COTSWOLDXL’S CHRISTMAS MARKET GUIDE

There’s something magical about being wrapped up tightly against the winter chill and wandering around a Christmas market where a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and aromas bombard your senses. Serenaded by seasonal music from the ages, weaving in and out of the crowds to hunt down a special gift, sample local produce or simply soak up the bustling atmosphere, it’s an experience that really kick-starts that Christmassy feeling! It’s also a time when the Cotswolds is at its most colourful and romantic, and we really do Christmas markets well, so here’s your Cotswold XL guide to the best of them….

Bath

Bath Christmas Market — 27 November to 14 December, opens at 10am every day.
Set in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city, Bath Christmas Market combines independent retailers with the big high street brands and everything in between.
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Broadway

Late Night Christmas Shopping Market — 5 December, 4:30pm–8:30pm
An evening filled with Christmas festivities, street entertainers, pony sleigh rides, live music and plenty of places to find a sack-load of special gifts!
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Cheltenham

Cheltenham Christmas Craft Market — 11 December to 23 December
The second of two seasonal markets, this one combines with the Christmas Arts and Crafts Market, featuring dozens of additional stalls along the Promenade laden with creative gift ideas.
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Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden Christmas Market — 6 December
The High Street in this quintessential Cotswold town is closed to traffic for the day (parking available at Chipping Campden School) to allow scores of shoppers to roam the market and view a delightful range of goods. The town Christmas tree will be lit in the evening.

Cirencester

Cirencester Christmas Gift Market — 14 December, 16 December, 17 December, 18 December, 21 December
Held on the steps of St John’s Church and bursting with traditional stalls offering a variety of goods and produce from fantastic local traders.
Festive Farmers Market — 13 December
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Gloucester

Every weekend until 21 December
Gloucester Quays Market: artisan crafts, gifts, homewares, Christmas decorations and essential foodie products for the festive dinner table.
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Shipston

Shipston Victorian Evening — 5 December, 5:45pm–8pm (lights on at 6pm)
Presented by Shipston Rotary: music, stalls, food, Father Christmas and the Tree of Life.
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Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford Christmas Markets — 29–30 November and 6–7 December, town centre
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Stroud

Stroud Christmas Market — 18 December to 23 December, Cornhill Place, 9am–4pm
Crafts, gifts and food, plus a farmers’ market on the last two days.
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Tetbury

Tetbury Christmas Fayre & Market — 5 December, 5:30pm–8:30pm
Crafts, stalls, food and drink, silver band and lights switch-on at 6pm at the Market House.
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Woodstock

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market — 14 November to 21 December
A seasonal village of wooden chalets set in the Great Court of this magnificent estate, hosting a range of inspired Christmas gift ideas and tasty treats.

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