Festive Season

Covering an area of almost 800sqm, the Cotswolds AONB 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 2023. 

Blenheim Palace Christmas Festival, Woodstock

17th November - 17th December

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is set to host a superb, month-long Christmas festival in the Cotswolds from 17th November to 17th December 2023. Discover the story of Sleeping Beauty with a contemporary twist inside the palace rooms, 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.

Tewkesbury Christmas Market

19th November 2023

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 one-day event is set for 19th November and features fairground rides, live performances and 80 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.

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light, Winchcombe

24th November - 30th December 2023

One of the country’s most enchanting Christmas celebrations 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 24th November and 30th December 2023, so make sure you book in advance to secure your space and avoid disappointment.

Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern

24th November 2023 - 6th January 2024

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 from 24th November 2023 to 6th January 2024 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

25th November 2023

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.

Cirencester Christmas Markets

25th - 26th November 2023

Cirencester’s Christmas markets take place over several weeks from November to December 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 warm your belly. 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.

Cheltenham Christmas Festival

14th - 23rd December 2023

Promising to be one of the best Christmas markets in the Cotswolds is Cheltenham Christmas Festival. 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 eighty market stalls and coincides with the Cheltenham Christmas Craft Market (16th to 19th November).

Stroud Christmas Market

20th - 22nd December 2023

If you are a foodie, 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.

Stratford-Upon-Avon Victorian Market

7th - 10th December 2023

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. To get involved, visit between 7th and 10th December 2023 and step back in time this Christmas. 

Feeling inspired? Combine your Christmas market experience with a winter walk and plan your luxury Christmas escape in the Cotswolds.