EXHIBITION
Luminous
Artists from the Gloucestershire Guild, as well as national and international artists, will be on show as part of this curated Christmas exhibition of painting, textiles, jewellery, studio ceramics, and hand-poured candles for gifting.
until December 24, The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery, Newnham on Severn, GL14 1BB, thesanctuarygallery.com
FAMILY
Festive Dog Trail
Jump into an exciting dog trail with the cute characters from Alice Tait’s storybook No, Nancy, No! A Dog Chase in New York. Explore the gardens and Museum to find all the pictures of dogs in their Santa hats, using Alice’s illustrated map as your guide. With fun story-themed activities to collect.
until December 31, The American Museum & Gardens, Bath, BA2 7BD, americanmuseum.org
CHRISTMAS
Shakespeare’s Birthplace by Candlelight
See Shakespeare’s Tudor Birthplace in a new light with a special series of Christmas events, including intimate candlelit tours of the historic house and festive hands-on craft activities.
until January 6, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW, shakespeare.org.uk
FAMILY
Christmas at Cotswold Farm Park
Be part of this enchanting experience at Adam Henson’s family farm, with Father Christmas’ Grotto,
gingerbread decorating sessions, an illuminated trail, fire pits and festive treats. Prices start at £15 for children and £20 for adults.
November 22-December 24, Cotswold Farm Park, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/christmas
FAMILY
Spectacle of Light
A magical illuminated journey around Sudeley Castle’s beautiful grounds, gardens, and ruins, with this year’s theme being Sleeping Beauty.
November 22-December 30, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, GL54 5JD, sudeleycastle.co.uk
FAMILY
Winter Glow
Immerse yourself in all things seasonal, with an impressive line-up of activities and excitement on offer, including a light trail, Santa experiences, ice skating, fairground, Christmas market and food quarter.
November 22-December 31, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW, winterglow.co.uk
EXHIBITION
Christmas Cracker!
Gallery Pangolin’s popular Christmas Cracker! exhibition returns with a collection of sculpture, jewellery, prints, drawings and books.
November 23-December 19, Chalford, Stroud, GL6 8NT, gallery-pangolin.com
CHRISTMAS
Santa Express
Be transported to ‘The North Pole’ and back on a beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations. Refreshments are included, and there’s a chance to meet Santa, too!
November 23-December 23, GWSR, Cheltenham Racecourse Station, GL50 4SH, gwsr.com
FAMILY
Christmas at Westonbirt
Experience the magic of Westonbirt’s completely new Christmas light experience, giving families a dazzling festive experience like no other.
November 29-December 31, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, GL8 8QS, forestryengland.uk/westonbirt
FAMILY
The Enchanted Garden by Night
Painswick Rococo Garden’s winter light trail is returning for 2024, providing a magical atmosphere among the glorious gardens and follies.
November 30-January 4, 2025, Painswick Rococo Garden, GL6 6TH, rococogarden.org.uk
THEATRE
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Fill your boots with foot-stomping songs, silliness and festive magic in this new adaptation of the classic tale.
November 29-January 4, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ, everymantheatre.org.uk
FAMILY
Cheltenham Indoor Ice Skating Rink
Cheltenham’s magical covered indoor real ice rink is full accessible and suitable for aged three years and up.
November 29-January 5, Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA, visitcheltenham.com
THEATRE
Aladdin
Embark on a fun-filled adventure featuring the return of Gloucestershire’s favourite dame, Kevin Brewis playing Widow Twankey, as she tries to control the comic chaos caused by her son, TWEEDY Twankey!
November 29-January 12, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ, everymantheatre.org.uk
EXHIBITION
Art Show & Sale
Immerse yourself in the vibrant works of the artists of Chipping Campden Art Society by exploring the depth of their work in this selling exhibition.
November 30 & December 1, 10am-4pm, Town Hall, Chipping Campden, chippingcampdenartsociety.co.uk
THEATRE
Judy, Liza and Barbra
Grace Hawker reinterprets the Garland, Minnelli and Streisand songbooks in this new revue, with gossipy anecdotes – some funny, some sad – illustrating the lives of three powerhouse women. Tickets £16.
December 6 & 7, 7.30pm, Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud, GL5 1LW, cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Evening Christmas Tours
A rare chance to see Chastleton after dark, decorated for a perfectly cosy 1960s Christmas. £20 per person.
December 5 & 12, 5.30-7pm and 6.30-8pm, Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0SU, nationaltrust.org.uk
THEATRE
Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Mystery
Join Sherlock Holmes and Watson on a thrilling goose chase around wintery London. Can they connect the dots between a lost hat and a rifled jewel case, or will you solve the mystery first?
December 5-January 4, Studio, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ, everymantheatre.org.uk
WORKSHOP
Festive Contemporary Eco Wreath
Join Hollie Ann Oxley from High Moon Florist to make and decorate your own modern and eco-conscious Christmas wreath. £60.
Saturday, December 7, 10.30am-12 noon, New Brewery Arts, Brewery Court, Cirencester, GL7 1JH, newbreweryarts.org.uk
CHRISTMAS
Elkstone Christmas Market
This special event will feature a wide range of unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans, making it the perfect opportunity to find those one-of-a-kind Christmas presents.
Saturday, December 7, 10am-4pm, Elkstone Studios, GL53 9PQ, elkstone-studios.com
CHORAL
Handel’s Messiah
A candlelit concert featuring Worcester Festival Choral Society’s 150 voices and renowned soloists. Accompanying is the Meridian Sinfonia Baroque orchestra, with Worcester Cathedral’s director of music, Samuel Hudson, conducting.
Saturday, December 7, 7.30pm, Worcester Cathedral, tel: 0333 666 3366, wfcs.online
CHARITY
Celebrate a Life Gloucestershire
Remember someone special at Sue Ryder’s festive event, featuring readings, songs and live music performances.
Wednesday, December 11, 6.30pm, St Matthew’s Church, Clarence Street, Cheltenham, sueryder.org/Remember
CHRISTMAS
Arts & Crafts Christmas Market
Browse over 30 stalls full of unique Christmas gifts, homeware and handmade goods by local producers, craftspeople and artisans, from jewellery to glass work, and woodcraft to original art prints.
December 12-22, The Promenade, Cheltenham, cotswoldmarkets.com
MUSIC
Friends of Tetbury Hospital Carol Concert
Seasonal music and carols, with mulled wine and nibbles after the concert. Adults £15; children under 16 free.
Friday, December 13, 7.30 pm, St Mary’s Church, Tetbury, friendsoftetburyhospital.co.uk
MUSIC
Christmas with The Gesualdo Six
A stunning sequence of festival choral music, with Renaissance gems and highlights from the 21st century.
Friday, December 13, 7.30-8.45pm, St Laurence Church, Stroud, GL5 1JL, hawkwoodcollege.co.uk
EQUESTRIAN
The Christmas Meeting
A weekend of top-quality racing, bringing joy and excitement for all, this two-day meeting is a highlight of the Christmas racing calendar.
December 13 & 14, Cheltenham Racecourse, GL50 4SH, thejockeyclub.co.uk
THEATRE
Jack & The Beanstalk
An ‘udderly’ hilarious production starring Jack, his DJ-loving cow Edelweiss, and electric stealing giant Herr Kütte!
December 13-January 5, The Playhouse Theatre, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG, cheltplayhouse.org.uk
CRAFTS
A Crafty Christmas
A chance for children to make their own car-themed decorations, such as an automotive-themed Christmas card, a salt dough bauble in the shape of a car, and a Christmas character from Lego bricks.
Saturday, December 14, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ, britishmotormuseum.co.uk
EXHIBITION
Accidental Archaeology
An art exhibition showcasing 40 artworks by Gloucestershire based artist Richard Woods.
December 14-20, The Gardens Gallery, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1SW, richardwoodsart.co.uk
FAMILY
Friends of Tetbury Hospital Santa Dash
Entry at £5 includes Santa hat and, on completion, mulled wine and a mince pie. Children under five free.
Sunday, December 15, 11am, starting at the Market House, Tetbury, GL8 8JG, friendsoftetburyhospital.co.uk
MUSIC
Christmas Concert
Cantores Chamber Choir, directed by Simon Harper, presents a programme of traditional Christmas music. Free admission.
Sunday, December 15, 7pm, Holy Rood Church, Ampney Crucis, GL7 5RY, cantores.net
CRAFTS
Festive Porcelain Tea Light
Join ceramic artist, Rhi Jarman, to create your own festive tea light holder from porcelain paper clay, with festive foliage impressions. £55.
Friday, December 20, 2-5pm, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, GL7 1JH, newbreweryarts.org.uk
FAMILY
Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood
A festive treat for the whole family, produced by the same team that brought you last year’s critically acclaimed Snow White.
December 20-January 5, 2025, Sub Rooms, Stroud, GL5 1AE, tel: 01453 796880, thesubrooms.co.uk
FAMILY
The Snowman & The Gruffalo In Concert
The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham Town Hall, bringing their famous Christmas show from London for one day only!
Monday, December 23, 1.30-4.30pm, Cheltenham Town Hall, GL50 1QA, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
