Christmas Events in the Cotswolds 2026: Magical Seasonal Experiences

The Cotswolds come alive at Christmas, with historic houses, market towns, museums, pubs and country estates all embracing the festive season. From candlelit concerts and Christmas traditions to unusual celebrations, cookery demonstrations and festive masterclasses, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Christmas in the Cotswolds. 
 
Whether you're planning a family day out, a festive catch-up with friends or simply looking for something a little different this Christmas, here are some of the experiences to add to your diary for 2026. 

Christmas on the Farm at Cotswold Farm Park

Dates: Selected dates from 27 November to 23 December 2026,

Make magical family memories this Christmas at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, near Cheltenham. Children can meet Father Christmas in a private grotto visit, choose their own present, build a teddy bear and decorate gingerbread with the elves. There’s plenty more festive fun throughout the day, from meeting the farm animals to toasting marshmallows around the fire pits and enjoying seasonal treats. 

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Newark Park – Christmas Traditions 

Dates: 28 & 29 November, 5 & 6 December, and 12–14 December 2026 

Travel through centuries of Christmas traditions at Newark Park. Rooms will be decorated to reflect festive customs from the Tudors and Georgians through to the Victorians and post-war Elizabethans. Discover the stories behind Christmas trees, gift-giving, the yule log and Christmas pudding traditions, while children can make a puppet show and try traditional board games. The tea pavilion will also be serving hot drinks and seasonal treats.

Christmas at Newark Park 

Blenheim Palace – A Full Day of Festive Magic 

Dates: Christmas season 2026 

Blenheim Palace offers a whole day of Christmas experiences in one spectacular setting. Step inside the Palace for a Cinderella-inspired experience, explore the Illuminated Trail after dark, glide around The Great Skate in the Great Court and take in the views from the Observation Wheel. It is the kind of festive outing where you can arrive in daylight and stay until the lights come on. 

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Badminton Estate – Get Ready for Christmas Cooking Demonstration 

Dates: 14 November 2026, 4pm–7pm 

Join Nancy Lawson from Overtown Manor at Badminton Estate for a festive cookery demonstration in the historic Old Kitchen. Expect seasonal recipes, tastings, practical kitchen tips and recipe cards to take home — a lovely way to get inspired before the big day. 

Get Ready for Christmas Cooking Demonstration at Badminton Estate

Badminton House – Christmas by Candlelight 

Dates: 12 December 2026, 2 – 9pm 

Spend an enchanting evening in the North Hall at Badminton Estate as The Bristol Ensemble performs much-loved Christmas classics and seasonal favourites by candlelight. Begin with a glass of fizz and canapés before settling in for an atmospheric festive concert in a truly historic setting. 

Christmas by Candlelight at Badminton

Dyrham Park – A Festive House & Garden

Dates: 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Discover Dyrham Park dressed for Christmas, with sparkling trees, oversized red bows, a giant wreath and beautifully decorated rooms inspired by the house's collections. Wander through the gardens and follow the seasonal poetry trail for a festive winter outing.

Christmas unwrapped at Dyrham Park 

Festive Shopping Days at Tower Barn Shop

Dates: Friday 20 November, Friday 27 November and Friday 4 December 2026
Time: 10am–4pm

Get into the Christmas spirit with festive shopping days at the Tower Barn Shop. Browse a carefully selected range of gifts and homeware, including textured cushions, elegant throws, scented candles, soft knitwear and timeless weekend pieces – perfect for finding something special for loved ones or treating yourself.

Enjoy luxury mince pies and a glass of fizz as you explore the collections, with the expert team on hand to help you find the perfect present. Complimentary gift wrapping is also available, making Christmas shopping that little bit easier.

Discover thoughtful gifts and enjoy a relaxed festive shopping experience at the Tower Barn Shop this Christmas.

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Meet Live Christmas Nativity Animals at Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden, The Old Kennels

Dates: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December,

Roots + Seeds Kitchen Garden is hosting a Live Nativity Animals event. This 30-minute family experience includes some very special furry visitors and a festive story time session the whole family can enjoy. The session includes 20 minutes to meet its furry visitors, followed by 10 minutes of festive story time.

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Cirencester Park, it’s a lovely way to enjoy some festive fun together and create lasting memories this Christmas. Children will have the opportunity to get up close to the animals, including donkeys, goats and ponies, and may even get the chance to give them a gentle stroke. Why not make a day of it? Grab a festive drink while you’re with us, or book a table and enjoy something delicious to eat at Roots + Seeds.

*Please note that, while the team will do their very best to make sure everyone has the chance to interact and pet the animals, this can never be guaranteed, as their welfare and comfort always comes first.

To book your place visit 

Festive singing at The Bear of Rodborough Hotel, Stroud

Dates: Sunday 13 December from 5pm onwards - Festive Singing with Everybody Sings: 'Bel Canto'

Tickets: £10 per adult | £5 per child - All proceeds towards Breast Cancer Now

Enjoy the magic of Christmas with family and friends as the choir fills the room with classic carols and joyful tunes that capture the true spirit of the season.

Great music, good company, and giving back, the perfect way to celebrate Christmas at The Bear!

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Malmesbury Christmas Late Night Shopping 

Dates: 4 December 2026, 6 – 9pm 

Head to Malmesbury for a bustling festive evening with up to 80 seasonal stalls, late-opening shops, live entertainment, food, handcrafted gifts and plenty of present inspiration. There will also be a Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and activities for younger visitors, while local pubs and restaurants offer a warm welcome. 

Malmesbury Christmas Late Night Shopping 

Hilton Puckrup Hall – Cocktail Masterclass 

Dates: December 2026 

Learn to shake, stir, strain and swirl like a professional bartender during a 2½-hour cocktail masterclass ay Hilton Puckrup Hall. Groups of four to ten can choose up to four cocktails to make with expert guidance. A fun option for a festive get-together with a difference. 

Hilton Puckrup Hall Cocktail Masterclass

Hilton Puckrup Hall – Wine & Cheese Masterclass 

Dates: December 2026 

Discover why wine and cheese make such perfect partners during a guided tasting featuring five wines and five cheeses, including red, white and a liqueur at Hilton Puckrup Hall. The 2½-hour experience is designed for groups of four to ten. 

Hilton Puckrup Hall - Wine & Cheese Masterclass

Winter Solstice: Sauna, Sound & Stillness

Date: Sunday 20 December 2026, 4 – 6.30pm

Take a moment Scenic Sauna to slow down this Christmas with a cosy Winter Solstice evening of sauna, ice and stillness. Move between the warmth of the sauna and invigorating ice baths, enjoy mince pies and herbal tea, then unwind with a deeply relaxing sound ceremony in the woodland studio.

A beautiful way to pause, reset and welcome the return of the light.

Winter Solstice: Sauna, Sound & Stillness at Scenic Sauna

Wetland Wonderland at WWT Slimbridge

Dates: Every Saturday and Sunday in December until Christmas, plus 21–23 December 2026

Discover a magical new Christmas tradition at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre with Wetland Wonderland, a family experience bringing festive storytelling, wildlife and seasonal activities together.

New for 2026, this enchanting experience invites children to help the Slimbridge swans save Christmas alongside Waterlily the elf. The adventure begins in her magical library, where she shares How the Slimbridge Swans Save Christmas, a specially written story featuring Lottie the otter, Phoebe the flamingo, Gribit the Frog, Nibble the harvest mouse and Bettie the Bewick’s swan.

Families can then follow a festive trail around the wetlands, using their Little Book of Joy to discover the story's characters and enjoy their best cracker jokes. Along the way, visitors can learn about the real-life wildlife that inspired the tale, including the Bewick’s swans that travel more than 2,000 miles from Arctic Russia to Slimbridge.

The festive fun continues in the elf workshop, where children can make a willow star tree-topper to take home. Grown-ups can browse the indoor festive market for gifts from local artisans, while regional choirs perform in the Swan Café. With Santa’s grotto, crafts and more to enjoy, Wetland Wonderland promises a festive day out for the whole family.

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The Rattlebone – Brass Band, Mulled Wine & Mince Pies 

Dates: 17 December 2026, 7.30pm 

Enjoy a proper taste of a village Christmas as Dodington Brass Band returns to The Rattlebone. Guests can enjoy festive music, mulled wine or mulled cider and complimentary mini mince pies. 

What's On at the Rattlebone

Shred with Santa at 417 Bike Park

Dates: Saturday 12 December 2026

Get into the festive spirit with a difference at Shred with Santa, a Christmas-themed mountain bike event at Flyup 417 Bike Park. Join the FlyUp team for a social ride on the gravity-fed downhill trails, followed by some fun timed laps on the pump track. And, of course, Santa suits are very much encouraged!

There’ll also be festive discounts in the shop, including 20% off 417 Bike Park merchandise and 15% off selected branded items — perfect for picking up a Christmas gift or a cosy new hoodie after your winter ride.

Find out more at 417 Bike Park