In Things to Do

It's officially December and we couldn't be more excited! 

Here are 25 festive things to do in Gloucester in the lead up to Christmas!

Festive Bottomless Brunch

Unitl 3 Jan, Coal Kitchen

Coal Kitchen at Gloucester Quays is pulling out all the stops this Christmas, unveiling an array of festive experiences guaranteed to make the season shine. Gather your favourite people for 90 minutes of pure festive indulgence, featuring unlimited cocktails with a seasonal twist and a line-up of delicious dishes including pastries, pizettes, hearty breakfasts and even steak.

Enchanted Garden by Night

Until 29 Dec, Painswick Rococo Garden

This Christmas, step into a glowing Garden and stroll among playful woodland animals. Enchanting scenes await at every turn – from elegantly lit follies to a hidden woodland village and many playful surprises.

Winter Windows

02 Dec - 04 Jan, Museum of Gloucester

This Christmas, the Museum of Gloucester is proud to present Winter Windows, a festive display created in collaboration with five local schools: Widden Primary, Grange Primary Academy, Castle Hill Primary, Highnam Academy, and St. Paul's Primary. Over 1,000 pupils helped craft imaginative cardboard window displays exploring winter traditions, light, and warmth. Inspired by the joy of an advent calendar, these beautifully decorated windows fill the museum with seasonal magic

Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night

05 - 20 Dec, Gloucester Cathedral

Everything looks and feels just a bit more beautiful after dark in the Cathedral at this time of year. Wander among the twinkling lights and decorations while music fills the air. Don't forget your camera! Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends, and treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate from The Monk's Kitchen, open throughout the evening.

Carols on the Hour

06 Dec, Gloucester Cathedral

Enjoy bite-sized bursts of festive music from the Choirs of Gloucester Cathedral – perfect for a pause during your Christmas shopping. No booking is required, drop in and enjoy! Donations towards the Cathedral are most welcome.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

06 Dec, Llanthony Secunda Priory

Celebrate the season with a festive wreath-making workshop in the beautiful surroundings of The Lady Margaret Hall, led by florist Catherine McNulty. All materials are provided, including fresh greenery, wreath frames, pinecones, and decorative touches

Churchdown Male Voice Choir Presents Christmas Crackers

06 Dec, Gloucester Guildhall

Celebrate the season with this special concert which promises an unforgettable evening of music, showcasing the choir's rich tradition of bringing communities together through song. As part of their Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Christmas Crackers will feature a delightful mixture of both Christmas and non-Christmas music. From timeless Christmas carols to powerful classical pieces, and contemporary favourites, the choir's versatile repertoire will have something for everyone.

Decorate a Gingerbread Reindeer Workshop Aboard a Tall Ship

06 Dec, Kathleen & May

Head down to Santa's Elves Floating Workshop located aboard the Kathleen and May lying in Gloucester Docks UK. Get into the festive spirit as you decorate your very own gingerbread reindeer while aboard this historic tall ship. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season! Don't miss out on this unique experience and book your spot now!

Gloucester Quays Christmas Markets

Every Weekend until 21 Dec, Gloucester Quays

Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 120 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region for you to experience and enjoy. Every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, the Christmas Markets will be the perfect place to find that unique gift for friends and loved ones, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a day out for the whole family.

Gloucester Quays Open Air Ice Rink

Until 04 Jan, Gloucester Quays

Wrap up warm and make a date to join family and friends at the amazing Open-Air Ice Rink from November 20th to January 4th, making magical memories on a family day out with the kids, at Gloucester Quays. Their Open-Air Ice Rink is the perfect setting to host your winter event, work get-together or group party.

Meet Santa at the Folk

06 Dec, The Folk of Gloucester

Meet Santa and his elf in one of Gloucester's oldest surviving Tudor Buildings. Santa and his elf will be popping in to see us from 10am to 4pm. Come and say hello, receive a gift and take part in their kid's Christmas trail. Spend time exploring the rooms of the 500 year old building and work out the puzzle on the trail.

Breakfast with Santa & His Elves

07 Dec, Coal Kitchen

Coal Kitchen welcomes families and friends to meet Santa and his merry band of elves for a magical morning of festive food and fun this December. Bring your family or friends to enjoy a delicious breakfast including hot drinks, pastries and Gloucestershire Full English as Santa Claus roams the restaurant meeting and greeting all his little guests.

Stories with Santa

07 Dec, Llanthony Secunda Priory

Santa is stopping at Llanthony Secunda Priory this festive season! Come along for a magical morning where families can make memories, start traditions and enjoy the excitement of Christmas together. Children will be welcomed into the beautiful surroundings of the Priory to settle in for a festive story with Santa himself. Each child will receive an early Christmas present and have the chance to take a photo with Santa, making it a perfect keepsake for years to come.

Meet St Nicholas

13 & 20 Dec, Gloucester Cathedral

Discover the origins of Father Christmas and step into the Christmas story as you meet St Nicholas himself! Every child will be given a special age-appropriate book gift to take home and treasure. While waiting to see St Nick, families can enjoy a variety of cheerful Christmas crafts.

Santa Fun Run

13 Dec, Gloucester City Centre

The Santa Fun Run is back this year on Saturday 13 December! Put on a Santa Hat and Snood or a full Santa Outfit and run, walk or be pushed round a 1k or 5k route of your choice! There is still time to sign up so don't miss your chance!

Gloucester City Football Christmas Fireworks

14 Dec, TigerTurf Stadium

Mark your calendars for Sunday 14 December, when TigerTurf Stadium in Hempsted, Gloucester bursts into festive life for an unforgettable Christmas celebration from 4.00pm – 9.00pm. This is more than just an event—it's a Christmas experience of reindeer, funfair rides, lasers, and fireworks you'll never forget.

Uncle Holly, A Ghost Story for Christmas

15 & 18 Dec, Blackfriars Priory

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Upper East Range at Blackfriars Priory, join us for a frightfully festive performance of 'Uncle Holly'. An original ghost story for Christmas, written in the Victorian vein, featuring the malevolent spectre of Synderford, Uncle Holly. Jonathan Goodwin performs this one-man show. Written by Jonathan Goodwin and co-directed by Goodwin and Gary Archer.

The Chaotic Christmas Pub Quiz

18 Dec, Hop Kettle

"It's beginning to look a lot like Quizmas…" Join Quiz Master Andy for the ultimate Christmas Pub Quiz! As the first Xmas quiz sold out so quickly, they're hosting an encore quiz! Don't worry, it will be the same questions as the first, so don't worry about missing out. Tickets are live now!

Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More

19 Dec, Blackfriars Priory

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Gloucester. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Love Actually, Home Alone & More at Blackfriars Priory under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Breakfast with Santa

20 Dec, Holiday Inn Gloucester-Cheltenham

Santa is on his way and we couldn't be more excited! Bring your loved ones and join us for a magical morning! Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring both continental and full English options, a special visit from Santa with a gift delivered right to your table, heartwarming story time at 11am, and a chance to capture the joy with a festive photo to remember the day!

Cracker Creations

20 Dec, Museum of Gloucester

Step into a world of sparkle, colour, and imagination this holiday season with Cracker Creations, a joyful hands-on workshop where kids become the designers of their very own Christmas crackers. From the moment they arrive, children are invited to dive into a treasure trove of recycled and eco-friendly materials, including ribbons, paper, and patterns.

Mince Pie Theatre - Jemmy Wood's Christmas Carol

20 Dec, The Folk of Gloucester

Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company present their madcap new version of the classic Dickens tale, as told by the infamous Gloucester miser Jemmy Wood. Will he change his ways when visited by the ghosts of Gloucester Christmasses past, present and future - or is this impossible?

Operation Wishmas

22 & 23 Dec, Gloucester Guildhall

Calling all of Santa's little helpers! His team of snow elves need your help to max out on Christmas spirit! They'll need you to venture through the Chamber of Wonder and Whimsy and deep into the twinkling Gingerbread Forest to find the snow elves' gingerbread house. You'll need to make a Christmas wish and hang it in the house. With lights, sounds, activities, games and puzzles to solve, this immersive interactive journey is sure to leave a magical impression on you and your family.

Santa & Sven

22 & 23 Dec, Gloucester Guildhall

Come and see Santa & Sven in this enchanting, interactive show – perfect Christmas entertainment for ages 2+ and all the family. Now in a staggering 6th year, British comic actor Stewart Wright returns once more to bring the Father of Christmas to life. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, it's where theatre meets 'An Audience With' Father Christmas.

Sprinkle Station

22 & 23 Dec, Gloucester Guildhall

Ever noticed the sparkles coming off Santa's sleigh as he flies through the sky? Well, those sparkles are crystallised Christmas spirit and Santa and Sven sprinkle it everywhere they go. They even sprinkle it on their food as Santa says it tastes amazing! They want you to try it, so Santa's snow elves have set up The Sprinkle Station in Gloucester Guildhall's Bow Bar so you can sprinkle sparkly Christmas spirit on a tasty festive treat.

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