Things To Do This Christmas in the Cotswolds

What To Do This Christmas in the Cotswolds.

We can’t wait for the festive season in the Cotswolds 2026. We know that snuggling up around the wood burner is tempting but there are many great events happening in the run-up to Christmas! You can discover other things to do in the Cotswolds on our full guide too.

Christmas Magic at Blenheim Palace

13 November – 3 January 2026!

A magical winter wonderland, Blenheim Palace is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Start inside the palace where the State Rooms this year tell the story of Cinderella, browse the Christmas market in the Great Court and as night falls follow the illuminated light trail through the magical gardens. Don’t forget to take a turn on the covered ice rink or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the festivities from the observation wheel.

Credit – RG Live

Late Night Christmas Shopping in Broadway Village

27 November & 4 December

Broadway village comes alive with Christmas shoppers on Friday 27th November and Friday 4th December between 4.30pm and 8.30pm. We can’t wait to spend our Friday night indulging in mince pies and mulled wine, listening to festive music and sneaking a peak at Father Christmas, all whilst admiring the beauty of the village dressed in twinkling lights.

Cirencester Christmas Market

28 & 29 November

On the 28th & 29th of November Cirencester hosts its annual Advent market and lights switch on, followed by its first Christmas markets on the 5th and 6th December. Enjoy live carols under the Christmas tree in the market square of Cirencester with a glass of locally brewed cider. With plenty of high-quality traders and craftsmen, this is the perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas gift for your other half. Keep checking on the Cirencester Town Council website for Christmas market dates throughout December.

Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market

28 November

See Moreton-in-Marsh sparkle as the Christmas lights are switched on along the high street. Sit back and enjoy this quintessential Cotswold town in all its glory as this festive evening brings together the true spirit of Christmas, as the local community comes together to celebrate.

Cotswolds Christmas Celebrations at Cotswold Farm Park

Friday-Sunday’s starting 27 November through to 23 December

Create magical memories with the whole family at Cotswold Farm Park this Christmas. Feed the animals in their stables, enjoy a toasted marshmallow and hot chocolate by the fire and marvel at the illuminations in the Enchanted Forest.

Enchanted Light Trail

Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle

20 November – 30 December

One of the most famous festive events in the Cotswolds, the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle is not to be missed! New for 2026 is Alice’s Amazing Adventures in Wonderland where visitors can meeat the magical characters nefore wandering around the illuminated light trail. Whether you want to explore as a family or have a romantic evening out for two, the magic of the Spectacle of Light is sure to capture your imagination.

Cheltenham Christmas Market

10 – 23 December

Cheltenham is a magical place to visit over the festive period with events happening from the Christmas lights switch on at Pittville Pump Room to the Santa Express on the GWSR and the Christmas meet at Cheltenham racecourse. The December Christmas markets are the traditional Arts & Crafts Market where you will find plenty of local traders and creators sell their beautiful crafts, original art, pottery, glassware, jewellery and more. Around forty wooden festive chalets and stalls are situated along the Promenade and Long Gardens in Cheltenham, entry is free.

Santa’s Grotto at Batsford Arboretum

Weekends in December starting 5th through to the 20th

The perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy, take a stroll around Batsford Arboretum and find the Christmassy characters to win a prize for your children to take home! Take a look at the Santa’s Grotto page for details of how to book tickets.

Christmas at Cogges Manor Farm

Throughout December

The Christmas markets return to the barns at Cogges on the weekend of the 28 – 29 November. Visitors will find stallholders selling crafts, gifts, homewares and festive foods in the Victorian Barns plus Christmas trees and tasty lunch options outside in the farmyard. Find out more by visiting the Cogges Manor Farm website.

Let’s get Christmassy!

If you are planning a short break, check out our collection of Christmas cottages in the Cotswolds along with a sneak peak of a few of our the properties we have available below!