Birmingham gets pretty festive around this time of year, but the UK’s most Christmassy town might be less than an hour away. The historic spa town of Cheltenham looks to host more than 90 festive events this winter—including charming Christmas markets and a spectacular new light projection show.
A Cheltenham Christmas
Illuminating the town’s Grade-II listed Municipal Offices from December 3 to 16, every night from 5pm to 10pm, ‘A Cheltenham Christmas – From Snow to Starlight’ sets the festive tone with a captivating light and audio display celebrating the town’s spa heritage, Regency architecture, home to GCHQ, and famous horse racing.
“My inspiration for the projection comes from everything that makes Cheltenham unique,” said Catherine Mountain, Co-Owner of Evenlode Films and Productions. “Its festivals, history, music, its beautiful Regency architecture and the many different strands of character that make the town so special.”
“This is believed to be the only free Christmas projection-mapping show in the Cotswolds area this year, with spectacular animation mapped to the architecture and some original music. We’re creating something truly special for the whole family, and I hope it brings people from far and wide to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Cheltenham.”
Time your visit right, and you can soak up the seasonal atmosphere at the much-loved Cheltenham Christmas Markets, which return to The Promenade from December 10 to 23 with forty wooden chalets selling unique gifts, seasonal treats, handcrafted presents and hot festive food and mulled wine.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
But Cheltenham’s festive fun begins with the annual Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party on Saturday, November 21, from 2pm to 8.30pm. Where families of all ages can enjoy local choirs, dance groups, visits from Father Christmas, panto characters, The Grinch, Bluey, Huntrix Tribute act, silent disco and more festivities.
The celebrations continue at Pittville Pump Room for the annual Cheltenham Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday, November 28, with an afternoon of live music, family entertainment and Christmas characters. The venue will also host an artisan Christmas market on Friday, November 27 and Sunday, November 29.
On top, climb aboard the GWSR Santa Express for a magical journey in the Cotswolds; take a trip to the Everyman Theatre and The Playhouse for this year’s pantomimes, Cinderella and Peter Pan; and check out the world-famous Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse on December 11 and 12.
Cheltenham’s Christmas highlights:
- The Brewery Quarter Christmas Launch Party, 21st November, 2pm – 8.30pm
- Cinderella at the Everyman Theatre, *27th November to 10th January
- Pittville Pump Room Christmas Lights Switch-On, 28th November from 1pm
- Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express, *28th November to 23rd December
- NEW for 2026 – Late Night Shopping in Cheltenham, 3rd and 10th of December
- NEW for 2026 – Cheltenham Christmas Projection, Municipal Offices, 3rd to 16th of December
- Cheltenham Christmas Market, The Promenade, 10th to 23rd of December
- Peter Pan at The Cheltenham Playhouse, *11th of December to 2nd of January 2027
- The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, 11th to 12th of December
- Christmas Day Swim at Cheltenham Lido, 25th December
- NEW for 2026 – Regency Roller Rink at Cheltenham Town Hall, 28th – 30th December
- New Year’s Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse, 1st January 2027
To learn more about Christmas in Cheltenham, head here.
