The most magical time of the year is fast-approaching, and for those looking for festive fun without the Cotswold crowds, North Gloucestershire is the place to be.
From family-friendly pantomimes to magical light trails, special Santa steam train rides to Christmas markets, here are 12 fantastic festive activities and events in North Gloucestershire this winter:
- Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe: 21st November – 30th December
Spectacle of Light, one of the UK’s most magical winter light trails, returns to the enchanting grounds of Sudeley Castle in North Gloucestershire from 21st November – 30th December 2025.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of England’s most historic castles, Spectacle of Light transforms the castle gardens into a glittering wonderland of colour. This year’s ‘King Arthur’ themed trail will take guests on a journey through the myths and mysteries of Camelot, complete with an iconic glowing sword installation, enchanted woodland, magical beasts, awe-inspiring projections and lots of surprises around every corner to bring the Arthurian tale to life.
- Bishops Cleeve Christmas Light Switch on and market: 22nd November
This popular, free event welcomes locals from the Bishops Cleeve area to enjoy a festive afternoon of activities, games and entertainment on 22nd November, plus there will be food and refreshment stalls, arts, crafts and plenty of gifts to browse and purchase.
- A Medieval Christmas: Living History, Tewkesbury: 22nd and 23rd November, and 6th and 7th December
Step back in time and discover how Christmas in the medieval era differed to our experience today, as costumed historical re-enactors bring the past to life in ‘A Medieval Christmas: Living History’ at The Merchant’s House (part of the John Moore Museum) in Tewkesbury on 6th and 7th December, between 10.30am and 4pm.
Find out what food was offered at a medieval festive feast and the different forms of entertainment enjoyed during the twelve days of Christmas.
- Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch on: 23rd November
Where better to get into the festive spirit than the historic streets of medieval Tewkesbury? On Sunday 23rd November the town will be abuzz from 12pm with over 80 festive stalls selling Christmas gifts and handmade crafts, children’s fairground rides, a stage featuring live entertainment from local performers, delicious street food, plus Father Christmas himself is rumoured to be attending! At 5pm the town will sparkle as the Christmas lights are switched on by the fabulous cast of The Roses Theatre’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
- Christmas Wreath Workshop, Tewkesbury: 28th November, 10.30am-1pm
Get crafty and create a stunning Christmas wreath in this hands-on Christmas Wreath Workshop by Dovecote Willow on 28th November at the Old Baptist Chapel in Tewkesbury.
Use sustainably harvested natural willow, evergreen foliage and natural materials to craft a unique festive decoration to take home and display. Ideal for adults looking to slow down and enjoy a creative, mindful and festive activity. All materials, tools and refreshments (tea, coffee and mince pies) included in ticket price.
- Winchcombe Christmas Festival: 28th – 29th November
The pretty Cotswold town of Winchcombe in North Gloucestershire is beautiful to visit any time of year but looks particularly magical during the festive season when the honey-coloured streets are lit with the soft glow of twinkling lights.
Visit on Friday 28th (5pm – 8pm) and Saturday 29th November (10am – 5pm) when the Winchcombe Christmas Festival and Market takes place. Browse over 40 stalls selling unique gifts, handmade crafts, plus festive food and drink, and get into the festive spirit with carol singing, Morris dancing, street entertainers and live music.
Warm up in one of Winchcombe’s many fantastic independent cafes, pubs and restaurants and enjoy a very merry day out in this picturesque market town.
- Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express family train rides: 22nd November – 23rd December
A ride across the Cotswold countryside on the GWSR Santa Express steam train is a much-loved highlight of the festive season for many families across North Gloucestershire (and beyond!).
Departing from Cheltenham Racecourse Station, this family-friendly experience includes a goody bag for children featuring an activity book, pen and pencils, a badge and a small pack of sweets to make their train journey extra memorable. Refreshments (mince pies and mulled wine for adults, chocolate and a drink for children), festive photo opportunities, and a visit to Santa himself (which includes a gift) are all included within the ticket price.
- Tewkesbury Abbey Christmas Fair: 29th November
Tewkesbury Abbey Christmas Fair is up there as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets to enjoy this season.
Bringing together a sparkling mix of artisan stalls, handmade crafts, delicious food and drink, and festive entertainment for all ages, take in the breathtaking beauty of the 900-year-old Abbey as you browse, enjoy seasonal treats and soak up the joyful atmosphere.
- Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury: 29th November – 3rd January
For many, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a trip to the panto.
This year at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury, Jack and the Beanstalk promises colourful costumes, catchy songs and plenty of panto puns. Join Jack, his quirky family and a cast of interesting characters on a giant-sized adventure filled with magic, laughter and plenty of beans, perfect for families.
There are also some special adult-only performances for over 18s, which takes the classic script, rips it to shreds and instead puts on a unique performance packed full of rude and crude ad-libs, improvisation and lots of adult-only humour.
- ‘Fresh!’ exhibition and mini craft market at Nature in Art, Twigworth: 6th and 7th December
The award-winning Nature in Art in Twigworth is said to be the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature.
Visit between 25th November and 21st December to browse the ‘Fresh!’ exhibition of contemporary crafts, which draws inspiration from the urgent themes of the UN’s International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. Handmade exhibits include ceramics, wood, glass, jewellery and prints, all drawing on themes of ice, snow, water, polar regions and glaciers, and the majority will be available for purchase.
Visit on 6th and 7th December and browse the mini craft market (10am – 4.30pm), featuring up to 12 local crafters displaying and selling their unique handmade crafts and gifts, such as paintings, woodwork, crochet, bags, jewellery and cards.
- Christmas The Candlelight Concert at Tewkesbury Abbey: 8th December
For a memorable and magical festive experience, don’t miss ‘Christmas The Candlelight Concert’ at the magnificent Tewkesbury Abbey on 8th December.
The spectacular backdrop of the 900-year-old abbey will glow softly by candlelight as the sound of familiar Christmas classics fills the air. Featuring a live band and talented singers, expect festive favourites including ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’ and many more.
- Nadia Eide presents Winter Light at Tewkesbury Abbey: 15th December
Nadia Eide (finalist on ITV’s The Voice UK in 2021) brings her Christmas concert tour to the spectacular surroundings of Tewkesbury Abbey on 15th December.
Nadia is renowned for her impressive four-and-a-half octave range and is a star of the opera, musical theatre and classical crossover genres. Expect festive favourites and classic songs as Nadia is accompanied by a special guest choir in this magical Christmas concert.
Situated in Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury Borough stands as the northernmost gateway to the southwest region, offering a unique blend of strategic accessibility and scenic beauty. The borough’s environment is one of its greatest strengths.
It is why so many people enjoy living, working and visiting Tewkesbury Borough. To the east, our district lies within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To the northwest, the River Avon joins with the River Severn.
The borough has a lot of options for travelling to, from and around it. The busy M5 corridor, Gloucestershire Airport and Ashchurch Railway make up an active travel network. Along with the expanding cycling and walking path networks, our borough is accessible for all.
As well as having a mix of traditional industries and modern businesses making up our diverse economy, we are fortunate to have numerous villages and hamlets, each with their own unique character and history. The borough has vibrant communities, with local events, festivals and cultural activities taking place throughout the year.
This includes the Medieval Festival in Tewkesbury, regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe.
