Cheltenham Christmas Events

Cheltenham will soon be getting into the festive spirit as the Christmas season closes in. Our guide to Cheltenham Christmas highlights the best of Cheltenham Christmas Events.

CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

14 - 30 November 2008

The Christmas Season in Cheltenham starts on the 14 November as Cheltenham Christmas Market with its decorated wooden chalets opens in the Promenade.

CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
22 November 2008
There will be fun for all the family on Saturday 22 November as Father Christmas aided by pantomime characters Aladdin, Widow Twankey and Abanazer join the Mayor of Cheltenham to turn on the Christmas Lights in Imperial Gardens.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS GROTTO IN THE BREWERY
22 November 2008 onwards
From 12pm to 4pm on 22 November the Brewery shopping centre are getting into the Christmas spirit with a Christmas Grotto and real live reindeer. The Magical Christmas grotto will remain open until Christmas every Saturday 11am – 5pm, every Sunday 12pm – 4pm, then Friday 19th December 11am – 3pm, Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th December 11am – 3pm.

ICE SKATING IN MONTPELLIER GARDENS
22 November 2008 - 4 January 2008

A skating rink will be installed in the grounds of Montpellier Gardens under cover of a huge marquee giving skaters complete protection from the weather.

PANTOMIME AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE
28 November 2008 - 10 January 2009

The Everyman's annual family friendly pantomime is back, complete with a fantastic flying carpet, magic tricks, good clean fun and frolics with Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey and, of course, wishful thinking with the Genie of the Lamp.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN THE STREETS OF THE SUFFOLKS
3 December 2008, 6.30pm
Cheltenham Bach Choir and the Cheltenham College Junior School Choir will be signing Christmas Carols in the Suffolks. There will be stalls with mulled wine and mince pies and Santa will also appear.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY MARKET
6 December 2008, 9.00am – 4.00pm
Cards, gifts, holly, mistletoe and much more will be on sale at Cheltenham’s Christmas Charity market in the Promenade and local choirs will be singing everybody's favourite carols. Shoppers will be able to buy all the important Christmas accessories, as well as support their favourite local charities at Christmas time.

FESTIVE FARMERS' MARKETS
12 and 19 December 2008, 9.00am – 3.00pm
Christmas Farmers’ Markets take place on Friday 12 and Friday 19 December, where you can buy delicious festive treats from local food producers.

SANTAS ON THE RUN AT PITTVILLE PARK
13 December 2008
Join the fancy dress fun run around Pittville Park in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice. Anyone can take part, running, walking or jogging the 2km route. 10.30am warm-up and race starts at 11.00am.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT CHELTENHAM ART GALLERY

14 December 2008

Celebrate Christmas Victorian style in Cheltenham Art Gallery. Look at a Victorian Christmas tree and gifts from the past and make a tree decoration to take home. A free event for all ages. Also as part of the Victorian Christmas event we see the return of Professor Heard’s Magic Lantern Show. Discover the enchantment of comical stories, pictorial curiosities and magical transformations of this Victorian entertainment. A must see for all ages! Timed half hour sessions at 10.30am, 11.45am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Tickets £2 from the Museum Shop on the day, subject to availability.

CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE CENTAUR
16 – 17 December 2008
Back by popular demand, this exciting event at The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse has brought together tribute acts for Robbie Williams and Abba along with the well known local band The Chip Shop Boys, who have performed at several celebrity weddings in the area. There will then be a disco and DJ to end the night in style! £45.00 per person
• Two Course Buffet Dinner
• Bars open for Pre-Dinner Drinks at 7.00pm, Dinner at 8.00pm
• Bars open till 1.00am with Carriages at 1.30am
• Black Tie Optional
• Tribute bands – Robbie Williams and Abba
• Band – Chip Shop Boys
• Disco and DJ

ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET
20 December 2008, 9.00am – 5.00pm
Arts and Crafts Market gives you the opportunity to buy something local and original for the festive season.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM AT SANDFORD LIDO
25 December 2008
Gates open at 11.00am, but please note this isn't for the faint hearted and is for adults only. All participants must sign a waiver form prior to entering the very cold water and attempting to swim a width or even a length. Last swim entry will be at 11.45am.

For information about these and other Cheltenham events please visit our Cheltenham events guide.