Cirencester Christmas Markets – 30 November -1st December and 24th November, 15,17-19 and 22nd December 2024. Cirencester has a number of Christmas Markets each year in addition to its weekly Charter market. The Advent Market is the first Market on 30th November to 1st December and is designed to coincide with the switching on of the lights in the town on 30th November at 4pm. This is a vibrant and popular market with over 100 stalls offering delicious fayre throughout the market square overflowing into the surrounding pedestrian streets.

In addition the Gift Markets run in November and December, and throughout the December Markets the Christmas Lights are on, the large town tree is up and there is often live music and carols.

Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market- One day Saturday 23rd November – This festive market runs all day and culminates in the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights by Father Christmas at 5pm. This delightful town offers almost 80 stalls right in the centre and the children can visit Father Christmas in his Grotto in Redesdale Hall.

Chipping Campden Christmas Fayre Saturday 7th December 12pm-5pm – This is the quintessential Cotswold wool town, and at Christmas it is enchanting. The Christmas tree is lit at dusk on Christmas Market Day and Father Christmas pops into town surriunfed by children and stalls full of festive goodies for all.

Cheltenham Christmas Markets – Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th November and Thursday 12th to Saturday 22 December. There are two Christmas Markets on the Promenade his winter. The first is a Christmas Gift Market, especially offering gifts and decorations together with warming seasonal drinks and street food. The traditional Arts & Crafts Christmas Market with artisan craftwork operates in mid- December with local artists showcasing their jewellery, prints and glassware.

Stroud Christmas Markets Wednesday 18th December to Friday 20th December – Stroud initiates its Christmas Festivities with a Goodwill Evening and Christmas Market on 6th December. Followed by a traditional gift Market on Cornhill Market Placecloser to Christmas. It’s popular and renown Farmer’s Market has a special Christmas event on 21st December with all the delicious foods for a festive table.

Carol Services in the Cotswolds – The Cotswolds, as the beneficiary of the medieval wool trade, have a stunning selection of cathedrals and churches, many of which hold exceptional carol services and concerts at Christmas time. Gloucester Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey hold Advent Services and Crib services in the days leading up to Christmas starting on 1st December. https://www.exploregloucestershire.co.uk/Christmas-carols-and-concerts-in-gloucestershire/And

Cirencester Parish Church of St John The Baptist in the Market Place is a hugely active and vibrant part of the town community, led by The Rev Graham Morris. Advent starts with a Toy Service at 10.00am on 1st December followed by an Advent Carol Service at 6pm the same day. The main carol service is on 15th December at 6pm, followed by the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols at 6pm on 22nd December, a Town Crier Singalong at 3pm on 23rd December and countless services through Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. https://cirenparish.co.uk/worship-and-services/seasonal-services/christmas-services/

Image credit - Geograph

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