Cirencester Advent Market & Christmas Light Switch On

29th & 30th November

Cirencester’s Advent Market and Christmas Light Switch-On is pure festive magic. The high street is lined with beautifully dressed shop windows, the Market Place is buzzing, and the whole town comes out to celebrate. It’s the perfect evening to wrap up warm and head out with family and friends.

All day Saturday, live performances keep the Christmas spirit in full swing: local choirs and school groups singing carols, theatre and dance groups putting on festive pieces, and musi-cians filling the town with music. These performances are streamed onto big screens in the Market Place, all set against the stunning backdrop of St John the Baptist Church.

The big moment – the Christmas light switch-on – takes place between 4:00pm and 4:30pm on the Saturday, hosted by the Mayor of Cirencester. The crowd gathers, the countdown begins, and, in a burst of cheers, the lights flick on and the town glows, marking the true start of the Christmas season.

Christmas in Cirencester — Cirencester Town Council

St James House, Dollar Street, Cirencester | Butler Sherborn

Thyme - Festive Cookery Classes

27th November-19th December

Impress your guests this festive season with hands-on cookery classes at Thyme. Learn tips, techniques and delicious recipes to elevate your Christmas hosting.

Choose from a variety of themed classes, including:

• The Festive Instinctive Cook
• Festive Canapés & Aperitifs
• Festive Gifting: Sweet Treats

Perfect for food lovers, keen cooks, or anyone wanting to add some extra sparkle to their Christmas table.

Cookery Classes — Thyme

Kate's Home Nursing - Carol Concert

Friday 13th December 6.30pm

Step into the warmth and wonder of Christmas as St Edward's church in Stow-on-the-Wold is filled with festive music, candlelight, and community spirit. Celebrate the joys of the season whilst raising vital funds to support local families through Kate's Home Nursing, a fantastic cause. Tickets are £20 and available to purchase now!

Christmas Carol Service - Tickets Now Available - Kate's Home Nursing | Palliative Care Charity

Gislebertus House, Sheep Street | Butler Sherborn

Woodchester Valley Vineyard - Grand Christmas Tasting

Nestled in the South Cotswolds, this award-winning vineyard is a must for wine enthusiasts. The Grand Christmas Tasting includes a tutored tasting of Woodchester Valley’s range of award-winning wines, paired with a generous grazing platter of locally sourced meats, cheeses and other nibbles, with both vegetarian and vegan options available.

A wonderfully indulgent – and very Cotswold – way to toast the season.

Woodchester Valley | A Cotswold Vineyard and Winery

Gateway Ice Rink, Cirencester

21st November - 18th January

The Gateway Ice Rink offers a magical winter experience for all ages. This covered outdoor rink means you can skate whatever the weather, with fun themed sessions throughout the season.

After your time on the ice, warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in the cosy café and bar – a classic festive outing for couples, friends and families alike.

Park House, 30, Dollar Street, Cirencester | Butler Sherborn

Giffords Circus - Christmas at Giffords

27th November - 21st December

Step into a transformed barn for a truly unique Christmas show from Giffords Circus. Enjoy breathtaking aerial acts, clowning, circus magic and enchanting festive storytelling in an inti-mate, atmospheric setting.

Choose a performance-only ticket or upgrade to include a two-course Christmas feast for an unforgettable, theatrical festive evening in the Cotswolds.

Winter Show - Giffords Circus

Broadway - Late Night Christmas Shopping

28th November & 2th December - shops open until 8.30pm

Broadway is beautifully dressed for Christmas, with twinkling lights, festive window displays and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. Enjoy:

· Late-night shopping in independent boutiques

· Live music and seasonal entertainment

· Mulled wine and festive food

· Appearances from Father Christmas, reindeer and more

It’s a picture-perfect way to soak up the Cotswold Christmas charm.

Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Worcestershire Cotswolds EnglandBroadway Cotswolds - Enjoy Eat Shop Stay - Visit Broadway - A Beautiful Village in All Seasons

The Loft, Snowshill, Broadway | Butler Sherborn

Cheltenham Races - Christmas Meeting

12th - 13th December

Experience the thrill of festive racing at Cheltenham’s Christmas Meeting. Enjoy two days of top-quality action on the track, combined with seasonal fun off it, including:

· Live festive music

· A Santa’s Grotto

· Plenty of food, drink and atmosphere

Ideal for racing fans or anyone looking for a lively, Christmassy day out.

Cheltenham Races, Events & Fixtures 2025/26 | The Jockey Club