Christmas has officially arrived in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, with Santa meet-and-greets, festive events and even a convoy of twinkly lit tractors to look forward to throughout December 2024.
SoGlos has the jolliest month of the year covered, rounding up 10 unmissable things to do across the county in the lead-up to Christmas.
Scale the walls at 270 Climbing's new bouldering gym
On its mission to create the UK's most comprehensive climbing facility right here in Gloucestershire, 270 Climbing Park unveils its latest development, a £7m bouldering centre, on Friday 6 December 2024.
With over 1,000 square metres of bouldering surfaces and climbing walls towering up to 4.5 metres high, there's facilities for professional athletes as well as newbie climbers — not to mention a colourful, Fun Walls climbing area complete with daring challenges to help children and beginners get into climbing.
Catch a pantomime in Gloucestershire
It just isn’t Christmas without a jolly good panto (oh no it isn’t!) and Gloucestershire families are spoilt for choice this December. Don’t miss the return of the ever-brilliant Everyman Theatre pantomime, this year presenting Aladdin, starring the county's favourite clown, Tweedy.
Meanwhile, The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury promises a new take on the classic rags-to-riches tale Cinderella and The Sub Rooms brings the legend of Sherwood Forest to Stroud with Robin Hood.
Soak up the festive atmosphere at Gloucester Cathedral
With its signature giant Christmas tree all decked out for the season, Gloucester Cathedral is a gorgeous destination to soak up some festive joy this December.
Families can enjoy free Carols on the Hour from the cathedral’s angelic choirs on Saturday 7 December 2024, with exclusive opportunities to visit the beautiful building after dark when it’s spectacularly lit and tour its hidden library, too.
Head to Cheltenham Racecourse for The Christmas Meeting
Horse racing enthusiasts have one last chance to get their jump racing fix before the year is out, with The Christmas Meeting taking over Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December 2024.
As well as top-class equestrian action, racegoers can soak up the festive party atmosphere, with live music and carols after each day's event, opportunities to meet Santa inside his racecourse grotto and even Christmas pony rides!
Find your perfect real Christmas tree in Gloucestershire
Dust off the decorations and start untangling those fairy lights — it’s Christmas tree time! Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a real tree this year, there are lots of places to hunt for the perfect spruce in Gloucestershire.
From family-run farms and independent retail nurseries to local arboretums, make choosing your tree a truly festive occasion, with SoGlos’s pick of 15 places to buy your Christmas tree in Gloucestershire providing some inspiration.
Brave the Christmas swim at Sandford Parks Lido
It’s certainly a unique way to start your Christmas morning but Sandford Parks Lido attracts hundreds of courageous swimmers for an icy cold dip every year — with its iconic Christmas Day Swim taking place from 11.15am on Wednesday 25 December 2024.
This wacky event is sure to be a talking point over the turkey — plus, you're bound to work up an appetite for that second helping of Christmas pudding — so grab your Santa hat and take the plunge
Meet Father Christmas in Gloucestershire
From seeing Santa swap his sleigh for a jumbo jet at Cotswold Airport, to meeting him aboard one of Dean Forest Railway’s vintage trains, there are plenty of chances for excited kids to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas in Gloucestershire.
And SoGlos has families covered, rounding up a whopping 20 places to meet Santa Claus across the county this December.
See the illuminated tractors travelling through Gloucestershire
Grab a place by the roadside to see twinkly lit tractors trundle by, as the Gloucester Christmas Road Run makes a magical comeback on Sunday 15 December 2024. With local farmers expected to go all out, see tractors decorated with flashing displays and giant inflatables travelling from Redmarley to St Oswalds.
Or take a trip over the Oxfordshire border to witness one of the Cotswolds' quirkiest Christmas traditions, as the country lanes are lit up by a convoy of fairy-lit tractors a day earlier on Saturday 14 December, too.
Watch the world-famous Bibury Duck Race on Boxing Day
If you can peel yourself away from the Christmas leftovers, blow off the Boxing Day cobwebs by joining hundreds of spectators on the banks of the River Coln for the annual Bibury Duck Race.
This beloved Boxing Day tradition sees approximately 3,000 yellow rubber ducks released into the river and for just £2, you can sponsor one of them for the chance to win big prizes — including overnight stays and vineyard tours!
Shop for artisan goodies at DEYA's Christmas market
Cheltenham brewery DEYA has teamed up with creative events organiser Watch This Space to host an artisan Christmas market at its vibrant taproom on Sunday 1 December 2024.
DEYA Marché showcases local independent makers and their wares, with a selection of unique handmade gifts, stocking fillers and decorations, from jewellery and illustrated prints to organic beauty products and homemade chocolates.
