Illustration of a woodcarver working at a Christmas market stall while shoppers watch in the snow (Winchcombe Christmas Festival)
Christmas Markets

Winchcombe Christmas Festival

Visitors can browse market stalls filled with gifts and festive food, alongside pop-up traders hosted inside independent local shops and venues. The town streets are lined with dozens of real Christmas trees, creating a lively backdrop for late-night shopping, carol singing, and live music. Entertainment also includes performances by Morris dancers, choirs, bands, and street entertainers.

Dec 3 – Dec 4, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Thursday: midday–8pm; Friday: 10am–4pm.

Food & Drink

Thursday’s market stalls offer festive food; no specific dishes or drinks are listed.

Parking

Back Lane car park, next to the Library, is a cheap all-day option a few minutes from the High Street. Abbey Terrace has free two-hour parking.

Accessibility

Disabled bays are in Back Lane, Bull Lane, Abbey Terrace and North Street. Blue Badge holders can park without time limit in all bays in council car parks.

Location

Winchcombe town centre · Winchcombe Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and festive shoppers

Vibe

Lively, festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Park in Back Lane car park next to the Library for all-day parking, then walk a few minutes along Cowl Lane to the High Street.
  • Come on Thursday for the outdoor market, carols and live music, because Friday swaps the stalls for pop-ups inside shops and venues.
  • Stay into Thursday evening for late-night shopping, with over 70 real Christmas trees lighting up the town centre.
  • Follow the festival's Facebook page for updates on stallholders, entertainment and announcements in the run-up to the event.
  • Take the bus from Cheltenham if you'd rather not drive, as Stagecoach and Pulhams run frequent daily services to Winchcombe.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: Friday becomes a Christmas Shopping Trail, with around 20 festive pop-ups in independent shops and venues replacing the outdoor market.

Links & Contact

Run by Winchcombe Tourism & Retail Association

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Thursday and the Friday?

Thursday is the traditional Christmas Market, with over 50 stalls, late-night shopping, carol singing and live music. Friday is a Christmas Shopping Trail instead, with around 20 festive pop-ups from local makers and traders inside shops and venues around town.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes, it's a festival for the whole family. Street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, bands and community groups all perform, and over 70 real Christmas trees light up the town.

Where should we park?

Back Lane car park, next to the Library, is cheap for the whole day and a few minutes' walk along Cowl Lane to the High Street. Abbey Terrace, near the High Street, has free two-hour parking, and Bull Lane off Chandos Street is short stay.

Can we get there without a car?

Yes. Stagecoach and Pulhams run frequent buses every day between Cheltenham and Winchcombe. The nearest train stations are Cheltenham Spa and Evesham.

Where are coaches dropped off?

Coaches park in Back Lane car park, next to the Library.

Browse Christmas in Cheltenham

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

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