Cheltenham Rocks

Countdown To Christmas

How is it nearly Christmas? There’s so much still left to do! Yet, while we’re all wondering where this year has gone, we’re focusing on fun things to come for now and forgetting about the to-do list. Let’s make a to-go list!

Make the most of the final days in the run up to Christmas with our What's On Countdown to Christmas guide, a festive family suggestion for every day from 15th December to Christmas Eve...

Saturday 15th December

Inflatable Fun Day, from 10am

This December, Mini Marines is hosting an open-to-all Christmas Inflatable fun day at Bentham Country Club! With 45 minute time slots between 10am - 2:45pm, and separate sessions for ages 5-8 and 9 - 12, it’s the perfect place for safe, bouncy fun without being boisterous! It’s £7.50 per session per child, with a big kids and adults only session at 3pm, so parents can have a go too! Find out more.


Sunday 16th December

Nick Cope’s Festive Concert, 2:30pm

Nick writes and perform songs for children and their families, performing all over the country at theatres and arts festivals. This year Nick’s fun, family friendly concert at St Andrew’s Church is guaranteed to have you all giggling in your seats, and he’s in town for one day only! Little and big kids alike are entertained by his music, with rave reviews proving it’s a show not to miss. Tickets £7, under 6 months free. Find out more.


Monday 17th December onwards

Kids Eat Free at Mr Mulligan's

For a limited time only, kids can eat free with any paying adult at Mr Mulligan's adventure golf course in the Brewery Cheltenham. This fantastic offer is available 7 days a week and in addition throughout the festive period, Mulligan's also has a special Christmas lucky dip running, with all golfers able to take a dip into Santa's sack post-game and grab a voucher and win a prize! Find out more.


Tuesday 18th December (+ other dates)

Sudeley Spectacle Of Light, from 5pm

Experience an evening of magic at Sudeley through this beautiful new illuminated trail. Follow the White Rabbit and discover some of the amazing characters from Alice in Wonderland. Marvel at the glorious Field of Poppies, Meteors, Moroccan Lanterns and much much more! We recommend sipping a festive warmer along the way, perhaps a mulled wine or hot chocolate! It’s all very Movies 24 - and we love it! A typical walk will take around an hour, although who won the race, the hare or the tortoise?! Tickets from £9.90 per child, selling out fast with most slots available today. Find out more.


Wednesday 19th December

Arthur Christmas, 4pm (film at 5pm).

The Bacon Theatre is hosting a special screening of Arthur Christmas! Arthur discovers Santa’s high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole and sees just how he’s able to deliver all of those presents! This funny, family friendly film has made our list for being everything we want in a Christmas film; comedic, exciting and safe for little ones to enjoy! What’s more, Father Christmas will be dropping by the fairy grotto before the film so bring your last minute requests! Tickets £7 which includes a treat from Santa! Find out more.


Thursday 20th December (+ other dates)

Hatter In Winterland, 7pm

Far away from the comfort of Wonderland, this December the Mad Hatter finds himself stranded in Winterland! Hysterical, silly and a little bit frightened, he must discover how he got there in order to find his way back home for the Christmas tea party! This brand new adaptation is brought to you by the creative team behind last year’s sell out success, Grandma Claus: Waiting for Santa. Tickets £7, available for today and throughout the week. Running from 15th December to 28th. We’ll see you down the rabbit hole! Find out more.


Friday 21st December (+ other dates)

Father Christmas at John Lewis & Partners, Cheltenham

Father Christmas will be at John Lewis Cheltenham over the last weekend before Christmas. Meet Father Christmas slots are 30 minutes and include a story, gift and a tasty treat. For more information and to book a slot click here


Saturday 22nd December

Carols In The Park, from 5pm

Central Cross Cafe in Pittville Park is hosting a festive sing-a-long by candlelight with mulled wine, faux snow and mince pies - oh my! Now in its 8th year, this family-friendly event is loved by children and adults alike, we love singing along with the singing groups leading the carols, while kids love the snow machines and festive lights! Starting at 5pm with carol singing from 6pm. Find out more.


Sunday 23rd December

KlubKidz Christmas Party, 2pm

* Tickets limited * KlubKidz Cheltenham returns with a cracker! This is a fancy dress, family Christmas party (bit of a rave circa 1990’s) is perfect for children ages 0 - 11 and their adult accomplices! Live DJ's will be bringing you a mix of Christmas tunes, old skool and club classics, leaving you to enjoy the decked out dance floor, with balloons, confetti, face painting, a giant parachute, glow sticks, arts and crafts, candy floss and club lights (no strobes)! Father Christmas will also be making an appearance, meeting and greeting party-goers with a bucket of sweets! From 2pm at Pittville Pump Rooms, children £5. Find out more.


Monday 24th December

Meet Father Christmas at Regent Arcade

Got a late entry for the Christmas list? Need to put in a last-minute plea for a nice-list transfer? Father Christmas will be rounding up his residency at the Regent Arcade on Christmas eve before heading off to eat a million mince pies and fill a few stockings. A handy opportunity for grown-up to pick up some extra bits in town whilst bribing the kids with a trip to see the Big Guy. Find out more


That’s all folks! If carols are more your thing, or you’re in the mood to catch a show, scroll through our festive entertainment guides on our home page HERE. Or, if you still haven’t got around to lap time with Santa, we’ve got a guide for where to catch him in the run up to Christmas HERE!

And don't forget you can browse all our listings any time by date, age, cost, distance and category. Start your search here.