WHAT’S ON
The best Christmas events in the Cotswolds
With the cosiest of pubs and beautiful countryside that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Christmas card, could you dream of spending Christmas anywhere but the Cotswolds? Although known for its tranquillity, the Cotswolds truly comes alive at Christmas. It's always full of a range of fun and festive activities and experiences, and 2024 might be its best year yet. We've chosen 10 of the most exciting festive events taking place in the Cotswolds this Christmas.
BY JODIE STURGE
15 November
1/10
Josser - Christmas Under Canvas
From the much-loved Giffords Circus, Circus Chef Ols and his partner Amber bring you Josser, a ‘roaming restaurant' in a secret location. They've created a foliage-filled, candle-lit setting that seats just 28 people along rustic oak benches. Christmas is all about bringing people together, and Josser has done just that. You'll be continuously fed throughout the night, with each course a gift that keeps on giving: layers upon layers of delicious flavours from locally sourced goods. Wrapping up is recommended, but it's surprisingly warm – you forget you're under a tent! By the end of the evening, you’ll leave with not only a satisfied appetite but also with a few new friends to remember the night with.
From Thursday 28th November, Thurs-Sunday
More info: josserrestaurant.com
2/10
Festive Wreath Making & Afternoon Tea at Ellenborough Park
Tea, cake and Christmas – it doesn't get much better. Head to the heart of the Cotswolds for a delightful afternoon of creativity and indulgence at Ellenborough Park’s Festive Wreath Making with Afternoon Tea event. You’ll learn how to make beautiful wreaths using an assortment of seasonal foliage and festive decorations. Whether you’re hoping to learn a new skill, spend quality time with friends or family, or simply enjoy a festive day out, it's the perfect excuse to fill up on cake, relax with a cuppa and come away with something impressive to show for it.
Sunday 24th November - Monday 9th December
More info: ellenboroughparkevents.com
3/10
Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light
There’s something undeniably enchanting about a winter’s evening spent under the stars, and few places could stage such magic better than Sudeley Castle. Known for its stately presence and carefully curated gardens, Sudeley takes on an entirely new character after dark. Its illuminated light trail winds through the grounds, immersing you into the beloved tale of Sleeping Beauty, with familiar characters appearing along the path. To be able to appreciate the wonder in all its glory, there will be spiced mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you from the inside out.
Friday 22nd November - Monday 30th December
More info: https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/spectacle-of-light-2
4/10
Ice Skating at Jolly Nice Farmshop
Get your skates on this festive season at the Cotswolds’ most magical and sustainable pop-up ice rink. But what, you might ask, makes it ’sustainable’? Well, unlike most traditional, artificial ice rinks that burn through tonnes of diesel and require an industrial supply of water, Jolly Nice Farmshop’s rink uses innovative ‘Glice’ technology, resulting in a zero carbon footprint once installed! So you can glide across the ice and soak up the festive spirit, all while knowing your enjoyment is protecting our planet.
Friday 22nd November - Sunday 5th January
More info: https://jollynicefarmshop.com/pages/ice-rink-homepage
5/10
Cirencester Christmas Market
Thinking of gifts for people seems to get harder every year. Thankfully, Cirencester is always brimming with inspiration, and its iconic Christmas Market takes it to the next level. Its cobbled streets will be lined with plenty of stands, housing the best independent makers from the South West and beyond. The Cirencester Christmas Market is loved for its genuinely unique items, unlike any you’ll find elsewhere.
More info: https://cirencester.gov.uk/christmas-in-cirencester
6/10
Late Night Shopping in Broadway
Broadway is one of the most tranquil villages in the Cotswolds. But on the 29th November and 6th December, it comes alive. During its late-night Christmas shopping evenings, the village bustles with festive crowds excited to explore the village’s generous array of gifts, from luxury skincare products by MÖ Scandinavia to award-winning beers from John Barleycorn’s. From 5:30pm to 8:30pm, the streets fill with Christmas festivities, street entertainers, pony sleigh rides, live music and plenty of spirited seasonal shoppers. When you go, be sure to look out for the shops offering free mince pies and mulled wine!
Friday 29th November and Friday 6th December
More info: https://www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk/christmas-shopping-nights
7/10
The Living Room Cinema
We can all agree there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa, layered in blankets, hot chocolate in hand and a Christmas classic on screen. Sure, snow looks lovely, but let’s be honest - it’s cold and a faff to layer up for an evening outdoors. The Living Room Cinema in Chipping Norton offers a boutique, luxury experience that lets you get cosy in style. From screenings of the 1954 classic White Christmas and a cheeky ‘Boozy Elf - Adults Only Cocktail Evening’ to a sophisticated night of live Royal Ballet performances, there’s something for everyone. Would you brave the cold, knowing a perfect hideaway awaits? The Holiday on a huge screen... plush velvet armchairs you can melt into... cocktails delivered right to your seat... Thought so.
More info: https://thelivingroomcinemachippy.co.uk/
8/10
Magic Winter Nights at The Crown (Wild Thyme & Honey)
Described as après-ski meets British brasserie, Ampney Brook Terrace at The Crown creates a cosy, Alpine-inspired retreat on a winter’s night. The menu is straight out of the French Alps: gooey cheese fondues infused with Château de la Roche and Kirsch alongside their rich truffle and wild mushroom Tartiflette that could warm even the frostiest of souls. And don’t worry about getting cold, The Crown offers blankets, hot water bottles and heaters, taking every measure to keep the winter’s chill from taking away the magic of the evening.
Thursday 21st November - Monday 30th December
More info: https://www.wildthymeandhoney.co.uk/christmas-parties/magical-winter-nights/
9/10
Wood Brothers Distillery Tour
Kicking off the tour with a welcome drink in hand, they dive into the world of craft distilling, walking you through their history and their unique approach to producing spirits from field to glass. Of course, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for tastings, and they’ll finish up the tour in the Wood Brothers' bar where you can sample their full range of gin, vodka, and liqueurs.
The experience lasts roughly 1 hour a welcome Gin & Tonic or Vodka & Tonic, guided tour around the Wood Brothers distillery, and tastings of the spirits on the tour.
More info: https://woodbrosdistilling.com/products/distillery-tour
10/10
Christmas Pub Quiz at The Three Horseshoes
The pub quizzes at The Three Horseshoes are already onto something legendary in their quiet corner of the Cotswolds, but make it a Christmas pub quiz, and you’re really onto something. As the last quiz of the year, the stakes are high, with locals and visitors gathering by the crackling fire for a bit of friendly rivalry. The team will keep you refreshed with your favourite seasonal tipple, making sure your wits are as sharp as ever. No need to book – just bring a sharp pencil, a holiday spirit and an appetite for their delicious Christmas menu.
Sunday 24th November
More info: https://threehorseshoesasthall.com/events/pub-quiz-2/