Christmas is fast approaching so there is a limited amount of time left to get in all the festive activities with our family and friends. Christmas markets, in particular, are one of the favourite things people love about the holiday season and celebrates the local makers, bakers and entertainers of the local community.
The Bristol Christmas Market is a staple of the season, but whilst you have the time, it is worth expanding your horizons to ‘the garden town of England’. Located an hour away by car from Bristol city centre lies the wonderful spa town of Cheltenham.
The town in Gloucestershire has plenty to see and do throughout the festive period, including their Christmas Arts & Crafts Market along The Promenade. This market is actually the second Christmas market to be held in Cheltenham after their Gift Market was held during November.
Running until Sunday, December 22, the market features more than 30 stalls – so there is plenty for the whole family to look at as well as plenty of drinks for the adults too. The market is open 10am to 5pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
The arts and crafts of the market is why many people venture into the quiet town in the first place. Local producers, artisans and craftspeople fill the stalls with jewellery, glasswork and custom paintings.
When you’re done exploring the market, located just a five minute walk away is the Cheltenham Ice Rink at Imperial Gardens. Residing until January 5, the famous ice rink is a guaranteed fun time for the family.
Each session lasts an hour so plenty of time to get your skates on and imagine you’re competing at the Olympics with your family, or dream of that rom-com magic that is associated with the movies at this time of year. The ice rink is perfect for all abilities, and have marshals on hand if and when you do fall over.
One recent reviewer wrote: “Really enjoyed our skate, the rink wasn’t too busy and their were plenty of aids for the younger skaters. We also loved the new lights this year, would definitely recommend :)!”
And another one said: “Nice big rink and not at all crowded when we went in the evening. Lovely mulled wine after too. Nice break from Christmas shopping!”
This article was first published in December 2023 and was updated for December 2024.