Covering an area of almost 800 square miles, the Cotswolds National Landscape runs through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire) and is renowned for being home to some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the UK. Made all the more magical when winter casts its silvery cloak over the area’s golden-stone cottages and green hills, these towns and villages are also home to a number of unmissable Christmas markets, held annually to entertain and enthral all generations.
If you can’t wait to get your hands on artisan crafts, locally-produced food and steaming cups of aromatic mulled wine and embrace the festive spirit this winter, here are some of the best Cotswolds Christmas markets to look forward to in 2025.
Blenheim Palace Christmas Festival, Woodstock
14th November 2025 - 3rd January 2026
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is set to host a storybook Christmas festival in the Cotswolds from 14th November this year to 3rd January 2026. Discover the captivating Palace of Oz, before heading off to peruse the boutique chalets brimming with an eye-catching array of handcrafted gifts and irresistible foodie treats. For even more Christmas celebrations, Blenheim is also hosting a magical after-dark trail with glowing tunnels, incredible illuminations and magnificent displays, including an eight-meter sphere filled with more than 20,000 moving LEDs.
Cheltenham Christmas Festival
20th - 23rd November 2025
Promising to be one of the best Christmas markets in the Cotswolds is Cheltenham Christmas Festival Gift Market in November. Stretching all the way along the town’s pedestrianised Promenade and Long Gardens, the festival (one of the many festivals held in the town) features an assortment of food stalls selling everything from German Schwenkegrill to Italian macaroons to local cheese and fudge. Taking place in the heart of Cheltenham, the market this year boasts around 80 market stalls and is followed by Cheltenham’s Arts & Craft Market from 11th to 23rd December.
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light, Winchcombe
21st November - 30th December 2025
One of the Cotswolds' best festivals is Sudeley Castle's Spectacle of Light festival. A twist on traditional Christmas celebrations, this event near Winchcombe offers an after-dark experience following stunning illuminated trails all around the castle grounds. Spiced mulled wine, creamy hot chocolate, warming food and sugary donuts are available from the Castle Terrace, as are unique gifts and souvenirs in the giftshop. Tickets are available for select evenings between November and December this year, so make sure you book in advance to secure your space and avoid disappointment.
Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern
21st November - 31st December 2025
For more than a month, Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern is ready to thrill Christmas-lovers of all ages. Hailed as Worcestershire’s best Christmas attraction, it runs for over a month from 21st November to 31st December 2025 and promises all kinds of family-friendly attractions. With an ice-skating rink, illuminated ‘Christmas Odyssey’ light trail, giant observation wheel, festive food quarter, ice café, Christmas market and more, this life-size winter village is sure to be a real highlight of the Cotswolds’ Yuletide calendar.
Moreton-In-Marsh Christmas Market
29th November 2025
Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the prettiest market towns in the northern Cotswolds, famed for its 18th-century buildings, wide main street and Medieval burgage plots. It also happens to host a brilliant Christmas market scheduled for November this year. Expect a meet and greet with Santa during the day, followed by a grand Christmas lights switch on and Christmas market later in the evening. With the streets illuminated with twinkling lights, nothing will be more magical than perusing the dozens of market stalls filled with local crafts and delicious Christmas fare.
Tewkesbury Christmas Market
23rd November 2025
Tewkesbury Christmas Market is a well-known event held each year, loved for its annual Christmas lights switch on and atmospheric market. Spread out across High Street, Church Street and Barton Street in the town, this event is promised for November and features fairground rides, live performances and dozens of Christmas market stalls. Get a head start on your Christmas shopping in this abbey town and treat yourself to some seasonal delicacies from one of the many food and drink stands to refuel in the chilly winter air.
Bath Christmas Market
27th November - 14th December 2025
The gateway to the Cotswolds, the beautiful city of Bath is adored for its fascinating history and spellbinding Georgian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it becomes all the more enthralling at Christmas when the city hosts its annual markets. Celebrating 25 years of festivities, this year’s Christmas markets in Bath promise a whimsical winter wonderland, brimming with traditional chalets stacked with gifts and gourmet offerings. Soak in the atmosphere and complement your visit with a Michelin feast to fuel your adventures.
Cirencester Christmas Markets
29th - 30th November 2025
Cirencester’s Christmas markets are returning with enchanting festive cheer each year. Nestled in the town’s historic marketplace, the markets include all the festive flourishes you could hope for, such as a giant Christmas tree, Christmas lights, carol singing, Christmas shopping, and, of course, lots of food and drink to satiate your appetite. What’s more, the theme varies throughout, from arts and crafts to French-inspired goods to Christmas gifts and more, so you’ll always find something new to see.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Victorian Market
29th - 30th November, 6th - 7th December 2025
Stratford-Upon-Avon’s award-winning Victorian Christmas market has become one of the largest and most popular Christmas events in the UK. Showcasing over 300 traditional market stalls lining seven different streets, this Christmas market provides a truly magical, memorable experience for all generations. There’s even a traditional funfair with an authentic Victorian carousel located near Rother Street market area. Discover the market and step back in time this Christmas.
Chipping Campden Christmas Market
6th December 2025
Home to some of the best winter walks in Gloucestershire, Chipping Campden is a dream for snow-kissed sojourns. For those seeking cosy evenings and festive frivolities, this Cotswolds village is also adored for its markets which take on a spellbindingly seasonal twist at Christmas. With dozens of stalls lining the characterful high street, merrymakers can head out into the crisp winter air and absorb the ambience as Christmas carols play. Illuminating the ceremony this year is the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
Stroud Christmas Market
Dates TBC
If you are an epicurean at heart, then you should certainly put Stroud’s Christmas market on your list this year. Held in the run up to Christmas, the event brings together local producers and artisans from across the region. Wrap up in your cosiest layers and step out into the cold to enjoy these festive celebrations and revel in the local, seasonal offerings. Artisan gifts and food will be on show during the craft market, while on Christmas eve the Christmas farmers’ market will take over for your last-minute must-haves.
Feeling inspired for romantic Christmas escapism? Take a look at our collection of luxury cottages in the Cotswolds.
