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If you’re dreaming of a Christmas holiday in the Cotswolds, this is the year to make it happen. Golden stone villages sparkle under fairy lights, the scent of mulled wine fills the air, and every market square brims with festive cheer. Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a family Christmas break, or a short festive escape with friends, the Cotswolds offers a magical backdrop, and our hand-picked cottages put you right at the heart of the celebrations.

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Blenheim Palace Christmas Festival

14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Tickets from £24 (trail) / £41 (Palace) / £65 (combined) + £10 parking

One of the highlights of any winter break in the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace transforms into a festive wonderland each year. In 2025, The Palace of Oz will fill the state rooms with Wizard of Oz-inspired displays, while outside, the illuminated trail leads you through glowing tunnels, mirrored lakes, and sparkling trees. The Great Court hosts covered ice skating, and the free Christmas market (14 November – 21 December) is perfect for picking up gifts and sampling seasonal treats.

Stay nearby for your Cotswolds Christmas break:

• Banksia Cottage – A peaceful, minimalistic retreat just a short drive away.

• The Botanist’s Hideaway – Stylish and secluded, ideal for unwinding after a day of festivities.

Stop for a drink: The Lamb Inn, Crawley — a traditional Cotswold pub with flagstone floors, open fires, and a hearty seasonal menu, perfect after a winter’s evening at the palace.

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Cheltenham Christmas Market & Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light

Cheltenham: 21–24 November 2025 (main market) & 12–22 December 2025 (arts and crafts) – free entry

Sudeley Castle: 21 November – 30 December 2025, tickets from £22 adult / £14 child

If your idea of a Christmas getaway includes browsing artisan stalls and sipping hot chocolate under twinkling lights, Cheltenham’s festive markets are a must. Later in December, the arts and crafts market offers more traditional, handcrafted gifts. Just a short journey away, Sudeley Castle’s Spectacle of Light enchants visitors with its after-dark trail and illuminated gardens.

Stay nearby: While we don’t currently have cottages in Cheltenham or Winchcombe, both are easily reached from our Painswick and Cirencester holiday homes.

Stop for a drink: The Royal Oak, Prestbury — a characterful 16th-century pub with beams, open fires, and local ales.

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Cirencester Advent Market

29–30 November 2025 – free entry

A classic Cotswold Christmas market experience, Cirencester’s market square glows with festive lights as over 100 stalls offer everything from artisan cheeses to handmade jewellery. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly event that makes a wonderful centrepiece to any festive short break in the Cotswolds.

Stay nearby:

• Summer Lake Lodge – Spacious and set beside tranquil water, ideal for combining the buzz of the market with peaceful winter walks.

Stop for a drink: The Fleece, Cirencester — a historic coaching inn serving locally brewed ales and comforting winter dishes.

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Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas & Tetbury Market

28 November – 31 December 2025 (selected evenings)

Tickets from £19 off-peak / £25 standard + £8 parking

For many visitors, Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas trail is a highlight of a winter holiday in the Cotswolds. Wander beneath illuminated trees, discover installations like Laser Lights and Wicker Animals, and warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate from the festive stalls. Just a short drive away, Tetbury’s Christmas market (dates TBC) adds an extra dash of small-town charm to your festive getaway.

Stay nearby:

• Kingscote House – Elegant and peaceful, surrounded by countryside.

• The White Hart – Perfect for larger gatherings, full of charm.

Stop for a drink: The Royal Oak, Tetbury — a relaxed country pub with a crackling fire and seasonal menu.

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Painswick Market & Stroud Goodwill Evening

Painswick: 25 November 2025 – 17:00–20:00 – free entry

Stroud: 6 December 2025 (Goodwill Evening) & 18–22 December 2025 (Christmas market) – free entry

For a more intimate Christmas break in the Cotswolds, Painswick’s market offers a cosy, village atmosphere, while Stroud’s Goodwill Evening and Christmas market provide music, local produce, and handcrafted gifts. Both are ideal for travellers seeking authentic, community-driven festive experiences.

Stay nearby:

• Mulberry Cottage, Lovedays Cottage, Saint Mary’s Cottage, Loveview Cottage, Hillworth Coach House – each a cosy base either a short walk or drive to the markets.

Stop for a drink: The Oak, Painswick — a true country pub with a log fire, local beers, and a relaxed, rustic feel.

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Nailsworth Christmas Market

29 November 2025 – 15:00–21:00 – free entry

Nailsworth’s market is a welcoming, community-run event perfect for those wanting a slower-paced festive short break. Browse the stalls, enjoy the live music, and then retreat to your holiday cottage for a night by the fire.

Stay nearby:

• The Lammas Retreats – Beautifully designed rural escapes with luxury touches.

Stop for a drink: The Crown Inn, Minchinhampton — a classic Cotswold pub with low beams, a roaring log fire, and a menu full of hearty seasonal dishes.

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Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market

23 November 2025 – from 10:00 – free entry

With its Georgian high street transformed into a festive fairground, Moreton-in-Marsh offers a charming finale to your Christmas holiday in the Cotswolds. Stalls line the street, music fills the air, and the scent of roasting chestnuts makes it impossible not to feel festive.

Stay nearby:

• Dereham Cottage – Comfortable and characterful, within walking distance of the market.

Stop for a drink: The White Hart Royal, Moreton-in-Marsh — a historic coaching inn with a welcoming atmosphere and open fires.

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Plan Your Christmas Stay in the Cotswolds

Whether you’re visiting for the grandeur of Blenheim Palace’s Christmas lights, the charm of Cirencester’s Advent Market, or the magic of Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas trail, there’s nothing like ending the day in a warm and welcoming cottage.

Our collection of cosy Cotswold cottages is perfectly placed for exploring the region’s festive highlights; from large family houses ideal for a Christmas break with friends to romantic hideaways perfect for a winter getaway for two. Each property is carefully chosen for its comfort, character, and location, so you can enjoy the markets, light trails, and local pubs without a long journey home.

Book direct for the best rates and personal service, and let us help you plan your Christmas holiday in the Cotswolds that’s as magical as the season itself.

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