About
Winchcombe's Christmas Festival marks the start of the town's Christmas season — a weekend of late-night shopping, an outdoor Christmas market, mulled wine and carol singing along the medieval High Street. Held on the first weekend of December each year; the pattern is Friday evening switch-on and Saturday all-day market. 2026 dates to be confirmed by the town council closer to the event; the first weekend of December 2026 falls Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December.
Local shops stay open until 8pm on the Friday and set out fire pits and hot drinks in front of their windows. Winchcombe's indie bookshop, art gallery and delis dominate the town's independent offer, and pubs run winter menus alongside the festival.
In Winchcombe
An ancient royal capital tucked beneath the escarpment, with Sudeley Castle on its edge and eight long-distance footpaths meeting in its centre.
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