Gloucestershire Christmas events 2008

Find Christmas events in Gloucestershire 2008 – including pantomimes, fayres, ice skating, where to meet Santa, carol singing, festive concerts and much more – with SoGlos.com’s guide to Gloucestershire Christmas events 2008.

Christmas in Gloucestershire 2008 is set to be a fun-filled festive season complete with plenty of things to do for the whole family – and all the festive celebrations and over-indulgence you could ever hope for.

SoGlos.com’s definitive guide to Christmas events in Gloucestershire 2008 will help you make the most of everything that’s on offer in the county, from pantomimes, fayres, ice skating, where to meet Santa, carol singing, festive concerts and much more in Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury.

Cheltenham Christmas events 2008

Friday 14 to Sunday 20 November 2008

Cheltenham Christmas Market 2008 – Cheltenham Christmas Market is back, with the 2008 event at The Promenade promising festive shoppers a whole host of seasonal crafts and gifts.

Tuesday 18 November 2008

Christmas shopping event at The Village Shop – The Village Shop at Cowley Manor will be the setting for an exclusive Christmas shopping and carols event, in support of charity Maggie’s.

Saturday 22 November to Wednesday 24 December 2008

Santa's Christmas grotto at The Brewery – The Brewery in Cheltenham will be celebrating Christmas with the unveiling of Santa’s special grotto, complete with real life reindeer for the official opening.

Friday 28 November 2008 to Saturday 10 January 2009

Aladdin pantomime in Cheltenham – It’s pantomime time in Cheltenham, as the family favourite Aladdin takes to The Everyman Theatre’s stage for a festive feast of entertainment this Christmas and beyond.

Saturday 22 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009

Skate at Cheltenham this Christmas – Skate at Cheltenham in Montpellier Gardens will be enticing all ages to get their skates on this Christmas season.

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Christmas carols at The Suffolks – A free, community-spirited evening of Christmas carols will be taking place once again at The Sufollks in Cheltenham, this December.

Saturday 6 to Wednesday 24 December 2008

GWR Santa Specials 2008 – Travel by steam train from Toddington to Winchcombe station and visit Santa and his helpers in the Christmas grotto, with GWR’s Santa Specials.

Saturday 6 December 2008

From 7.30pm, Cheltenham Town Hall will be hosting The Joy of Christmas evening of festive entertainment, with Jubilate Chamber Choir, the University of Gloucestershire Choir, Richard Pate School Choir and English Concertante Orchestra. Tickets cost £6 and £12, available from the Cheltenham Town Hall box office on (01242) 227979.

Sunday 7 to Sunday 21 December 2008

Ski with Santa in Gloucester – Strap on the kids skis for the chance to go downhill with Santa Claus, when the man himself slaloms into Gloucester Ski & Snowboard Centre this Christmas.

Wednesday 10 December 2008

Christmas cookery at The Greenway – Serve-up a magical festive dinner this year with a little help from The Greenway’s Christmas cookery elves, at the hotel in Cheltenham.

Thursday 11 to Saturday 20 December 2008

Alice in a Non PC World at The Playhouse – Enough to give the health and safety officers a heart attack, Alice in a Non PC World is the latest Playhouse Theatre show arriving in Cheltenham this Christmas.

Saturday 13 December 2008

From 10am to 4pm, the Holst Birthplace Museum will be holding a Victorian Family Christmas evening including Christmas crafts for all ages. Admission costs £3.50 for adults and £3 for concessions, with children free with a paying adult.

Sunday 14 December 2008

Victorian Christmas in Cheltenham – Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum will be celebrating Christmas Victorian-style, for one family-friendly day this December.

Tuesday 16 December 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009

A Christmas Carol in Cheltenham – Charles Dickens’ festive classic, A Christmas Carol, is given the inimitable Old Spot treatment with plenty of fun for all the family at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.

Wednesday 17 December 2008

All Saints Church, on All Saints Road in Cheltenham, will be holding a Christmas concert performed by the locally renowned Cheltenham Bach Choir from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, while children under 16 free, will be available on the door.

Sunday 21 December 2008

Christmas family fun at Montpellier Gardens – A visit from Santa, donkey rides, face painting and more are expected to draw in the crowds this Sunday, when a Christmas family fun day is held at Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham.

Monday 22 December 2008

Bacon Theatre’s Cinema at Christmas 2008 – A double bill of festive flicks will be on the Bacon Theatre’s big screen, as the Cinema at Christmas 2008 evening arrives in Cheltenham.

Thursday 25 December 2008

Sanford Parks Lido Christmas Swim – The very brave will have the chance to take a dip in Sandford Parks Lido’s chilly waters in Cheltenham on Christmas Day, for the freezing cold festive event that has been going for more than 50 years.

Sunday 28 December 2008

The Nutcracker at Cineworld Cheltenham – The Nutcracker performed by The Royal Ballet will be beamed live from The Royal Opera House to Cineworld Cheltenham this festive season, for one performance only.

Cotswolds Christmas events 2008

Saturday 15 November to Saturday 6 December 2008

Christmas at Snowshill Manor – From puddings to Christmas crafts, the festive season at Snowshill Manor gets underway in the Cotswolds with free Christmas activities this winter.

Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December 2008

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum – It’s time for Enchanted Christmas 2008 at Westonbirt Arboretum, when one of Gloucestershire’s most popular attractions will be pulling out all the festive stops, once again this year.

Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 December 2008

Cirencester College’s Christmas Show is set to be Roald Dahl’s The BFG this year, with fun-filled family shows suitable for the over 5s being performed at The Sundial Theatre at 1pm and 7.30pm daily. Tickets cost between £3 and £7, available by calling (01285) 654228.

Friday 12 December to Sunday 21 December

Christmas at Hidcote Manor Garden – For the first time ever, National Trust property Hidcote Manor will be welcoming visitors to explore its gardens in their winter splendour.

Sunday 14 December 2008

The National Trust’s Lodge Park will be holding a special Christmas celebration from 11am to 4pm, when children can take part in a quiz and receive a present from Father Christmas.

Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 December 2008

Christmas Skating Extravaganza at Bibury Court Hotel – The Cotswolds will have its very own ice skating rink for two days this Christmas, hosted by historic country house Bibury Court Hotel.

Friday 26 December 2008

Bibury Duck Race 2008 – The Bibury Duck Race 2008 is set to be firm family favourite Christmas event for another year running. So wrap up warm and sing your cheers when the festivities get underway in aid of local charities.

Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 January 2009

Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates pantomime – Promising families an affordable festive treat, Promenade Productions’ traditional pantomime Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates will be hitting Bacon Theatre’s stage in Cheltenham this January.

Forest of Dean Christmas events 2008

Saturday 29 November to Tuesday 24 December 2008

The Twelve Days of Yule at Clearwell Caves continues throughout the festive season, including Christmas poetry and visits from Santa in the underground caves. Admission costs £6.50 for adults and children.

Sunday 30 November to Wednesday 24 December 2008

Christmas Winter Wonderland at Model Village – Forest of Dean Model Village will be transformed into a Christmas Winter Wonder Wonderland, welcoming visitors from far and wide to the Gloucestershire family attraction.

Saturday 6 to Wednesday 24 December 2008

Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway
– Climb aboard for a steam train journey on the Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway, for an unforgettably festive way for the family to meet Father Christmas in 2008.

Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 and Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 December 2008

Christmas at Dick Whittington Farm Park is set to include the chance to visit Santa in his grotto in the Medieval Castle, the chance for children to feed the reindeer, an Animals Nativity and Christmas Pets Encounter featuring donkeys, sheep and lots of other small animals, the Snowy Owl Pen, as well as Christmas Crafts.

Gloucester Christmas events 2008

Saturday 22 November 2008

Father Christmas at Blooms Garden Centre – Father Christmas will be joined by two Siberian huskies for his official arrival at Blooms Garden Centre in Gloucester’s Santa’s Grotto, this November.

Saturday 29 November 2008 to Wednesday 24 December 2008

Winter Wonderland at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park – All the stops have been pulled out to make Christmas spectacular at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park’s Winter Wonderland, near Gloucester, this festive season.

Saturday 29 November 2008 to Sunday 4 January 2009

Ice skating in Gloucester Christmas 2008 – Gloucester’s open air ice rink will be open once again this Christmas 2008, offering families the chance to get their skates on.

Wednesday 10 December 2008

Teckels Animal Sanctuary Christmas Fayre – Join in on the seasonal festivities at Teckels Animal Sanctuary in Gloucester, during the launch of its Christmas appeal.

Thursday 11 December 2008

Meningitis Trust carol concert – For the 13th year running the Meningitis Trust will be holding its annual Christmas concert at Gloucester Cathedral.

Friday 12 December 2008

The Soul Destroyers will be returning to Gloucester Guildhall to give a festive concert of soul and Motown with a feisty edge from 8pm. Tickets cost £10 available from the Gloucester Guildhall box office on (01452) 503050 or online by visiting gloucester.gov.uk/guildhall.

Saturday 13 December 2008

Starting at 7pm, Gloucester Cathedral will be holding a Christmas Oratorio of Bach by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir and the Awhile Orchestra. Tickets cost between £10 and £20, available directly from the Cathedral.

Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 December 2008

Rumplestiltskin pantomime in Gloucester – It’s pantomime time in Gloucester as Rumplestiltskin stomps onto the Kings Theatre’s stage for five evenings of family entertainment this Christmas.

Thursday 18 December 2008

Starting at 2.30pm, Gloucester Cathedral will be hosting Age Concern’s Christmas Charity Concert of festive songs and carols. Tickets are free of charge, to book in advance call (01452) 422660.

Starting at 7.30pm, Gloucester Cathedral will be hosting Severn Sound's Christmas Concert, to raise fund for the Money Mountain Appeal. Tickets cost £4.50, available in advance from severnsound.co.uk.

Monday 22 December 2008

Starting at 7.30pm, Gloucester Cathedral will be hosting Noel! a Christmas Concert from St Cecilia Singers. Tickets cost £12, or £6 for the under 18s, available in advance by calling (01299) 403889.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

High School Musical 3 Party in Gloucester – Pint-sized fans won’t want to miss Gloucester Guildhall’s High School Musical 3 Party this Christmas, with a second date scheduled due to popular demand.

Thursday 26 December 2008

Starting at 3pm, there will be at Carols For All concert at Gloucester Cathedral, with free admission for all.

Stroud Christmas events 2008

Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 November 2008

Christmas Charity Fair at Berkeley Castle – Stock up on Christmas pressies and meet Father Christmas in his special grotto, during Berkeley Castle’s Christmas Charity Fair.

Saturday 29 to Sunday 30 November 2008

Slimbridge Christmas Fair 2008 – Slimbridge Wetland Centre will once again be hosting its annual Christmas Fair, with a Victorian theme and plenty of free festive family activities in 2008.

Saturday 29 November 2008 to Saturday 3 January 2009

Star light Star bright at the Guild Gallery – The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen is holding its sumptuous Star light, Star bright exhibition at the Guild Gallery in Painswick, offering a shining example of local designer crafts, all perfect for answering the festive season’s present dilemmas.

Sunday 30 November 2008

Christmas Concert at Berkeley Castle – See the renowned English String Orchestra perform live in Berkeley Castle’s magnificent Great Hall, during this special annual Christmas Concert.

Tuesday 2 to Saturday 6 December 2008

Dick Whittington Pantomime in Slimbridge – Slimbridge Variety Showgroup are back with their annual panto, but this year it’s Dick Whitington with a difference.

Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December 2008

Berkeley Castle by Candlelight 2008 – Don’t miss the rare chance to explore Berkeley Castle under the glow of candlelight, during the special festive evening events being held this Christmas.

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Swan Lake in Stroud – Vienna Festival Ballet will be putting in a festive performance of Swan Lake at Stroud Subscription Rooms, giving fans from across Gloucestershire another chance to see Tchaikovsky’s classic on stage.

Saturday 13 to Sunday 14 December 2008

The National Trust’s Newark Park in Wotton-under-Edge will be holding two days of special guided house tours for Christmas, on the hour every hour between 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £6 including a cup of tea and mince pie, with booking on 0871 527 1885 essential.

Wednesday 17 December 2008

A Viennese Christmas Concert in Stroud – The Emerald Ensemble will be presenting A Viennese Christmas Concert complete with plenty of festive spirit, for one night only at Stroud Subscription Rooms.

Saturday 20 December 2008

From 7.30pm, at Stroud Subscription Rooms, legendary local singer and songwriter Johnny Coppin will be warming up the stage with his All on a Winters Night show. Tickets cost £12.50, or £10 for concessions from the Stroud Subscription Rooms box office on (01453) 760900.

Tewkesbury Christmas events 2008

Saturday 29 November to Saturday 3 January 2009

Beauty and The Beast in Tewkesbury – Oh yes it is pantomime time in Tewkesbury, and this year Beauty and The Beast will be entertaining audiences of all ages at The Roses Theatre.

Sunday 30 November to Sunday 21 December 2008

Tewkesbury Christmas Festival 2008 – Tewkesbury will be hosting its very own Christmas Festival in 2008, complete with ice skating, lights, a visit from Santa, festive crafts, candlelit walks and more.

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Tewkesbury Abbey Christmas Concert – Tewkesbury Abbey will be the setting for the Celebration of Christmas Concert complete with festive music and carols, in aid of charity The Pied Piper Appeal.

Thursday 25 to Friday 26 December 2008

Christmas swimming at Cascades – Cascades swimming pool in Tewkesbury will be opening on Christmas and Boxing Day, for families to have fun and for the health-conscious keep fit over the festive period.

SoGlos.com’s journalists are adding to this special Gloucestershire Christmas events 2008 feature on an ongoing basis. Please get in touch if you know of a Christmas event which SoGlos.com’s readers should know about.

SoGlos.com