Cheltenham is a town that knows how to celebrate in style. From festivals to racing, it's well rehearsed at putting on a great show.
And this Christmas is better than ever, with a bumper crop of 16 delights to pick from and put plenty of festive sparkle in your step.
Countdown to Christmas in Cheltenham
Perfect for families — thanks to Cheltenham BID, the town centre will be filled with performers on Saturday 23 November 2024 from 3.30pm to 7pm.
Local choirs, bands and dance troupes will bring plenty of energy to Cheltenham alongside roaming penguins, illuminated stilt-walking angels and Granny Turismo — the world's first shopping trolley dance display team!
The streets will be beautifully lit from dusk, creating the perfect twinkling backdrop for this wonderful line-up of free entertainment. Don't miss a special visit from Father Christmas himself.
Christmas launch party at The Brewery Quarter
Who knows whether we'll have a white Christmas this year, but at Cheltenham's The Brewery Quarter you are guaranteed to see some 'snow' on Saturday 23 November 2024.
Its festive extravaganza for all ages runs from 2pm to 7pm with lots of music, including a Taylor Swift tribute singer. Santa will be on stage every hour from 3pm to 6pm with plenty of photo opportunities packed into his schedule too.
Not only that, there'll be juggling, stilt walking, comedy and a roaming princess and the Grinch!
Christmas lights switch-on at Pittville Pump Room
Join the Mayor of Cheltenham, Santa, Olaf and princesses for the big Christmas lights countdown from 5.30pm on Saturday 23 November 2024.
Pittville Pump Room will be aglow with hundreds of magical festive lights for this fun-filled, free family event
From 11am to 6pm there'll also be a Christmas Artisan Market featuring festive stalls brimming with unique gifts, jewellery, homewares and seasonal produce.
Skate along to Cheltenham ice rink
Gather your loved ones for a good dose of festive fun in the undercover, real ice rink in Imperial Gardens, with festive lights, music, decorated Christmas trees around the rink and refreshments, too.
Open from Friday 29 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025, each open skate session lasts for an hour.
There are options for exclusive sessions for students, adults-only, schools, pre-schoolers and those with special educational needs from three years old. And for the first year, there are ice princess skating parties on offer, too.
Christmas Gift Market on Cheltenham Promenade
Experience festive shopping at the Cheltenham Christmas Gift Market, hosted by one of the leading market operators — Cotswold Markets.
Taking place on Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 November 2024, there will be a fantastic selection of retail gifts such as homewares along with seasonal food and drink.
The market will be full of Christmas chalets for the four-day festive bonanza.
Santa Express with Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Embark on a magical journey aboard Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's Santa Express this Christmas.
The enchanting adventure to the 'North Pole' and back begins at Cheltenham Railway station on a beautifully restored steam train filled with festive decorations.
On arrival at 'The North Pole station' you can meet Santa, receive a present and enjoy refreshments. Santa Express trains run on specific dates from Saturday 23 November through to Monday 23 December 2024.
Christmas Arts and Crafts Market on Cheltenham Promenade
The popular Christmas Cheltenham Arts and Crafts Market, by Cotswold Markets, is returning from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 December 2024.
The market will run outside Waterstones, along the Promenade.
Shoppers can browse more than 30 stalls full of unique Christmas gifts, homeware and handmade goods by local producers, craftspeople and artisans from jewellery to glass work and woodcraft to original art prints, set against a backdrop of elegant Regency buildings.
Brunch with Santa at The Botanist in The Brewery Quarter
Just days ahead of the busiest day of the year for Santa, he's taking time out from his hectic schedule to enjoy brunch with families at The Botanist.
On Sunday 22 December 2024, he invites everyone join him for a memorable feast.
Perfect for families and children of all ages to enjoy the magic of Christmas, booking is essential. Get your Christmas wish list ready to share with Santa!
Jingle Bell Banquets at Pittville Pump Room
Enjoy drinks, elegant dining, lively entertainment and enchanting gardens on Friday 29 November, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December 2024.
Pittville Pump Room will be beautifully adorned with festive decorations and lights ready for a three-course festive-inspired dinner, soundtracked by a DJ and disco.
Victorian Christmas fun at Holst Victorian House
From candlelight to festive food and family celebrations, the team at Holst Victorian House is putting nostalgia firmly on the menu for 2024.
On Tuesday 3 December 2024 and Saturday 4 January 2025, from 10am to 4pm, the house will be decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas to transport you back to 1880s Cheltenham, when Gustav Holst was a boy.
On Saturday 7 December 2024, from 11am to 3pm, try traditional festive treats, make homemade presents like jam jar lanterns and peppermint creams and play Victorian games. The museum will be lit by candlelight on Monday 9 December 2024 from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Aladdin at Everyman Theatre
Step into a world of wonder and enchantment as Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre proudly presents the spectacular and timeless tale of Aladdin from Friday 29 November 2024 to Sunday 12 January 2025.
The magical journey filled with laughter, adventure and heartwarming moments sees the return of much-loved Tweedy the clown.
With dazzling costumes, breathtaking set designs and iconic musical numbers, celebrate the power of friendship, love and the enduring spirit of adventure.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Cheltenham Playhouse
Packed full of laughter Cheltenham Playhouse is bringing all the comedy action from Friday 13 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Join Jack on his journey as he sacrifices his beloved DJ-loving cow, Edelweiss, for a bag of beans.
Will a cow really spin some records? The sky's the limit for this ‘Chilltenham’ adventure.
Santa’s Christmas Cracker at Bacon Theatre
It's the show where every child gets a present from Santa!
On Tuesday 10 December at 10.30am join Father Christmas and friends at Bacon Theatre for a fun, festive, musical adventure to discover the wonder of Christmas — you may even get to pull a cracker with Dotty the Elf!
The 45-minute, interactive family show, ringing with festive favourites, is suitable for two to eight year olds.
Festive shows at Cheltenham Town Hall
There's nothing more magical than music to bring the delight of Christmas to life. Cheltenham Town Hall has a host of entertainment.
Why not try the 'Fairytale of New York' on Sunday 3 November 2024 or bop along at the 'Christmas Silent Disco' on Friday 29 November 2024 at 6.30 pm?
If that's not your bag, welcome the class of Christmas with 'A Christmas Night At The Opera' on Wednesday 4 December at 7.30pm, featuring the great operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach, Gilbert and Sullivan.
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
Embrace the racing Christmas cheer at Cheltenham Racecourse over a weekend of top-quality racing on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December 2024.
This two-day meeting kick-starts the festive sporting season. You can also complete your last-minute Christmas shopping with a selection of boutique shops in the Club and Tatts Enclosure.
And there's also a Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 13 December 2024 with themed family fun, including a Santa's Grotto alongside more superb racing action.
New year's day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
Start 2025 in style with the Cheltenham roar to kick off your new year with some vibrant energy.
Soak up thrilling and high-quality racing action, with plenty of fresh air to blow away any new year’s eve cobwebs, and free family entertainment, too.
There are seven highly-competitive races on the day with graded and listed contests.
