Unwrapping Tewkesbury Borough’s festive calendar of Christmas events
Residents and visitors are invited to experience the festive atmosphere and enjoy a range of activities, entertainment, and shopping opportunities in Tewkesbury Borough this Christmas. Free parking in Tewkesbury Borough Council owned car parks will be available at various points over the season, making our charming towns the perfect place to stay and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Tewkesbury festive programme:
Cristmas lights switch-on: Sunday, 24 November 2024 – The official start of the Christmas season in Tewkesbury, featuring the illumination of the town centre’s festive lights. www.tewkesburychristmaslights.com
Christmas market: Sunday, 24 November 2024 – A traditional Christmas market offering unique gifts, festive food and drink, and a historical atmosphere. www.tewkesburychristmaslights.com
G4 Christmas concert: Saturday, 23 November 7.30pm, Tewkesbury Abbey. Experience the magic of Christmas with the UK’s leading harmony vocal group, G4. Enjoy festive favourites and classic carols in the stunning setting of Tewkesbury Abbey. More information at www.g4official.com/2024-christmas-tour
Tewkesbury Abbey Christmas fayre: Saturday, 30 November, 10am-4pm. Get into the festive spirit at Tewkesbury Abbey’s Christmas Fayre. Browse a wonderful selection of stalls featuring handmade gifts, delicious seasonal treats, and unique crafts. Enjoy festive music and soak up the atmosphere in the historic Abbey. Free entry. www.tewkesburyabbey.org.uk/
Cinderella: Saturday, 30 November – Wednesday, 4 January, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. Get ready for a magical pantomime adventure with Cinderella at the Roses Theatre! This family-friendly show is packed with laughter, music, and festive cheer. Join Cinderella as she escapes her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, with a little help from her Fairy Godmother, and finds her Prince Charming. More information at www.rosestheatre.org/events/cinderella
A Medieval Christmas, living history: Saturday, 7- Sunday, 8 December, 11am-4pm, John Moore Museum. Step back in time and experience Christmas as it was celebrated in the Middle Ages. This living history event at the Merchants House offers a fascinating glimpse into festive traditions of the past. Meet costumed interpreters, discover medieval crafts and decorations, and enjoy festive storytelling. Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm. More information at www.johnmooremuseum.org/
A Renaissance Christmas concert: Saturday, 7 December 2.30pm, John Moore Museum. Experience the sounds of a Renaissance Christmas with this enchanting concert. Enjoy festive music from the 16th and 17th centuries performed in the atmospheric setting of the Old Baptist Chapel. More information at www.johnmooremuseum.org/
Tewkesbury Town Band Christmas concert: Saturday, 7 December, 7.30pm, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. Get into the festive spirit with a traditional Christmas concert performed by the Tewkesbury Town Band. Enjoy classic carols and festive favourites in the comfortable setting of the Roses Theatre. More information at www.rosestheatre.org/
Winchcombe Christmas celebrations:
Winchcombe Christmas market: Friday, 6 – Saturday, 7 December. Experience the magic of Christmas in the Cotswolds at the Winchcombe Christmas Market. Browse a delightful array of stalls offering unique gifts, festive food, and handcrafted treasures. Enjoy carol singing, live music, and a festive atmosphere in the heart of this charming town. More information at www.winchcombe.co.uk/
Spectacle of Light: Friday, 22 November – Saturday, 30 December. Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe. Experience the magic of Sudeley Castle after dark with this enchanting illuminated trail. Wander through the beautifully lit grounds and enjoy festive music and entertainment. More information at sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/spectacle-of-light
Santa specials: Saturday, 23 November – Monday, 23 December Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Embark on a magical journey with Santa Claus on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Enjoy a festive train ride, meet Santa, and receive a special gift. More information at www.gwsr.com
Bishop’s Cleeve Christmas Festivities:
Bishop’s Cleeve Christmas lights switch-on: Saturday, 23 November. Events from 2.30pm. Light Switch on 5.30pm Bishops Cleeve. The official launch of the Christmas season in Bishop’s Cleeve, featuring the illumination of festive lights and community celebrations. www.bishopscleeveparishcouncil.gov.uk
Carols at the barn: Sunday, 8 December, 4pm-5.30pm, Tithe Barn, Bishop’s Cleeve. Embrace the festive spirit with an afternoon of joyful carol singing at the Tithe Barn in Bishop’s Cleeve. This community event features performances by local choirs and musicians, offering a heartwarming celebration of Christmas through song. More information at www.cleeve-harmony.org.uk/
Carols by candlelight: Sunday, 15 December 6.30pm, St Michael’s Church, Bishop’s Cleeve. Experience the beauty and serenity of traditional Christmas carols sung by candlelight in the atmospheric setting of St Michael’s Church. This festive event offers a moment of reflection and celebration in the lead up to Christmas. More information at www.stmichaelsbishopscleeve.co.uk/
Supporting local businesses and finding unique gifts:
In addition to the festive events programme, Tewkesbury Borough offers a distinctive Christmas shopping experience. The towns of Tewkesbury, Winchcombe, and the village of Bishop’s Cleeve boast a wide array of independent shops, providing an opportunity to discover one off gifts and support local businesses. From artisan crafts to locally sourced products, shoppers can find a diverse selection of items for everyone on their Christmas list. Each area’s high streets are beautiful and historic so not only can you discover treats and gifts but beautiful architecture, history, and heritage around every corner.
Free parking in Tewkesbury Borough Council-owned car parks will be available in:
Tewkesbury – Sunday, 24 November, Saturday, 7 December and Saturday, 21 December.
Winchcombe – Saturday, 7 December, Saturday, 14 December and Saturday, 21 December.
Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “Christmas in Tewkesbury Borough is a time of community spirit and festive celebration. We encourage residents and visitors to explore the diverse range of events and support our local businesses during this special season.”
For a comprehensive listing of Christmas events and activities in Tewkesbury Borough, please visit visittewkesbury.info