Or should that be Ch-Yuletenham? On second thoughts maybe not, but naff puns aside, Cheltenham definitely is an amazing place to spend the festive season. There’s loads to do and see between now and January – so much so that it can be hard to choose, which is why we’ve picked our three favourite Christmas activities.
The Christmas Cheltenham Arts & Crafts Market
You’ll find it all along The Promenade, next to Waterstones and it’ll run from December 12 to December 22.
Run by Cotswold Market, you can browse more than 30 stalls heaving with unique goods – many of them handmade – that’ll make perfect gifts. There’ll be jewellery, woodcraft, prints and lots more to get your Christmas shopping off to a great start.
The Santa Express with GWSR
Tickets for this annual favourite sell out fast so call 01242 621405 or visit the GWSR site to book yours! You’ll board a festive steam train and head for the “North Pole” (Winchcombe Station), where you’ll alight and explore the wonderland of trees, lights and decorations before meeting Santa.
The kids get a good present from Santa and the grownups get mince pies and mulled wine and maybe even a bacon bap.
The Santa Express runs on November 23, 24 and 30, as well as on December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
The Enchanted Light Trail
Head to Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, GL54 5FL to explore this family-friendly nighttime light trail and all its amazing installations and creations.
You’ll be at one with the festive spirit as you follow the trail around the grounds, meeting cute animals along the way and checking out the decorated barns. Best of all, there’s mulled wine, pigs in blankets and s’mores.
Call 01451851116 or visit Cotswold Farm Park to book tickets. The trail runs from 4.00pm until late on November 22 to 24 and November 29 – December 1, December 6 to 8, 13 to 15, 18 to 23 and 28 to 31.
