Places to See Father Christmas in Cheltenham
By Cheltenham Rocks · Published · Updated Published · Updated
"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.
Places to see Santa in and around Cheltenham - updated for 2026
Cheltenham Round Table's Santa Sleigh
Santa will be visiting neighbourhoods around Cheltenham from 30th November to the 1st to10th 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.
Winchcombe Christmas Festival
Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December
Although it's running over two days, Thursday 3rd December is the one if you're hoping for an audience with the main man....
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.
Free Santa visits in Tewkesbury
A short sleigh ride up the M5 (or on the Stagecoach 41 or 42 bus if you can't find your reindeer) Cotswolds Designer Outlet have a Santa's Grotto where slots are free to book on a first-come first-served basis. Find out more on Tewkesbury Rocks
Charlton Kings Christmas Fayre
Friday 4th December
Santa's back in Charlton Kings at their fabulous Christmas Fayre and Light Switch on.
He'll be in Stanton Hall from 3-6pm and grotto tickets go live on Thursday, 19 November 2026 - be quick as they sell out quickly. The link to book will be on the Charlton Kings Parish council website
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 receive a special gift.
This has sold out the last two years in a row, so grab your tickets before they're gone!
Choose from two options below.
The GWSR Santa Specials
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.
Cost:
Adults: £28.50
Child: £28.50
Child under 12months: free
Click here for more information
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.
Where: Church Piece, Charlton Kings
Cost: Free to attend
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!
