Christmas is back and the build-up feels bigger than ever in 2022, with hundreds of enchanting lights twinkling across Gloucestershire to mark the start of the festive season.
From town centre switch-on events to festive illuminated trails, SoGlos has handpicked 17 magical Christmas light displays to see in and around Gloucestershire this November and December 2022. Cameras at the ready!
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury
Lighting up the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum with an illuminated trail, Enchanted Christmas is always a highlight in Gloucestershire’s Christmas events calendar.
Returning on selected evenings from Friday 25 November to Wednesday 21 December 2022, visitors will see breathtaking light spectacles and interactive displays among the arboretum's multitude of trees.
Gloucester lantern procession and Christmas lights switch on
Don’t miss Gloucester’s Lantern Procession and Christmas lights switch on, taking place on Saturday 19 November 2022. This year’s illuminated procession is themed around Alice in Wonderland, with lanterns decorated by local children depicting iconic characters from the book, inspired by the artwork of Sir John Tenniel.
Catch a glimpse of the procession as it heads through the city, visiting Blackfriars Priory, Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester Quays, Kimbrose Triangle, Southgate Street and Gloucester Cathedral, where there will be a carol service to join in with, too.
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power
Explore Cotswold Farm Park in a whole new light when the popular Enchanted Light Trail returns to the family-favourite attraction from Friday 25 November to Saturday 31 December 2022.
This year's Narnia-inspired trail invites visitors to explore the famous farm park after hours, guided by a myriad of twinkling lights - with the promise of crackling fire pits and hot mulled wine waiting at the end.
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe
Sudeley Castle’s illuminated light trail is back and more magical than ever from Friday 25 November until Friday 30 December 2022.
This year sees the addition of a new light wave, flickering flowers in the Queen's garden and a mesmerising field of fire, with spiced mulled wine, rich hot chocolate and tasty hot food to enjoy as you explore the castle's beautiful grounds.
Christmas lights at the Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham
Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter is hosting its Christmas Begins at the Brewery Quarter event on Saturday 19 November 2022.
While there isn't strictly a countdown to a big switch on, the lights will be sparkling and there'll be free entertainment all afternoon long, with circus skills, live music, dance performances and Father Christmas taking to the stage too!
Stonehouse Christmas Goodwill Festival
Taking place on Saturday 3 December 2022, Stonehouse Christmas Goodwill Festival sees the town's Christmas lights switched on by Father Christmas.
Marking the start of the town's festivities, there's also a Christmas market, street entertainment and live music - plus Santa will be in his grotto during the day, before heading up the High Street in an open-top car to turn on the lights.
Christmas lights in Cheltenham town centre
Cheltenham is getting well and truly into the Christmas spirit on Saturday 19 November 2022, as the Christmas lights in the town come on at dusk.
As well as a Christmas Craft market underneath the twinkling lights along the Prom, toy soldiers and adorable sugar mice will be performing for the crowds, with 15-minute shows taking place at Cambray Place, Imperial Gardens and outside M&S on the High Street throughout the evening.
Christmas lights in Tetbury
Back by popular demand, households in Tetbury are being encouraged to turn their Christmas lights on at 6pm on Friday 2 December 2022 - creating a light trail around Tetbury for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The most spectacular display will be crowned the winner, with a group of local schoolchildren announcing which house has the best lights in town on Saturday 17 December 2022.
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas market and lights switch on
See Moreton-in-Marsh burst into light as the Cotswold town welcomes the festive season on Saturday 26 November 2022.
Featuring a Christmas market with around 80 stalls selling a wide variety of seasonal treats and gifts, an appearance from Father Christmas himself, and a Christmas lights switch on after the sun goes down.
Tewkesbury Christmas market and lights switch on
Tewkesbury's Christmas lights switch on is taking place on Sunday 20 November 2022, along with a Christmas market taking over the town centre.
There’s a whole range of activities for families to enjoy, from fairground rides and live performances to around 100 festive market stalls to browse, before gathering around the cross in the town centre just before 5pm to see the lights come on.
Illuminated Christmas trains at Perrygrove Railway in Coleford
Hop on the Twilight Express at Perrygrove Railway for a magical journey through the Forest of Dean, spotting colourful illuminations along the way, this December 2022.
Welcoming families aboard from Thursday 1 to Friday 23 December 2022, spot the illuminations along the line to Oakiron station where Santa and his helpers will hop on board.
The Tree of Light in Gloucester
Shining brightly at Gloucester's Kings Square, the Tree of Light is being switched on by none other than Father Christmas this Saturday 19 November 2022.
The huge tree is adorned with thousands of lights, with visitors encouraged to make a donation to benefit local charities like Pride in Gloucestershire and leave a message to remember a loved one.
Cirencester Christmas lights switch on
Cirencester's Advent Market returns to the Cotswold town with over 100 stalls spread throughout Market Place, Cricklade Street and Castle Street on Saturday 26 November 2022 - when the Christmas lights are being switched on in the town, too.
Before the big switch on, there's a variety of live performances from local performers to enjoy inside the parish church and on a big screen outside, with the lights set to sparkle and a spectacular silent fireworks display taking place from 4pm.
Christmas lights switch on at Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham
Saturday 26 November 2022 sees Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham light up for the festive season. As well as the Artisan Christmas Market taking place throughout the day, there'll be live music, dance performances and a chance for little ones to meet Anna and Elsa from Disney's Frozen.
The build up to the big switch on starts at around 5.45pm when Santa arrives on his sleigh, with the lights coming on at 6pm.
Dursley Christmas lights switch on
Dursley's Christmas lights are being switched on this Friday 25 November 2022, with the town being transformed into a Victorian-themed winter wonderland.
With a fairground, winter garden, Santa's grotto and market stalls to browse, there's plenty to do, with the Christmas lights coming on and a fireworks display to ooh and aah at from 6pm.
Cinderford Christmas lights switch on
Cinderford's town centre comes alive with twinkling Christmas lights, a funfair and market stalls on Saturday 26 November 2022.
Visitors can enjoy the rides, do some Christmas shopping with an array of products on offer, plus there's an opportunity to meet Santa from 3pm - before the Christmas lights come on at 5pm.
Painswick Christmas Goodwill Evening
Taking place in the heart of the village on Friday 25 November 2022, residents are invited to come together for a night of festive cheer at Painswick Christmas Goodwill Evening.
There's a lantern procession lighting up the village to mark the start of the Christmas season, as well as choirs, stalls and a chance to see Father Christmas, too.
