It’s never too early to start thinking about the festive season, so if you haven’t started your preparations already, here’s a rundown of just a few of Cheltenham’s Christmas events to get you in the mood.
Cinderella at the Everyman Theatre = December 27 to January 10 (2016)
Tweedy the Clown and William Elliott return in the pantomime version of this classic fairy tale. Tickets for these shows sell out fast so it’s a good idea to call the box office on 01242572573 now to book. Tickets cost from £13.00 to £24.00, and there are family tickets available as well. For the younger theatre fans among us, there’s a more relaxed show at 10.00am on January 5.
Cheltenham Christmas Market – December 3 to December 20
The 40-plus stalls at this German-themed Christmas market are nestled under the lights of the Promenade in the centre of Cheltenham. Visitors can choose from a range of specialist foods, drinks and original handmade gifts while sipping on some warming Glühwein and a sausage!
The market is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10.00am to 8.00pm Thursday to Saturday.
Santa’s Floating Grotto at Gloucester Docks – December 12 to December 24
Just down the road from Cheltenham is Gloucester Waterways Museum, which is hosting a very special guest in December – Santa himself! He’ll be visiting a boat at the museum to distribute gifts to the children while parents relax with a mince pie and a drink. It costs just £9.50 per child, and this experience includes craft sessions. Pre-booking is essential, so call 01452318200.
Children’s Craft Activities at Nature in Art at Wallsworth Hall – December 22 to December 23
On December 22 children can enjoy making a stained glass effect Christmas wreath and on December 23 little hands can get busy making their own Christmas stocking. There are three sessions each day, costing £6.00 per child (the accompanying adult is admitted free); booking is essential for this popular event, so call 01452731422.
Christmas Day Swim at the Cheltenham Lido – December 25
Yes, really! The event starts at 11.00am on the dot, but brave swimmers need to be at the Sandford Parks Lido on Keynsham Rd at 10.30am to sign a disclaimer. This event is strictly adults only (17+), as the water will be very cold indeed, although there will be hot snacks and drinks on sale. It’s free to enter the swim, but it is a fundraising event for the lido, so there will be collection buckets at the entrance. Call 01242524430 for more details.
