Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds are bursting with free things to do over the festive season, from singing carols and seeing Santa to browsing Christmas markets and cheering on yuletide tractors!
SoGlos has rounded up 11 of our favourites — giving you plenty of inspiration in the lead up to Christmas and into the new year.
See Christmas lights come on across Gloucestershire
The Christmas lights are twinkling on across Gloucestershire this November 2024, starting off with the lantern parade in Gloucester on Saturday 16 November; and the last lights being switched on in Chipping Campden and Stonehouse on Saturday 7 December.
With free family entertainment, fairground rides, Santa's grottos and lots of stalls to browse, it's a lovely way to see in the festive season across the county.
Check out SoGlos's round up of where to see Christmas lights switch ons in Gloucestershire.
Hear choirs sing Christmas carols at Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral's popular carol services are all free to attend, with no need to book tickets — just turn up with plenty of time to spare to guarantee a seat.
Welcoming everyone, regardless of their faith, to enjoy beautiful Christmas music, services start with Advent carols on Sunday 1; Carols on the Hour on Saturday 7; and the hugely popular Christmas Carol service on Monday 23 December 2024.
Admire Bourton-on-the-Water's famous Christmas tree
Illuminating the pretty Cotswold village throughout December 2024, Bourton-on-the-Water's iconic Christmas tree is a must-see.
Positioned in the River Windrush so the colourful lights are reflected on the water, it makes for an incredible festive photo opportunity while you explore the Venice of the Cotswolds.
Cheer on the Santa Fun Run in Gloucester
Taking place on Saturday 14 December 2024, Gloucester's Santa Fun Run sees hundreds of Father Christmases — and Mrs Clauses — taking to the streets to raise money for local charities.
Bag a spot and cheer on the runners as they spread Christmas cheer, with the action starting at Kings Square before travelling 5k through the city centre, taking in the gate streets, the Cross, Greyfriars and Gloucester Cathedral.
Catch the Christmas tractor parade in the Cotswolds
For something a bit unique (but still free!), catch the annual Banbury Christmas Tractor Run which illuminates the north Cotswolds on Saturday 14 December 2024.
Organised by agricultural contractors, RC Baker, tractors in a range of sizes — draped in fairy lights and adorned with elaborate Christmas decorations — brighten up the streets and spread Christmas cheer across the Cotswolds.
Take a winter walk in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is a magical place to visit all year round, but never more so than at Christmas. Wrap up warm, pack a picnic and a flask and head out for a winter walk under a canopy of trees at one of Forestry England's six Forest of Dean sites.
Hike to the top of Symonds Yat Rock to take in the incredible views; make your way around the thought-provoking Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail from Beechenhurst; test out any new bikes Santa may have delivered on the Family Cycle Trail at Cannop Ponds; or walk off your Christmas lunch on the plethora of walking trails throughout the forest.
Explore Gloucestershire's Christmas markets
With the smell of spiced mulled wine in the air and twinkling lights overhead, nothing feels more Christmassy than taking a stroll through one of Gloucestershire's festive markets.
From the Christmas markets at Gloucester Quays taking place every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, the Christmas Arts and Crafts Market lining Cheltenham's Promenade, to the quirky underground Christmas market at Clearwell Caves, SoGlos has rounded up 11 fabulously festive Christmas markets in Gloucestershire to visit this season.
Catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in Cheltenham
Father Christmas is making a very special visit to The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham this festive season. Catch a glimpse of him during the free Christmas Launch Party on Saturday 23 November 2024, where he'll be taking to the stage every hour between 3pm and 6pm.
Promising guaranteed snow, magical princesses, live music and even The Grinch making an appearance, too, families won't want to miss it.
Enter a SoGlos Christmas competition
There are sackfuls of competitions this Christmas on SoGlos — and all of them are free to enter via social media, or by becoming a valued SoGlos member.
Prizes up for grabs include panto tickets for the family from The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury; a Christmas meal and overnight stay from cosy Cotswolds pub, the Foston's Ash Inn; and even a family membership to Slimbridge Wetland Centre near Stroud.
Check out all of SoGlos's competitions and enter for a chance to win something wonderful this festive season.
Watch the Bibury Duck Race on Boxing Day
One of Gloucestershire's wackiest traditions, the Bibury Duck Race takes place on Boxing Day every year, drawing crowds from far and wide to see thousands of yellow rubber ducks battle it out in a race down the River Coln.
Spectators can choose to sponsor a duck for the chance to win fabulous prizes and raise money for a local charity — or just come along and watch the fun for free!
Kids go free on New Year's Day at Cheltenham Racecourse
While adults do have to pay, under 18s get free entry to New Year's Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse.
With a dedicated family fun zone for Club/Tattersalls ticketholders, there's plenty to keep young racegoers entertained, from live performances to face painting — with the family-focused event providing a fabulous way to blow away the Christmas cobwebs and get 2025 off to a flying start.
For more inspiration on how to celebrate Christmas in Gloucestershire, see soglos.com/christmas.
