Discover the magic of the Cotswolds this festive season! From sparkling lights and enchanting markets to cosy pubs and family-friendly adventures, a Christmas tour in the Cotswolds is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a tailor-made private tour, a hands-on festive cooking experience, or a fun-filled family day, there’s something for everyone.
Why Visit the Cotswolds at Christmas?
Visiting the Cotswolds at Christmas is like stepping into a fairy-tale. Picture-perfect villages are adorned with twinkling lights, charming Christmas trees, and cottages that look like gingerbread houses. Local markets are brimming with seasonal treats, and cosy pubs serve warming roasts, mulled wine, and local ales. With festive tours and activities around every corner, it’s no wonder the Cotswolds is a top winter destination.
Must-See Christmas Villages & Towns
Cirencester comes alive with its Christmas market and festive lights, while Stow-on-the-Wold offers historic streets decorated for the season. Bourton-on-the-Water is perfect for a riverside stroll, with Christmas lights reflecting in the water. Chipping Campden and Broadway are ideal for boutique shopping and cosy cafés, making them perfect stops on a Christmas tour.
Top Christmas Tours & Experiences
CJP Cotswold Tours – Christmas in the Cotswolds Tour
CJP Cotswold Tours offers a magical “Christmas in the Cotswolds” tour with collections available from Cotswold accommodation or local train stations, with airport transfers also possible. Running from November 2025 to January 2026, this six-hour tour explores twinkling Cotswold villages, including stops at cosy pubs for mulled wine or cider by a roaring fire and a hearty lunch. The itinerary can be tailored to include shopping at Christmas markets, ice-skating, carol performances, or walks along illuminated trails at Blenheim Palace or Sudeley Castle. As one visitor said, “Chris knew just where to take us and how to entertain everyone… one of the highlights of our visit.”
Cotswolds Tours and Travel – Festive Experiences
Cotswolds Tours and Travel offers a range of festive experiences. Their Christmas Cooking Experience in a Cotswold Kitchen allows visitors to step into a traditional kitchen and create seasonal dishes with a local chef, preparing starters like Pigs in Blankets, a Christmas roast, and sweet mince pies while learning about English holiday culinary traditions.
Their Cotswold Winter Traditions tour guides visitors through North Cotswold villages, offering traditional pub lunches, festive afternoon teas at Buckland Manor, horse racing in December or January, or an evening at Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Lights.
For families, the Festive Family Fun tour includes over 100 activity options such as feeding King Penguins, ice skating at Gloucester Docks, exploring Blenheim Palace’s light trails, or visiting the immersive Palace of Oz experience. The Palace of Oz and Oxford tour combines a festive exploration of Oxford’s historic colleges and Christmas market with Blenheim Palace’s magical light trail, running from 14th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026.
Go Cotswolds – Christmas in the Cotswolds Tours
Go Cotswolds offers their festive “Christmas in the Cotswolds” tours, perfect for getting into the seasonal spirit. Tours depart from central Stratford-upon-Avon at 8:50 AM, returning by 5:30 PM, or from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station at 9:30 AM, returning by 5:00 PM. Running on select dates throughout late November and December 2025, these tours give visitors the chance to explore charming Cotswold villages and enjoy free time at either the Cirencester or Chipping Campden Christmas Market. For a slightly longer trip, the Bath & Southern Cotswolds tour, available between 27th November and 14th December, includes a visit to the world-famous Bath Christmas Market, combining stunning scenery, festive cheer, and seasonal shopping for an unforgettable day out.
Festive Food Stops Along Your Tour
No Christmas tour would be complete without some seasonal indulgence. Cosy pubs serve hearty roasts and local ales, while boutique hotels and manors offer afternoon teas with festive treats. Markets are perfect for mulled wine, hot chocolate, and sweet seasonal goodies.
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Tour
It’s best to book early, as popular tours sell out quickly. Dressing warmly in layers, scarves, and comfortable shoes is essential for winter walks and outdoor activities. Combining markets, walks, and attractions can create a full festive experience, and adding an overnight stay in a cosy cottage or hotel makes the tour even more special.
Make Your Christmas Tour Extra Special
Enhance your tour with stops at local independent stores for unique gifts, take scenic winter walks between villages, and capture festive memories with photographs of twinkling streets, decorated cottages, and magical light trails.