Places to See Father Christmas in Cheltenham
"Holiday's are comin'!" Perhaps it's the long white beard, or snuggly red velvet suit, or simply because he gives out presents; whatever the reason - we can't get enough of Father Christmas! The evenings are drawing in and we're counting down the days until we see his presents under the tree; with all his gift-giving and time-travel, it's a miracle he's able to make it to town at all!
You can find some of Santa's pre-Christmas appearances below.
>> View all Christmas Events in Cheltenham here
Places to see Santa in and around Cheltenham
Winchcombe Christmas Festival
This wonderful event is widely recognised for being the best annual late-night Christmas shopping evening in the Cotswolds. Independent shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs will be throwing open their doors in a warm welcome to all for one night only, and all are welcome to come along and enjoy the festive feeling! As well as over 50 market stalls and child-friendly entertainment, Father Christmas will make a special appearance, guiding his brightly-lit sleigh through the town, before appearing with his Elves in his grotto at the Guide Hall, with all proceeds supporting local charities in Winchcombe.
When: Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November 2025
Where: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
Cost: Free to attend
Charlton Kings Christmas
This wonderful community led extravaganza will see Santa and his reindeer spreading merriment and cheer, as choirs tunefully perform festive carols around the tree. The Fayre, which is organised by the Parish Council, is a very popular local family event which involves a range of gift and food stalls and switching on of the Christmas lights. Last year's entertainment included the Coady Crew, a visit from Chase (Paw Patrol), early Christmas shopping opportunities at the Stanton Room and a chance to visit the grotto! This year, Olaf and Elsa will be greeting the crowds! Scarrotts Funfair will provide lots of fun with 2 Carousels, the Fun House and some game stalls to play too.
When: Friday 5th December 2025, 3pm - 6pm
Where: Church Piece, Charlton Kings
Cost: Free to attend
Batsford Arboretum
Set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Batsford Arboretum, children and families can come and meet Father Christmas, where they will meet him in groups of 6, where they can say hello, have a photo and receive a gift. The sessions will be 30minutes each. Why not grab a cosy hot chocolate or coffee after your visit.
When: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th or 21st December 2025
Where: Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 9AT
Cost: £10 per child. Only Children need a ticket.
Click here for more information
Personalised Santa's Grotto Experience
Around 40 minutes from Cheltenham, Santa's Grotto returns to the Three Countries Showground Winter Glow. offering an immersive adventure into a winter wonderland. Groups of up to eight can enjoy a personalised experience that includes a stories with Mrs Claus' plus the Elf Circus Training Academy.
This has sold out the last two years in a row, so grab your tickets before they're gone!
Cheltenham Round Table's Santa Sleigh
Dates announced! Santa will be visiting neighbourhoods around Cheltenham from 1st to 11th December this year.
Time: Santa will set off every day at 6pm!
Cost: Free to attend - donation kindly asked to raise for a good cause.
The whole family will be able to enjoy the usual refreshments including the railway’s famous and highly recommended mince pies; additionally adults also have the option of a free glass of mulled wine. If you are still feeling peckish our griddle will be on the platform at Winchcombe selling baps filled with bacon, burgers or sausages.
There will also be the opportunity to buy take-away beer and additional boxes of delicious mince pies to take back with you before re-joining the train for the trip back.
When: November 22nd - December 23rd 2025 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Cheltenham Racecourse Station to Winchcombe Station
Cost:
Adults: £28.50
Child: £28.50
Child under 12months: free
Click here for more information
Breakfast with Santa at The Redgrove Pub
Treat the kids to the most magical Christmas surprise and what could be more exciting than Breakfast with Santa?! Santa’s taking a break from his workshop again this year to enjoy a delicious breakfast with your little elves. Kids can enjoy a delicious breakfast, Fruit Shoot, chocolate treat, colouring in activities and a Santa goody bag at this festive family event for just £9.99* per child. Pick from the following dates, click the link to book and Santa will see you there!
When: Weekends up to Christmas eve
Where: The Redgrove Pub, Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham
Cost: £11.99 per child
Click here for more information
That's just the tip of the iceberg... you can browse all the Christmas Events in Cheltenham here
And don't forget, you can search Cheltenham Rocks by day anytime from our home page
Looking further afield?
Browse Christmas Events in Gloucester here
Cheltenham Rocks has on good authority (from the elves) where 'Santa Claus', 'Saint Nick', or 'Papa Crimbo' will be stopping for 'elfies' and deliveries in town this year. "He's making a list, he's checking it twice" and he's found out that Cheltenham children are on his nice list this year! So, if you still haven’t got your list of present requests in, now you can!
