Cheltenham Christmas Market 2026: Two Unique Events

Cheltenham runs two distinct markets each winter, and the split is deliberate. The November event is a dedicated gift market for early shoppers, while the Cheltenham Christmas Market in December shifts to arts, crafts, and independent makers set against the town’s Regency architecture and tree-lined Promenade.

Cheltenham Christmas Market 2026

Dates and Location

Status: Expected, based on previous years
Gift Market dates: 19th to 22nd November 2026
Arts & Crafts Market dates: 10th to 23rd December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Cotswold Markets

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Location: The Promenade and Long Gardens.
Opening times: 10am to 6pm.
Bank Holiday: Open.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: Pittville Pump Room: Saturday, 21st November, 2pm to 6pm.
Santa: Locations.
Ice staking: Imperial Gardens. Plan your visit.
Accessible: Yes.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: A family-friendly event with unique shopping.
Where to stay: No131 The Promenade is located directly at the event.

Convenient Hotels

This year, the markets are located on the streets around Cheltenham Town Hall. This is also one of the best areas to stay in Cheltenham, so if you can find a hotel nearby, you will have everything at your door. I suggest staying at No131 The Promenade in this area.

Read our complete guide to the Christmas markets in the UK.

Event Location

What to Expect

Each winter market has around 30 stalls, many hosted by local providers, artisans, and makers. You can find all the classic festive food and drinks, decorations, toys and specialty gifts. The market also offers a variety of festive activities for children, including the opportunity to meet Santa, making it an excellent choice for a festive family outing.

Food at the Stalls

• Cotswold Pies: Local bakers serve up the quintessential British snack filled with high-quality meats or vegetarian fillings sourced from the Cotswolds.
• Hog Roast Rolls: High-quality pork, slow-roasted for hours until falling apart, served in a crusty roll with apple sauce and stuffing.
• Mulled Wine and Cider: The classic winter hot drink and local Gloucestershire cider.
• International Street Foods: Stalls serve Spanish churros, German bratwurst and French crepes for a global taste experience.
• Cheltenham Cheese: From local dairy farms.
• Festive Baked Treats: Freshly baked mince pies, Christmas puddings and other seasonal classics.

What to Buy

• Decorations: Painted baubles, hand-carved wooden nativity figures and fairy lights.
• Cotswold Honey: The Cotswolds are renowned for their rich, aromatic honey.
• Cheltenham Cheese: Pair a selection with local chutneys and crackers for the perfect cheeseboard or gift hamper.
• Cotswold Gin: The area around Cheltenham is home to several small distilleries that craft exceptional gins.
• Hand-knitted Woollen Goods: Scarves, hats, gloves and jumpers.

Responsible Travel Tips

• Travel by Train or Bus: Cheltenham’s location in the heart of the Cotswolds makes it accessible by public transport. Instead of taking the car, I’d encourage you to travel by train or bus to reduce your carbon footprint. Cheltenham Spa railway station, for instance, provides excellent connections to major cities.
• Cycle around the City: Once you’re in Cheltenham, consider hiring a bike from one of the local bike rental services. It’s a fun and green way to get around, especially if you plan to explore the stunning Regency architecture or the beautiful parks.
• Eat Locally Sourced Food: Stalls offer plant-based, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. So, you not only get to enjoy some of the best that Gloucestershire has to offer but also support local farmers.
• Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation: A growing number of Cheltenham accommodations are adopting renewable energy. Look for hotels or B&Bs that use solar power, ground-source heat pumps, or other renewable energy sources.
• Avoid Food Waste: To reduce food waste, be mindful of your market purchases. Buy only what you’re sure you’ll consume.
• Support Ethical Consumption: Seek out local artisans who use ethically sourced materials and sustainable methods. When buying gifts, look for signs that the products are made with environmental consideration and fair labour practices.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.