Christmas really is the most magical time of the year in The Cotswolds. Our already beautiful villages, towns and cities turn on their sparkly lights, amazing local Christmas shopping events flood the streets and people are in the highest spirits. We love this time of year! Tis the season to be jolly after all...
As a group of friends we always pick somewhere special to celebrate Christmas together. This year we're going to The Bell in Sapperton (see our past blog post about this fab Cotswolds pub here) and we can not wait! We have our own room which is great because we tend to make a lot of noise when we're all together. We'll be enjoying lots of bubbles, some yummy food and swop our secret santa presents. The Bell's Christmas menu looks oh so delicious!
Last years festive fun at The Falcon Inn for our Christmas meal.
As December is literally just around the corner (where did this year go?) we thought we would share just a few of the Christmas events we'll be hoping to visit.
Christmas at Cotswold Farm Park looks like the most festive event for the whole family to enjoy this Christmas. Adam and his team are inviting you for a shopping event where Adam himself will be signing books, their will be lots of local food stalls, discounts when shopping and free mulled wine on arrival. And it's free admission!
Cheltenham for us is our closest town and we both used to live there so we both head to Cheltenham for our Christmas shopping. Cheltenham has the perfect mix of high street favourites and unique independent shops so you'll easily find something for everyone. After a long day of shopping, it's the perfect treat to pop to the German Christmas market for a hot glass of a mulled wine or a delicious hot chocolate with a mooch down the promenade. Nothing makes you feel more festive! We'd love to visit Bath's Christmas Market too this year, the same traditional wooden chalets on a bigger scale. Great for gift shopping & getting into the Christmas spirit.
We already spent an early festive evening at Burford Garden Company last week. Which has become a Christmas tradition for us. This year, they have a second night of foodie stalls, carols, mulled wine and some serious shopping. Expect delicious artisan delights in the food hall, wreath making and the largest selection of Christmas decorations in The Cotswolds.
As you all know, Chipping Campden has a very special place in our hearts. It's the most beautiful town & of course, at Christmas, it is made even more beautiful. This year at their Enchanted Christmas event you'll find lots of festive food stalls, the Christmas lights will be turned on and you'll enjoy live performances from local choir talents. You could easily get all your Christmas shopping done in one night in Chipping Campden.
We both get our Christmas trees from Batsford Arboretum - where else? They have an amazing range at the Garden Centre and sell outside Tesco in Stow-on-the-Wold from December 12th. The quality of the tress are always amazing and great value for money. Batsford have a whole host of festive weekend planned this December. Santa is coming to visit on December 20th & 21st. A lovely day out for the whole family. Batsford is also open Boxing day for a beautiful stroll around the Arboretum!
Batsford Arboretum's Santa's Grotto.
The Shopping
Some of our favourite towns have some fab late night shopping events on too this Christmas. We think it's so important to shop local and support the fantastic shops we're lucky enough to have in The Cotswolds.
Broadway has late night shopping on Friday 5th December. With so many fantastic shops like Cotswold Trading and Sue Parkinson's, it's so easy and relaxed to shop local this Christmas. Make sure you pop to Prego after a night of shopping for a delicious Italian feast. See our Prego blog post here.
Orchard Layne in Chipping Campden is a favourite of ours, so much choice, great for stocking fillers and unique pieces for the home. Make sure you pay them a visit if you head to Campden's Enchanted Christmas event.
In Cheltenham, if you're stuck for gift ideas for a ladies with fabulous fashion taste. Head straight to Olive. We absolutely love everything from this stylish shop. Or for both ladies and gents, pamper vouchers from the fabulous Earl's & Co always go down well.
Not forgetting your home grown ingredients to make a delicious Christmas lunch this year. There are SO many gorgeous place in The Cotswolds with a passion for good food, we're so lucky. We love The Cotswolds Food Store outside Longbrough for an amazing range of meat and veg, and The Cotswold Cheese Company for cheese (obviously!) who are based in Moreton, Burford and have a new shop in Stow now too. What is Christmas without good cheese? We're also loving Gibson's Organic Liqueurs after finally meeting them at Burford Garden Company a few weeks ago. They are so yummy, organic and locally made. Perfect for festive cocktails, drizzled on desserts or just to sip and enjoy.
We could keep going here! There is just so much choice in The Cotswolds so no excuses not to #ShopLocal.
Have a very jolly December everyone!
Millie and Meg x
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