November

Dates for your diary

The Cotswolds is gearing up for Christmas, and November delivers – head out to festive markets, meet reindeers….Santa…discover magical illuminated gardens; indulge in a little seasonal pampering, and of course beeline for cosy fireside fixtures – here’s what’s going in our diary this month.

On the 6 November head to the Shipston Sports and Social Club Fireworks – for wholesome family fun – a bonfire, live music, food stalls, and three licensed bars. Doors open at 5pm, fireworks at 7pm – tickets from £3, under 5s go free. Do book ahead though as attendance is capped and entry on the door is not guaranteed. Find a similar set up over at Stow-on-the-wold; the annual community bonfire night takes place at the cricket field. A great firework display, a bonfire, infamous pig roast, a bar and a few children’s rides. Gates open at 6pm. Please note that dogs are not allowed to either of these events.

The Christmas Cotswold Fair returns to Todenham Manor Farm, near Moreton-in-Marsh, from 9–12 November.  Over 200 stalls showcasing independent brands, fashion, interiors, gifts, cookery demonstrations and workshops — plus a VIP lounge if you fancy making an occasion of it. Get ahead with stylish and thoughtful Christmas gifting! All profits from the event support WellChild; the Fair has raised over £1.5 million for the charity over the markets 40-year tenure. Tickets from £21, available here.

Todenham Manor Farm is also the location for highly anticipated hair salon HUE– focusing on natural, beautiful (showstopping) hair. Hue will open its doors in December. Follow now for all exciting updates and to get your appointment booked in.

While on the topic of beauty and pampering, Jo of Perfectly Polished has opened the doors to exciting new concept, Eight Middle Row, Chipping Norton. Your new one-stop shop for skin, hair, nails and some very well-deserved TLC. Perfectly timed for the festive season, there’s also an intimate programme of events, including wreath-making at the beginning of December. Spaces are limited, give them a follow so you don’t miss out.

For festive magic without the big-city crowds, head to Tewkesbury on Sunday 22 November for its Christmas Market and Lights Switch-On. Expect more than 70 stalls, handmade gifts, street food, fairground rides and free live entertainment, culminating in the big light switch-on at 5pm. Running from midday to 6pm, with free entry, it’s the perfect excuse to explore this historic town before settling into a cosy pub.

Painswick Rococo Garden’s Enchanted Garden by Night opens on 27 November, transforming its historic grounds into a glowing wonderland on selected evenings running up to 2 January 2027. Think twinkling woodland paths, illuminated follies, a miniature village and a river of light. Intimate, atmospheric and rather romantic — just the ticket for a winter date night. Allow around two hours, with seasonal refreshments to warm you up afterwards. Dogs on leads are welcome. Tickets and dates here.

Can’t wait until the end of the month? Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton, gets the magic going with their Illuminated Evenings running up until 15 November. Expect glowing fairytale scenes, a tunnel of light and the new Journey to Alice’s Wonderland. A lovely family outing. Check dates and book here.

For a country-house Christmas, put Dyrham Park on your list from 20 November. Just outside Bath, this handsome historic estate dresses for the season with sparkling trees, festive decorations, oversized bows and a giant wreath. Add a seasonal poetry trail, a browse around the gift shop and something warming in the café, and you have all the ingredients for a rather lovely winter’s day out. Festive displays continue into January. Visitor details here.

Reindeer, anyone? The Cotswold Reindeer Herd in Ampney Crucis opens from 21 November. Meet the real-life reindeer, wander through the Christmas-tree forest and stop by the festive café for seasonal treats. Selected dates also feature Santa’s grotto, making this an especially magical outing for little ones. November dates are 21–22 and 28–29, with grotto availability varying. Do book ahead to avoid disappointment here.

Christmas on the Farm returns to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park from 27 November.  Father Christmas, gingerbread decorating, teddy-bear making, marshmallow toasting and plenty of farmyard friends. Festive food and warming drinks complete the picture. The first dates run from 27–29 November, with further weekends in December. Santa slots are best booked early. Plan your visit here.

For independent shopping with a little Cotswold character, head to Chipping Campden on 14–15 November for Campden Market at the Town Hall. Open 10am–5pm, it’s a chance to browse an ever-changing mix of stalls before mooching along the High Street and settling in for a leisurely lunch. A lovely alternative to the high street hustle, with plenty of charm thrown in. Check the latest details here.

And make a note of the day that Santa will be popping into Chipping Campden (usually on tractor- on Saturday 5 December) at the Christmas market and light switch-on.

Ready to hit the ice? Gateway Ice Rink opens for the festive season on 19 November, with sessions running into January. Whether you’re a confident skater or need a trusty aid, expect seasonal music, Christmas sparkle and 45-minute sessions. Perfect for a festive get-together. Check sessions and tickets here.

And when the diary is full and the Christmas lists are getting longer? Take a breath. Book a candlelit dinner, pull on your walking boots for a frosty countryside ramble, or find a fireside chair for a well-deserved glass of wine.  November in the Cotswolds is all about embracing the season — with a little sparkle and a sprinkling of indulgence.