What’ s on festive Days out & activities
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Fri 21 Nov- Tues 30 Dec 25
Returning for its 10th anniversary, Spectacle of Light 25 will once again transform the majestic grounds of Sudeley Castle into a glowing world of enchantment. This much-loved Christmas event in the Cotswolds is a highlight of the season.
Where: Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Glos. GL54 5JD
Times: Selected dates from Fri 21 Nov- Tues 30 Dec 25 Tickets / Admission: EARLYBIRD BOOKING SAVE 20 % see website www. spectacleoflight. co. uk / sudeley-castle /
Santa’ s Grotto at Batsford Arboretum
Sat 6- Sun 7 Dec 25
A truly festive experience! Children can step into Santa’ s cosy living room, share their Christmas wishes, and even ask him all their important questions. Where: Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos. GL56 9AB. Times: 10am- 3pm Tickets / Admission: £ 10 per child( includes gift) PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL www. batsarb. co. uk / santasgrotto /
Cheltenham Ice Rink
Fri 21 Nov 25 – Sun 4 Jan 26
Magical covered indoor ice rink, centrally located in the beautiful Imperial Garden, the perfect Christmas activity for all the family! Each session lasts an hour, and the real ice rink is indoors meaning that you don’ t need to worry about wet weather spoiling your festive day out.
Where: Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1QA
Times: 10am- 9pm Tickets / Admission: See online
www. visitcheltenham. com / event / cheltenham-ice-rink / 301807301 /
Winter Glow at the Three Counties Showground
Fri 21 Nov- Wed 31 Dec 25
Magical experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Personalised Santa’ s Grotto, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, the Toy Workshop and a charming Winter Village. Illuminated Light Trail, Ice Rink, UV Crazy Golf, Traditional Fairground and Christmas Market.
Where: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW
Times: See website Tickets / Admission: Book online www. winterglow. co. uk /
Christmas at Over Farm Countryside Adventure
Sat 6- Tue 23 December 25
Santa’ s elves are stirring up festive fun with a mystery trail around the farm. Follow clues, meet friendly animals, and uncover letters that lead to a special gift at the elves’ workshop if they can crack the secret word!
Where: Over Farm, Glos. GL2 8DB
Times: 10am- 3pm( weekends from 6- 21 then daily until 23 Dec)
Tickets / Admission: See online
www. overfarm. co. uk / overfarms-farm-park / christmas-onthe-farm /
Gloucester Quays Outdoor Ice Rink
Thurs 20 Nov 25 – Sun 4 Jan 26
Skate under the stars with your loved ones, whilst soaking in the stunning historic docks, the National Waterways Museum, high street and top brand outlet stores.
Where: Gloucester Quays, Gloucester Docks, Glos. GL1 5SF
Tickets / Admission: See website
www. christmasicerinks. digitickets. co. uk / category / 7586
The Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
Fri 28 Nov – Mon 29 Dec 25
Wander through a whimsical illuminated trail where moonlit woodland, shimmering ponds, and glittering displays create a truly enchanting Christmas atmosphere. Discover playful woodland creatures, dancing lights across ponds, mermaids in the plunge pool, and the nightly flight of a festive sleigh.
Where: Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick, Glos. GL6 6TH
Times: From 4pm
Tickets / Admission: 10 % off Earlybird tickets- see website
www. rococogarden. org. uk / news / enchanted-garden-by-night-2 /
SPORT
Cheltenham Lido
Thurs 25 Dec 25
Our traditional Christmas Day Swim! Proudly Sponsored by Blue Horizons for our 2025 plunge! Gates open 10:45, queuing from 10:30. Jump in at 11.15am-11.45am, site closes at 12.15. Please note the water will be COLD!. Swimmers must be 16 +. Spectators welcome. This event is £ 5 pp and is a one width or two width plunge.
Where: Cheltenham Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 7PU
Tickets / Admission: See website
www. cheltenhamlido. co. uk / the-cheltenham-lido-grounds /
Gloucester Half Marathon & 10K
Sun 22 Mar 26
The course follows a scenic route around the city centre streets, passing around Gloucester Cathedral, before heading out around Gloucester and Quedgeley along a closed road circuit and Sharpness Canal Path.
Where: Gloucester Park, Park Road, Glos. GL1 1LY
Tickets / Admission: See website
www. runningcalendar. co. uk / event / gloucester-halfmarathon-10k /
Christmas at Westonbirt
28 – 30 Nov / 4- 31 Dec 25
Wander through the illuminated arboretum, where twinkling lights bring the stunning setting to life. Marvel at the brand-new installations for‘ 25, including‘ Laser Lights’,‘ Mycelium Network’,‘ Fireworks Trees’ and‘ Wicker Animals’. Keep your eyes peeled for Father Christmas, as you can spot him on the trail!
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos. GL8 8QS
Times: 4.15pm- 8.30pm Tickets / Admission: See online
www. forestryengland. uk / westonbirt / christmas
Cheltenham’ s New Year’ s Day Raceday
Thu 1 Jan 26
Thrilling and highquality racing action, that is sure to provide Cheltenham Festival insight, fresh air, and amazing free family entertainment.
Where: Cheltenham College, College Sports Ground, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL53 7AB
Times: 10.30am Tickets / Admission: See website
www. visitcheltenham. com / event / new-years-dayracing / 274547301 /
Cheltenham Running Festival
Sun 14 June 26
The Cheltenham Running Festival is back for 2026, offering a unique chance to run a 5k, 10k or Half Marathon on the grounds of the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse.
Where: Evesham Rd, Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH
Tickets / Admission: See website
www. runthrough. co. uk / event / cheltenham-running-festivaljune-2026
20 WINTER 2025 the imjin Imjin Station Community