There are lots of magical Christmas events happening across Gloucestershire from Cheltenham to Stroud and Gloucester to Cirencester.  Find great family friendly events in our guide to what’s on for kids over the Christmas holidays. Travel a little further and find out great events for kids in Oxfordshire. Click on any of the links in red for more details.

What’s On For Kids Christmas Event Summary Guides 2023

WHERE TO VISIT SANTA

PANTOS & FESTIVE FAMILY THEATRE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON EVENTS

Family Friendly Christmas Events in Gloucestershire 2023

Cheltenham Ice Rink (Cheltenham) 17th Nov – 1st Jan 24

Located in Imperial Gardens in the heart of Regency Cheltenham. The Cheltenham ice rink will be undercover, offering a memorable festive experience in all weathers, for skaters of all ages and abilities.

Tetbury Christmas Tree Festival (Tetbury) 1st Dec – 2nd Jan – get into the festive spirit and visit a range of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

The Gateway Ice Rink at Cotswold Water Park (near Cirencester) 24th Nov – 3rd Jan

Skaters can enjoy a 45-minute session under festoon lighting with Christmas jingles. With a selection of activities to special events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Gloucester Quays Outdoor Ice Rink (Gloucester) 24th Nov – 7th Jan 24

The real ice rink at Gloucester Quays is back for the festive season.

Winter Glow (Malvern) 24th Nov – 6th Jan 24

Immerse yourself in all things seasonal, with an impressive line-up of activities and excitement with four Christmas experiences

The Big Batsford Elf Hunt at Batsford Arboretum (near Moreton-in-Marsh) 1st Dec – 7th Jan 24

Santa’s naughty elves have gone missing and they’re hiding in the Arboretum – find them to win a prize!

Gloucester Cathedral Christ-mouse Family Trail (Gloucester) 9th Dec – 7th Jan 24 FREE

Join the Cathedral mice as they tell the story of the very first Christmas, on this brand new family trail. Find where they are hiding, and collect your prize once you’ve found them all!

Gloucestershire Christmas Events by Day 2023

• Stonehouse Goodwill Festival (Stonehouse) 18th Nov
• Gloucester lantern procession (Gloucester) 18th Nov
• Painswick Goodwill evening (Panswick) 24th Nov
• Christmas Launch Party  at the Brewery Quarter (Cheltenham)  25th Nov
• Tetbury Christmas Lantern Parade (Tetbury) 1st Dec

Christmas Fairy Workshops at The Folk of Gloucester (Gloucester) 2nd Dec

Receive your magical christmas fairy activity bag and enjoy making lots of Christmas Fairy Crafts with Arisa The Christmas Fairy and her helpers. Join the magical workstations making your own Snow Fairy Wish Jar, Fairy Wand, Personalised Bauble & Magic Reindeer food.

• Winchcombe Christmas Festival (Winchcombe) 8th Dec
• Christmas Crafts & Carols family activity day at Gloucester Cathedral (Gloucester) 16th Dec FREE
• Winter mini mosaics workshop at the Corinium Museum (Cirencester) 16th Dec
• Drama Tots Christmas Special (Warden Hill) 16th Dec
• Drama Tots Christmas Special (Warden Hill) 20th Dec
• Drama Tots Christmas Special (Warden Hill) 22nd Dec
• Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree Party at Leisure At Cheltenham (Cheltenham) 23rd Dec