If there’s one thing the Cotswolds does better than anywhere else in England, it’s Christmas. The picturesque villages – already famous for their honey-coloured stone and historic charm – simply glow when dusted with frost and twinkling lights.
Our Christmas in the Cotswolds Tour is designed to immerse you in this festive magic, but because the best Christmas events happen on different dates, the itinerary adjusts to ensure you catch a magnificent market.
This year, we’re featuring two wonderful, yet very different, festive events on our tour: the bustling community spirit of Chipping Campden and the large, classic market of Cirencester.
So, which market is the perfect festive destination for your day trip? Read on to choose your perfect tour date!
🎄 Team Chipping Campden: The Fairytale of the North Cotswolds
Choose our Chipping Campden tour date on December 6th if you crave quintessential Cotswolds charm, spectacular lights, and an intimate, community-focused festive experience.
The Vibe: Elegant, Twinkling, and Timeless
Chipping Campden is famous for having one of the most beautiful High Streets in England, and this is never more true than at Christmas. Instead of large vendor tents, the festive action centers around the elegant, medieval Market Hall.
The Lights: Chipping Campden is known for having some of the most impressive Christmas lights in the area. The entire main street is draped in stunning displays, turning the golden wool-stone buildings into a glittering spectacle.
The Shopping: Expect high-quality, artisan crafts, local produce, and unique gifts, often sold from quaint pop-up stalls or the town’s permanent independent shops.
Best For: Photographers, romantics, and those who want to feel completely immersed in a historical Christmas scene.
⭐ See Chipping Campden on: Saturday, December 6th.
🎁 Team Cirencester: The Capital’s Big Christmas Event
Choose a Cirencester tour date (November 23rd, 29th and 30th, and December 14th and 21st) if you love the full-scale atmosphere of a major Christmas market, with plenty of festive food, drink, and a wide variety of shopping options.
The Vibe: Bustling, Grand, and Full of Cheer
As the largest town in the Cotswolds (often called “The Capital of the Cotswolds”), Cirencester hosts a significant festive event right in its historic market place, overlooked by the impressive St. John the Baptist Church.
The Shopping: Cirencester hosts a large Christmas Market or Gift Market, with traditional stalls filling the town centre. You’ll find everything from festive food and drinks to handcrafted gifts and seasonal decorations – perfect for checking everyone off your shopping list.
The Energy: The large square creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, complete with music and the smell of mulled wine and German sausage!
Best For: Dedicated shoppers, foodies, and those who enjoy a lively, celebratory market environment.
See Cirencester on: Saturday, November 23rd, Saturday, November 29th, Sunday, November 30th, Sunday, December 14th, and Sunday, December 21st.
The Essential Stops You’ll See on Every Tour
Regardless of which market date you choose, all our Christmas in the Cotswolds Tours include stops at the other essential, beautifully festive villages:
Bourton-on-the-Water: Famous for the River Windrush flowing right through its centre and the iconic Christmas tree placed right in the water – a picture-perfect festive sight.
Bibury: Often called “the prettiest village in England,” Bibury’s stunning Arlington Row cottages look even more magical under a December sky.
Book Your Festive Escape!
Forget the stress of driving and winter navigation. Our guided tour takes you directly from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh into the very heart of the Cotswolds’ Christmas celebrations.
Whether you choose the twinkling elegance of Chipping Campden or the grand scale of the Cirencester market, you are guaranteed a perfect festive day out!
Ready to check the dates and book your preferred market experience? See all available dates and book your Christmas in the Cotswolds tour here!
