The recency town of Cheltenham is a jewel in the crown of the Cotswolds. A countryside town with the culture of a big city. So it’s no surprise that there is a lot to do at Christmas in Cheltenham. Not least in 2021, as last years’ lockdowns have given this town much to catch up on.
Events this Christmas in Cheltenham will attract both locals and those from further away. So, we have been on the hunt to bring you the best festive celebrations in Cheltenham this Christmas.
The Shows – Christmas Theatre In Cheltenham in 2021
Experience live theatre with a classic Christmas tale. A Christmas Carol is an old story that never fails to warm the hearts of audiences. This year Box Tale Soup present A Christmas Carol at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. With all original music and featuring puppetry, this looks set to be a wonderful experience for the whole family this Christmas. Get your tickets here
What’s Christmas without Panto? I said…what’s Christmas without Panto? Follow poor Jack’s journey up the beanstalk this year at the Everyman Theatre. They’ll be singing, dancing and all the silliness you need to get you into the Christmas spirit this year. To see Jack and The Beanstalk Pantomime book your tickets today.
Santa’s Best Ever Christmas is a show suitable for young children. This live production features Dotty the Elf, a Penguin, reindeer and of course, Santa himself. With a cute story, this interactive adventure might be the perfect show to spark a love of theatre in your children. They’ll also be songs and even a gift for every child.
Shopping And Skating – Christmas Markets in Cheltenham in 2021
From crocodile burgers to giant bratwurst, Cheltenham Christmas Market certainly provides some unique treats. In addition to culinary delights (we’ll be queuing for the Italian macaroons), there is also a range of great products to provide gift inspiration this holiday season. Positioned along the Promenade to Imperial Gardens, the market runs from the 20th of November until December 19th.
The Cheltenham Christmas Market leads you right into Imperial Gardens where the annual Cheltenham Ice Rink will be located from November 18th this year. Be a pro skater or a first-timer, the ice rink is for everybody (from 3 years old and up). There are skate penguins for children and beginners and the skating arena will be covered. Book early to avoid disappointment.
The Christmas Lights Switch On Party in Cheltenham this year is set to be such an event that Father Christmas himself is turning up! In fact, he’ll be switching the Christmas lights on at 6.30. They’ll also be a whole host of entertainment including performances from the local schools, comedy, circus skills and live music too. Taking place at The Brewery Quarter, kick off the Christmas season on Saturday 20th November.
The Magic – What’s on For Kids at Christmas in Cheltenham 2021
Webbs will be hosting their first Christmas Grotto in 2021. A lovely opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas in his cosy cabin. Most of all we love that, in a wonderful move to be sustainable, the gift given to children will be a potted tree sapling for children to take home and grow.
Burn off some of that pre-Christmas energy at the Children’s Christmas Party at Hucclecote Community Centre. With food, a disco and the Music Man, Father Christmas may be competing for attention when he arrives with gifts for the kids. Tickets are £4 or £6.50 for non-members and adults go free.
Dobbies Garden centre this year presents a Quiet Grotto for Children within additional needs on 10th December. Working with the Charity Autism Together, Dobbies has carefully created an event that enables children to experience the magic of this traditional Christmas event in a safe environment that puts their needs first. Music and lights will be switched off, there is no queuing, a picture will be sent so children can see what to expect beforehand and you can choose whether or not you’d prefer the gift unwrapped. Booking is essential so that numbers are managed and the experience remains calm for the children.
Animals, toasted marshmallows and a fire pit are just some features of Cotswold Farm Park this Christmas. Yet it’s the Enchanted Light Display that will dazzle. The farm will be illuminated in an enchanted light display. There will be an opportunity to feed the animals before their bedtime. Light displays have really been trending the past few years, but combining it with farm animals is double the fun for the whole family. Book here.
Sudley Castle and Gardens will also be illuminated this Christmas for their Spectacle Of Light. Now in its sixth year, the display at Sudley Castle is truly spectacular and there’s even more to discover in 2021. With trees, pathways and the castle draped in luminous colour and projections, there is certainly magic here this Christmas.
