This Christmas, Cheltenham, the historic spa town affectionately known as The Festival Town, is pulling out all the stops to create a captivating winter wonderland. From late November through early January, the town buzzes with festive cheer, featuring an exciting calendar packed with family-friendly events, twinkling lights, and cherished seasonal traditions.
At the heart of the celebrations is the Cheltenham Ice Rink in Imperial Gardens. Open until Monday, January 5, this fully covered and wheelchair-accessible rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities. Visitors can enjoy themed music nights, special sessions for toddlers, students, and adults, and enchanting character skates featuring superheroes and princesses.
Cheltenham Racecourse also offers festive thrills. The Christmas Meeting on December 12 and 13 brings family entertainment and a visit from Santa. Meanwhile, New Year’s Day Racing on January 1 combines racing excitement with food, drink, and live festivities to welcome 2026 in style.
Venturing beyond the town center, the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle, running until December 30, mesmerizes visitors with an illuminated trail inspired by The Court of King Arthur. Meanwhile, the Gloucestershire–Warwickshire Steam Railway delights with its Santa Express until December 23, followed by Mince Pie Specials from Cheltenham to Broadway after Christmas.
The theatre scene sparkles with seasonal magic. The Everyman Theatre stages a pantomime version of Robin Hood and His Merry Men, starring local favourite Tweedy the Clown, alongside festive productions of The Little Mermaid and A Dickens Christmas. Over at the Playhouse Theatre, Dick Whittington runs from December 12, while the Bacon Theatre presents The Nutcracker ballet on December 21.
A highlight for 2025 is the new family show Santa – The Visit, created by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood. Running at the Centaur from December 19 to 24, the show follows Santa on a magical mission to Cheltenham. Adults can also enjoy Deck the Hall, a Christmas DJ set by Chris Moyles featuring 90s, 00s, and festive anthems at the Town Hall on December 19.
Cheltenham’s Promenade hosts the Arts & Crafts Market from December 11 to 23, and The Suffolks Christmas Market on November 30 showcases designer stalls, street food, carols, and a visit from Father Christmas. The town’s shopping streets, including Montpellier and The Suffolks, offer a delightful blend of independent boutiques and popular high street shops, complemented by cosy cafés and restaurants perfect for a festive break.
Easily accessible by train from Birmingham and Bristol in under an hour and just over two hours from London, Cheltenham offers convenient free parking and park-and-ride facilities at Arle Court and Cheltenham Racecourse, ensuring a seamless festive experience.