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 2023.
SoGlos handpicks 11 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
Cheltenham’s Christmas market is jam packed with seasonal stalls. Shoppers can expect dozens of traders selling everything from festive food to twinkling tree decorations.
Open daily from Friday 14 to Saturday 23 December 2023, along The Promenade you'll find handmade products from local artists and craftspeople.
Winter Craft Fair at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester
Browse enchanting Christmas crafts at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester. Around 20 artists and makers are selling beautiful Christmas gifts from homeware to jewellery, to make your crafty loved one smile on the big day. It's open on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December 2023.
There'll be drop-in craft activities and live music to enjoy too.
Winter Markets at Gloucester Quays
Running every weekend until Sunday 17 December 2023, you can once again join in the festivities at Gloucester Quays, with the historic docks providing a beautiful backdrop to your Christmas shopping.
Browse more than 90 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 Friday 25 November 2023, too.
Cirencester Advent Christmas Market
In and around Cirencester's Market Place from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 November 2023, 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. This year there's a snowman trail with nine willow snowmen for little ones to find. Christmas lights will be switched on at 4pm on Saturday 25 November 2023 with fireworks and snow!
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 on Saturday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December 2023 from 10am, there's plenty of time to browse, especially for those who like the thrill of leaving present-buying until the very last minute!
Gloucester vegan Christmas market
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 3 December 2023 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! Tickets are available from Friday 1 December 2023.
Pittville Pump Room Christmas artisan market
Pittville Pump Room's Christmas artisan market is back in 2023, giving visitors a chance to pick up a range of handcrafted Christmas goodies in a luxury marquee.
The first of the markets will be held on Saturday 25 November 2023 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!
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 December 2023.
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. This year there's a lantern parade on Friday 8 December 2023 from 6pm to 9pm with late night shopping and live music.
Winchcombe Christmas Festival and Market
With more than 40 stalls lining Winchcombe's pretty streets, there's sure to be something for even the fussiest of gift recipients at this colourful celebration of the season.
The market is open from 5pm to 8pm on Friday 8 December 2023 and 10am to 5pm on Saturday 9 December 2023 and as well as shopping for artisan gifts, there will be carol singing, live music and Morris dancers.
Tewksbury Christmas Market and light switch on
On Sunday 19 November 2023, from midday to 6pm, more than 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 to meet the cast from The Roses Theatre's pantomime.
