Christmas Markets in the Cotswolds ∙ 2023
The Cotswolds is a popular tourist destination year-round, but it is especially magical during the Christmas season. From the bustling town markets to the cosy village fairs, there’s a Christmas market in the Cotswolds to suit everyone.
These markets offer a wide variety of stalls with festive goods, from handmade crafts and unique gifts to delicious food and drink… and Christmas spirit and atmosphere in abundance. The stalls are usually decorated with twinkling lights and garlands, and the air is filled with the delicious aromas of mulled wine, mince pies, and gingerbread.
Whatever Christmas fun you’re into, you will find it at a Christmas Market in the Cotswolds. Enjoy carol singers, the perfect gift for a loved one, visit Santa’s grotto for a special gift and a photo with the man himself, or soak up the festive atmosphere.
Click the links below to read about each of the Christmas markets in the Cotswolds in November and December 2023:
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market ∙ Woodstock ∙ Sat 18/11 + Sun 19/11
Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping ∙ Fri 24/11 + Fri 1/12
Cirencester Advent Festival ∙ Sat 25/11 + 26/11
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market ∙ Sat 25/11
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Shopping Weekend ∙ Witney ∙ Sat 25/11 + Sun 26/11
Woodstock Christmas Fayre ∙ Sat 25/11
Malmesbury Christmas Late Night Shopping ∙ Fri 1/12
Tetbury Christmas Fair and Market ∙ Fri 1/12
The Eynsham Christmas Market ∙ Sat 2/12
Chipping Campden Christmas Market ∙ Sat 2/12
Christmas Under the Edge ∙ Wotton-under-Edge ∙ Sun 3/12
Winchcombe Christmas Market ∙ Fri 8/12 + Sat 9/12
Blenheim Palace Christmas Market
Woodstock ∙ Saturday 18 November + Sunday 19 December
This Christmas, Blenheim Palace is once again transforming itself into a magical wonderland. With a brand new illuminated light trail, exquisitely themed Palace interior, and Christmas Market, Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to make unforgettable Christmas memories.
From Friday, November 17th until Sunday, December 17th, shoppers and foodies can escape the hustle and bustle of the High Street and stock up on festive goodies at the celebrated Christmas Market in the Great Court. The seasonal village of wooden chalets offers everything from inspired Christmas gift ideas to tasty treats. Visitors can savor a tempting selection of street food with loved ones under the stars.
The new illuminated light trail for 2023 is a must-see for visitors of all ages. With its multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive fun, the trail is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Visitors can wander through heart-shaped arches, glowing tunnels, and an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving lights. And of course, no Christmas trail would be complete without a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way!
Inside the Palace, visitors can explore a retelling of the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty for a new generation. Each room tells a different chapter in Sleeping Beauty’s story, and there are plenty of festive decorations to enjoy, including the gigantic Christmas tree in the Great Hall. Visitors can wander through the Evil Fairy’s spooky wooded lair, into the castle frozen in time, and to Aurora’s candle-lit bed chamber. Along the way, they should watch out for spinning wheels and fluttering fairies!
To book your magical Christmas experience at Blenheim Palace, click here.
Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping
Broadway ∙ Friday 24 November + Friday 1 December
The Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Market is a festive extravaganza that brings the village to life during the most popular public holiday. Over two consecutive Fridays, festive crowds of Christmas shoppers gather to indulge in the village’s late night curfew and generous offering of unique gifts.
The evening is filled with Christmas festivities, including street entertainers, pony sleigh rides, live music, and spirited seasonal shoppers. The shops stay open from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, inviting everyone to come along and join in the fun.
Be sure to look out for the shops offering free mince pies and mulled wine to warm your heart and fill your belly as you browse the stalls for the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
This year, the Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Market is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
The Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping Market is a truly magical experience, so don’t miss out on the chance to visit this year.
Cirencester ∙ Saturday 25 November + Sunday 26 November
Cirencester Town Council is excited to announce the return of the Advent Market on Saturday 25 November and Sunday 26 November. This year’s market will be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 stalls selling festive goods, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious Christmas snacks, food, and drink.
The market will be held in and around the Market Place, and will stretch the whole length of the street, as well as into Cricklade Street and Castle Street, which is new for this year. There will be live entertainment and music for all the family, and the Christmas lights will be switched on at 4 pm on the Saturday.
In addition to the market stalls, there will also be a program of performances inside the Parish Church, featuring local dance and theatre groups, choirs, and musicians, which will be live-streamed onto the big screen on the Market Place.
At 4 pm on the Sunday, the Mayor and lead sponsor will switch on the Christmas lights in the Market Place. There will also be falling snow, silent fireworks, and light projections, making it an extra special event.
The Advent Market is the highlight of the Cirencester events calendar, and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in the Cotswolds.
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market
Moreton-in-Marsh ∙ Saturday 25 November
The Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market is a festive annual event held on the last Saturday in November from 9am to 4pm, and it features a wide variety of stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations and gifts to festive food and drink.
This market is a great place to do some Christmas shopping and find unique gifts for your family and friends. You will find stalls selling a wide range of goods, including handmade crafts and jewellery, pottery, ceramics, clothing, and accessories.
Go for a festive time and enjoy Christmas snacks, mulled wine, mince pies, and lots more. For the little ones there will be a Santa’s grotto, and there will be live music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Cogges Manor Farm Christmas Shopping Weekend
Witney ∙ Saturday 25 November + Sunday 26 November
Cogges Manor Farm is a beautiful 18th century working farm in Oxfordshire. During the Christmas season, the farm hosts a special Christmas Shopping Weekend, where visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere and browse a carefully curated collection of stalls selling artisan arts and crafts, unique gifts and homewares, accessories and delicious treats.
The setting for this magical Christmas Shopping Weekend is the farm’s barns and farmyard, decorated with twinkling lights and festive garlands. Visitors can browse the stalls at their leisure, while enjoying the sounds of Christmas music playing in the background.
Woodstock Christmas Fayre and Night of a Thousand Candles
Woodstock ∙ Saturday 26 November
Woodstock, a charming town in Oxfordshire, England, hosts its annual Night of a Thousand Candles on the last Saturday of November. This free event is a festive celebration that draws locals and visitors alike.
The evening begins at 6pm with live music, a short pantomime, and a performance by the local school choir. Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks from the many stalls set up in the town square. And of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit from Father Christmas himself.
At 7:30pm, the town’s Christmas lights are switched on, illuminating the town square in a magical display. As the candles are lit one by one, the atmosphere is truly enchanting.
The Night of a Thousand Candles is a perfect event for the whole family. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the beauty of Woodstock.
Malmesbury ∙ Friday 1 December ∙ 6pm
The annual Malmesbury Christmas Late Night Shopping event is back and better than ever. This popular event is one of the most anticipated in the town, and for good reason. With over 50 outdoor stalls, 20 indoor stalls, and most of the shops open until late, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Upper High Street and Market Cross Area will be closed off for the open air market, where visitors can browse a variety of stalls selling unique gifts, festive food and drink, and more. Inside the Town Hall, there will be an additional 20 stalls, as well as the Tourist Information Centre and Athelstan Museum.
Throughout the evening, there will be festive performances and music to entertain visitors. And of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit to Santa’s Grotto. TV Celebrity Adam Henson of BBC’s Countryfile will be opening the event with the Mayor of Malmesbury, so this is sure to be a festive evening to remember, so mark your calendars and come join in the fun.
Tetbury Christmas Fair and Market
Tetbury ∙ Friday 1 December
The Tetbury Christmas Market is a must-visit event for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit. Held on the first Friday of December each year, the market is a celebration of all things Christmas, with stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and unique gifts to festive food and drink.
The market is located in the heart of Tetbury, a charming Cotswolds town with honey-colored stone cottages and narrow streets. The town square is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and garlands decorating the stalls and buildings.
Visitors to the Tetbury Christmas Market can browse a variety of stalls selling a wide range of goods. There are stalls selling handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and other unique gifts. There are also stalls selling festive food and drink, such as mulled wine, mince pies, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread.
In addition to the market stalls, there is also a variety of entertainment on offer at the Tetbury Christmas Market. There are carol singers, brass bands, and street performers to entertain visitors as they shop. There is also a Santa’s grotto where children can meet Santa Claus and receive a gift.
The Tetbury Christmas Market is a free event that is open to all. It is a great opportunity to support local businesses, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and do some Christmas shopping.
Eynsham ∙ Saturday 2 December ∙ 9.30am – 12pm
Christmas Market at Opernpalais at Mitte in Winter Berlin, Germany. Advent Fair Decoration and Stalls with Crafts Items on the Bazaar.
The Eynsham Christmas Market is a popular annual event that takes place in the picturesque village of Eynsham, Oxfordshire, England. The market is held on the first Saturday in December and features a wide range of stalls selling unique gifts, festive food and drink, and handcrafted goods.
Visitors to the Eynsham Christmas Market can browse stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to Christmas decorations and gifts. There are also a number of food and drink stalls serving up delicious festive treats, such as mulled wine, mince pies, and roasted chestnuts.
In addition to the shopping, the Eynsham Christmas Market also offers a variety of entertainment for visitors of all ages. There is usually live music, carol singers, and other festive performers. There is also a Santa’s grotto where children can meet Santa Claus and receive a gift.
The Eynsham Christmas Market is a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy the best of local produce and craftsmanship.
Chipping Campden Christmas Market
Chipping Campden ∙ Saturday 2 December
The wonderfully charming town of Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds will once again host its annual Christmas Market on Saturday 3 December. This popular event attracts visitors from all over the region to enjoy a festive atmosphere and browse the many stalls selling unique gifts, delicious food, and drinks.
The Christmas Market will take place in the town’s Market Square and High Street, which will be closed to traffic for the day. Visitors can expect to find lovely stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to local produce and gourmet food items. There will also be a number of food and drink stalls serving up festive treats such as mulled wine, mince pies, and roasted chestnuts.
In addition to the shopping, lots of festive activities will take place throughout the day, including live music, carol singing, and children’s entertainment. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus and have their photos taken.
The Chipping Campden Christmas Market is a great way to get into the festive spirit and enjoy some of the best that the Cotswolds has to offer. It’s also the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones.
Wotton-under-Edge ∙ Sunday 3 December ∙ 4pm – 8pm
This free event will have everything you need for a festive and fun Christmas celebration! There will be music from talented musicians, Morris Dancing and Mummers to entertain you as you browse the market stalls for unique gifts and delicious Christmas food and drink.
There will be game playing, you can try your luck at the tombola, or join in the carol singing with the choirs. And, of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a parade led by Father Christmas himself!
Whether you’re looking for a festive shopping experience, family-friendly entertainment, or just want to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, there will be something for everyone.
Winchcombe ∙ Friday 8 December + Saturday 9 December
The Winchcombe Christmas Festival returns Tuesday 6 December where shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants in this picturesque Cotswold town will be open for an evening of festive shopping and celebration from 5pm to 8pm.
With something for everyone at the Winchcombe Christmas Festival, visitors can browse the bustling Christmas market for unique gifts, sweet treats, and foodie delights. Families can enjoy free entertainment and everyone can soak up the festive atmosphere, with twinkling lights and garlands decorating the town streets.
Winchcombe is a historic town in the Cotswolds with charming streets and buildings, making it the perfect backdrop for a festive Christmas celebration. The Winchcombe Christmas Festival is a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the festive atmosphere, so mark your calendars for 6 December and go join in the fun.
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