local Christmas food and wine

The Cotswolds is bursting with fantastic artisan food and drink suppliers, and a Cotswolds Christmas hamper makes a great gift – whether that’s for yourself or someone else. Stock up on local favourites from the Cotswold Cheese Company, Cotswold Gold oils, Tubby Tom’s sauces, Costello and Hellerstein chocolates and charcuterie from Saltpig and The Cotswold Curer.

Toast the festive season or welcome in 2027 with a glass of local bubbly from the Cotswolds’ award-winning vineyards, including Dryhill Vineyard’s Classic Cuvee, Poulton Hill Estate’s Bulari, Woodchester Valley Vineyard’s Cotswold Classic and Larkhill Vineyard’s Cotswold Sparkling.

Christmas events in the Cotswolds 2026

18. Christmas at Blenheim (13 Nov–3 Jan)

Grand UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace goes all out for the festive season with its Christmas at Blenheim event from 13 November 2026–3 January 2027. This year’s theme is ‘Cinderella’, with each stateroom telling a different chapter of the famous fairytale. You can also add on afternoon tea in the Orangery, ice skating, an illuminated trail and Christmas market.

19. Christmas at Giffords (19 Nov–21 Dec)

Much-loved local circus troupe Giffords bring their unique brand of magic to the Cotswolds this Christmas. Christmas at Giffords is their latest winter show which takes place from 19 November–21 December 2026 at their home base, Fennells Farm near Stroud. Expect aerial acts, jugglers, clowns and animal acts with a twist, with dinner available at the Circus Sauce restaurant.

20. Malvern Winter Glow (20 Nov–31 Dec)

Located just outside the Cotswolds, Malvern Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground is a four-in-one Christmas extravaganza worth travelling for. It takes place from 20 November–31 December 2026, with the chance to meet Santa and his elves, a light trail, UV crazy golf, fairground rides and a Christmas market – and there are special dog-friendly sessions too.

21. Christmas at Cotswold Farm Park (27 Nov–23 Dec)

Spend a special Christmas on the Farm at the Cotswold Farm Park on 27–29 November, 4–6, 11–13 and 17–23 December 2026. After meeting Father Christmas and choosing a gift, kids can build a teddy bear in the elves’ workshop, decorate gingerbread, toast marshmallows over the fire and warm up with hot chocolate in the Ox Barn. You can also meet the animals in the farm park.

22. Badminton House Candlelight Concert (12 Dec)

Celebrate Christmas in the elegant surroundings of Badminton House on 12 December 2026, as the Bristol Ensemble play a mix of classic carols and Christmas favourites. The concert takes place in the North Hall – the room where the game of badminton was invented in 1863 – with its elaborate plasterwork and paintings by John Wootton illuminated by the glow of candles.

23. Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour (19 Dec)

A convoy of around 40 tractors decorated with thousands of lights rolls through the Cotswolds on 19 December, as the Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour starts in Shipton and travels through Withington, Andoversford and Prestbury on its way into Cheltenham. It’s all for a good cause too, with donations going towards the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity and Dementia UK.

24. Bibury Duck Race (26 Dec)

One of the Cotswolds’ quirkiest traditions takes place in Bibury at 11am on Boxing Day (26 December), when 3000 yellow rubber ducks race down the River Coln. The event has been running for 38 years, and pulls in the crowds each year – it’s now live-streamed on Instagram too. You can sponsor a duck in person or online, with prizes for the winners and the proceeds to local charities.

25. New Year’s Day Racing at Cheltenham (1 Jan 2027)

The New Year’s Day race meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse is an annual ritual for horse racing fans, who shake off the New Year’s Eve cobwebs with a flutter and a pint or two in the Guinness Village. As well as a full day of racing action on the track, there’s also extra entertainment on the day, including live music and face-painting and bouncy castles in the Family Fun Zone.

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