With enchanting illuminations, special festive markets and appearances from Santa Claus himself, Christmas is a truly magical time when spent in the Forest of Dean — and there's plenty of seasonal events for visitors to get their festive fix before the big day arrives.
Discover everything from wreath-making workshops to festive pottery painting in SoGlos's round-up of the merriest ways to celebrate Christmas in the Forest of Dean.
Catch a Christmas light switch on at destinations throughout the Forest of Dean
Nothing kicks of the festive season quite like a Christmas light switch on — and towns and villages in the Forest are doing their part to light up the streets while spreading yuletide joy.
Choose between the Lydney light parade, the lights of Coleford clock tower and the festive market, live music and Santa-led parade at the Newent light switch-on, all on Saturday 30 November 2024.
Browse the Christmas Bazaar at the Dean Heritage Centre
Spreading seasonal joy through crafts and gifts, the Dean Heritage Centre is hosting its very own Christmas Bazaar this December — promising plenty of opportunities to shop for prezzies, as well as take in some family-friendly entertainment.
The Dean Heritage Centre Christmas Bazaar is being held on Sunday 1 December 2024, is free to enter and includes the chance to meet Santa in his grotto.
Go on a Christmas adventure at Clearwell Caves
Prepare to be enchanted by Clearwell Caves' festive family trail, following the story of Bernard and the Very Hungry Polar Bear through the caverns for an unforgettable underground Christmas experience.
Children will have the chance to meet the jolly man in red on his visit to the caves, then halfway through the trail, there's Christmas stalls to browse, as well as the Underground Cafe to grab a hot drink and a mince pie. Slots are available to book from Saturday 30 November until Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Meet Santa on a steam train at Dean Forest Railway
Come face-to-face with Father Christmas aboard one of Dean Forest Railway's Santa Special trains — pulled by a true authentic steam engine — on selected dates this December.
Families can catch the big man as he makes his way through the carriage to visit everyone in their seats, before hopping off at Lydney Junction to visit the elves and collect their very special gift. Go all out with a festive afternoon tea, featuring a scrumptious turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwich and scones with jam and cream — or simply enjoy the complimentary warmed mince pie.
Challenge friends and family to a round of festive adventure golf in Parkend
Lighting up Parkend from Saturday 30 November until Friday 3 January 2024, Whitemead Forest Park's adventure golf park becomes an illuminated wonderland.
Round up family and friends and take on 12 themed holes that are lit up with festive flourishes promising Christmas fun.
Hop on the Christmas Story Train at Perrygrove Railway
There's not one, but two chances to catch Santa at Perrygrove Railway this Christmas. All aboard the Christmas Story Train; new for 2024, hop into your pre-booked compartment and settle in for story time and follow the Christmas Story — written especially for Perrygrove.
The train arrives at the North Pole with Father Christmas and his helpers ready to entertain right from your seats and serve up delicious hot chocolates. Stick around after to check out the twilight village that adds sparkle to the site.
Christmas paint and sip at Hot Pot Pottery in Eastbach
For those looking to get creative this Christmas, head to Hot Pot Pottery in Eastbach near Coleford for a festive-themed paint and sip session.
Bring your own booze and snack on the nibbles provided while painting one of the many pre-made ceramics available at the studio — from elf shaped mugs to holly accented bowls and plates. The sessions are available to book on Saturday 14 and 21 December 2024.
Craft a Christmas wreath at Tudor Farmhouse
Learn how to weave festive foliage and dried fruit into a gorgeous Christmas wreath at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in Clearwell, which is hosting a wreath-making workshop with local florist, Josephine's Fabulous Flowers, on Wednesday 27, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November; and Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December 2024.
Participants will get to create their own decorative wreath to take home and proudly hang on their front door; tucking into coffee and cake before getting stuck in and indulging in afternoon tea once their masterpiece is complete.
Shop the Christmas markets at Taurus Crafts
A wonderful way to support designers and artisans from the Forest, Taurus Crafts in Lydney is bringing its annual Christmas market back for the first three weekends of December, where shoppers can find all manner of unique gifts, crafts and artisan produce to fill those Christmas stockings.
There are also freshly cut real Christmas trees on sale throughout the month and plenty of festive treats to indulge in at the culture hub's cafe, Severnside Kitchen, from Saturday 30 November until Sunday 15 December 2024.
Boo and hiss at the Whitemead Forest Park panto
You don't need to be staying at Whitemead Forest Park in Parkend to enjoy its annual panto — oh no you don't! Everyone is invited to be a guest at showings of the annual pantomime, with this year's rendition telling the tale of Beauty and the Beast.
Meet bookworm Belle as she fights to escape the Beast by learning how to melt his frosty heart and break the curse. With a number of performances taking place on Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December 2024, families can look forward to all the slapstick comedy and dazzling costumes you'd expect from a good old fashioned Christmas pantomime.
