Whether you’re searching for unique stocking fillers or hoping to get merry and bright with your first warming glass of mulled wine, Gloucestershire is buzzing with Christmas markets in 2022.
SoGlos handpicks 13 Christmas markets in the county that are sure to give you a festive boost as we head into the most wonderful time of the year.
Cheltenham Christmas market
Stretching along the Promenade to Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Offices in 2022, Cheltenham’s Christmas market will be jam packed with seasonal stalls. Shoppers can expect over 80 local traders selling everything from festive food to twinkling tree decorations.
Open daily from Thursday 8 to Friday 23 December 2022, there’ll also be a chance for visitors to catch the jolly street entertainment that will be taking place at the nearby Brewery Quarter every weekend in the run-up to Christmas.
A Crafted Christmas at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester
Browse a plethora of enchanting Christmas crafts at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester. Its A Crafted Christmas event is on until Christmas Eve, where over 100 artists and makers take over the gallery selling beautiful Christmas gifts from homeware to jewellery, to make your crafty loved one smile on the big day.
There's even a chance to book a personal shopping experience with an arty expert to help you pick the perfect gift!
Christmas Orchard Street Market at Gloucester Quays
Running every weekend from Saturday 5 November up until Sunday 18 December 2022, you can once again join in the festivities at Gloucester Quays, with the historic docks providing a beautiful backdrop to your Christmas shopping.
The Christmas Orchard Street Market is hosting more than 70 stalls with a selection of crafts, gifts and artisan food products from local traders on offer. Plus, you'll get to show off your skating skills as the open-air ice rink returns from mid-November, too.
Cirencester Advent Christmas Market
In and around Cirencester's Market Place from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 November 2022, the Cirencester Advent Christmas market will be bursting with Christmas cheer. With live music and carols to enjoy from local community groups, as well as the chance to enjoy some locally prepared food, it's the ideal way to soak in the festive spirit.
With stalls selling a selection of handcrafted wooden toys; local craft ciders, perry and beer; candles; and artwork from local artists, there's a range of Christmas treats to buy for loved ones – or even treat yourself to.
Christmas Gift Market in Stroud
Unique, handmade gifts are in abundance at the Christmas Gift Market in Stroud. The Sub Rooms will be brimming with stalls offering everything from Christmas tree decorations and festive homeware for your Christmas table, to homemade jewellery and vintage clothing.
Taking place from Friday 2 December to Saturday 24 December 2022, there's plenty of time to browse, even if you like leaving your present-buying until the very last minute.
FarOpen Christmas Art Market in Ruardean
There's sure to be something for the more artistic people on your gift list at the FarOpen Christmas Art Market in the Forest of Dean village of Ruardean. On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November 2022, the village Memorial Hall is hosting over 17 creatives selling their wares from handmade ceramics to wool sculptures.
Visitors can enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese street food or crispy buttermilk chicken from the food vans, before posing for a charcoal portrait or making their own Christmas mosaic baubles - crafty fun for all the family!
Gloucester vegan Christmas market
Now in its fifth year, the vegan Christmas market at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester is back to tickle your tinselled taste buds.
With 60 stalls waiting to be explored throughout the day, Sunday 4 December 2022 promises to serve up plenty of plant-based festive goodness to get stuck into. Stroll around the stalls, treat yourself to a vegan chocolate brownie, buy a few plastic-free bath bombs and get everything you need for a cruelty-free Christmas.
Christmas at Clearwell Caves
For a totally different Christmas experience, head underground – yes, underground! – for the Christmas market at Clearwell Caves.
Offering stocking fillers and decorations galore deep down in the caves, there's also an interactive story to follow as you make your way through the caverns - and a chance to say hello to Father Christmas halfway through your journey!
Pittville Pump Room Christmas artisan market
After a successful first year, Pittville Pump Room's Christmas artisan market is back in 2022, giving visitors a chance to pick up a range of handcrafted Christmas goodies.
The first of the markets will be held on Sunday 26 November 2022 when the Christmas lights are being switched on, where visitors can expect a visit from Father Christmas, plus special performances from Disney's Frozen characters Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, and Olaf the snowman - so there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained! The market then returns on selected dates throughout December 2022.
Taurus Crafts Christmas Markets in Lydney
Taurus Crafts is known for its thriving community of independent stores and traders - and to celebrate the festive season it is once again holding its own Christmas markets in 2022.
Every weekend from Saturday 3 December to Sunday 18 December 2022, crafters will be setting up stalls that offer a range of festive creations, with everything from stocking fillers to new decorations to bring Christmas to life in your home. Once they've finished browsing, shoppers can relax in the cosy café and enjoy a hot chocolate with a slice of freshly baked cake.
Christmas Cotswold Fair at Daylesford Organic Farm
With over 200 stalls spread between three marquees, there's sure to be something for even the fussiest of gift recipients at the annual Christmas Cotswold Fair at Daylesford Organic Farm in Kingham.
The market is open daily from Monday 7 November to Thursday 10 November 2022 and as well as shopping for an artisan gifts, there will be live workshops and cookery demos, so ticketholders can leave with a sack full of gifts and some new skills, too.
Tewksbury Christmas Market and light switch on
On Sunday 20 November 2022, over 100 stallholders will line the streets of Tewksbury town centre, along with fair ground rides and live music stages to ring in the festive season. Local farmers will be offering their highest quality produce at the Christmas market throughout the day - and visitors can count down to the glittering light switch on at 5pm.
Plus, there's an opportunity for the whole family to feed Rudolph and his hungry reindeer friends as they prepare to lead Santa's sleigh!
Christmas Vegan Fair in Cirencester
From the committed vegan to the v-curious, there's room to try something new at the Cirencester Christmas Vegan Fair this Sunday 13 November 2022. Browse the eco-conscious stalls while sipping on vegan mulled wine and sampling some of the finest vegan cheeses Gloucestershire has to offer.
Not to worry about the kids getting bored either, as they can make their own Christmas cards and get their face painted while you shop!
