Christmas in Gloucestershire is set to be spectacular in 2025, with so many festive things to do for the whole family – and all the over-indulgence you could hope for.
SoGlos’s handpicked selection of Christmas events in Gloucestershire will help you make the most of the festive season in the county, from Christmas light trails and where to meet Santa to the very best pantomimes in the region. Oh yes it will!
Christmas events in Cheltenham
Swing into Christmas festive concert at Cheltenham Town Hall
What is it?
Have yourself a fun festive start to the season at the unmissable Swing into Christmas concert at Cheltenham Town Hall, as it returns on Sunday 14 December 2025.
Why go?
Down for the Count’s sell-out shows feature a 30-piece ensemble of award-winning vocalists and instrumentalists, with its extra special Christmas performance bringing the Swing Era to life with festive favourites from the likes of Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, among many other 20th-century greats.
SoGlos loves
Hear all-time classic Christmas numbers such as 'The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)', 'It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas' and 'Winter Wonderland' alongside faithful recreations and original arrangements of hits like ‘S Wonderful', 'That's Life' and 'New York New York'
Many new songs have been selected for this year's show, all performed in Down for the Count's inimitable big-band-with-strings style!
When?
The concert starts at 7pm on Sunday 14 December 2025, with doors opening for access to the bar approximately one hour before.
How much?
Tickets cost from £33 for adults and from £20 for students and under-18s. Please note that a booking fee of £2.50 applies to each order.
How to book?
Visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Christmas launch party at The Brewery Quarter
What is it?
The Brewery Quarter's Christmas Launch Party promises to paint the town gold, with performances from a KPop sensation, the chance to meet Santa and lots more free family fun!
Why go?
There's a packed lineup of live entertainment, with performances from The Grinch and Cindy Lou; Tweedy and his pals from the Everyman Theatre pantomime; Variations Dance Academy; SingSpace Musical Theatre Choir; Stagecoach Choir; and Lakeside Young Voices Choir, followed by the UK's only unofficial tribute to KPop Demon Hunters – Huntrix Tribute – headlining on Saturday night.
Father Christmas will be in attendance to meet families several times throughout the day, there'll be guaranteed snow showers, plus there's a silent disco for all ages, so the whole family can throw some shapes.
And the best part? The event is completely free to attend.
SoGlos loves...
In honour of its KPop headliner, the theme for this year's event is 'It's gonna be GOLDEN!' – with visitors encouraged to get all dressed up in their glitziest gold outfits as they celebrate the start of the festive season in Cheltenham.
When?
From 2pm to 8pm on Saturday 22 November 2025.
How much?
Entry to the Christmas Launch Party is free.
How to book?
No need to book for the party, just turn up between 2pm and 8pm, but The Brewery Quarter encourages visitors to book in advance for restaurant tables as it's bound to be busy.
To book a table, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Christmas events in the Cotswolds
Christmas activities at Batsford Arboretum
What is it?
Father Christmas and his cheeky elves are returning to Batsford Arboretum this winter, bringing a festive family trail and opportunities to meet Santa to the attraction near Moreton-in-Marsh.
Why go?
A must-do in the run-up to Christmas, children can meet Santa Claus at Batsford's magical grotto, smiling for an 'elfie' with him and receiving a personalised gift to take home — with meet-and-greets taking place in small groups of up to six children.
The annual Big Batsford Elf Hunt is back for the season, too, with mischievous elves hiding all around the arboretum and the chance to win a prize if you can find them all!
SoGlos loves
With 60 acres of natural winter wonderland to explore, it’s not just the kids who will enjoy a day out at Batsford this Christmas either.
The garden centre is packed with present ideas — not to mention real Christmas trees for sale — and there's bound to be some freshly baked festive treats in the Garden Terrace Cafe, too.
When is it on?
Visit Santa's Grotto on Saturday 6, Sunday 7, Saturday 13, Sunday 14, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December 2025, with 30-minute slots available to book from 10am to 3pm.
Meanwhile, The Big Batsford Elf Hunt is on daily from Saturday 29 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
How much does it cost?
The Big Batsford Elf Hunt costs £3 per participating child, in addition to Batsford Arboretum's standard admission fees.
Tickets to Santa's grotto cost £10 per child.
How do I book?
Visit batsarb.co.uk/santas-grotto to book tickets to meet Santa.
There's no need to book ahead for The Big Batsford Elf Hunt but tickets to Batsford Arboretum can be booked online at batsarb.co.uk/tickets.
Christmas events in the Forest of Dean
The Christmas Stick Man Trail at Beechenhurst
What is it?
Giving its series of character-filled activity trails a Christmas makeover, Forestry England is inviting families out for a frosty walk in the woods this festive season, with plenty to occupy the little ones on its Christmas Stick Man Trail at Beechenhurst.
Why go?
Out on the family walking trails at Beechenhurst in the heart of the Forest of Dean, this year's interactive festive trail follows Stick Man, star of the beloved children's books created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schafer and its popular short film adaption.
Families can join Stick Man on his journey to help Santa deliver the final present in time for Christmas, with lots of fun stick-based activities, tree-mendous facts and opportunities to learn about forest wildlife.
There are also activity packs – which include an envelope to colour in, an activity leaflet, a 'magic' reveal lens to uncover hidden letters, a festive sticker sheet, Stick Man keyring and a pencil – available to buy from Beechenhurst Cafe or the on-site information hatch.
SoGlos loves...
A wintry walk in the Forest of Dean is perfect for getting the whole family outdoors around Christmas – and Forestry England's popular activity trails are a great way to entertain the little ones in the lead up to the big day!
Warming up afterwards is covered too, as Beechenhurst Cafe serves a great range of hot and cold drinks, cakes and food all day.
When?
The Christmas Stick Man Trail launches on Wednesday 5 November 2025, running until January 2026.
How much?
It's free to take part in the trail and no booking is required, with activity packs costing £4.
For more information about things to do at Beechenhurst, visit forestryengland.uk/beechenhurst.
Christmas events in Gloucester
Christmas markets and outdoor ice rink at Gloucester Quays
What is it?
Gloucester Quays transforms the docks into a winter wonderland this November and December 2025, when the Christmas markets and outdoor ice rink return.
Why go?
Providing a wonderful opportunity to sip on mulled wine and browse for unique, handmade gifts out in the crisp winter air, Gloucester Quays Christmas markets bring 120 of the south west's best traders to town.
From handmade gifts and decorations to artisan food for the festive table and local tipples to toast the season, there's plenty to choose from – and tasty street food to tuck into, too.
Then for an extra helping of festive fun, the outdoor ice rink opens on Thursday 20 November 2025, providing a scenic spot to glide around the ice, taking in the festive atmosphere and twinkling Christmas lights.
SoGlos loves
Gloucester Quays has got Christmas shopping sorted, with up to 70 per cent off big high street and designer names, spanning fashion, beauty and homeware.
Plus, there's special festive menus at its many restaurants so visitors can warm up with a delicious dinner after a fun day of shopping and skating.
When?
Gloucester Quays Christmas markets are on every weekend from Saturday 8 November until Sunday 21 December 2025, opening from 10am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday.
Then the ice rink is open from Thursday 20 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026.
How much?
Gloucester Quays Christmas markets are free to visit.
Ice rink tickets cost from £14 for adults; from £12.50 for juniors aged 11 to 16; from £11 for children aged three to 10; and from £11 for a wheelchair user and their carer.
Family tickets cost from £45, childrens' skate aids cost £4.50 to rent and a cloakroom is available for £2.
How to book?
No need to book in advance for the Christmas markets, just pop by during opening hours.
To book tickets for the ice rink, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Christmas events in Stroud
Christmas events at The Sub Rooms
What is it?
Grab your nearest and dearest for a Christmas cracker of a time at The Sub Rooms in Stroud, hosting a series of festive events running throughout December 2025.
Why go?
During the winter season, The Sub Rooms will be hosting a series of events with a festive twist, offering families, friends and colleagues the chance to celebrate the yuletide period in style.
For Christmassy creatives, grab a brush and paint a beautiful Christmas Tree for your home during The Paint Club's workshop at The Sub Rooms. No experience is required and everything you need to paint with is provided – after two-hours of expert tuition, leave with a masterpiece of your very own.
And while not strictly Christmas-themed, The Subs hosts a selection of shows in December, spanning Curtis Stigers; a celebration of 20 Years of Serial Killaz; the legendary Tony Christie; Steeleye Span; and even an adults-only panto...
SoGlos loves
It wouldn't be Christmas without a panto and this year, children and fairy tale fans are in for a treat as a festive production of Sleeping Beauty: The Pantomime of your Dreams is headed to The Sub Rooms – and there are nearly 30 opportunities to see the show!
When is it on?
Dates vary across events at The Sub Rooms.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary across events at The Sub Rooms.
How do I book?
Visit thesubrooms.co.uk or call 01453 796880.
Enchanted Garden by Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
What is it?
Discover the magic of Gloucestershire's flamboyant pleasure garden, Painswick Rococo Garden, with its popular Enchanted Garden by Night trail returning for the festive season.
The UK's only complete surviving rococo garden from the early 1700s, the grounds will be lit in a magical display of Christmas wonder.
Why go?
Meet friends under the stars or create a new Christmas family tradition as you step into the glow of the garden as night falls – making sure to spot the woodland animals that can be found playing in the lights, too!
Enchanting scenes await at every turn along the trail, from elegantly lit follies to a hidden wooden village, with lots of playful surprises along the way.
And for those who require a more sensitive sensory experience, the Rococo Garden is offering special sessions with a reduced number of guests, meaning the trail will be calm with no loud noises.
SoGlos loves
Warm up frosty fingers with a cup of spiced mulled wine or hot chocolate at the on-site cafe, alongside festive foodie favourites for a bit of post- or pre- wander fuel.
Then get a spot of Christmas shopping done, too, at the gift shop full of locally sourced gifts and goodies crafted with produce from the garden.
And if you're still looking for the perfect Christmas tree to adorn the living room, the Garden's Exedra Nursery is jam-packed with terrific trees ready to be picked out and taken home.
When?
The Enchanted Garden by Night trail at Painswick Rococo Garden runs on selected dates from Friday 28 November until Monday 29 December, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Time slots are available to book from 4pm until 7pm and it's recommended that you allow for at least a two-hour visit.
Sensory sessions take place on Friday 28 November and Thursday 18 and Monday 29 December 2025, from 4pm.
How much?
Tickets to the Enchanted Garden by Night cost £18 per adult; £9 for children aged four to 16-years-old; and free for those under four.
Plus, families can save with group tickets costing £50 for two adults and two children.
How to book?
Visit rococogarden.org.uk.
Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What is it?
Slimbridge Wetland Centre’s annual Santa experience adds a delicious twist to the traditional meet-and-greet, with most ticket options including not just a gift, but a full English breakfast, too!
Why go?
Santa’s enchanting wetland grotto returns this year, as he settles into Slimbridge to meet children in the lead-up to Christmas – and rest assured, he’s bringing plenty of gifts for everyone!
After visiting Father Christmas, guests can make their way to the Kingfisher Kitchen to enjoy a hearty full English breakfast, perfect for fueling a day of exploring Slimbridge’s wintry wetland wonderland.
And to make visits even more magical, there's also a range of festive activities on offer, from Christmas crafts to stopping by Slimbridge’s post office to send your letter to the North Pole.
SoGlos loves
From spotting the resident otters Sam and Tilly to meeting colourful amphibians in Toad Hall, there are all kinds of fascinating exhibits to discover, post-Santa meet-up.
Seasonal highlights include watching wild bird feeds from the Peng Observatory and experiencing life as an explorer in the Arctic Adventure!
When?
Santa is at Slimbridge on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December; then from Saturday 20 to Tuesday 23 December 2025.
Time slots to meet him are available at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm and 2.15pm.
How much?
Tickets including a visit to Santa's grotto, gift and full English breakfast cost £13.50 for juniors (aged three to 17) and £7 for under-threes. Toddlers under three can meet Santa for free if they don't receive a gift or have breakfast.
Adult tickets, which also include breakfast plus bottomless tea and filter coffee, cost £17.50 – and every adult joining for breakfast must purchase a ticket for Breakfast with Santa.
Admission to Slimbridge Wetland Centre is not included and must be purchased separately, costing from £17.06 for adults, £11.25 for juniors and free of charge for children under three.
How to book?
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/breakfast-with-santa to book tickets.
Christmas events in Tewkesbury
Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at The Roses Theatre
What is it?
The Panto is back at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury this Christmas – oh yes it is! And audiences can expect giant-sized fun when Jack and the Beanstalk hits the stage.
Why go?
With last year's pantomime being The Roses Theatre's best-selling show ever, it's promising Jack and the Beanstalk will be even bigger still – fitting for a story featuring a giant!
Dylan Duffield, who plays Jack, is a trained tumbler, so audiences can expect action packed stunts from the leading man, with big laughs and even bigger songs from last year's breakout star, drag queen Bonnie Banks, as well as returning favourites Abena Adoba as Jill and Michael Neri as the loveable clown, Simon – and a chorus of talented youngsters selected via X Factor-style auditions.
Described as a 'thoroughly modern panto', audiences can expect chaos from freak weather events and a Donald Trump-inspired mayor, glitzy song-and-dance numbers and plenty of audience interaction in what promises to be one of the highlights of the festive season in Gloucestershire.
SoGlos loves
As a theatre at the heart of the community, The Roses helps to make the arts accessible to all – and it's annual pantomime is no different.
As well as the all-singing, all-dancing performances throughout the festive season, there is a sensory and dementia-friendly performance on Sunday 14 December 2025 at 11am; and a BSL-signed performance on Tuesday 30 December 2025 at 4pm, so every member of the family can enjoy the magic.
When?
Jack and the Beanstalk is on stage at The Roses Theatre from Saturday 29 November 2025 until Saturday 3 January 2026, with morning, matinee and evening performances available.
How much?
Tickets cost from £20 to £32 each, with discounts available for families and large groups.
How to book?
Visit rosestheatre.org.
