From Christmas markets and carol concerts to The Roses Theatre's famous family pantomime, there's so much to do in Tewkesbury this festive season.
SoGlos rounds up the best things to do in the medieval town this Christmas 2024, including where you can meet Santa Claus!
See The Roses Theatre's family pantomime
There's nothing better than a family trip to the panto at Christmas — oh no there isn't! And Tewkesbury's pantomime has a cult-like following right across the county, thanks to its spectacular costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and hilarious storylines.
This year at The Roses Theatre, its talented cast is bringing the classic fairytale Cinderella to life in a way you've never seen before — on stage from Saturday 30 November 2024 until Saturday 4 January 2025.
Watch the Christmas lights come on in Tewkesbury town centre
Tewkesbury town centre is set to sparkle when the Christmas lights switch on takes place on Sunday 24 November 2024. There's a Christmas market with 100 stalls taking over parts of the High Street, Church Street and Barton Street, selling everything from fresh farm produce to festive gifts; as well as fairground rides and free entertainment, including a chance to meet the cast of The Roses Theatre's pantomime.
Parking is free at Tewkesbury Borough Council car parks on the day; entertainment kicks off at 12pm; and the Christmas lights are set to come on at 5pm.
Meet Santa at Dobbies Garden Centre
Dobbies Garden Centre is giving families a chance to meet Santa himself before he heads out on Christmas Eve, with Santa's Grotto open from Thursday 28 November until Tuesday 24 December 2024. Little ones will enjoy a magical experience thanks to Santa's elves, with fun activities, a gift from Father Christmas and festive photo opportunities, too.
And for your fur babies, there's a special Santa Paws experience from Thursday 5 December 2024, where four-legged family members can meet Father Christmas and pose for a photo, too!
Browse for unique gifts at Tewkesbury's Christmas fairs
The Vale Wildlife Hospital is hosting its Christmas fair at Watson Hall on Saturday 23 November 2024, with festive-themed arts, crafts and gifts on sale to raise money for the charity which provides lifesaving care to wild animals.
Tewkesbury Abbey is also hosting a Christmas Fair on Saturday 30 November 2024, providing a beautiful backdrop for a spot of Christmas shopping — with free entry, children's activities, morris dancing and a choir performance, too.
Sing carols at Tewkesbury Abbey
One of the highlights of the festive season in Tewkesbury, the 800-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey comes alive with music throughout December.
Kicking off with the Advent carol service on Sunday 1, the main Christmas carol service takes place on Sunday 22 December 2024 — with a family Christingle service and midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by Christmas Day mass on the big day, to remind people of the true meaning behind the holiday.
Tuck into a festive feast at Gupshill Manor
Famous for its traditional Sunday roasts, Gupshill Manor is serving its festive fayre menu from Sunday 1 to Tuesday 31 December 2024, with two- and three-course options available for both lunch and dinner.
Diners can tuck into festive pub classics like chicken liver parfait or prawns in Marie Rose sauce to start; turkey with all the trimmings, hearty beef bourguignon or nut roast for the main event; and Christmas pudding with brandy custard, vanilla cheesecake, mint chocolate pot or a local cheeseboard for afters.
Indulge in a luxurious festive break at Tewkesbury Park
For the ultimate festive indulgence, Tewkesbury Park offers a three-night Christmas retreat, starting on Christmas Eve with festive afternoon tea by the fire, Christmas movies with popcorn, hot chocolate and marshmallows, followed by a three-course feast before it's time to get tucked up in bed to wait for Santa.
On the big day itself, guests wake to a hearty Cotswold breakfast washed down with Bucks Fizz; followed by a four-course festive lunch; and an evening spread with the chef's pick of the finest local produce. Boxing Day boasts an extended breakfast followed by the chance to explore the grounds and take a dip in the pool, with one more night — and one more Cotswold breakfast — before it's time to head home. Prices start from £1,200 based on two guests sharing a room.
Get creative at a Christmas paint and pudding workshop
Perfect for Christmas crafters, Paint Pot Parties is hosting a Christmas paint and pudding workshop at Watson Memorial Hall on Friday 6 December 2024.
Under the watchful eye of an expert art coach, guests will paint a Christmas-themed canvas with deer frolicking in the snow to take home for themselves or gift to a loved one, then enjoy a trio of full-sized festive puddings to get properly into the Christmas spirit!
Marvel at The Royal Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker
There aren't many Christmas stories more magical than The Nutcracker — and this Christmas, ballet fans can see a special live screening of The Royal Ballet's performance at The Roses Theatre on Tuesday 17 December 2024.
See how Clara's Christmas Eve party transforms into an adventure through an imaginary land where the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy reside, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's spectacular score.
Let the chefs at Tudor House Hotel cook lunch on Christmas Day
Tewkesbury's historic Tudor House Hotel is inviting guests to enjoy a lavish three-course lunch on Christmas Day, with dishes including mushroom and chestnut pate, roasted butternut squash soup with goat's cheese or Scottish smoked salmon to start; Christmas turkey with cranberry and orange stuffing, roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding, or root vegetable and lentil wellington for the main course; and Christmas pudding with custard, chocolate log or creme brulee for dessert.
Served from 12pm on Christmas Day, Christmas dinner at Tudor House Hotel costs £90 per adult and £45 per child, with drinks packages available, too — and absolutely no washing up to worry about!
