25 of the best things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds [2025]

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 our top things to do at Christmas in the Cotswolds in 2025, from festive light trails and reindeer farms to ice skating and Christmas markets.

25 things to do this Christmas in the Cotswolds

The great 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 five local trails to choose from this year.

Enjoy the backdrops of Blenheim Palace for the Illuminated Light Trail (14 November 2025–3 January 2026) and Sudeley Castle for the Spectacle of Light (21 November–30 December 2025). Walk through illuminated trees at Christmas at Westonbirt (28 November–31 December 2025). And new for 2025 is The Cotswold Sculpture Park Lights Up (22 November–29 December 2025).

You can also bring your dog with you at The Enchanted Garden By Night sculpture trail at Painswick Rococo Garden (28 November–29 December 2025). And if you don’t mind travelling a bit further afield, there’s also Longleat’s Festival of Light and Malvern Winter Glow.

2. Warm up with a wintery walk

If you’re looking to work off the Christmas indulgences with a winter walk, here are a few of our 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. Go sledging

If we’re lucky enough to see the snow this Christmas in the Cotswolds, wrap up warm, grab your sledges (or a tray if you’re improvising) and speed downhill. Some of the best places for sledging in the Cotswolds include Cleeve, Crickley and Leckhampton Hills near Cheltenham, Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, Broadway Tower and Cirencester Amphitheatre.

4. Visit the Cotswold reindeer

Did you know there were 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 15 November–31 December 2025, with Santa flying in by helicopter on 15 November. There’s also Santa’s Grotto, Santa’s Forest with its illuminated Christmas trees and Mrs Claus’ Tearooms.

‘Tis the season

5. 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 classic story A Christmas Carol and a festive take on Robin Hood:

• Chipping Norton Theatre: Beauty and the Beast (19 November 2025–18 January 2026)
• Barn Theatre, Cirencester: A Christmas Carol (1 December 2025–4 January 2026)
• Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham: Robin Hood (28 November 2025–11 January 2026)
• Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury: Jack and the Beanstalk (29 November 2025–3 January 2026)
• Theatre Royal Bath: Peter Pan (11 December 2025–11 January 2026)
• The Sub Rooms, Stroud: Sleeping Beauty (19 December 2025–4 January 2026).

6. Get your skates on

Cheltenham Ice Rink returns to Imperial Gardens – site of the town’s original Winter Gardens in the late 19th century (21 November 2025–4 January 2026). And the Great Skate at Blenheim Palace is a covered rink in the palace’s spectacular Grand Court (14 November 2025–3 January 2026).

You can also take a spin on the ice at the Cotswold Water Park’s Gateway Ice Rink (21 November 2025–19 January 2026), with ‘DJ on ice’ evenings. Or show off your triple axels and get lost in the Christmas tree maze at Bath on Ice in Victoria Park (14 November 2025–4 January 2026).

7. Admire decorated Christmas trees

Many of the Cotswolds’ towns and villages go all out for Christmas with beautifully decorated trees. But there’s something a bit unusual about Bourton-on-the-Water’s. Their tree is set in the middle of the River Windrush, with lights reflecting in the water and ducks swimming past. And Broadway has a Tree of Light from 2 November 2025–6 January 2026 to commemorate lost loved ones.

You can also 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 (28–30 November 2025), St Laurence’s Church in Stroud (28 November–7 December 2025) and St Saviour’s Church in Tetbury (1 December 2025–4 January 2026).

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 22 November–21 December 2025 in the village church of St Peter at National Trust site Dyrham Park.

There are also free Christmas carols in the Cotswolds at:

• St Saviour’s Church in Tetbury (6 December, 5pm)
• St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold (21 December, 3pm)
• Church of St John the Baptist in Cirencester (21 December, 6pm and 23 December, 10.30am)
• Northleach Market Place (22 December, 7pm)
• Burford Church (21 December, 4.30pm and 7.30pm)
• And multiple events in and around Stroud.

9. Treat yourself to a 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 after 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.

10. 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 Organic, near Kingham (multiple dates)
• Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, Chipping Campden (multiple dates)
• Ellenborough Park, near Cheltenham (23, 30 November, 1 and 6–8 December 2025)
• The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter (28 November, 5 and 11 December 2025)
• Badminton Estate (28–29 November 2025)
• Burleigh Court, near Stroud (29 November and 6 December 2025)
• Westonbirt Arboretum (30 November, 3 and 7 December 2025)
• The Tetbury Flower Co, Sopworth (3–7 December 2025).

Festivals and events

11. Christmas at Giffords

Much-loved local circus troupe Giffords bring their unique brand of magic to the Cotswolds this Christmas. Christmas at Giffords is their first festive show and takes place from 27 November–21 December 2025 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.

12. Christmas at Cotswold Farm Park

Spend a special Christmas on the Farm at the Cotswold Farm Park on 21–23, 28–30 November, 5–7, 12–14 and 18–23 December 2025. After meeting Father Christmas and choosing a gift, kids can decorate gingerbread, make a teddy, toast marshmallows and explore the Christmas Barn.

There are also new Christmas Nights for all the family (dogs included) on 6, 13 and 20 December 2025. As well as live music from local musicians there will be crackling fire pits, warming food and drink. Entry is free of charge, but tickets are limited so make sure you book in advance.

13. Christmas by Candlelight

Celebrate Christmas in the elegant surroundings of Badminton House on 13 December 2025, 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.

14. Christmas at Blenheim

Grand UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace goes all out for the festive season with its Christmas at Blenheim event from 14 November 2025–3 January 2026. This year’s theme is ‘The Palace of Oz’, as you follow the yellow brick road through the ornate palace rooms. You can also add on afternoon tea in the Orangery, ice skating, an illuminated trail and Christmas market.

15. Malvern Winter Glow

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 21 November–31 December 2025, 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.

16. Santa: The Visit

Or for even more sparkle, Santa: The Visit is a immersive musical adventure taking place at The Centaur in Cheltenham from 19–24 December 2025. This new family show, choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood, sees Santa Claus and the elves from the F.I.A. (Festive Intelligence Agency) on a mission to save Christmas – with your help.

17. Bibury Duck Race

One of the Cotswolds’ quirkiest traditions takes place Bibury at 11am on Boxing Day (26 December), when 3000 yellow rubber ducks race down the River Coln. The event has been running for 37 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 going to local charities.

18. New Year’s Day Racing at Cheltenham

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.

Christmas shopping

19. 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 27 November–14 December 2025, with over 170 wooden chalets selling crafts, festive food and drink in the streets around the Abbey. Cheltenham’s Christmas market on the Promenade also returns on 20–23 November and 11–23 December 2025.

There are several food and craft markets in Cirencester and Stroud, and one-off festive markets in towns and villages including Winchcombe and Woodstock (both 28–29 November), Moreton-in-Marsh (29 November), Chipping Campden (6 December) and more – full list here.

20. 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 28 November and 5 December 2025, with beautifully decorated streets and mulled wine and mince pies while you browse. And they’re also being held in Malmesbury (5 December) and Winchcombe (28–29 November).

History and heritage

21. Take a 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 host a couple of different festive events. The popular Santa Express family trips depart from Cheltenham on selected dates from 22 November–23 December 2025 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 Mince Pie Special steam train day trip between 27 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.

22. 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, the house will be dressed in the style of five different eras, from Tudor times right up until the new millennium (21 November 2025–4 January 2026).

You can see how the Fox-Talbot family spent Christmas in the Great Hall at Lacock Abbey, with traditional decorations and an impressive tree (22 November–31 December). And Upton House and Gardens features festive displays inspired by Aesops Fables (15 November–4 January).

There are also Christmas tours of The Hall in Bradford on Avon (14–15, 21–22, 28–29 November, 5–6 and 12–13 December 2025), with mulled wine and mince pies before the tour.

Food and drink

23. 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. This year you can treat yourself to a royal afternoon tea at King Charles’ Cotswold home Highgrove (selected dates from 23 November–21 December), featuring seasonal delights like candy cane meringue kisses, mincemeat frangipane and freshly baked scones.

Festive afternoon teas are also available at luxury Cotswold hotels including The Slaughters Manor House, The Lygon Arms, Buckland Manor and The Greenway. And there’s a Christmas Carol Afternoon Tea at Ellenborough Park on 14 December, with live music while you eat.

24. Create a Cotswolds Christmas hamper

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.

25. Drink a local toast

Toast the festive season or welcome in 2026 on New Year’ Eve with a glass of local bubbly from one of the Cotswolds’ award-winning vineyards. There’s a selection of white and rosé sparkling wines available, including Dryhill Vineyard’s Classic Cuvee, Poulton Hill Estate’s Bulari, Woodchester Valley Vineyard’s Cotswold Classic and Larkhill Vineyard’s Cotswold Sparkling.

* This site contains affiliate links, where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Save for later

You might also like