Cheltenham Round Table Santa Sleigh 2026: dates and routes announced

Time to wipe the sticky fingerprints off the front window (or don't, Santa's seen worse). Cheltenham Round Table has announced the dates and routes for its 2026 Santa Sleigh, and Father Christmas will be back out on the streets of Cheltenham from Monday 30 November.

Over eight evenings, Santa and his helpers will be touring neighbourhoods from Up Hatherley to Charlton Kings, spreading a bit of festive cheer, waving at small faces pressed against the glass and collecting donations for local good causes.

At a glance

• What: Cheltenham Round Table Santa Sleigh 2026

• When: Monday 30 November to Thursday 10 December 2026 (selected evenings, Monday to Thursday only)

• Where: Various neighbourhoods across Cheltenham, plus one evening in Matson, Gloucester

• Times: 6 - 8pm although times can vary for a number of reasons.

• Cost: Free to watch. Donations welcome for local good causes

Santa Sleigh 2026 dates and routes

• Monday 30 November: Up Hatherley (Morrisons)

• Tuesday 1 December: Tennis Club, Old Bath Road, Charlton Park and Naunton

• Wednesday 2 December: Old Pats Club, Everest Road, Charlton Kings

• Thursday 3 December: Matson (Gloucester)

• Monday 7 December: The Hatherley (Up Hatherley)

• Tuesday 8 December: National Hunt, Benhall

• Wednesday 9 December: Leckhampton

• Thursday 10 December: Springbank and Hesters Way

There are no weekend runs this year, so it's a school-night Santa. Have the pyjamas on and the coats by the door.

What time does the sleigh set off?

The sleigh sets off at 6pm and finishes around 8pm. We'll update our event page with route details nearer the time.

How to donate

Santa's helpers will be collecting both cash and contactless donations as the sleigh passes. Every donation goes towards local good causes supported by Cheltenham Round Table.

Keep an eye out for route updates

Routes can change depending on traffic, weather and volunteer availability. Before you head out, check Cheltenham Round Table's Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates on where Santa is heading.

Tips for catching Santa

• Get shoes on early. The moment someone shouts "He's here!", nobody will be able to find a second welly.

• Grab some change. Each year Santa and his helpers raise lots of money for local causes thanks to the generosity of the Cheltenham community.

• Check socials before you head out. Especially on wet or windy nights, when plans are most likely to shift.

More Christmas in Cheltenham? Go on then...

Browse Cheltenham Rocks for Christmas markets, carol concerts, light trails and more, or see our guide to more places to see Father Christmas in and around Cheltenham.