10 THINGS YOU SHOULD BE DOING IN THE COTSWOLDS THIS CHRISTMAS

The festive period is fast approaching and it's the time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate.

For many of us non Grinches and according to Andy Williams, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and we thought we would give you a helping hand on where to enjoy the festivities in the Cotswolds.

From awesome sport to cinema, here are our top 10 festive things that you can explore throughout December, Christmas and the New Year.

THE CHRISTMAS MEETING AT CHELTENHAM

FRIDAY 13TH - SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Commence your Christmas celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse over a weekend of top-quality racing on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December.

​With the festive season about to enter the home straight, The Christmas Meeting brings joy and excitement for all, this two-day meeting is a highlight of  the Christmas racing calendar and kick starts the festive sporting season.

Under 18s race free!

INFORMATION & TICKETS

CHRISTMAS AT BLENHEIM

NOVEMBER 15TH 2024 - JANUARY 1ST 2025

Discover a festive atmosphere like no other at Blenheim Palace. The historic Palace and Gardens come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season. 

You can also find light trails at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park, Sudeley Castle and Westonbirt Arboretum.

www.blenheimpalace.com

GLOUCESTER v HARLEQUINS

FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER

The Cherry & Whites welcome Harlequins to Kingsholm on Friday 20th December, making it the perfect fixture for families and friends to start their Christmas festivities.

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

THE THREE MUSKETEERS

25 NOVEMBER 2024 - 04 JANUARY 2025 - THE BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER

The perfect swash-buckling Festive five-star musical adventure for all the family with set and costume design by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy retelling of this classic tale, packed with daring duels, quick wit, and plenty of surprises, and brings D'Artagnan more than he could possibly have imagined, or even dared to dream.

barntheatre.org.uk

A FESTIVE LUNCH AT HIGHGROVE

20TH NOVEMBER - 21ST DECEMBER 2024

Treat yourselves to a wonderful, relaxing two-or three-course lunch with family, friends, or colleagues in the beautiful surroundings of the Orchard Room Restaurant at the home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
www.highgrovegardens.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Highgrove Gardens (@highgrovegarden)

ELF AT THE LIVING ROOM CINEMA

FRIDAY 20TH & MONDAY 23RD DECEMBER

Get into the festive spirit with an adults-only screening of the Christmas classic (and best Christmas film in our humble opinion!), Elf! Your ticket includes an elf-themed cocktail and sweet treats. 

thelivingroomcinemachippy.co.uk

CHRISTMAS UNDER CANVAS

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER - EVENLODE, NR STOW ON THE WOLD

Join Circus Chef Ols and his partner Amber as they bring their passion for wildly delicious food to a remote Cotswold location this December.

This is magically unique evening just for couples and small groups, perfect for a romantic getaway or a festive reunion with friends. Each course will be a delightful surprise, unveiled with a flourish and a story.

josserrestaurant.com

CHRISTMAS ON BROADWAY

No village or town in the Cotswolds does Christmas quite like Broadway.

Visit after dark to soak up all the festive feels and grab a bite to eat or drink at one of the pubs, restaurants or coffee shops.

IMAGE: DOM PILLING

BOXING DAY SPIT ROAST AT THE BULL AT CHARLBURY

THURSDAY 26TH DECEMBER

Continue the festivities at The Bull in Charlbury for their Boxing Day Spit Roast, mulled wine and live music from 4pm.

thebullcharlbury.com

RACING AT CHELTENHAM ON NEW YEAR'S DAY

WEDNESDAY 1ST JANUARY 2025

The best way to see in the New Year and shake off any cobwebs from the night before is with some awesome racing at Cheltenham.

Always a good card, this is the perfect day out with friends and there's lots of fun to be had in the Family Fun Zone, and once again, under 18s race free.

BUY TICKETS