Gloucester Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Gloucester and surrounding areas
Gloucester sparkles this festive season with Christmas at Gloucester Quays and waterfront events drawing shoppers and families to the docks and historic cathedral quarter. The city pairs Christmas markets with festive events and family fun, offering seasonal activities and live entertainment beneath glowing Christmas lights. From craft stalls to late-night shopping and riverside walks, there are plenty of things to do that capture Gloucester’s festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
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Christmas Markets
34 eventsPrivate ski gondolas and hot air balloon booths within the Jäger Barn Bar.
Christmas Lights
21 eventsImmersive light and sound experience in a historic house.
Christmas Parties
13 eventsNew Year's Eve celebration at a modern event venue.
Christmas Shows
7 eventsFestive Big Band concert with classic Christmas songs
Other Christmas Activities
25 eventsReal ice rink in Bath
Editor's Picks (6)
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Bristol Christmas Market
(Bristol)
Private ski gondolas and hot air balloon booths within the Jäger Barn Bar.
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New Year's Eve Extravaganza
(Newport)
New Year's Eve celebration at a modern event venue.
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Christmas at Gloucester Quays
Festive markets and outdoor ice rink
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Bath on Ice
(Royal Victoria Park)
Real ice rink in Bath
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Hereford Christmas Markets
(Hereford)
European-style Christmas market with local artisans
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Cheltenham Ice Skating Rink
(Cheltenham)
Festive ice skating in the heart of Cheltenham
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Gloucester
Cheltenham
- Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On
- New Year's Day Racing at Cheltenham Racecourse
- The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
Stroud
See all in Stroud →Great Malvern
See all in Great Malvern →Bourton On The Water
- Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park
- Christmas on the Farm at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park
Gloucester Christmas FAQ
The Winter Lights on Cape Ann is one of the biggest annual events, featuring festive light displays across Gloucester and neighboring towns. It runs from late November through New Year’s Day and includes a decorating contest and community celebrations.
Gloucester’s holiday traditions include celebrating the season with community-driven light displays and supporting local artisans through markets that highlight Cape Ann’s coastal charm and creative spirit.
Neighborhoods participating in the Winter Lights on Cape Ann event, especially downtown Gloucester and nearby Essex, are known for their festive storefronts and neighborhood displays that brighten the season.
Christmas markets featuring local makers are held throughout Gloucester and the Cape Ann region, often in community centers, galleries, and artisan cooperatives, providing a great place to shop for unique holiday gifts.
Enjoying the free holiday light displays around Gloucester, visiting local markets with no admission fees, and exploring walking trails decorated for the season are excellent budget-friendly ways to celebrate the holidays.
Families can enjoy walkable light displays, seasonal markets with crafts and treats, and community events like the Winter Lights decorating contest, all offering festive fun suitable for children.