Cheltenham at Christmas

It’s getting dark at five, the leaves are falling off the trees, scarfs are officially out of hibernation and with the festive decorations displayed around town, the countdown to Christmas has finally begun. 

With independent shops, regency architecture and the countryside on the doorstep there’s no wonder why people visit Cheltenham; last year there was a 35% increase of visitors in November & December. Now that the busy Christmas period has started, here are some key events happening in Cheltenham to get you in the festive spirt: 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 

After the success of last year, the Christmas Lights Switch On is back, and its bigger than ever. On Saturday 23^rdNovember ghosts of past, present and future will meet Scrooge and Santa outside the Queens Hotel. Residents and visitors can follow them around Cheltenham from 4:30pm. But your night doesn’t have to start then, as the Regent Arcade has its very own light switch on from 3:30pm to 4:15pm, including performances from the Rock Choir, Ducie Jazz and Danceworks. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/679411249211519/

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

From mulled wine to candles you’ll be able to grab all your gifts (or just a treat for yourself) at the Christmas markets this year. The Promenade will host the Christmas Market from Thursday 21^stNovember to Saturday 14^thDecember, with the Christmas Arts and Crafts Market taking over from Tuesday 17^thto Tuesday 24^thDecember. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1406639482817430/

https://www.visitcheltenham.com/whats-on/arts-and-crafts-market-p2511123

FESTIVE FILMS

A selection of everyone’s favourite feel-good festive films are being screened at the Princess Hall and Bacon Theatre to get you ready for Christmas, here’s what’s on: 

• ‘Elf’ at Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College on 24^thNovember (£11-£13) https://www.alfrescofilm.co.uk/events/elf-pg-princess-hall/
• ‘Love Actually’ at Princess Hall, Cheltenham Ladies College on 24^thNovember (£13) https://www.alfrescofilm.co.uk/events/love-actually-15-princess-hall/
• ‘Polar Express’ at Bacon Theatre on 17^thDecember (£7) https://bacontheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873607775
• ‘Love Actually’ at Bacon Theatre on 17^thDecember (£9) https://bacontheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873607776
• ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ at Bacon Theatre on 18^thDecember (£9) https://bacontheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873607777

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

On Thursday 5^thDecember, Cheltenham town centre will stay open until 8pm, with some shops running activities. Carol singers and other performers will be out on the streets making it a very merry evening. 

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Music and readings will be performed by the Jubilate Chamber Choir with guests including the University of Gloucestershire & Community Choir at The Joy of Christmas concert, that is in aid of WellChild. Hear them at St Matthew’s Church on Saturday 7^thDecember. (£8-£12) 

https://jubilatechamberchoir.com/shows/the-joy-of-christmas-2019/

A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE 

Along with the festive film screenings, the Bacon Theatre has many other Christmas events on offer, here are a few of them:

• ‘Christmas at the Musicals’, Mary-Jess and Joanna Forest are joined by The Pauline Quirke Academy Cheltenham to sing all the festive songs you know and love, see them on Friday 13^thDecember (£20) 
• ‘A Christmas Carol’, this classic Christmas story is brought to life on stage with the critically-acclaimed theatre company Chapterhouse on Saturday 14^thDecember (£11-£16) 
• ‘The Winter’s Tale’, a screening of Shakespeare’s romantic tragicomedy staring Dame Judi Dench and Sir Kenneth Branagh will be shown on Saturday 21^stDecember (£12.50-£16.50) 

https://bacontheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows

THE SNOWMAN AND PETER AND THE WOLF

Watching Raymond Briggs’ ‘The Snowman’ is a nationwide Christmas tradition and there’s no better way than seeing it accompanied by The Mozart Symphony Orchestra. To make the night even more magical, you’ll be able to watch Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and The Wolf’. This one-day only event will be on Monday 23^rdDecember at the Cheltenham Town Hall. (£10-£30)

http://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/the-snowman-and-peter-and-the-wolf-2019-277556/

ECO-FRIENDLY FAYRE

The holidays can often do more harm than good to the environment so the stalls at the Christmas Gift and Taster Fayre will show you how gifts can be just as good (or better) when they’re made using eco-friendly and upcycled materials. Head down to the Isbourne on Tuesday 3^rdDecember and get a free mince pie and mulled wine upon entry. (£3) 

https://www.isbourne.org/events/christmas-gift-and-taster-fayre-2

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

What’s your Christmas day tradition? Walking the dog? Falling into a food coma before midday? Why not make a Christmas Day swim a tradition this year and head down to Sanford Parks Lido from 10:45am! 

https://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/events/2019-12-25-christmas-day-swim-registration-now-open

Enjoy everything Cheltenham has on offer this festive season and have a very Merry Christmas!