The Big Feastival Guide 2022
For unbelievable music and world-class food, The Big Festival is one of the best reasons to visit the Cotswolds...
by Georgia Beech / Events
For a festive extravaganza, escape to a Gloucestershire Christmas market this year. Imagine mulled wine, mince pies and marquees ringing out Christmas cheer.
This festive season, enjoy your Christmas shopping and discover handmade crafts and decorations. An enchanted Christmas in Gloucestershire waits for you and your loved ones.
Continue reading to learn about the best Christmas markets in Gloucestershire…
This year, the festivities return to Gloucester Quays, near the historic docks. Wander around over 120 traders serving the finest food and drink from the Southwest of England.
Soak up the joyous atmosphere as you admire a mix of crafts, gifts, and scrumptious street food.
Enjoy a warming cup of mulled wine and discover unique gifts for your loved ones.
Every weekend leading up to Christmas, from the 2nd and 3rd of November to the 14th and 15th of December, the Christmas Markets offer the ideal spot to discover unique gifts for friends and family. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit and enjoy a fun day out for all ages.
With free entry and a wide variety of things to see, sample, and shop, it’s the perfect way to spend a magical day this holiday season!
When: 2nd November- 15th December 2025
Where: St Ann Way, Gloucester GL1 5SH
This Cirencester Christmas market stretches the full length of the Market Place. With its twinkling lights, live music, and theatre, this is the place to be over Christmas.
Hear the choir sing carol songs and spread the Christmas spirit as you explore. Stroll along over 200 stalls, where you will find local craft cider, wooden toys, and handmade soap.
West Market Place will be buzzing with festive fun on Saturday, 30th November. There will be family entertainment, Santa with his sleigh and helpers from Cirencester Round Table, and delicious treats from hot chestnut and toasted marshmallow sellers. Visitors can also enjoy performances by local talent inside the Parish Church, which will also be streamed live on three big screens.
When: 30th November – 1st December 2024
Where: Bingham House, 1 Dyer St, Cirencester GL7 2NX
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Get into the festive spirit with two incredible Christmas markets coming to Cheltenham’s Promenade, hosted by Cotswold Markets!
Discover a fantastic selection of gifts at the Christmas Gift Market, from stylish homewares to delicious food and drink. For four days, the Promenade will be transformed with charming Christmas chalets, perfect for finding unique presents.
Then we have the popular Arts and Crafts Christmas Market. Celebrate the season with handmade creations from local artisans, including pottery, original artwork, glassware, jewellery, and more.
Market stalls will line the pedestrianised Promenade and Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Office, offering plenty of opportunities to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Entry is free, making it the perfect day out for everyone!
When: Christmas Gift Market: 21st – 24th November 2024, Arts and Crafts Christmas Market: 12th – 22nd December 2024.
Where: Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1PY
The Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On returns on Sunday, 24th November 2024, from 12 noon to 6:00 pm. High Street, Church Street, and Barton Street will come alive with festive cheer, featuring over 100 market stalls offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and locally sourced produce.
Traditional fairground rides will entertain children, while live performances from local musicians and dancers create a festive atmosphere. The cast from The Roses Theatre’s pantomime will also make a special appearance, adding extra sparkle to the day.
The highlight of the event takes place at 5:00 p.m., when the Christmas lights are switched on at The Cross in the town centre. Visitors can enjoy free parking, making it easy to explore the markets and the town.
When: Sunday 24th November 2024
Where: High St, Tewkesbury GL20 5AW
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The Gloucester Vegan Christmas Market takes place at the historic Blackfriars Priory, offering a unique festive shopping experience in a stunning 13th-century setting.
With over 60 stalls, visitors can explore a wide range of vegan delights, including delicious food, cruelty-free skincare, and thoughtful gifts. The event is organised by Vegan Events Gloucestershire and Vegan Events Bristol, providing a space to enjoy Christmas shopping that aligns with ethical and sustainable values.
In addition to the indoor market, hot food will be available in the picturesque priory gardens, adding to the seasonal charm.
The market runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with entry priced at £3. Children under 16 can attend for free, making it a family-friendly day out to kick off the festive season.
When: 1st December 2024
Where: Blackfriars, Ladybellgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2HN
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For a unique Christmas experience, delve underground at Clearwell Caves.
Follow the heartwarming story of Bernard, a young boy who finds a baby polar bear on an iceberg.
Meet Father Christmas, who will give a gift to children aged 2-12. Then, journey through ‘the land where snow covers the ground for most of the year’ and enjoy Christmas stalls offering gifts and decorations. Take a break at the Underground Café with hot drinks and cakes before continuing the story.
When: Saturday 30th November – Tuesday 24th December 2024
Where: Clearwell Caves, Nr Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
Feeling creative? Head down to the Christmas Art Market to join in with inspiring workshops.
Settled in the Forest of Dean village of Ruardean, this market is a wonderful setting for families. Relish oriental Japanese food and succulent buttermilk chicken at this unique Christmas market.
On display are a range of ceramics, wood sculptures, and earrings. Pose at a charcoal portrait to remember your trip, and why not create your own Christmas baubles?
When: 12th – 13th November 2024
Where: Ruardean Memorial Hall GL17 9US
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Stroll around a beautiful, Grade One listed building at the Artisian Christmas Market at Pittville Pump Room. This Cheltenham Christmas market returns on Saturday, 23rd November, alongside the switch-on of the Pump Room’s Christmas lights.
The festivities continue on Sunday, 24th November, with carol singers and choirs adding to the seasonal charm, and live entertainment and special guests featured on the Saturday.
This two-day event highlights local makers and producers, offering a unique opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. Explore festive stalls filled with jewellery, homewares, and seasonal produce.
Entry is free, with the market open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on both days.
When: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th November 2024
Where: E Approach Dr, Cheltenham GL52 3JE
Venture into the heart of Painswick in Stroud to bring in the festive cheer at the Painswick Goodwill Evening. Hear lively choirs spreading joy and smell the spices of mulled wine as you explore.
Local stalls will be serving tasty festive treats like mince pies as the bells of the nearby church ring. You and your family can also visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
When: Friday 29th November 2024
Where: Bisley Street GL6 6QQ, Painswick
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season at the Nailsworth Goodwill Evening on Friday, 29th November 2024. Following the success of the 2023 event, this year promises even more surprises and festive fun for all ages.
Organised by the town’s local traders, the evening will feature a wide range of attractions, from rides for the adventurous to family-friendly activities like live music, carol singing, face painting, and more. With market stalls and shops open throughout the town, it’s the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Everyone from the local community and beyond is welcome to join in the celebration.
When: Friday 29th November 2024
Where: Market St, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6, UK
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Embrace the festive spirit at Taurus Crafts this Christmas on 30th November-1st December, 7th-8th December, or 14th-15th December.
Visitors can shop small and support local artisans, with a wide range of unique gifts available. The market will feature live music and a selection of tasty food and drinks, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for all.
The market is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on each of the event weekends. Taurus Crafts is a dog-friendly site, and free parking is available for all guests, making it a perfect destination for a festive day out.
When: 30th November-1st December, 7th-8th December and 14th-15th December 2024
Where: Taurus Crafts, Lydney Park Estate, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 6BU
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Have a feel-good shopping experience at the Christmas Cotswold Fair in support of WellChild. With over 220 hand-picked stalls, you’re sure to find what you want.
Leave the mundane experience of online shopping for a festive shopping spree. At the Christmas Cotswolds Fair you can do all your shopping under one roof.
When: 11th – 14th November 2024
Where: Todenham Manor Farm Lower Farm, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9PQ
Make the most of the festivities this year with a Gloucestershire Christmas market. Wrap up in your wools and spend time together in a magical setting.
If this list of Christmas events in Gloucestershire has put you in the Christmas spirit, why not enjoy a Christmas cottage in the Cotswolds?
For a winter walk on your getaway, look at: “11 of The Best Walks in Gloucestershire”.
by Georgia Beech / Events
Hi, I'm Georgia and I joined the team in June 2021. I love travelling and finding hidden gems to explore. My favourite place for a...
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