Cheltenham Christmas Market 2024: Two Unique Events

Christmas in Cheltenham is unique for its traditional Regency buildings, cobbled streets, and many beautiful parks and gardens illuminated during the festive season.

The city hosts a gift market in November and the traditional Cheltenham Christmas Market in December.

Full details and confirmed dates for both events are listed below.

Cheltenham Christmas Market 2024

Dates and Location

Gift Market dates: 21st to 24th November 2024 (confirmed).
Cheltenham Market dates: 12th to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed).
Location: The Promenade and Long Gardens.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 5pm.
Thursday: 9am to 7pm.
Friday and Saturday: 9am to 5pm.
Sunday: 9am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on dates:
The Brewery Quarter: Saturday 16th November (unconfirmed).
Pittville Pump Room: Saturday 23rd November (unconfirmed).
Santa: Yes.
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 a highly-rated hotel located directly at the event.

Convenient Hotels

This year, the markets are located on the streets around Cheltenham Town Hall. This also is 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 as it’s located on the Promenade, which is the location of the Christmas market.

There is lots more to see this winter. Read my UK Christmas Markets List to discover more destinations.

Event Location

Christmas in Cheltenham

The Christmas market in Cheltenham has around 80 stalls, many hosted by local providers, artisans and makers.

You can find all the classic festive food and drinks, decorations, toys and unique gifts.

The market also puts on a variety of festive activities for children, including an 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 is renowned for its 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 have food made with locally sourced, plant-based, seasonal 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 accommodations in Cheltenham are turning to renewable energy sources. Look for hotels or B&Bs that use solar power, ground source heat pumps, or other renewable sources.
• Avoid Food Waste: To reduce food waste, be mindful of your purchases at the market. 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 indications that the products have been made with consideration for the environment and fair labour practices.

Please comment below if you want to leave a review of the Xmas market.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Cheltenham, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.