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The Cotswolds at Christmas is my FAVOURITE version of the Cotswolds. The honey-stone villages get strung with lights, the pubs light their fires, and if you’re lucky there’s a dusting of snow over the whole lot.
I lived in Stratford-upon-Avon, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, for years. And my boyfriend and I spent our winters driving out to Christmas markets, light trails and cosy pubs. Burford was one of the first places I ever visited at Christmas. It still sticks in my mind as a town that twinkles all the way up the hillside.
So in this guide you’ll find the Christmas markets we’ve been to and every 2026 date I could confirm. There’s also the best festive things to do, a 2-day Christmas itinerary, a map, and where to stay. If you’re coming outside the Christmas period too, my Cotswolds in winter guide has the rest.
⏰ Tight on time? These are the ones to book:
Cotswolds Christmas Markets 2026
Every market has its own character, but the one thing they all have in common is the homemade mince pies and hot chocolate piled high with cream and marshmallows. Urgh, even typing that is making my mouth water lol.
Here’s every Cotswolds Christmas market I could confirm for 2026, in date order. Village markets are often announced late, so check the organiser’s page before you set off.
| Market | 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| Gloucester Quays | Weekends from 7–8 Nov to 19–20 Dec, free entry |
| Blenheim Palace Christmas Market | 13 Nov to 20 Dec (pre-book parking) |
| Bath Christmas Market | 26 Nov to 13 Dec |
| Daylesford Heritage House Market | Opening evening Thu 26 Nov, then 27 to 29 Nov (ticketed) |
| Broadway late-night shopping | Fri 27 Nov and Fri 4 Dec |
| Cirencester | Advent Market Sat 28 Nov, Sun 29 Nov; Christmas Market 5 to 6 Dec |
| Winchcombe Christmas Festival | Thu 3 Dec, 12pm to 8pm |
| Chipping Campden | Sat 5 Dec, 12pm to 5pm, plus Town Hall stalls Sun 6 Dec |
| Cheltenham Christmas Market | 10 to 23 Dec on the Promenade |
| Burford, Bourton, Stow, Tetbury, Moreton-in-Marsh | Not announced yet; usually late November or early December |
Broadway: Our Favourite
Broadway’s late-night Christmas shopping is my favourite festive evening in the Cotswolds. The high street stays open late, the shops hand round mince pies and mulled wine, and there are usually street performers and music. It’s small and friendly rather than a big market. And that’s exactly why I love it!
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I’ve been for the Christmas shopping evening with my family. It was busy, but never so packed that we couldn’t enjoy looking around. We had a hot drink and picked up a few little gifts, including knitted decorations and a jar of local honey. And we kept crossing the high street because somebody had spotted another lovely shop window on the other side. Honestly, the shops are as much a part of the evening as the stalls, and I’d definitely go back. One of my favourite memories in the Cotswolds is staying in Broadway, watching the sunset from Broadway Tower… and then falling over on the muddy hill on the way back down. More than once, if I’m honest. So wear proper boots!
In 2026, late-night shopping is on Friday 27 November and Friday 4 December. Broadway’s car parks charge from 8am to 6pm, so arriving for the evening saves you a bit too.
Bath: The Biggest
Bath Christmas Market is on a totally different scale to the village markets. The chalets stretch from Bath Abbey up towards Milsom Street. I went with my boyfriend, and it’s beautiful around the Abbey, but it’s VERY busy. We had mulled wine and hot food and bought a couple of small presents.
One mistake we made was buying food before finding somewhere to eat it, so we ended up standing to one side, juggling everything while people squeezed past. Next time I’d go on a weekday and eat before browsing.
Our go-to stop in Bath is The Colombian Company. A coffee, one of their chocolate cookies, and a seat upstairs looking out over the street. It’s perfect if you’re nosey and love people watching like me lol. Bath is technically on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, but it’s an easy add-on to a Christmas trip. The 2026 market runs from 26 November to 13 December.
Bourton-on-the-Water: The Tree in the River
Bourton-on-the-Water’s Christmas tree stands in the middle of the River Windrush with all its lights on. Which, tbh, still feels like an accident waiting to happen! I’ve seen it lit up, and the reflections were my favourite part, especially when the water moved and the lights seemed to wobble. It’s usually lit on the last weekend of November and stays up until early January. Bourton also has a small riverside Christmas market and late-night shopping, but the 2026 dates hadn’t been announced when I checked.
We always parked outside the village and walked in, about 10 minutes, because the central car park fills up fast on December weekends. The Rissington Road car park is pay and display from 10am. If you have kids with you, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is the home of Brum and is open until early December.
Burford: Lights Up the Hill
Burford was one of my earlier Christmas visits to the Cotswolds. My boyfriend and I arrived in the late afternoon and stayed as it got dark. We mostly wandered and stopped for something warm rather than buying much. We walked downhill first without thinking about the climb back. But by the time we turned around, the lights were showing properly, and that walk back up became my favourite bit.
At one point we looked back down the high street and realised the view behind us was the photo we’d wanted all along. We’d been concentrating SO much on the shop windows that we’d almost missed it! Burford is lively at weekends, and parking can be hard to find. The good news is that Burford’s council car parks are free. And however busy it got, we always managed to get a seat at Huffkins for a cream tea. And we always stocked up on their cherry Bakewells on the way out, because they’re DELICIOUS. Burford usually has a small Christmas market in December, but check before you go, as 2026 dates weren’t out yet.
Gloucester Quays: Best for Street Food
I went to the Gloucester Quays Christmas market with friends. It was crowded, especially around the food stalls. We had street food and bought some edible gifts. But everyone wanted food from somewhere different, and we spent far too long trying to find each other afterwards. So agree a meeting point before you split up! In 2026 the market runs every weekend from 7 to 8 November until 19 to 20 December, with over 120 traders and free entry.
Cheltenham, Cirencester, Chipping Campden and Winchcombe
- Cheltenham: around 40 wooden stalls along the Promenade from 10 to 23 December 2026, with the lights switched on on 21 November. There’s no ice rink in Cheltenham in 2026.
- Cirencester: the Advent Market and lights switch-on with fireworks on Saturday 28 November, a second market on Sunday 29 November and a Christmas Market on 5 to 6 December.
- Chipping Campden: a small, traditional market on Saturday 5 December, with the lights going on at dusk.
- Winchcombe: a Christmas Festival with 50+ stalls and late-night shopping on Thursday 3 December.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow’s market square is perfect for a winter wander, with a Christmas tree on The Square and independent shops all around it. We went for a walk around the square, did some shopping and stopped at a pub. We ducked into a shop to get out of the cold and stayed browsing much longer than we meant to. And after that, somewhere warm to sit sounded better than squeezing in another stop. That’s how I enjoy Stow in winter: a little browsing, a walk around the square and a leisurely pub break. The town hasn’t announced its 2026 switch-on yet, but it’s usually in late November or early December.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds at Christmas
Walk the Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trail
We walked the Blenheim Palace light trail one winter, and my favourite moment was the giant glowing moon floating on the water. The trail took us about an hour at a gentle pace, and we finished with a locally sourced burger from one of the food stalls. For the whole trail step by step, tickets and tips, see my full Blenheim Christmas light trail review.
There’s also a small fairground with a helter-skelter and a merry-go-round, though it’s really more for children. In 2026 the outdoor trail runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with outdoor-only tickets from £25 off-peak. There’s a Cinderella-themed experience inside the palace too, from £43, plus a Christmas market until 20 December and the Great Skate ice rink. Parking has to be pre-booked (Blenheim Palace).
Or Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light
If you’re staying in the north-west Cotswolds, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe is the closer light trail. The 2026 theme is Alice’s Amazing Adventures in Wonderland, running from 20 November to 30 December, with adult tickets from £20. It keeps ending up on our Christmas wish list. But we always seem to fill our evenings before getting round to booking it, so it’s one we haven’t tried yet.
Watch the Sunset from Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower is my favourite sunset spot in the Cotswolds, and I’ve honestly been more times than I can count. And in December the sun goes down early enough to fit it in before dinner! We often spotted deer in the park around it. I’ve only been inside once, but I loved the decor and took home some inspiration. So tbh, I think it’s worth the ticket. In 2026 it’s about £4 for the grounds, £14 for the tower and £3 to park.
Have a Long Lunch by a Pub Fire
On bitterly cold days we spent more time in pubs than anywhere else lol. These are our favourites:
- The Wild Rabbit, Kingham: the roast chicken is the best roast I’ve had in the Cotswolds, and the fire is my favourite. Settling in beside it after a cold morning outside feels like a home away from home. Daylesford Farm is just up the road for organic produce and skincare.
- The Mount Inn, Stanton: a 17th-century pub with a real fire and views over the Vale of Evesham, the perfect stop on a muddy winter walk.
- The Catherine Wheel and The Swan, Bibury: we’ve had Sunday roasts at both.
Book Christmas Day Lunch
If you’d rather not cook, plenty of Cotswolds hotels and pubs do Christmas Day lunch. But they book up months ahead. I’ve eaten at The Lygon Arms myself. Prices I could confirm for 2026: The Slaughters Manor House in Lower Slaughter serves lunch from 12pm on Friday 25 December from £230 per person. The Lygon Arms in Broadway only offers it as part of its 24 to 27 December break. Also worth asking: The Old Stocks Inn in Stow, Eight Bells in Chipping Campden and The Feathers in Woodstock.
Go Ice Skating
Cheltenham’s rink isn’t running in 2026. So head to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park (20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027) or the Great Skate at Blenheim Palace, which pairs nicely with the light trail.
Catch a Christmas Lights Switch-On
| Town | 2026 switch-on |
|---|---|
| Cheltenham | Sat 21 Nov |
| Cirencester | Sat 28 Nov, 4:15pm, with fireworks |
| Bourton-on-the-Water | Usually the last weekend of November (tree in the river) |
| Chipping Campden | Sat 5 Dec, at dusk |
| Broadway, Burford, Stow, Tetbury | Not announced yet; usually late Nov or early Dec |
Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
Wreath making is on our list of Christmas things to try. Workshops usually come with mince pies and mulled wine, and you take home your own wreath. Daylesford runs sessions from 18 November to 19 December 2026 (£160). And Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham runs masterclasses with afternoon tea for £99 in late November and early December.
Visit the Prettiest Villages in Their Christmas Best
Wherever you base yourself, you’re surrounded by gorgeous villages. These are the ones I’d make time for in December:
Bibury is, in my opinion, the most picturesque place in the Cotswolds. And Arlington Row looks magical with frost or snow on the roofs! We’ve had Sunday roasts at both The Catherine Wheel and The Swan.
Castle Combe and Chipping Campden are close favourites of mine. We just visited them less because they were further from Stratford. Castle Combe is one of the most photographed villages in England. The classic view is from the old stone bridge over the By Brook, looking up towards the cottages on Water Lane. The last time I went was on a sunny weekday with my sister, and even then the bridge was full of people. I had to retake my photos a couple of times just to get one without someone in it!
Stanton is a sleepy village at the start of one of my favourite walks, a muddy loop through Snowshill and Stanway. We finished at The Mount Inn for lunch by the fire.
Lower Slaughter is tiny, with cottages beside the River Windrush and little footbridges across it. It makes a really peaceful Christmas walk.
Do Your Christmas Shopping
For big-name shops and lights, Bath and Cheltenham are best. But for independent, often handmade gifts with fewer crowds, I’d choose Broadway, Chipping Campden or Stow-on-the-Wold. And if I’m buying gifts for people, I always head to Daylesford’s organic skincare and fragrance range. Late-night shopping dates I could confirm for 2026: Broadway on 27 November and 4 December, Winchcombe on 3 December, Cheltenham on 3 and 10 December (with free council car parks from 3pm) and Cirencester on 10 December.
Take the Santa Express Steam Train
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs Santa Express trains from 28 November to 23 December 2026, with Santa visiting each carriage. It’s one for families, and it books up fast.
See a Christmas Panto
A panto is another one for our to-do list! These are the 2026–27 shows nearby:
| Theatre | 2026–27 panto |
|---|---|
| Theatre Royal Bath | Beauty and the Beast, 10 Dec to 10 Jan |
| Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham | Cinderella, 27 Nov to 10 Jan |
| Chipping Norton Theatre | The Snow Queen, 18 Nov to 17 Jan |
| The Sub Rooms, Stroud | Beauty and the Beast, 18 Dec to 3 Jan |
Go on a Christmas Walk
A walk after Christmas lunch is a tradition in my family. It’s never one particular route. There’s always a debate between whoever wants a short stroll and whoever thinks we need a proper walk. And getting everyone out of the house takes longer than expected, but we’re always pleased once we’re outside. If you want to do the same in the Cotswolds, the Cotswold Way runs 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. So pick a short section or one of my favourite Cotswolds walks. Whichever you choose, it’ll be muddy: hiking boots if it’s icy, wellies if it’s wet.
Treat Yourself to Afternoon Tea or the Pudding Club
Huffkins in Burford is our go-to for a cream tea. We haven’t tried any Christmas afternoon teas yet, but other well-loved spots are Burford House in Burford and Lucy’s Tearoom in Stow-on-the-Wold. For something completely different, try The Pudding Club at Three Ways House in Mickleton, a night dedicated to British puddings. I thought it was SO much fun. I’ve never seen waiters and waitresses with so much personality and enthusiasm for their job! My favourite was of course the sticky toffee pudding, and dare I say it was almost as good as my Nan’s (don’t worry Nan, yours is still my favourite).
Check prices:
More Christmas Ideas We Haven’t Tried Yet
| Idea | 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum | 27 Nov to 31 Dec |
| Daylesford Heritage House Christmas Market | 26 to 29 Nov (ticketed) |
| Carols at Gloucester Cathedral | Not announced; in 2025 they were 21 to 23 Dec at 6pm, no tickets |
| Bibury Boxing Day duck race | Ran in 2025; 2026 not announced |
If you’re staying for New Year, New Year’s Day racing at Cheltenham is on Friday 1 January 2027, with tickets from £13.50. I always lose money at the races lol. But it’s still worth it.
2-Day Christmas Itinerary for the Cotswolds
This is how I’d spend a Christmas weekend, built from the places in this guide. If you have a bit longer, see my 3-day Cotswolds itinerary too.
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday): Broadway | Afternoon walk up to Broadway Tower for sunset, then Broadway late-night shopping (27 Nov or 4 Dec) and dinner. Stay at The Broadway Hotel. |
| Day 2 (Saturday): Bourton, Burford and Blenheim | Park outside Bourton-on-the-Water and walk in to see the tree in the river, cream tea at Huffkins in Burford, then the Blenheim light trail in the evening. |
| Sunday, if you have it | Roast at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham or in Bibury, with a stop at Daylesford Farm. |
Christmas Map Of The Cotswolds
Every market, light trail, village and pub in this guide is on the map below. Just tap a pin for the dates or my tip. For the rest of the year, my map of the Cotswolds villages has everything in one place.
What The Cotswolds Is Like In December
I personally think it’s the best time of year to go. And I actually prefer the Cotswolds in winter to summer! The villages feel cosier, the light is softer and a pub fire is never more welcome. The only downside is that the famous spots get busy on December weekends, so it pays to plan. I’ve also written up my favourite villages in the Cotswolds if you’re choosing where to go.
| December in the Cotswolds | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Average highs of about 8.5°C and lows of about 2.4°C (Met Office, Cheltenham), colder on the hills at night |
| Snow | Possible but never guaranteed; frost and fog are more common |
| Daylight | Sunset is around 4pm, which is perfect for Christmas lights |
| Crowds | Quieter than summer on weekdays, busy in Bourton, Burford and Broadway on December weekends |
| Prices | Hotels and cottages cost more over Christmas and New Year; book early |
| Booking ahead | Essential for Christmas Day lunch, light trails, wreath making and Sunday roasts |
Getting Around the Cotswolds at Christmas
We always drove, and it REALLY is the easiest way to link up villages, markets and light trails. Driving from one end of the Cotswolds to the other takes about an hour and a half. If you need a car, compare car hire on Discover Cars.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Most popular car parks are pay and display: Broadway charges 8am to 6pm, Bourton’s Rissington Road from 10am. Burford’s council car parks are free, with time limits. |
| Busiest times | Saturdays and market days; arrive early in Burford, Bourton and Broadway |
| Without a car | Bath, Cheltenham and Moreton-in-Marsh have railway stations, but rural buses are infrequent, especially on Sundays |
| Toilets | Most villages have public toilets; some charge, so carry change or a card |
| Book ahead | Light trails, Christmas Day lunch, Sunday roasts and wreath making all sell out |
| Dogs | Most country pubs welcome dogs |
| What to pack | A warm ski or down jacket, hat, gloves and scarf, and hiking boots or wellies |
If you’re not driving, my guide to the Cotswolds by train and bus has the routes and the best base.
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds at Christmas
The Broadway Hotel (Where We Stayed)
The Broadway Hotel is my favourite place to stay in the Cotswolds. We stayed there in December, and the tartan decor felt really Christmassy. It’s right on the high street, so you can walk out to the late-night shopping and the lights and back again without moving the car.
Check prices:
More Hotels Worth a Look
We haven’t stayed at these, but they’re all in great Christmas bases:
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Historic coaching inn on the high street, with a full Christmas break package.
Check prices:
The Highway Inn, Burford
A character inn in the centre of town, parts of it dating from 1480, with a log fire.
Check prices:
The Priory Inn, Tetbury
A restaurant with rooms, a short walk from the town centre.
Check prices:
Cosy Cottages for a Group
For a family Christmas, a cottage with a log burner makes more sense than a hotel. Here are some picks we haven’t stayed in ourselves:
Hawford House, near Stow-on-the-Wold
A large honey-stone house with a huge kitchen and a freestanding bath in the main bedroom.
Check prices:
Little Tithe, near Moreton-in-Marsh
Sleeps 8, with a log burner and island kitchen.
Check prices:
The Old Candle Shop, Moreton-in-Marsh
2 bedrooms with a hot tub, good for couples or a small group.
Almsbury Farmhouse, near Winchcombe
Sleeps 14 and welcomes dogs.
My Top Christmas Picks
| What | My pick |
|---|---|
| Best market for atmosphere | Broadway late-night shopping, Fri 27 Nov and Fri 4 Dec 2026 |
| Biggest market | Bath Christmas Market, 26 Nov to 13 Dec 2026 |
| Best light trail | Blenheim Palace, 13 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027 |
| Prettiest village at Christmas | Bibury, with Bourton-on-the-Water for the tree in the river |
| My favourite place to stay | The Broadway Hotel, right on the high street (check prices) |
| Getting around | By car: compare car hire on Discover Cars |
| Best cosy lunch | Roast chicken at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham |
| Best sunset | Broadway Tower |
Cotswolds at Christmas FAQs
Are there Christmas markets in the Cotswolds?
Yes. The biggest are in Bath (26 November to 13 December 2026), Cheltenham (10 to 23 December) and Gloucester Quays (weekends from 7 November), plus smaller village markets in Broadway, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Winchcombe, Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.
What is the most Christmassy village in the Cotswolds?
I’d say Bourton-on-the-Water for the lit-up tree in the river, Broadway for its late-night shopping, and Bibury if you just want the prettiest village in the frost.
Does it snow in the Cotswolds at Christmas?
Sometimes, but it’s never guaranteed. December averages a high of about 8.5°C and a low of about 2.4°C, so frost is far more common than snow, especially on the higher ground around Broadway and Stow.
When do the Christmas lights go on in the Cotswolds?
Most switch-ons are between late November and early December. In 2026, Cheltenham is on 21 November, Cirencester on 28 November and Chipping Campden on 5 December; Bourton’s river tree is usually lit on the last weekend of November.
Can you visit the Cotswolds at Christmas without a car?
You can reach Bath, Cheltenham, Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh by train, but buses between villages are infrequent in winter. A car makes it much easier to see several villages in a day.
Is the Cotswolds busy at Christmas?
On December weekends, yes, especially in Bourton, Burford and Broadway. Weekdays are much calmer, and booking lunch and parking ahead makes a big difference.
Where is the best place to stay in the Cotswolds at Christmas?
Broadway is my pick: you can walk to the late-night shopping, the lights and Broadway Tower. Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold are good alternatives in the middle of the Cotswolds.
More Cotswolds Guides
All my Cotswolds posts are in one place in my Cotswolds travel guide, but if you’re planning a Christmas trip, these are the ones to read next:
- 📍 Things to do year-round
- ❄️ The Cotswolds in winter
- 🎄 Blenheim Christmas light trail: is it worth it?
- 🗺️ 3-day Cotswolds itinerary
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Written by
Millie Austin
Hi, I'm Millie, a Brit who swapped a London desk job for life in Lima, Peru. Every guide on Stay Wild Travels comes from my own trips, from hiking the Cotswolds and the Peak District to the Swiss Alps and the Andes, with the honest bits included.