Illustration of a christmas market scene (Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On)
Christmas Markets

Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On

Visitors can browse more than seventy market stalls offering handmade crafts and festive gifts, sample a variety of street foods, and enjoy children's fairground rides. A dedicated stage showcases entertainment from local musicians and dancers, along with appearances by Father Christmas and cast members from The Roses Theatre pantomime. Crowds can also gather around The Cross to sing along as the town's festive illuminations are switched on.

What to Expect

Over 70 market stalls, children's rides, and a festive switch-on.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Town Centre

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Tewkesbury Christmas Lights

Food & Drink

Street food is available at the event.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and christmas shoppers

Vibe

Festive and community-spirited

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

High Street, Barton Street and Church Street
UK, Gloucestershire

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free on-stage entertainment.
  • Hours: 12 noon-1800; Christmas Lights switch-on at 17:00 (5pm).
  • Parking: The Abbey (Gander Lane) car park is excluded.

Tips & Advice

  • Park free at Spring Gardens, Oldbury Road, Station Road, The Vineyards or Rails Meadow, because the Abbey (Gander Lane) car park is not part of the free parking.
  • Don't try to drive through the centre, because High Street, Barton Street and Church Street are closed to traffic all day with a full diversion in place.
  • Stay on into the evening so you can gather around The Cross with the crowd and sing along as the panto cast switch on the lights.
  • Make a day of it by having lunch or an evening meal in one of Tewkesbury's eateries, pubs, coffee houses or restaurants between browsing the stalls.
  • Wrap up warmly, since the stalls, the stage and the lights switch-on all take place outdoors on the town's streets in late November.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there for children?

There are children's fairground rides on the streets, and Father Christmas is at the market.

What entertainment is on?

A stage has free entertainment from local musicians and dancers. You can also meet the cast of The Roses Theatre's pantomime, who switch on the Christmas lights at The Cross.

What food is there?

Street food stalls run through the market. Tewkesbury's eateries, pubs, coffee houses and restaurants are also open for lunch or an evening meal.

Where can I park?

Parking is free at the Spring Gardens, Oldbury Road, Station Road, The Vineyards and Rails Meadow car parks. The Abbey (Gander Lane) car park is not included.

How can I volunteer?

The organisers need extra hands. You can help set up, steward during the switch-on or help with logistics before the day. Send the team a message to offer.

Tags

Christmas marketholiday marketfamily friendlySanta visitsstreet foodtree lightingcommunity celebrationfree eventartisanal productslocal artisans

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team