Christmas in Gloucestershire is set to be spectacular in 2022, with plenty of 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 lights and where to meet Santa to the very best pantomimes in the region. Oh yes it will!
Christmas events in Cheltenham
Christmas shows at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
See Dick Whittington and His Cat Tweedy on stage at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre from Friday 25 November 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023.
What's happening?
Cheer on the heroic Dick Whittington and his cat Tweedy as they head off on their wild journey from Gloucester to London in this year's homegrown festive family panto - with more than 50 opportunities to see the favourites on stage.
Sure to be the cat's pyjamas, the festive show promises singing, dancing and plenty of laughs for all ages, as Fairy Bowbells helps to defeat King Rat (boo, hiss!) and win the hand of the fair maiden Alice.
Starring Tweedy the Clown once again this year, the highly anticipated and energetic comedy quest is sure to be one of the highlights of Christmas 2022 for Gloucestershire families and theatre-lovers alike.
SoGlos loves
As well as the annual panto, families visiting the Everyman Theatre this Christmas can also enjoy a selection of magical shows in the intimate setting of The Irving Studio Theatre, including The Snow Queen and Lark Rise to Candleford.
The important bits
Performances for Dick Whittington and His Cat Tweedy start at various times between 11am and 7pm from Friday 25 November 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023. Ticket prices start from £10.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk or call (01242) 572573.
Christmas events at Webbs Garden Centre
When and where?
Wrap up warm and get ready for a magical seasonal experience at Webbs in Cheltenham, where you can meet Santa at his cosy winter cabin on selected dates from Saturday 19 November until Saturday 24 December 2022.
What's happening?
Throughout the winter season, visitors to Webbs will have the opportunity to wander through a delightfully traditional Christmas Grotto, with festive surprises around every corner - as well as the chance to meet the big man himself at Santa's cosy cabin!
To help with waste and to ensure that his home in the North Pole doesn't melt away, Santa has selected a range of zero-waste, sustainably sourced Playpress Pop-out toys for little ones to choose from.
Alternatively, children who have landed on the 'good list' this year can choose to take home a limited-edition Webbs 100-piece jigsaw, featuring Santa and his elves at their wintery North Pole home - great for some wholesome, family fun over Christmas!
SoGlos loves
During their enchanting visit, children can also gather reindeer food and decorate their own delicious gingerbread man biscuit to take home with them!
The important bits
Tickets to the Webbs Christmas Grotto cost £11 per child, including a gift and activity, and £3 for accompanying adults.
How to book
Visit webbsdirect.co.uk/cheltenham or book in store at Webbs.
Christmas Begins at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
Head to The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham on Saturday 19 November 2022, where there's FREE entertainment, live music and an appearance from a very special guest to launch the festive season in style.
What's happening?
Presenter Craig Wright hosts the stage at Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter for an afternoon and evening of free festive entertainment — where he'll be joined by none other than Father Christmas himself!
While there's no countdown this year, the sparkling Christmas lights will be on from the start and there'll be performances from My Stage School, Thomas Trilby, Got 2 Sing Choir, Danceworks Studios, Gloucestershire Troopers and the Little Dreamers Princesses throughout the afternoon. Then from 6pm, Brewery Quarter favourite, The Mark Walby Band, will be belting out Christmas classics to dance and sing along to, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit.
This event marks the first in a series of festive events at the Cheltenham destination, with wreath making workshops, ice princesses and breakfast with Santa all taking place during the weekends in the run-up to Christmas, too.
SoGlos loves
As well as soaking up the festive atmosphere, admiring the Christmas lights and enjoying all the entertainment, The Brewery Quarter is awash with delicious dining options, from family favourites like Five Guys, Nando's and Creams to more upmarket options like The Alchemist, The Botanist, Pho and Mowgli, ideal for grabbing a bite to eat during the festivities.
The important bits
Christmas Begins at The Brewery Quarter takes place on Saturday 19 November 2022, with the festive stage show starting at 3pm and The Mark Walby Band playing Christmas classics from 6pm to 7pm.
How to book
Festive entertainment is free, just turn up from 3pm — or to book a restaurant table, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Swing into Christmas at Cheltenham Town Hall
When and where?
The vintage-feel Down for the Count Orchestra is returning to Cheltenham Town Hall on Tuesday 13 December 2022, with its festive feel-good showcase Swing into Christmas getting underway at 7.30pm.
What's happening?
Founded by conductor Mike Paul-Smith and counting Michael Bublé among its fans, the Down for the Count Orchestra is set to perform original arrangements of the festive favourites featured on its Christmas album, including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, alongside faithful renditions of classic tunes, such as Let’s Face the Music and Dance and I’ve Got You Under My Skin.
Featuring a horn and rhythm section, as well as a string section, Down for the Count Orchestra’s instrumentalists and vocalists take their inspiration from the Capitol Studios recordings that bought Frank Sinatra, Nat 'King' Cole and Peggy Lee to worldwide fame.
Selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in between tours, audiences return year after year to see the orchestra breathe new life into jazz standards and recreate the sounds of the Swing Era.
SoGlos loves
If you like an excuse to get dressed up, you’ll be in good company when Down for the Count takes to the stage in Cheltenham this Christmas, with the whole orchestra dressed to the nines in tuxedos and ballgowns.
The important bits
Tickets cost £28 for adults and £18 for under 18s.
How to book
Tickets can either be purchased via cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/swing-into-christmas or from Leisure at Cheltenham and The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum.
Christmas events at Regent Arcade
When and where
To celebrate the festive season, Cheltenham's Regent Arcade will be hosting a selection of exciting Christmas events throughout the winter period, starting Saturday 26 November 2022. The shopping hub is open from 9am to 6pm.
What's happening
Christmas is on its way and to get families feeling festive, Cheltenham's Regent Arcade will be offering shoppers an extra special Christmas with a jolly exciting calendar of events
coming up.
Have you been good this year? Little ones can try out Father Christmas's Naughty or Nice Machine this winter, with Santa's elves inviting children to step in front of the magical machine to discover if they can look forward to a sack full of gifts on Christmas Day - or a lump of coal instead!
Direct from Whoville, visitors will also have the chance to meet the cantankerous fluffy green and iconic Christmas fan, The Grinch, when he visits the shopping centre, spreading his miserable but amusing charm.
Plus, people can expect live music and a special event in association with Cheltenham Animal Shelter.
SoGlos loves
What's more, the Regent Arcade will also be offering shoppers an extra gift this season - visitors will have the chance to redeem a free personalised bauble as a thank you for shopping locally this Christmas.
The important bits
The Naughty or Nice Machine is available on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November 2022 from 11am to 4pm; The Grinch will be visiting Regent Arcade on Saturday 3 December 2022; the bauble bar will be open on Saturday 10 December 2022.
How to book
For more information on the Christmas events and festive opening hours, visit regentarcade.co.uk.
Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
When and where?
The next event in the racing calendar falls in the run up to Christmas, with The International taking place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 December 2022.
New Year’s Day racing returns to Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 1 January 2023.
What's happening?
As well as a series of 14 races to enjoy over the course of The International, including the Unibet Handicap Steeple Chase, Unibet International Hurdle and The International Gold Cup, racegoers can expect a party atmosphere with live music after the racing on both days.
New
Year’s Day racing is much more family-friendly, with Club/Tatts enclosure
ticket holders able to take advantage of an area devoted to free family fun,
where children can have their faces painted, meet Paddington, The Snowman and Christmas
unicorns, burn off some energy on the bouncy castles and be entertained by
Showtime Shane.
SoGlos loves
There are spot prizes up for grabs for the best Christmas jumpers on display at The International in December.
Tempting as it is to stay curled up in front of the fire or the TV after the indulgence of Christmas and NYE, the New Year’s Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse is an ideal opportunity to stretch those legs – you could even come into some money!
Plus, under 18s can go racing for free with paying adults.
The important bits
During The International, gates open at 10am; the first race starts at 12.05pm and the last race at 3.35pm. Tickets start from £10 and hospitality packages from £185.
On New Year’s Day, gates open at 10.30am, ahead of the first race at 12.15pm. The last race takes place at 3.50pm. Tickets start from £12 and hospitality packages from £190.
How to book
Tickets can be purchased online in advance via thejockeyclub.co.uk
Christmas events in the Cotswolds
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
When and where?
Families can once again explore Westonbirt Arboretum’s illuminated Enchanted Christmas trail on selected evenings from Friday 25 November to Wednesday 21 December 2022.
What's happening?
Follow the magical light trail through the towering trees of Westonbirt Arboretum as Father Christmas's elves work frantically around you, on a mission to finish decorating the forest before the man himself arrives.
With spellbinding light displays and festive spectacles to get you in the Christmas spirit, families may even find themselves joining in to help, with plenty of chances to interact with the playful elves — and to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself!
Plus, there are two Christmas villages for families to soak up some festive cheer, have a go on fairground rides and tuck in to tasty seasonal treats both before and after the trail.
SoGlos loves
To make it a magical experience for all, the trail will be adapted for those with additional needs on Saturday 26 November and Saturday 3 December 2022 from 4pm to 5pm — when features like strong flashing lights, loud sounds and smoke effects will be temporarily deactivated.
The important bits
Enchanted Christmas tickets must be booked in advance and cost £19 for adults and £11 for children aged three to 16. Infants aged two and under are free of charge, but require a ticket.
Enchanted Christmas takes place from 4pm to 9.30pm, with time slots available every 10 minutes until 8.20pm.
How to book
Visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas.
Christmas experiences at Cotswold Farm Park
When and where?
Soak up the Christmas magic at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, with the glittering Enchanted Light Trail launching on Friday 25 November and Father Christmas experiences starting on Friday 2 December 2022.
What's happening?
The ever-popular Enchanted Light Trail will be filling Cotswold Farm Park with colour, light and sound, transforming the farmyard and its barns into a Narnia-inspired winter wonderland for families to explore after hours.
Step through the wardrobe and let the twinkling lights guide you through the illuminated woodland, with crackling fire pits for marshmallow toasting, seasonal drinks and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Don't forget to visit the animal barn to give the farm's furry residents a bedtime snack or stop by the frozen palace ball for sparkle-lit dancing and indoor play.
Plus, Father Christmas is inviting little visitors into his winter grotto for personalised meet-and-greets. Each visitor will receive a magical coin token to pick a gift from the festive shop and there's the opportunity to join Santa's elves in their workshop, where children can make their own soft teddy bears and plush toys to take home, too.
SoGlos loves
Those visiting Father Christmas in the daytime will also get complimentary access to the full farm park, where Mrs Christmas will need a hand decorating gingerbread men in her workshop. While evening visits to Santa's grotto include free entry to the Enchanted Light Trail, along with s'mores toasting.
The important bits
Enchanted Light Trail is running on selected dates from Friday 25 November to Saturday 31 December 2022, with arrival time slots available from 4pm and the farm park closing at 10pm. Tickets costs £25 for adults, £16 for children aged four to 15, £12 for toddlers aged two and three, and are free for babies aged one and under.
Father Christmas is coming to Cotswold Farm Park on selected dates from Friday 2 to Sunday 23 December 2022, with the Christmas experience costing £45 for people aged two and above and £15 for babies aged one and under.
Tickets for both events must be booked online in advance.
How to book
Visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/christmas to book the full Christmas experience, or visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/enchanted for Enchanted Light Trail only tickets.
The Gateway Ice Rink at Cotswold Water Park
When and where?
The Gateway Ice Rink is open from Friday 18 November 2022 to Tuesday 3 January 2023, with skating sessions running every day aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It's located at Cotswold Water Park, next to The Gateway Café and Information Centre.
What's happening?
Skaters can hit the ice at Gloucestershire's newest — and biggest — all-weather ice rink this winter, when the brand-new Gateway Ice Rink launches at Cotswold Water Park. With capacity for over 100 skaters per session, people of all abilities can test their balance and flex their skating skills, while little ones can build their confidence with seal-shaped skate aids.
After stepping off the ice, refuel with a hearty bite to eat, with plenty of choice from the food and drink options on-site, including wood-fired pizzas, hog roast rolls and seasonal pies; as well at breakfast, brunch and lunch from The Gateway Café's fabulous menu. Not forgetting dessert, there'll be marshmallow toasting over open fires and doughnuts and waffles with decadent toppings.
Plus, grown-ups can sip mulled wine and spiced cider at Bar @ Lake 6, which will regularly be hosting DJs in the evenings and showing some of the World Cup games on its big screen.
SoGlos loves
Making ice skating as inclusive as possible, The Gateway Ice Rink will be offering sensory-friendly skating sessions every Monday, when the music will be switched off, the lighting reduced and there will be 50 per cent less skaters on the ice. The rink is fully accessible for wheelchair users, too - and anyone who needs a chaperone will be able to bring them along at no additional charge.
The Gateway Ice Rink will also be running special Disney-themed parties, where children can dress up as their favourite characters and skate around the rink to music from much-loved films. If they're lucky, they might even get to meet the Frozen princesses, too.
The important bits
Skating sessions are 45 minutes long and cost £11 for adults and £9 for children under eight. Skate aids cost an additional £5 and must be added when booking tickets online.
For health and safety reasons, there's a minimum age limit of four-years-old.
How to book
Visit gatewayicerink.co.uk.
Christmas activities at Batsford Arboretum
When and where?
Father Christmas is returning to his magical grotto at Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh on Saturday 3, Sunday 4, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December 2022 — with The Big Batsford Elf Hunt taking place throughout December 2022.
What's happening?
Meet Santa Claus at the enchanting grotto tucked away at Batsford Arboretum in the run-up to Christmas. Little ones can smile for an 'elfie' with the man of the hour and get 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!
With acres of natural winter wonderland to explore, it’s not just the kids who will enjoy a day out at Batsford this Christmas either — with a garden centre packed with present ideas and the recently revamped Garden Terrace Café even serving turkey roast dinners on selected days throughout December 2022.
SoGlos loves
With both real and premium-quality artificial Christmas trees for sale, there’s also a chance to buy the perfect fir or spruce to put your presents under at Batsford Arboretum.
The important bits
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, with 30-minute slots available to book from 10am to 3pm.
How to book
To book a visit to Santa's grotto, call Batsford Arboretum on (01386) 701441.
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 market in The Old Smokery at Far Peak
When and where?
Far Peak on the outskirts of Northleach is hosting its first ever Christmas market on Saturday 10 December 2022, taking place inside its on-site café and events space, The Old Smokery.
What's happening?
Encouraging people to give local and sustainably-crafted presents this Christmas, there are over 25 independent stalls to browse for food, drink and gift inspiration at Far Peak's indoor Christmas market — hosted in association with Bourton-on-the-Water's famous Victorian Christmas Shop.
Shoppers can pick out everything from organic vegetable boxes grown in the Cotswolds; to vegan and cruelty-free skincare and makeup products; as well as calming crystals, quirky greetings cards and wooden toys.
Children can take part in craft sessions with Mrs Christmas and her brigade of helpers; while her husband, Father Christmas himself, will be abseiling down the climbing tower for all to see! There will also be carol singers from Northleach Church and the Alpine bar will be serving mulled drinks to help brighten your spirits.
SoGlos loves
With adventurous activities like climbing, bouldering and an assault course — plus archery, shooting and even an escape room to test your skills — families can make the most of Far Peak's diverse offering as an outdoor attraction and climbing centre during the Christmas holidays.
As a bonus, Christmas trees from Dowdeswell Forestry will be available to buy on-site from Saturday 26 November 2022.
The important bits
The Christmas market takes place from 11am to 6pm, with donations on the door for local children's mental health charity, Headspace Cotswolds. Craft sessions with Mrs Christmas cost £3 per child.
How to book
There's no need to book but for more information, visit oldsmokery.co.uk/christmas.
Christmas events in the Forest of Dean
Christmas adventures at Forestry England sites
When and where?
From following the Family Cycle Trail to spotting winter
birds of prey, there’s lots to see and do in the Forest of Dean, with Forestry England's main sites — Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds, Mallards Pike, Wenchford, Symonds Yat Rock and the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre — open every
day except Christmas Day in 2022.
What's happening?
Don your wellies and head to the Forest of Dean for a breath of crisp, fresh air this Christmas time. Perfect for family days out in the great outdoors, and for escaping the Christmas madness for a moment of peace, there are plenty of frosty forest trails to crunch through and cafés offering decadent hot chocolates and steaming drinks to warm up with.
Visitors to Beechenhurst can also follow the interactive Superworm trail, giving little ones the chance to wish their favourite Julia Donaldson characters a merry Christmas as they learn more about the forest's minibeast population and the important jobs they do.
SoGlos loves
If you're on the hunt for sustainable Christmas presents this year, or simply want to treat the outdoor lover in your life, Forestry England offers annual memberships for the Forest of Dean. Including free parking at its six main sites, plus all kinds of discounts and benefits, a membership will give someone the gift of a year's worth of forest adventures.
The important bits
Parking charges apply at Forestry England's six main sites, though membership holders can park for free. The car parks are open from 8am to 5pm daily.
The Superworm trail starts at the visitor centre at Beechenhurst and takes approximately one hour to complete. Trail activity packs are available to purchase at Beechenhurst Café and the ranger hatch for £3.50.
How to book
There's no need to book, but for more information about Forestry England's Forest of Dean sites, visit forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean.
Christmas events at Dean Heritage Centre
When and where?
From meeting Father Christmas to searching for gems in the Christmas Bazaar, there's plenty to get visitors in the festive spirit at Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley, with activities taking place on selected days from Saturday 10 to Friday 23 December 2022.
What's happening?
Take a trip to the Christmas Bazaar at Dean Heritage Centre on Saturday 10 December 2022, with an indoor market of handmade gifts, sweet treats and local produce to browse and pick up Christmas essentials. Keep an eye out for the scavenger hunt, too, where little ones can help Father Christmas round up all of his naughty elves in time for the big day.
Over in the craft hut, the elves will be making spinning tops and Christmas tree decorations out of the centre's own wood supply on Saturday 3; creating festive boxes for packaging Christmas gifts on Sunday 4; and showing visitors how to use sheep's fleece to create adorable festive items — as well as how to use a vintage sewing machine to make mini Christmas stockings — on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 December 2022.
Plus, children can pay a visit to Father Christmas and get an early Christmas gift, when he stops by Dean Heritage Centre from Saturday 17 to Friday 23 December 2022.
SoGlos loves
Passionate about supporting local designer-makers and producers, Dean Heritage Centre puts a lot of effort into making sure the majority of stock in its gift shop is made locally, as well as selling recycled jewellery and bags. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted Christmas gifts and souvenirs before stopping by the coffee shop, which will be serving a festive menu and even offering pre-bookable Christmas lunches.
The important bits
Entry to the Christmas Bazaar costs £5 for adults and kids go free. Tickets include entry to the Dean Heritage Centre museum and Gruffalo trail.
Father Christmas visits cost £15 per child and are available between 10am and 3pm — with up to two accompanying adults per child getting free admission and a voucher to exchange for a mince pie in the coffee shop.
Elf workshops are included in the cost of normal admission to Dean Heritage Centre.
How to book
To book a Father Christmas visit, call Dean Heritage Centre on (01594) 822170. Payment will be taken on the day of arrival.
There's no need to book tickets to the Christmas Bazaar or Elf Workshops, but visit deanheritagecentre.com/christmas for more information.
Christmas events in Gloucester
Christmas carols at Gloucester Cathedral
When and where?
Starting with its annual Advent Carol Procession on Sunday 27 November 2022, Gloucester Cathedral has a packed schedule of events in the lead-up to Christmas.
What's happening?
Gloucester Cathedral's dramatic Advent Carol Procession takes place on Sunday 27 November 2022, inviting people in Gloucestershire to mark the official start of the Christmas season with an atmospheric evening of music and worship.
On selected dates from Friday 9 to Wednesday 21 December 2022, the Christmas Cathedral Experience at Night gives visitors a rare chance to explore Gloucester Cathedral after dark while it's all lit up with Christmas lights and beautiful decorations With VIP tickets including a tour of the Tower with breath-taking views across Gloucestershire, or of the Cathedral Library lit by candlelight, it promises to be one of the festive season's most unmissable events.
Filling the cathedral with beautiful Christmas music, Carols on the Hour takes place on Saturday 17 December 2022, with performances from the cathedral choirs and local music groups every hour on the hour from 11am to 4pm; while its hugely popular traditional carol services take place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December 2022. Tickets to the carol services are free but must be pre-booked online in advance.
There are also family Crib Services on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December 2022, as well as a traditional Christmas Day Eucharist service.
SoGlos loves
On top of the spectacular decorations adorning the cloisters and the impressive Christmas trees in the nave, Gloucester Cathedral's famous Knitivity is returning for 2022 - and there's a brand-new Christmas Story Family Trail to follow, too.
The important bits
Tickets for Christmas Cathedral at Night experiences cost £5 per adult and £3 per child aged five to 16 and must be pre-booked online. Tickets including a 60-minute VIP Tower Tour cost £20 per adult and £10 per child, while tickets including a 30-minute VIP Candlelit Library Tour cost £10 per adult and £5 per child.
Tickets for Gloucester Cathedral's traditional carol services are free, but must also be pre-booked online. For non-ticketed services, including the Advent Carol Procession, Carols on the Hour and family Crib Services, it is advisable to arrive early to guarantee entry.
Some services are also being streamed live online to enjoy at home.
How to book
To book tickets to Christmas Cathedral at Night or the traditional carol services, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Festive Orchard Street Markets and open-air ice rink at Gloucester Quays
When and where?
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Gloucester Quays, with the Festive Orchard Street Market taking place every weekend from Saturday 5 November until Sunday 18 December 2022; and its epic open-air ice rink returning from Thursday 24 November 2022 until Monday 2 January 2023.
What's happening?
Get your skates on and take to the ice at Gloucester Quays, showing off your best moves before warming up with a steaming cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate.
If you're heading to the Quays at the weekend, you can also browse the stalls for some of the most unique Christmas gifts in the county, with the Orchard Street Market bringing the very best of the south west's artisans and makers to the Quays every Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas. There'll be everything from artisan cheese and locally made spirits to stock up on, alongside handmade Christmas gifts and decorations to buy for friends and family, plus live music throughout the weekend, providing a buzzing atmosphere and making for a fantastic festive day out.
SoGlos loves
On top of all the festive fun happening outside, there's plenty to do inside Gloucester Quays too, from shopping for designer Christmas gifts with up to 70 per cent off recommended retail prices, to catching a Christmas film and getting together for a festive feast at one of its tasty restaurants.
The important bits
Orchard Street Market is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and 10am to 5pm on Sundays from Saturday 5 November until Sunday 18 December 2022 and is free to attend.
The open-air ice rink is open every day from Thursday 24 November 2022 until Monday 2 January 2023. Tickets can be booked online in advance and cost £11.50 per adult; £9.50 per junior aged 11 to 16; £9 per child aged three to 10; and £9 per wheelchair user.
How to book
Visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Christmas events at The Fairview Gardener
When and where
Visit Santa in his enchanting Christmas grotto or take part in a festive carol service at The Fairview Gardener in Gloucester on various dates from Saturday 26 November to Friday 23 December 2022.
What's happening
Get into the Christmas spirit this winter 2022, as The Fairview Gardener is offering children and families two truly magical seasonal experiences to enjoy.
In partnership with Charlie's Cancer Support, children have the chance to meet the jolly man in red himself in Santa's cosy grotto. During visits, little ones have the opportunity to take part in a variety of festive crafts and activities - with each lucky grotto-attendee also receiving their own yuletide gift to take home with them!
Alternatively, wrap up warm and join in with feel-good sing-a-longs as Churcham Church partners up with the garden centre for carols at The Fairview Gardener, providing an evening packed with traditional music.
SoGlos loves
As well as its fun events, the garden centre will have a wide variety of real Christmas trees on offer, so you can round-off your festive day out with the perfect tree to take home with you to decorate.
The important bits
Santa’s cosy grotto is open on Saturdays and Sundays on selected dates from Saturday 26 November to Friday 23 December 2022.
Carols at The Fairview Gardener takes place on Friday 16 December 2022 at 6.30pm.
How to book
There's no need to book for the grotto - just turn up on the days that Santa is in the store.
For more information, visit facebook.com/thefairviewgardener or call The Fairview Gardener on (01452) 750436.
Christmas events at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
From Thursday 1 December 2022, visitors can help build a Christmassy cardboard city inspired by magical Swedish gingerbread houses at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester - with Santa's sleigh arriving at the museum on Saturday 3 December 2022.
What’s happening?
There are so many ways to get merry at National Waterways Museum Gloucester this winter. From meeting Santa in his café grotto, to building a gingerbread city and feasting on a festive afternoon tea, there's a whole load of entertainment for little ones and families to enjoy.
Settle down with Santa for half an hour as he tells a captivating Christmas story and then collect a present from the man himself. Make your own cardboard gingerbread house to add to the museum's cityscape, or craft one to take home.
Then tuck into festive afternoon tea featuring a selection of delicious cakes, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and unlimited tea and filter coffee.
SoGlos loves
If you're visiting the Gloucester Quays ice rink, you can get up to 40 per cent off the
usual museum entry price by showing your skating ticket, meaning adult tickets are £5 instead of £8.50 and a child's ticket is just £3, instead of the usual £5, with children under five able to visit for free. Tickets are only valid on the same date as your ice
skating ticket.
The important bits
Festive afternoon tea costs £13.50 per person, with the option to add an extra child's portion for £5, and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
If you want to say hello to Santa, it costs £10 per child with an accompanying adult and tickets must be booked online in advance, too. He'll be in his grotto on Saturdays and Wednesdays throughout December 2022, with entry to explore the museum for free after visiting the grotto.
Visitors can drop in at any time to help build the magical gingerbread city.
How to book
To book tickets for Stories With Santa, visit eventbrite.co.uk, or to book afternoon tea, call (01452) 318212.
Christmas events in Stroud
Christmas events at the Sub Rooms
When and where?
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 from Thursday 1 December 2022 to Monday 2 January 2023.
What's happening?
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.
Whether you're looking for a special gift, or in search of some inspiration, shoppers need look no further as the Sub Rooms Christmas markets are back - visitors will find homemade jewellery, heart homeware, original artworks, vintage clothes and food.
Or, wrap up warm, eat, drink and find treats for loved ones at the Sub Rooms Goodwill evening. Along with a charming Christmas market, shoppers will find mulled wine, mince pies and even the chance to meet the big man himself at Santa's Grotto.
Alternatively, take the opportunity to watch one of the venues many Christmastime stage performances, from the 'The Nest Christmas Comedy Night' and 'Majesty Presents Santa's Special Drag Night featuring Cheryl Hole' to 'Johnny Coppin All on a Winter's Night' and 'Forbidden Nights 2022 Tour'.
SoGlos loves
It wouldn't be Christmas without the panto and this year, children and fairy tale fans are in for a treat as a festive production of Cinderella is headed to the Sub Rooms - and there are more than 20 opportunities to see the show!
The important bits
Dates and prices vary across events at the Sub Rooms.
How to book
Visit thesubrooms.co.uk or call (01453) 796880.
Meet Santa at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Father Christmas is making his annual visit to Slimbridge Wetland Centre on Saturday 10, Sunday 11 and from Saturday 17 to Wednesday 21 December 2022.
What's happening?
Santa's wonderful wetland grotto is back in business this year, with the man himself taking up residence at Slimbridge Wetland Centre to meet and greet excited children in the run-up to Christmas. And don't worry, he has plenty of gifts to go round — providing you're on the nice list, of course!
After meeting Father Christmas, head out to explore Slimbridge's own winter wonderland with 100 acres of wetland to discover — with a whole host of festive activities planned to make your visit all the more magical.
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From meeting Haha the friendly otter to trying out Slimbridge’s own app, Wetland Heroes, there are all kinds of fascinating exhibits to discover after meeting Father Christmas. Seasonal highlights include watching wild bird feeds from the Peng Observatory to experiencing life as an explorer in Arctic Adventure.
The important bits
Tickets to meet Santa at Slimbridge Wetland Centre must be booked online in advance and cost £9.50 per child.
Admission to Slimbridge Wetland Centre is not included and must be purchased separately, costing from £15 for adults, £8.63 for children aged four to 15 and free of charge for children under four.
How to book
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/santa to book tickets and see Santa's Coming to Slimbridge for more information.
Christmas activities at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Father Christmas is bringing the festive magic to Cattle Country Farm Park, with a sack full of Christmas activities taking place at the Berkeley-based attraction from Friday 2 to Friday 23 December 2022.
What's happening?
Resting up at his Cattle Country residence before he embarks on his annual round-the-world voyage, Father Christmas is inviting children inside his grotto, where he'll be handing out Christmas Eve kits to excited visitors. There's a place for kids to write their Christmas wish list so they can deliver it to him personally — or post it directly to the North Pole.
Elsewhere, they can sneak a ride on Santa's sleigh, which is safely parked in the Animal Barn, then set off around the farm to find all the reindeers along the seasonal Reindeer Trail. Little ones will even have the chance to make their own magical reindeer food!
After a farmyard adventure, cosy up around the firepit and toast marshmallows for a comforting sweet treat or fill up on festive food from GRAZE Café, offering a special Christmas menu for hungry diners.
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As well as Cattle Country's far-ranging festive activities, Christmas tickets include access to the whole park, with more than enough to keep families busy for a full day. Blow off some steam on the adventure playgrounds, interact with the farm's furry residents and, if the weather's bad, retreat to the indoor play barns where children can explore the climbing apparatus and soft play.
The important bits
Tickets cost £18.50 for children aged four to 17, £16.50 for toddlers aged one to three, £12 for adults and £5 for children under one.
Tickets must be booked online in advance and include all Christmas activities, plus entry to Cattle Country Farm Park from 10am to 4pm. Visitors will need to select their timeslot to visit Father Christmas when booking, but there's no additional charge for this experience.
