As a family who’s lived here 4 years 🎄 🐑
Blenheim Palace: If there’s one event worth saving up for near the Cotswolds at Christmastime, I’d say the event at Blenheim Palace. The magical decor and experience set to a whimsical literary theme (this year it’s Neverland from Peter Pan) has taken my breath away. We found the light show and kiddie rides to be overpriced, but we are going to try the ice skating they've set up this year.
PRO TIP: If you have visited within a year before, you can ask for a free annual membership and get the Christmas experience FREE (not including £10 parking). Certain dates are off limits for members, but lots are available!
Alternatively, you can take your tickets from the Christmas event and turn them into a free annual membership, getting free tickets for next year’s Christmas event if you go within a year.
Meeting Father Christmas:
Santa’s Grotto is a fun experience where children meet Santa in a cozy, festive environment. He chats with them for a moment and they receive a little present at the end.
Fairytale Farm — Our children love this place. I’ll be honest and say it’s quirky and quite muddy at times, but our children always enjoy visiting the various hands-on activities, fairytale scenes and feeding the animals along with meeting Santa Claus.
Batsford Arboretum —A beautiful place to walk the grounds or enjoy the small shop and cafe, the children left with a lovely teddy.
Village Market Evenings:
You can Google the dates for these events based on the village, as they will change from year to year.
Broadway Late Night Shopping — a gorgeous evening in a beautiful village. Shops will be open late and there will be reindeer, music, and mulled cider with minced pies a-plenty.
Daylesford Christmas Evening — these seem to change yearly, but in the past we’ve enjoyed reindeer, carols, crafts (get there early for those if they’re offered), Prosecco, and lovely Christmas decor. I’d check their Instagram page for their upcoming events, or get on the mailing list.
These gorgeous and stately homes will decorate for Christmas and hold various activities and events. Click the link above to see what’s going on this year! There’s lots to enjoy. We especially enjoyed Belton House last year (not in the Cotswolds, but in Lincolnshire). An easy day trip.
Shopping:
The Christmas Cotswold Fair: If you like shopping (as I do!) this is such a fun event to see unique items from vendors around the country. There’s always good coffee and yummy treats as well. Just a fun way to get into the spirit and meet lots of small business owners. Get your tickets early for the best rate!
Stow-on-the-Wold Market Square: Such a beautiful place to browse, several independent shops, and of course swing by the Tolkien door while you're there! I love The Curated Store and Rhubarb Rhubarb especially.
Burford Garden Co. An absolute EMPORIUM of beautiful and unique gifts—everything from clothing, toys, stationary, art, decor, and of course gardening items. Most things are on the pricey side, but even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s a lovely place to wander and they have a delicious cafe as well. There’s also a fenced in playground behind the car park!
Cirencester Saturday Market: Heralded as “The Capital of the Cotswolds” Cirencester is a great place to wander on a Saturday morning in the town center. You can also look up their cozy evening market. Click here for this year’s dates and times
Crib Service at a local village church: The children dress us as various characters from the Nativity and it’s a sweet, short service that includes them
Wreath Making: Making a fresh wreath is quite a Cotswoldy thing to do, and what fun! My friend Naomi hosts these lovely events and I’m amazed at what I can make!
Visit the Christmas tree that’s IN the river in Bourton-on-the-Water. Then just drive around after sun sets and take in the village lights! I’d recommend parking and strolling if you have the time.
A very Happy Christmas to you!
Much love,
Audrey Ann 🤍
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