Posted on November 28, 2024
When The Cotswolds slips into winter, it becomes a picture-perfect festive postcard. Golden villages glow beneath twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine fills the air, and frost glitters across the rolling hills. Whether you’re seeking a magical light trail, a charming Christmas market, or a festive day out with the family, there’s something for everyone this Christmas season. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting into the Christmas spirit across The Cotswolds in 2025.
Light Shows
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
A firm favourite in the festive calendar, Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas transforms the National Arboretum into a glowing wonderland of colour and sound. From late November to 31st December 2025, the trail leads visitors through illuminated woodland, with interactive displays, glittering sculptures, and musical accompaniments that make the forest feel alive. Alongside the trail, you’ll find seasonal stalls serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, and toasted marshmallows, perfect for warming up under the stars.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light
Running from 21 November to 30 December 2025, the Spectacle of Light brings the historic castle and gardens to life in an immersive experience of sound and illumination. Wander through glowing tunnels, admire the castle ruins bathed in colour, and enjoy the themed light scenes that shift each year. The trail is perfectly rounded off with festive refreshments, from mince pies to mulled cider all served in the castle courtyard, offering a cosy close to a magical evening.
Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail
The Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail has become one of the UK’s most celebrated light shows, and it’s easy to see why. Running from mid-November 2025 to early January 2026, it features towering light installations, dancing reflections across the lake, and tunnels of twinkling stars. This year’s route promises new artistic designs and a renewed focus on sustainability, while the Palace courtyard hosts artisan food stalls and festive drinks. It’s an unmissable combination of grandeur and Christmas sparkle.
Cotswold Farm Park Ultimate Christmas
For something a little more relaxed and family-friendly, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park presents its Ultimate Christmas Experience, a joyful evening of colour, farm animals, and festive fun. There will be a light display in the form of an interactive fairy light street and giant snowglobe. The evening is complete with warm fire pits for toasting marshmallows and opportunities to meet the animals. It’s ideal for younger children or anyone seeking a gentler festive experience amid the rolling countryside.
Painswick Rococo Garden Light Nights
From the 29th November till the 29th December, the 18th-century Rococo Garden in Painswick opens after dark for a smaller, more intimate light experience. For the third year, guests can explore winding paths, mirrored pools, and whimsical follies illuminated with delicate lighting, creating an atmosphere that feels both magical and tranquil. Visitors can enjoy hot drinks, and handmade treats, the perfect peaceful counterpart to larger-scale events.
Christmas Markets
Cirencester Advent Market & Light Switch-On
At the heart of the Cotswolds, Cirencester hosts one of the region’s largest and most atmospheric Christmas markets. Across the final weekend of November, the historic market square fills with more than 200 stalls selling artisan crafts, luxury gifts, and local delicacies. The festivities include live music, a funfair, and a spectacular light switch-on that bathes the town in festive glow. Wander through the market with a hot mulled cider in hand and discover why Cirencester is often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds.”
Cheltenham Gift Market
Cheltenham’s famous Promenade transforms into a winter wonderland twice, 20th - 23rd November and 11th - 23rd December of festive trading. The streets are lined with wooden chalets selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to gourmet cheeses, with the scent of cinnamon and roasted nuts filling the air. Shoppers can enjoy live music, festive entertainment, and a backdrop of fairy-lit trees, making Cheltenham’s market one of the most enchanting Christmas experiences in the region.
Tetbury Christmas Market & Lights
For a quintessentially Cotswold experience, Tetbury’s Christmas Market captures the warmth and charm of a traditional English Christmas. On Friday, 5th December, Independent boutiques and antique shops stay open late, while stalls selling festive gifts, local produce, and handmade decorations line the streets. The town’s Christmas lights are switched on amid carol singing and cheerful crowds, creating a scene that feels straight from a storybook.
Broadway Christmas Market
Few places do Christmas quite like Broadway. The picturesque High Street, framed by honey-stone cottages and fairy lights, becomes a haven for festive shoppers. The market evenings, November 28th and December 5th, feature artisan food producers, craft stalls, and live music, while local shops offer late-night browsing. Stop by one of the village pubs for a warming drink by the fire, it’s Cotswold Christmas charm at its finest.
Christmassy Things To Do
Cheltenham Ice Rink
Back for another year, Cheltenham’s covered ice rink is one of the highlights of the festive season. Set in the elegant Imperial Gardens, from 21st November till 4th January, skaters can glide beneath sparkling lights to the sound of classic Christmas tunes. With cafés nearby serving hot drinks and sweet treats, it’s a wonderful way to spend a wintry afternoon or evening, whether you’re skating hand-in-hand or simply watching from the sidelines.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Experience
Inside Blenheim Palace, the Christmas magic continues with a themed interior transformation. Each year brings a new story, this year's ‘The Palace of Oz ‘ promises a reimagined version of the classic Wizard Of Oz. There will also be an amazing opportunity to ice-skate right in the heart of the Great Court.
Gloucester Quays Winter Wonderland
For a bustling, family-friendly day out, Gloucester Quays delivers festive fun in abundance. Its Winter Wonderland features a large outdoor ice rink, fairground rides, Christmas market stalls, and street food from local vendors. The historic dockside location adds a unique backdrop to the festivities, and the twinkling lights reflected in the water make for a magical evening.
Chipping Campden Christmas Lights & Carols
Chipping Campden’s annual lights switch-on is a true community celebration. Locals and visitors gather in the High Street for an evening of carols, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine. The glow of fairy lights against the town’s honey-stone buildings is simply enchanting, a postcard worthy Cotswold Christmas scene that never fails to delight.
Daylesford Organic Christmas Workshops
If you’re looking to embrace the creative side of Christmas, Daylesford’s festive workshops are a must. Throughout November and December, the farm hosts wreath-making sessions, floristry classes, and cookery workshops that celebrate seasonal produce and traditional craft. Set amid the elegant surroundings of the Daylesford estate, it’s the perfect way to slow down and savour the season.
Quick practical tips for planning a Cotswolds Christmas outing
Book early. Popular illuminated trails and grotto slots sell out quickly, purchase tickets as soon as dates are released.
Prepare for the weather. Evenings are cold and often muddy, layers, waterproof boots and a thermos for little ones make a big difference.
Transport & parking. Bigger events and locations such as Blenheim and Westonbirt provide event-parking details, however village switch-ons can have limited parking so consider public transport or walking from nearby car parks.
Accessibility & relaxed sessions. Several venues across The Cotswolds offer relaxed or accessible sessions, check the event pages if you or a loved one would benefit from a quieter visit.