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Can't miss events in The Cotswolds this festive season

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In the run up to Christmas we love taking time out with friends and family to go see beautiful Christmas lights, sip on mulled wine or wander through gorgeous market stalls selling all kinds of treats and trinkets. The Cotswolds being home to beautiful nature, gardens and outdoor spaces means there are plenty of events this season to get you in the festive mood. Whether that’s exploring a Christmas themed cave or staring in awe at colourful light shows.

We’ve chosen our favourite events taking places around The Cotswolds to celebrate the festive season and bring a little more Christmas magic in our lives.

Christmas at Clearwell Caves

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Wander through the caves and follow the story of Archie and the Unicorn as he discovers a magical adventure hidden underground! Your journey through the caverns will take you through a twinkling underground festive world to find Santa Claus, Christmas stalls selling stocking fillers and decorations for your tree and an underground café with delicious treats and warming winter drinks!

Online booking is essential and the event runs from 2-31 December.

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

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Discover the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum in a whole new light along the Christmas illuminated trail this December. A new story provides a backdrop to Westonbirt's Enchanted Christmas each year and for 2022, Santa’s elves have taken over the illuminated trails and you get to join in the wonder, hilarity and general commotion that comes with mischievous elves running the show!

You can book tickets online and the dates for the Enchanted Christmas event are: 25-26 November, 2-3 December, 9 -10 December and 16-21 December.

Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park

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See the farm in a whole new light and explore a magical trail of colour, lights and sparkle this winter. A family friendly display, let the lights guide you on an enchanting stroll through the farm park after hours with plenty of opportunities to meet the furry residents and pick up seasonal hot food and drinks en route. For many, this will be the first time exploring the Farm Park at night, and it’s the perfect place to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

Running until the 31st December, book your tickets online now so you don’t miss out.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens Spectacle of Light

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Wander through the beautiful illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds. Returning for its 6th year, expect sparkling water features, lanterns and new displays for 2021, including the new Light Curve, the flickering flames of the Queens garden and the mesmerising Carpet of Colour.

Sip warm drinks and enjoy sweet snacks as you wander the magical trail and see this timeless castle in a completely new light.

Taking place on selected evenings between 25th November - 30th December, book your tickets online here.

Santa's Coming to Slimbridge

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A lovely, festive day out for little ones while immersed in nature, why not visit Santa at his wetland grotto? Children can meet him, receive a gift and enjoy lots of festive activities at the centre too. For example, in the art hub you can make your own natural Christmas decorations to take home and write a letter to Santa. In the interactive sandbox, kids can create their own festive wetland scene.

First sessions are on the 10 and 11 December and then every day from 17-21 December. Book your tickets here.

Christmas Market at Trinity Park

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Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity at their very first Christmas Market on Saturday 3rd December at Trinity Park, home of the Suffolk Show. Showcasing over 70 small businesses from across the region, they have an exciting variety of beautiful, unique decorations and crafts to pick up as gifts and plenty of festive food and drink to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Tickets can purchased on the day or you can book online here.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

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Brand new for 2022, experience an after-dark illuminated indoor trail which sees Blenheim Palace’s interiors transformed into The kingdom of The Snow Queen. When you step outside, the light trails which are a local favourite are back as usual. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel tones as you experience the beloved Blenheim Palace in a whole new, magical way.

Warm up among the flickering flames in the fire garden and keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way. There will also be a collection of independent street food vendors bringing tasty treats to enjoy along the way.

Running every day until Friday 24th December and after Christmas until the 2nd January, book your tickets online here.

Check out a pantomime!

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No festive season in the UK is complete without a trip to see a panto!The Theatre, Chipping Norton is our favourite in particular for an annual pantomime and this year they’re celebrating 50 years of pantos with Dick Whittington.

The Everyman in Cheltenham is also always popular and they’re putting on a performance of Dick Whittington too with sidekick Tweedy the Cat!

Christmas Fair and Street Food Market at the Old Gore Barn

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If you’re looking for more of a laidback, Christmas event to go to then Yardspace is holding a Christmas Fair and Street Food Market in their Old Gore Barn. Set amid a beautiful, rustic countryside location, the fair promises mince pies and merriment, there will also be some of the best brands and traders from across The Cotswolds and beyond so you can pick up a few gifts.