In What's On

December is near, and wow, that year has gone quick! It's time to put up the decs, play the music, and get into the Christmas Spirit! And good news, we have plenty going on in the city this month to help you out!


Glosty's Christmas Trail

Until 5 January

Glosty's Christmas Trail launched 16 November with the Christmas Lantern Parade and Christmas Light Switch-on, and is running until 5 January 2025. After a few years visiting his Great Uncle Frosty and cousins in snowier climes, Glosty the Snowman has returned to Gloucester, and he has been visiting various places in the city. Can you help us find where he has been? Collect your trail map from the Museum of Gloucester and start looking for Glosty! You will need to visit the places shown on the map, collect a sticker and pop it in its space. If you collect at least 14 stickers and take your Trail Map back to the Museum of Gloucester, you will win a special Christmas Gift! Once you have collected the stickers, you can enter the Grand Prize Draw to win a Gloucester Gift Card!


Gloucester Quays Christmas Markets

Until 15 December

The Christmas Markets returned this year with a fabulous range of festive gifts, locally produced foodie products, delicious street food and pop-up bars! Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 120 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region for you to experience and enjoy. There are only a few weekends left so don't miss out!


Gloucester Quays Outdoor Ice Rink

Until 5 January

Wrap up warm and make a date to join family and friends at the amazing Outdoor Ice Rink, making magical memories on a family day out with the kids, at Gloucester Quays. Their Outdoor Ice Rink is the perfect setting to host your winter event, work get-together or group party!


RPS International Photography Exhibition (IPE)165

Until 2 March

Step into the captivating display at the Museum of Gloucester and immerse yourself in the powerful narratives conveyed through the art of photography. Explore an array of thought-provoking themes of representation and belonging. Don't miss the chance to explore the incredible diversity and captivating power of visual storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned photography enthusiast or just seeking a captivating experience, this promises to be an extraordinary journey for everyone.


Cathedral Christmas at Night Experience

6 - 21 December

Experience the festive charm of Gloucester Cathedral after dark at these special evening events. Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends, with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate from The Monk's Kitchen, which will be open throughout the evening.


Cookies & Cupcakes - Christmas Creations

7 - 8 December

Join the Museum of Gloucester this December for a festive cake and cookie decorating workshop! Get creative with Christmas-themed decorations and learn fun techniques to decorate your own cakes and cookies. Best of all, you can take your delicious creations home!


Father Christmas at Llanthony

7 December

Head down to Llanthony Secunda Priory for a magical encounter with Father Christmas! The priory will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer and excitement. This enchanting event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you explore the historic priory grounds, beautifully adorned with twinkling lights and decorations.


FUNtastic Christmas Fair

Get ready for a holly jolly day out at the Christmas FUNtastic Fair! Head down to St Mary de Crypt to kick off the holiday season with festive cheer, hosted by Love Viva Cakes and Crafts! Support local artisans, enjoy great food, and experience the joy of Christmas in Gloucester. Don't miss this chance to make magical memories with your loved ones and bring home treasures from the local makers.


Local Makers Market

7 December

Get some really special Christmas presents this year at The Folk of Gloucester's free showcase of local artists and craftspeople, featuring textiles, cards, jewellery and much more. Support small local businesses while buying your loved ones a unique gift you couldn't find in the shops!


Stories With Santa

7 - 21 December

Santa is back in the Gloucester Docks this year for the well-loved Stories with Santa experience at the National Waterways Museum. During December, Santa will provide a 30 minute experience for little ones and their carers in a group session with other families. Listen to Santa tell a Christmas story and then come and collect a present from the man himself!


Mind Body Spirit Christmas Show

7 December

Discover the Magic of the Gloucester Mind Body Spirit Christmas Show at Gloucester Guildhall. The Gloucester Mind Body Spirit Christmas Show is a must-visit event this holiday season, offering a unique blend of festive cheer and holistic well-being. The show features a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing products that promote physical, mental, and spiritual health. From handcrafted jewellery and organic skincare to essential oils and wellness products, you'll find perfect gifts for loved ones and maybe even a treat for yourself.


The Snowman with the Enchanted Cinema

8 December

Experience Christmas classic The Snowman at Gloucester Guildhall like never before, by recreating the score for yourselves with your littles ones! This fun and interactive event gives you the opportunity to join a lively pop-up orchestra workshop, which begins with a vocal warm up to the unforgettable classic Walking in the Air. From here you’ll bring the story to life by helping the workshop leader/musician to create sound FX for different images in the film such as an owl, a music box, a toothbrush and walking through snow.


Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones - Wesselbobs

9 December

Hailing from West Yorkshire, Bryony & Alice are long-time purveyors of English folk music, united by a fascination with local folk song and tune collections. As an accomplished and powerful new duo, they took the folk scene by storm with their signature sound of fiddle, harmonium, tenor guitar, body percussion, beautifully matched vocals, and intricate harmonies in their trademark regional accents. Combining their respect and understanding of tradition with their own contemporary style of performance, they present a unique repertoire of harmony, heritage, and Northern banter. They will be performing at the Folk of Gloucester! 


Kid Carpet: Noisy Nativity

10 - 23 December

Kid Carpet is putting on the local Christmas Nativity show, but no one has turned up to audition. Aye Carumba! A ridiculous Christmas journey of silliness and mischief for the whole family at Gloucester Guildhall. Will the Christmas story ever be the same again and more importantly, where can we get 6 million silk tinsel headbands? Will there be room in the Travelodge? And why is there a Golden Eagle in the dressing room?


Christmas Ghost Stories with Nick Brunger

14 December

Tis the season to be . . . super scary! Dr Nicolas Grimoire returns to The Folk of Gloucester with a selection of ghost stories to chill the blood just in time for Christmas. Be prepared for Festive Phantoms, Snowbound Spooks and Ghastly Ghouls in a specially curated collection of his favourite classic tales.


St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral

14 December

Discover the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas himself. Each child will receive an age appropriate book gift. Families will also have the chance to take part in Christmas crafts and a scratch Nativity. No booking required, free of charge.


Santa Fun Run

14 December

The Santa Fun Run is back in the city on the 14 December! Put on your festive fancy dress and run, walk, stroll or jog a 1 or 5 kilometre course around the city centre! Let's fill Kings Square with Santas!


Wreath Making Workshop

14 December

Create your own holiday magic at their wreath-making workshop! Join the Museum of Gloucester for an afternoon of festive fun as you craft a stunning, custom wreath from scratch. With plenty of fresh greens, ribbons, and seasonal touches to choose from, you'll design a one-of-a-kind wreath perfect for your front door—or as a special, handmade gift!


The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

17 December

Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring festive charm to Peter Wright’s beloved Royal Ballet production, as fairytale magic comes together with spectacular dancing in this unforgettable classic ballet. Filmed live in December 2023 and showing at Gloucester Guildhall this December!


Blackfriars Ghost Hunt

19 December

Go and join Becki from Ghosts & Giggles, & her team for a night of seeking the ghostly monks of Blackfriars Priory. Situated in the heart of Gloucester, this once magnificent priory has many secrets to tell. Founded in 1239 on a site that had once been part of a Norman castle. The Black Friars were of the Dominican order founded in 1217 by St Dominic to fight the twin evils of 'heresy and doubt'.


Breakfast with Santa

21 - 22 December

Santa is on his way to the Holiday Inn Gloucester - Cheltenham! Gather your loved ones and join them for a magical morning filled with a delicious breakfast selection of continental and full English, a visit and gift from Santa at your table, story time at 11am, and the opportunity to capture the special moment with a photo!


Festive Wrap & Crafts Workshop

21 December

Get into the festive spirit with a creative Christmas crafting session at the Museum of Gloucester! Design your own unique wrapping paper and gift tags using natural materials. They'll be making custom stamps for block printing, including fun potato stamps, to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper and gift tags to take home!


For a full list of what's on click here!

Make sure to tag us in any photos using #visitgloucester 📸

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