The Big Feastival Guide 2022
For unbelievable music and world-class food, The Big Festival is one of the best reasons to visit the Cotswolds...
by Georgia Beech / Events
For a festive extravaganza, escape to a Gloucestershire Christmas market this year. Imagine mulled wine, mince pies and marquees ringing out Christmas cheer.
This festive season, enjoy your Christmas shopping and discover handmade crafts and decorations. An enchanted Christmas in Gloucestershire waits for you and your loved ones.
Continue reading to learn about the best Christmas markets in Gloucestershire…
The festivities return to Gloucester Quays this year, near the historic docks. Wander around over 90 stores, serving the finest food from the Southwest of England.
Soak up the joyous atmosphere as you admire a mix of crafts, gifts, and scrumptious street food.
Enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine and discover unique gifts for your loved ones. There is also an Ice Rink so get your skates on and glide around this year.
When: 4th November- 17th December 2023
Where: St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH
This Cirencester Christmas market stretches the full length of the Market Place. With its twinkling lights, live music, and theatre, this is the place to be over Christmas.
Hear the choir sing carol songs and spread the Christmas spirit as you explore. Stroll along over 100 stalls, where you will find local craft cider, wooden toys, and handmade soap.
When: 25th-26th November 2023
Where: Bingham House, 1 Dyer St, Cirencester GL7 2NX
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The Cheltenham Christmas Market will take place twice during 2023, with a Christmas Gift Market and an Arts & Crafts Christmas Market.
Savour special food from all over the world. From Italian Macaroons to ostrich burgers, these stalls are bursting with flavour.
Tour The Promenade, dotted with 80 wooden chalets, where you will find quirky gifts. On your walk, soak up the hustle and bustle of street entertainment.
When: 16th November – 19th December & 14th December- 23rd December 2023
Where: Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PY
Watch the town of Tewkesbury sparkle on the 20th of November at the light switch on. The lights will glow at 5pm but the activities start from as early as noon.
This Gloucestershire Christmas market is ideal for families. Experience traditional fairground rides, live performances and 100 stalls. Find fun things to do along Barton Street, Church Street, and the High Street.
When: 19th November 2023
Where: High St, Tewkesbury GL20 5AW
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Enjoy Christmas shopping cruelty-free at Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market. Featuring 60 stores; here you can browse yummy vegan food, skincare, and gifts.
Set in the 13th century, Blackfriars Priory, you can admire a backdrop of decadence as you shop. The entire building is hired but why not relish hot food in the beautiful garden?
When: 3rd December 2023
Where: Blackfriars, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2HN
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For a unique Christmas experience, delve underground at Clearwell Caves. Pull on your hat and wrap up in a coat as you learn about Archie and the unicorn.
The 4,500-year-old mine displays a range of twinkling lights. Look out for Father Christmas and his elves on your journey, and the little ones can choose an early gift.
Refuel at the small Christmas market and café whilst your family listens to magical stories.
When: 1st December- 31st December 2023
Where: Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
Brimming with colourful stalls and vintage garments is the Stroud Christmas Gift Market. Located in The Sub Rooms, this festive event is ideal for Christmas shopping at your own pace.
Impress your guests this year by purchasing quirky homeware for your Christmas table. Admire tree toppers and shiny baubles to decorate your tree as you sip a warming hot chocolate.
When: 1st December- 23rd December 2023
Where: George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Feeling creative? Head down to the Christmas Art Market to join in with inspiring workshops.
Settled in the Forest of Dean village of Ruardean, this market is a wonderful setting for families. Relish oriental Japanese food and succulent buttermilk chicken at this unique Christmas market.
On display, you will see a range of ceramics, wood sculptures and earrings. Pose at a charcoal portrait to remember your trip by and why not create your own Christmas baubles?
When: 18th-19th November 2023
Where: Ruardean Memorial Hall GL17 9US
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Stroll around a beautiful, Grade One listed building at the Artisian Christmas Market at Pittville Pump Room. This Cheltenham Christmas market is returning this year with its vibrant stalls.
Come and see local creatives display homeware, jewellery, and seasonal produce. Be sure to visit on the 26th of November to see the spectacular light switch on.
The young ones will be happy to see their favourite Frozen characters perform on stage. And you can expect Father Christmas to make an appearance too!
When: 24th November- 26th November 2023
Where: E Approach Dr, Cheltenham GL52 3JE
This festive season, why not make a difference by shopping green? Enjoy sustainable Christmas shopping at New Brewery Arts for a Crafted Christmas.
Browse handcrafted gifts, made up of sustainable products to treat a loved one. The event is also offering bookable personal shopping experiences and drop-in craft classes.
Afterwards, savour homemade cakes or a seasonal soup at Glaze Café. Discover more quaint coffee shops by reading our blog: “9 of The Best Cafes in Cirencester“.
When: 6th November – 24th December 2023
Where: Brewery Court, Cricklade St, Cirencester GL7 1JH
Venture into the heart of Painswick in Stroud to bring in the festive cheer at the Painswick Goodwill Evening. Hear lively choirs spreading joy and smell the spices of mulled wine as you explore.
Local stalls will be serving tasty festive treats like mince pies as the bells of the nearby church ring. You and your family can also visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
When: 24th November 2023
Where: Bisley Street GL6 6QQ, Painswick
Businesses of Nailsworth come together for a family-oriented event. Marking the beginning of the Christmas season, Nailsworth Goodwill Evening 2023 will have live music, carol singing, face painting, and stalls with local traders.
Santa will be in attendance at his grotto in Quirkys, so be sure to visit with your little ones.
Unlike many other grottos, there’s no charge but visitors are asked to bring donations for the foodbank instead to embrace the spirit of goodwill.
When: 24th November 2023
Where: Market St, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6, UK
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Be spoiled for choice with trees in all shapes and sizes at the Taurus Crafts Christmas Market. With a bunch of independent retailers and The Christmas Shop, it’s no wonder this is one of the best markets.
The Christmas Shop glows-up into a Winter Wonderland and takes on a theme each year. Get creative by joining in with artists to create personalised gifts.
When: 16th -17th December 2023
Where: Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU
For a variety of plant-based cheese and chocolate, head to Stroud Vegan Eco-Living Christmas Market. Meet others alike as you tuck-into delicious vegan street food after a day of shopping.
Discover cruelty-free gifts to wrap up for Christmas day and fill your stockings. For a break in this picturesque town, browse Stroud holiday cottages.
When: 23rd December
Where: Stroud Brewery, Kingfisher Business Park, Stroud, GL5 2BY
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Have a feel-good shopping experience at the Christmas Cotswold Fair at Evenlode Grounds Farm in support of WellChild. With over 220 hand-picked stalls, you’re sure to find what you want.
Leave the mundane experience of online shopping for a festive shopping spree. At the Christmas Cotswolds Fair you can do all your shopping under one roof.
When: 6th-9th November 2023
Where:Evenlode Grounds Farm, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0NY
Make the most of the festivities this year with a Gloucestershire Christmas market. Wrap up in your wools and spend time together in a magical setting.
If this list of Christmas events in Gloucestershire has put you in the Christmas spirit, why not enjoy a Christmas cottage in the Cotswolds?
For a winter walk on your getaway, look at: “11 of The Best Walks in Gloucestershire”.
by Georgia Beech / Events
Hi, I'm Georgia and I joined the team in June 2021. I love travelling and finding hidden gems to explore. My favourite place for a...
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