5 Christmas markets in and around Cheltenham, Malvern, and the Cotswolds

After what has been a tough year for many, it’s time to embrace the fast-approaching festive period and spread some festive cheer.

There is a multitude of exciting Christmas fairs, markets, and festive events taking place over the next month or so all around the country.

You’ll find artisan food and drink, handcrafted gifts, and one-off treats for yourself and your loved ones. 

Here’s your guide to some of the best events taking place in and around Cheltenham, Malvern, and the Cotswolds. 

1. Cheltenham Christmas Market 

Cheltenham has plenty of Christmas Market action to enjoy this year. 

The Cotswold Markets company will be running an 80-stall-strong market from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022. The market will run along the Promenade and Long Gardens by the Municipal Office and entry is free.

You’ll also find the Cheltenham Christmas Craft Market in the same location on 19 and 20 November. Finally, a Pop Up Christmas Market will be held along the Promenade between 2 and 4 December.

Expect Christmas gifts and handmade decorations as well as the usual range of food and drink, from German hot dogs to mulled wine and hot chocolate, perfect for a crisp winter’s day.

If the Christmas market isn’t enough to get you feeling the festive spirit, there’s the annual panto at the Everyman Theatre, the Warwickshire Steam Railway to enjoy, and a Santa experience.

2. Malvern Christmas market

Malvern’s Christmas Market will be held indoors this year, at the Three Counties Showground. Entry and parking are free and it runs from 28 November to 24 December. 

Broadly, it is open from 3 pm to 8 pm during the week and from 11 am to 8 pm during the weekend. There are isolated closures throughout the month-long period, though, so be sure to check the Malvern Christmas market website before setting off.

A wide range of stalls will cover local arts and crafts, unique gifts, and an array of food and drink options. Keep a look out for handmade jewellery, skincare and soaps, candles, wax melts and diffusers, children’s books and more.

You’ll also find a festive funfair complete with bumper cars, Santa’s Crazy Circus Fun House, and Santa’s Runaway Train. 

The funfair has its own opening and closing times and additional charges apply.

3. Broadway late-night shopping

Broadway is known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds” so why not pop along to the town’s late-night shopping festive bonanza?

Held over consecutive Fridays (25th November and 2nd December), High Street’s shops are open from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. 

Alongside the Christmas shoppers, you’ll find plenty of festive cheer in the form of street entertainers, pony sleigh rides, and live music.

Fill up on mince pies and mulled wine and find the perfect Christmas gift!

4. Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light 

Now in its seventh year, why not head to Sudeley Castle for a magical trip around the stunning castle grounds? 

Taken place on selected evenings between 25 November and 30 December 2022, the illuminated trail features music, sparkling fountains and a “Field of Fire” as well as all the light beams, sparkles, and lantern-lined paths you’d expect.

Adult tickets for the Spectacle of Light start at £21.60 (though early-bird discounts might be available) and children aged three and over will set you back £10.80. Under-threes go free.

Car parking is also free but dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted.

You’ll find festive food at the Castle Terrace, including doughnuts and hot dogs with vegan and gluten-free options. There’ll be mulled wine too, and some exciting Christmas present ideas in the gift shop.

You’ll require a timed entry ticket so book now to enjoy this magical experience.

5. Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre

Now in its 30th year, Worcester’s Victorian Fayre has grown a lot since the traders of New Street and Friar Street first came up with the idea in 1992. 

Boasting around 200 stalls across the city centre for 2022, the Fayre takes place between 1 and 4 December, making it perfect for some early Christmas shopping. You’ll find an abundance of festive goods for sale, from homemade arts and crafts to artisan food and drink.

You’ll also find entertainment beyond the stalls, as historic characters come to life, giving you a glimpse into a Christmas 150 years in the past, complete with barrel organ and carousel. 

With live music, Christmas carol singers, and buskers lining the streets there really is something for everyone.