Ho ho ho... Celebrate Christmas in Stroud, with festive family fun taking place across the town centre and beyond throughout November and December 2024.
From indulging in the town's finest mulled wine to taking a trip along the canal with Santa himself, SoGlos rounds up 15 festive things to do in the district.
Boo and hiss at this year's panto at The Sub Rooms
It's panto season in Stroud — oh yes it is! As voted for by Gloucestershire audiences, The Sub Rooms welcomes festive families to this year's pantomime, Robin Hood, with shows taking place from Friday 20 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
As always, director Phil Dale promises a modern twist on the familiar tale as Robin Hood, Maid Marian and Will Scarlet, accompanied by the talented performers from Ballyhoo Dance and Theatre School, go up against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchmen in another unmissable family show!
Support talented local makers at Stroud Brewery Christmas Market
Get festive with Stroud Brewery from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 8 December 2024 at the annual Christmas market. With over 35 local sellers showcasing unique gifts across two levels in the Balcony Bar and The Loft, this is your one-stop spot for all things merry and bright.
Helping you to bring home the magic of the season, treat loved ones to thoughtful gifts including handcrafted jewellery and cosy candles to plants, artwork, and Christmas decorations.
Discover a magical light trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
See Painswick Rococo Garden transform into a twinkling winter wonderland, as its exceptionally popular Christmas light trail experience returns for 2024.
Available to visit on selected dates from Saturday 30 November 2024 to Thursday 2 January 2025, make magical memories exploring the winding pathways, spotting dancing fairies, playful boggarts and majestic unicorns — all illuminated by glittering lights for an unforgettable festive spectacle. Plus, well-behaved dogs are welcome to explore the trail, too, providing they're kept on a short lead.
Meet Santa at Cattle Country Farm Park
'Tis the season! Christmas is coming to Cattle Country Farm Park on selected dates this December, with opportunities to meet Father Christmas and festive fun for the whole family.
Find out if little ones have been naughty or nice, meeting Father Christmas in his Cattle Country grotto before he sets off on his round-the-world voyage — with an early Christmas present for every little visitor! Christmas experience takes place on selected dates between Saturday 7 and Monday 23 December 2024, with a relaxed Christmas experience running on Thursday 19 December 2024.
Embrace an alternative carol concert at The Long Table
This winter, Some Voices is bringing an alternative Christmas carol concert to Stroud's The Long Table, with a selection of everyone's favourite festive hits, for a seasonal set-list that's anything but ordinary.
Taking place on Thursday 5 December 2024, ditching hymns for festive modern classics, hear Wham, Robbie Williams, The Beatles and more, all in stunning Some Voices style harmony during Christmas Crackers by Candlelight — guaranteeing fun, good cheer and sing-alongs for all.
Visit ‘A Jolly Nice Winter Wonderland'
It's time to wrap up warm and head to Jolly Nice; the elves have been working hard over the last few months to bring ‘A Jolly Nice Winter Wonderland’ to life, celebrating fantastic local food, community spirit and enchanting festivities.
With events taking place on various dates, meet Santa's friendly reindeer; try out festive skating; enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine in the cafe bar; discover gifts and decorations; and of course, stock up on festive food; with plenty of fun available for the whole family.
Tuck into mince pies at Stonehouse Court Hotel
Explore craft stalls, the heartwarming sounds of the choir, and soak in the Christmas spirit — all while supporting Teckels Animal Sanctuaries and Stroud food bank — at Stonehouse Court Hotel, when the charity event, Mince Pie Mingle, takes place on Sunday 1 December 2024.
From 5pm until 7pm, relish in a magical festive evening of mince pies, mulled wine, and merry mingling with all proceeds donated — food donations will also be collected on the night.
Cruise with Santa at Cotswold Canals Trust
Join Santa for a 30-minute festive cruise along Stroud's canals every Saturday and Sunday throughout December with Cotswold Canals Trust.
With the first trip of the day starting at Wallbridge Lock at 10.30am and the last at 3pm, there are plenty of chances to spend some time with the big man in red; plus, each ticket includes a special gift from Santa, too! Please note, pre-booking is essential, as space can't be guaranteed for walk-ins.
Admire the Christmas lights across the Stroud district
Marking the start of the festive season, Berkeley is switching on its Christmas lights at 6pm on Friday 29 November, as well as hosting various craft and food stalls and keeping shops open later; and Festive Dursley's Christmas lights switch on event is back for 2024, from 4.30pm on the same date.
But that's not all, Stroud Goodwill Evening's switch on takes place on Friday 6 December 2024, which sees hundreds of brightly lit lanterns parading the streets, with residents invited to take part in the procession; and finally, see Father Christmas turn on the Stonehouse Christmas lights as part of this year's Goodwill Festival on Saturday 8 December 2024, featuring market stalls, live music and street entertainers, all from 2pm, as well as meet-and-greets with the big man in Santa's makeshift grotto.
Immerse yourself in the festivity at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Laurence Church
Stroud Christmas Tree Festival is back at St Laurence Church for another year, following a fantastic turnout in 2023, where the church had 7,000 visitors over 10 days.
Running from Friday 29 November to Sunday 8 December 2024, visitors can see more than 85 trees adorned with fabulously festive decorations — with this year's theme being 'One World'. The event is a great opportunity for all to raise the profile of the wonderful organisations and businesses in Stroud and to see how imaginative and creative all the different groups are.
Sip on mulled wine at Wine Shack at No. 7
Kids don't have to have all of the fun during the festive period — with Wine Shack at No. 7 in Stroud offering a delightful afternoon sampling the best mulled wine in town.
Taking place on Saturday 7 December 2024 from 4pm, spend the twilight hours enjoying wine and tapas, while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
See Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Berkeley Castle
Get into the Christmas spirit with The Duke's Theatre Company's first indoor season at Berkeley Castle: a nail-biting retelling of the most famous ghost story of all time — Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
With shows taking place on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 December 2024, audiences will watch as five professional actors transport you to Victorian London in a new adaptation featuring original music, theatrical magic and beautiful lighting.
Browse an abundance of independent shops
Pick up unique presents and support local businesses this Christmas, with a plethora of brilliant independent shops located in Stroud.
SGGLA Independent Shop of the Year 2022, Made In Stroud offers a treasure trove of handmade arts and crafts, gifts, food, drink and cosmetics, all made by local artisans; retro clothing store Time After Time offers the fun of discovery with a catalogue of vintage delights; while Five Valleys Shopping Centre is home to Sandersons department store and the unique Five Valleys food market.
Experience Stroud Goodwill Evening
Treat yourself to a fun night of festivities at Stroud Goodwill Evening, packed with markets, late-night shopping, family entertainment and more on Friday 6 December 2024.
Visitors can expect a huge array of activities including Santa's grotto, a lantern parade, three markets, shops open late, street entertainment, choirs and bands, live music, and even a funfair — and to refuel, food and drink outlets across town will be available for tasty treats and dinner.
Put on your dancing shoes for Christmas Ceilidh with Fitty Gomash
Take part in a joyous, raucous, festive knees-up like no other when Fitty Gomash and Friends present Blowin' a Hooley — A Christmas Ceilidh at Lansdown Hall in Stroud on Friday 6 December 2024.
For over 15 years, Fitty Gomash have been playing barnstorming Christmas Hooleys in Bristol, but this is the first time it has come to Stroud, providing a night of music, song and dance in the town. The event will begin with rowdy carols around the piano — and it's recommended you dress in your festive best!
