The most magical time of year is fast-approaching, and this season The Cheltenham Trust has curated a sleigh-load of special festive events for everyone to enjoy.

From a spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On to delicious festive feasts, here are five top highlights from their packed programme that you won’t want to miss!

  • 1) Spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On at Pittville Pump Room

The Cheltenham Trust has confirmed that its hugely popular Christmas Lights Switch On event will return to the magnificent Pittville Pump Room again this year on Saturday 23rd November. This fun-filled, free family event has become a highlight for many locals and marks the start of the festive season across the town.

From 11am – 6pm on Saturday 23rd November, a Christmas Artisan Market will be open inside the breathtaking main hall of Pittville Pump Room, featuring festive stalls brimming with unique gifts, jewellery, homewares and seasonal produce. The market will also be open from 11am – 6pm on Sunday 24th November, accompanied by carol singers and choirs, adding to the festive ambience.

Local makers and sellers are invited to host their own stall at the marketplace for just £75 for one day or £120 for both, details and booking for the remining few stalls available can be found here: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/christmas-market-stalls/. Throughout the afternoon there will be a variety of entertainment taking place outside Pittville Pump Room, including live music from Tommy Lewis (lead singer of Tommy and the Fuse – one of the most in-demand event bands in the south west) and free children’s entertainment from expert family entertainers, Party Peeps, who are well-known for delighting families across the region (and beyond) with their lively discos, unique events and memorable parties.

From 2.30pm – 5pm, younger visitors have the opportunity to meet the man himself – Santa Claus – along with everyone’s favourite friendly snowman – Olaf – and two very special princesses!  At 5.30pm, the Mayor of Cheltenham – accompanied by Santa, Olaf and the princesses (of course!) – will countdown to the big Christmas lights switch on and Pittville Pump Room will be aglow with hundreds of magical festive lights. 

This is a free community event, timings and details can be found here: https://cheltenhamtrust.org.uk/christmas/

  • 2) Enjoy a night of festive dining and live entertainment in stunning surroundings

For those looking for a special way to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues this festive season, look no further than the Jingle Bell Banquets at Pittville Pump Room.

Enjoy drinks, sophisticated dining and lively entertainment, set against the backdrop of Pittville Pump Room’s ornate main hall and elegant covered outdoor colonnade, beautifully adorned with festive decorations, cosy blankets and soft lighting. Jingle Bells Banquets will take place on Friday 29th November, Thursday 19th December and Friday 20th December.

Tickets cost £58 per person (adults only) and include a welcome drink on arrival and a festive three course set menu dinner, followed by a live DJ and disco plus a fun, festive-themed photo booth! For further info or to book a table or a private hire of the venue, see: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/jingle-bell-banquets/

  • 3) Dance the night away at a Christmas Silent Disco

On Friday 29th November, The Cheltenham Trust will host a special Christmas Silent Disco at the magnificent Cheltenham Town Hall.

Hit the dancefloor and show off your moves with three different music channels to choose from on your own party headphones, carefully curated by a live DJ. VIP tickets are available and include early access via a dedicated entrance, complimentary cloakroom use, a welcome drink on arrival, a goodie bag and glow wand to get the party started!

Tickets cost £15 (adults only) and can be booked at: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/christmas-silent-disco-2/

  • 4) Gather friends and family for a special festive lunch

On Thursday 12th and 19th December, The Cheltenham Trust is hosting a festive Christmas lunch, accompanied by seasonal live music from the talented pianist, Francis Sanville, in the splendid surroundings of the Grade I Listed Pittville Pump Room.

Get into the spirit as festive swing and jazz classics, as well as one or two popular Christmas tunes and carols, are expertly played on a Steinway piano, while diners enjoy a delicious Christmas roast lunch and decadent dessert, followed by tea and coffee. Tickets cost £36 and include a two-course set lunch menu, tea and coffee and live piano music, and can be booked as groups, individuals, or private hire of the venue at: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/mistletoe-lunches/

 

  • 5) Make dreams come true with a magical Princess Afternoon Tea

 

The Cheltenham Trust is hosting the perfect opportunity to create special Christmas memories with a magical Princess Afternoon Tea at Pittville Pump Room on Sunday 22nd December.

Younger visitors and their grown-ups are encouraged to put on their favourite princess outfit, superhero gear or festive finery and enjoy a delightful traditional afternoon tea of festive sandwiches and sweet treats, followed by the chance to meet the princesses and join in with songs, stories, party games and a special sprinkle of Christmas magic in the beautifully decorated main hall at Pittville Pump Room. Tickets are selling fast and  cost £29.50 for adults and £19.50 for children and include afternoon tea and live entertainment from the princesses, and can be booked at: https://cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/princess-afternoon-tea/

To see the full programme of festive events and shows hosted by The Cheltenham Trust, including live comedy from some of the UK’s best comedians, crafty parties at The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, the Music of Harry Potter performed by a full live orchestra, The Snowman with live orchestra and much more, visit: https://cheltenhamtrust.org.uk/christmas/

The Cheltenham Trust was established in 2014. As a registered charity, the Trust manages Cheltenham’s most iconic venues – the contemporary Wilson Art Gallery and Museum; the Grade I Listed historic Pittville Pump Room; the elegant Grade II Listed Cheltenham Town Hall and Garden Bar and Leisure at Cheltenham and the Prince of Wales Stadium.

The Trust is an independent charity that supports the local and visitor economy, local community and is the lead provider of culture, heritage, sport and leisure in Cheltenham. The Trust reinvests in the community delivering year-round free, inclusive and accessible events and activities to improve overall health and wellbeing and a sense of community spirit and unity.