10 fabulously festive Christmas markets in Gloucestershire

Want to start ticking off some of those gifts on your nice list? Gloucestershire’s Christmas markets have you covered in 2024.

By Zoe Gater  |  Published
Grab extra special handmade gifts, feast on festive street food and visit Santa at Christmas Markets across Gloucestershire in 2024.

Whether you’re searching for unique stocking fillers or hoping to get merry and bright with your first warming glass of mulled wine, Gloucestershire is buzzing with Christmas markets in 2024.

SoGlos handpicks 10 Christmas markets in the county that are sure to give you a festive boost as we head into the most wonderful time of the year.

Cheltenham Christmas market

Located along The Promenade, Cheltenham’s Christmas market is jam packed with seasonal stalls. Visitors can expect dozens of traders selling everything from festive food to twinkling tree decorations — and this year, there's two separate opportunities to shop.

First up is the Christmas Gift Market, running from 21 to 24 November 2024; followed by the traditional Arts and Crafts Market, which is open daily from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 December 2024, offering shoppers a host of handmade products from local artists and craftspeople.

Winter Markets at Gloucester Quays

Running every weekend from Saturday 2 November until Sunday 15 December 2024, you can once again join in the festivities at Gloucester Quays, with the historic docks providing a beautiful backdrop to your Christmas shopping.

Browse more than 90 stalls with a selection of crafts, gifts and artisan food products from local traders on offer. Plus, you'll get to show off your skating skills as the open-air ice rink returns from Saturday 23 November 2024, too.

Cirencester Advent Christmas Market

In and around Cirencester's Market Place from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 1 December 2024, the Cirencester Advent Christmas market will be bursting with Christmas cheer. With live music and carols to enjoy from local community groups, as well as the chance to enjoy some locally prepared food, it's the ideal way to soak in the festive spirit.

With stalls selling a selection of handcrafted wooden toys; local craft ciders, Perry and beer; candles; and artwork from local artists, there's a range of Christmas treats to buy for loved ones — or even treat yourself to. The snowman trail will also be returning to the town with a new challenge for little ones to discover. Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm on Saturday 30 November 2024 with fireworks, too!

Christmas Gift Market in Stroud

Unique, handmade gifts are in abundance at the Christmas Gift Market and Goodwill Evening in Stroud. The Sub Rooms will be brimming with stalls offering everything from Christmas tree decorations and festive homeware for your Christmas table, to homemade jewellery and vintage clothing.

Taking place on Friday 6 December 2024 from 4pm, expect mulled wine and mince pies, live music and more. 

Gloucester vegan Christmas market

The vegan Christmas market at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester is back to tickle your tinselled taste buds.

With 60 stalls waiting to be explored throughout the day, Sunday 1 December 2024 promises to serve up plenty of plant-based festive goodness to get stuck into. Stroll around the stalls, treat yourself to a vegan chocolate brownie, buy a few plastic-free bath bombs and get everything you need for a cruelty-free Christmas. 

Christmas at Clearwell Caves

For a totally different Christmas experience, head underground — yes, underground! — for the Christmas market at Clearwell Caves.

Offering stocking fillers and decorations galore deep down in the caves, there's also an interactive story to follow as you make your way through the caverns — and a chance to say hello to Father Christmas halfway through your journey! Tickets are available from Saturday 30 November 2024.

Pittville Pump Room Christmas artisan market

Pittville Pump Room's Christmas artisan market is back in 2024, giving visitors a chance to pick up a range of handcrafted Christmas goodies in a luxury marquee.

The first of the markets will be held on Saturday 23 November 2024 when the Christmas lights are being switched on, where visitors can expect a visit from Father Christmas, plus special performances — so there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained!

Taurus Crafts Christmas Markets in Lydney

Taurus Crafts is known for its thriving community of independent stores and traders — and to celebrate the festive season it is once again holding its own Christmas markets in November and December 2024.

Crafters will be setting up stalls that offer a range of festive creations, with everything from stocking fillers to new decorations to bring Christmas to life in your home. Once they've finished browsing, shoppers can relax in the cosy cafe and enjoy a hot chocolate with a slice of freshly baked cake.

Winchcombe Christmas Festival and Market

With more than 40 stalls lining Winchcombe's pretty streets, there's sure to be something for even the fussiest of gift recipients at this colourful celebration of the season.

The market is open from 5pm to 8pm on Friday 6 December 2024 and 10am to 5pm on Saturday 7 December 2024 and as well as shopping for artisan gifts, there will be carol singing, live music and Morris dancers.

Tewkesbury Christmas Market and light switch on

On Sunday 24 November 2024, from midday to 6pm, more than 100 stallholders will line the streets of Tewkesbury town centre, along with fair ground rides and live music stages to ring in the festive season.

Local farmers will be offering their highest quality produce at the Christmas market throughout the day — and visitors can count down to the glittering light switch on at 5pm. Plus, there's an opportunity to meet the cast from The Roses Theatre's pantomime.

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