With its picture postcard towns and villages festooned with seasonal decorations, and welcoming inns complete with roaring log fires, there can be few places more enchanting at Christmas than the Cotswolds.
 
Packed with festive cheer, its Christmas markets, late night shopping and unmissable events add an extra special layer of sparkle to any pre-Christmas break.
 
Here are six great reasons to experience a Cotswolds Christmas this coming season.

1 Christmas at Blenheim

Christmas at Blenheim; image courtesy of Blenheim Palace

Head to Blenheim Palace between November 25 2016 and January 2 2017 for a truly unmissable Cotswolds Christmas experience. ‘Christmas at Blenheim’ is a magical time for children and adults alike, as it hosts its first ever after-dark trail of lights throughout the formal gardens. Discover a scented Fire Garden, Christmas trees that sing, a swaying lawn of fibre optic colour, sparkling hedgerows, glowing cascades and much, much more. Finish your evening with a warming festive drink and celebrate the season with a ride on the vintage carousel. Late night shopping and other treats are also available.

2 Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt

Image courtesy of Westonbirt Arboretum; credit Paul Box

Westonbirt Arboretum is a fabulous reason to wrap up warm and enjoy the mile-long trail of creative tree illuminations, along with free festive craft activities, visits to Father Christmas and storytelling by Mrs Christmas! Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from November 25 – December 18 2016, pre-booking is required. For this magical Cotswolds Christmas experience, stay at our Bristol cottages or Cotswold Lake Lodges, less than 30 minutes away.

3 Cirencester at Christmas

The Cotswolds Christmas Markets are a great place to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. Cirencester Christmas Market opens on November 26 and December 3-4 with its festively decorated chalets set to the backdrop of the Christmas lights, complete with live music and carols. You can also explore gourmet foods from the Charter Market as well as antiques and collectables at the Corn Hall (both on Fridays). The quaint town, 10 minutes drive from our Cotswold Lake Lodges, hosts a number of other festive events too, including ice skating in the grounds of Cirencester Abbey and an enchanting lantern parade.

4 Christmas markets and late night shopping

Wherever you choose to stay, it won’t be hard to find a Christmas market and late night shopping where you can enjoy an assortment of handmade craft stalls, local food and drink, and entertainment. Popular Cotswolds Christmas Markets include Cheltenham Christmas Market between November 24 and December 17 and Oxford Christmas Market from December 8–18.
 
Extra special late night shopping events at your favourite Cotswolds towns are bound to get you in the festive mood. 2016 dates announced so far include Broadway (November 26 & December 2), Moreton-in-Marsh (November 26) and Bourton-on-the Water (December 2).

5 Batsford Arboretum

Batsford winter walk by Andy Sim

If you’re looking for a magical winter walk, unusual gifts or everything to make your home and garden beautiful this Christmas, add Batsford to your ‘must-visit’ list on your Cotswolds Christmas break. With festive treats in the Garden Terrace Café and fun for all the family, bring the children along for a Christmas hunt in the arboretum between December 3 and January 2. They can also meet Santa and his donkeys in his grotto on December 10-11.

6 Living Crafts for Christmas Fair

Living Crafts for Christmas products; image courtesy of Blenheim Palace

Taking place between November 17 and 20, Living Crafts for Christmas is a fantastic and festive day out. Enjoy choosing the perfect presents from over 150 British designer-makers, offering high-quality handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing and toys. Held in heated, carpeted pavilions within Blenheim Palace, highlights include festive entertainment, free parking and specialist food and drink. Admission includes entrance to the magnificent formal gardens and parkland too. Indoors, a magical Cotswolds Christmas experience awaits as the palace is decorated for the season with an inspirational display.

Where to stay

Newmarket Cottage, decorated for Christmas

Enjoy a Cotswolds Christmas break at one of our beautiful holiday cottages across the Cotswolds area. Enjoy the festive fun whichever Staycation cottage you choose!