Step in to the enchanting world of Christmas in the Cotswolds, where picturesque villages are a glow with lights and the air is filled with festive magic!
The charming English countryside transforms in to a winter wonderland. Children of all ages can enjoy fun festive activities in charming market towns, historic stately homes and quaint villages adorned with twinkling lights, making Christmas in the Cotswolds an experience to cherish.
Here are our top festive family events in the area this year.
17th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
Blenheim Christmas Markets in the great court are Friday 17th November – Sunday 17th December. Pre Booking is essential.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a magical, spectacular affair. The palace and its grounds transform in to a winter wonderland, its historic halls adorned in festive décor, including elaborate trees and new for this year, a sleeping beauty themed Christmas palace interior.
The renowned light trial and stunning illuminations continue to be a family favourite not to be missed.
Running on selected dates from 25th November – 23rd December. Pre booking advised.
The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express is a festive delight , taking you and the family on a magical journey aboard the vintage steam train.
Passengers are treated to a visit from Santa, festive decorations and joyful holiday entertainment. Presents for little ones are included as well as refreshments.
Christmas on the Farm: Selected dates from 24th November – 23rd December
Enchanted light trail: Selected dates from 24th November – 31st December
Immerse yourself in Christmas Spirit at Cotswold Farm Park’s Christmas events. Enjoy festive farm fun with Santa visits, adorable animals and enchanting illuminations for the whole family. There will also be gingerbread making and a teddy bear building experience on offer as an optional extra.
Spectacle of Light at Sudley Castle and Gardens
24th November – 30th December
Enjoy this historic castle adorned with festive lights, stroll through enchanted gardens, and new for this year will be characters from the Wizard of Oz to find in the castle grounds. Adults and children alike will delight in the seasonal decorations and magical ambience of one of the Cotswolds’ favourite landmarks.
1st December – 7th January 2024 (Closed 24th and 25th December)
This beautiful National Trust property has created a ‘Christmas through time’ for families to enjoy. Attractions include the house, which will be dressed in decorations form 5 different eras, take a selfie with the giant wreath, and try the children’s trail featuring a Christmas quiz and a discovery challenge around the 270 acre grounds. The local choir will also be singing traditional carols on selected Saturdays and Sundays in December.
Selected dates from 25th November – 1st January 2024. Pre booking essential.
Another national trust gem in the Cotswolds, Newark park remains a popular choice for days out over the festive season; pre booking is essential. Traditional decorations will adorn the house and the grounds will be open for winter walks. A beautiful setting where you can let your kids explore and adventure, the ’12 Days of Christmas Trail invites you to ‘run, dance, hula and drum your way through the festive season!’
Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas Light Trail
24th November – 23rd December
Wander through this magical illuminated pathway surrounded by the beauty of the trees adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The Arboretum comes alive with a symphony of colours, sounds and installations creating a mesmerising winter wonderland.
The Big Batsford Elf Hunt at Batsford Arboretum
1st December – 7th January 2024
Join the excitement as you search for mischievous elves hidden throughout the arboretum’s scenic grounds. Combining the beauty of nature with the joy of a festive scavenger hunt, explore the charming woodlands while keeping an eye out for those playful elves, adding a touch of magic to your visit to Batsford.
Selected dates from 7th December – 6th January 2024
Bring the whole family on a magical adventure at Painswick Rococo Gardens ‘The Enchanted Garden at Night’. As the sun sets the gardens come alive with a magical glow creating an enchanting atmosphere for visitors of all ages a this charming light trail.
Christmas Village Walks
Our favourite Christmas activity in the Cotswolds at Christmas!
Gather your loved ones and embark on a heart-warming walk through one of the many beautiful Cotswold villages. Lace up your boots and wrap up in scarves, and let the beauty of the Cotswold scenery unfold. Broadway is decorated in hundreds of beautiful lights along the high street on houses, shop fronts and trees. Check out the deli which often has mulled wine or hot chocolate served roadside at weekends and Christmas shopping nights.
Or how about browsing boutique shops for handmade gifts in Bourton-on-the-Water, which also has its Christmas Tree in the middle of the River Windrush creating an unforgettable scene of twinkling lights in the water and the many ducks float past.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a bustling Cotswold Market Town to explore with plenty of shops and restaurants. Check out the Christmas Tree Festival which is always fun at St Edwards Church.
These are our top Christmas event sin the Cotswolds for 2023. Let us know in the comments what you think!
Cotswold Little Explorers 
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