The King's Head Inn - A Traditional Cotswolds Country Pub For Christmas
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Events

Cotswolds Christmas Markets 2026 | Christmas Events & A Winter Break

Posted on by The Kings Head Inn Team

Cotswolds Christmas markets in 2026 bring festive stalls, seasonal gifts and local celebrations to towns and villages across the region. From Christmas lights and historic houses to countryside walks and cosy village pubs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the festive season, whether you’re planning a day out or a winter break.

The quieter season is a perfect time to explore the Cotswolds, with charming villages, scenic landscapes and local attractions offering memorable experiences away from the summer crowds. Whether you are planning a festive day out, a romantic winter escape or a relaxing countryside break, the Cotswolds has something special to offer.

Located in the picturesque village of Bledington, The King’s Head Inn is ideally placed for exploring many of the area’s most popular winter events and attractions. After a day discovering the Cotswolds, return to enjoy seasonal dishes, local ales, carefully selected wines and a warm welcome in our traditional pub.

For details of our accommodation, visit HERE. To reserve a table in our restaurant, visit HERE.

We have created this guide to some of our favourite winter events and things to do in the Cotswolds, helping you plan a memorable visit throughout the festive season and beyond.

Explore Winter in the Cotswolds

Discover some of our favourite winter events and things to do in the Cotswolds, from Christmas markets and festive experiences to countryside walks and cosy seasonal breaks.

Christmas Markets & Festive Events 2026

Christmas markets and festive events take place throughout the Cotswolds from November into December, with larger events running over several weeks alongside individual village markets, late-night shopping evenings and Christmas celebrations.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market – Woodstock

13 November – 20 December 2026
Set within the grounds of one of England’s most famous palaces, the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market offers a wonderful festive experience with independent traders, seasonal food and Christmas atmosphere.

Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market – Moreton-in-Marsh

28 November 2026
Moreton-in-Marsh Christmas Market brings festive stalls, food, gifts and Christmas atmosphere to the historic market town, making it an easy winter day out from Bledington.

Broadway Christmas Market & Late Night Shopping – Broadway

27 November & 4 December 2026
Broadway’s late-night Christmas shopping evenings bring festive lights, late opening, seasonal entertainment and Christmas atmosphere to the village, with shops and businesses taking part in the celebrations.

Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas Events – Bourton-on-the-Water

27 November 2026
Bourton-on-the-Water’s Christmas celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, with carols, festive entertainment and shops staying open late. The famous Christmas tree in the River Windrush remains in place throughout the festive season.

Winchcombe Christmas Festival & Market – Winchcombe

3 December 2026
Winchcombe’s Christmas Festival and Market features more than 50 stalls, festive food, live music and Christmas entertainment. The Christmas Shopping Trail takes place the following day.

Cirencester Christmas Market – Cirencester

5 December 2026
A traditional Cotswolds Christmas market featuring local traders, festive food, gifts and seasonal entertainment in the historic market town.

Chipping Campden Christmas Market – Chipping Campden

5 December 2026
Chipping Campden’s Christmas Market brings festive stalls, food, gifts and Christmas activities to one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful historic towns.

Cheltenham Christmas Events – Cheltenham

Cheltenham offers a fantastic range of festive activities including Christmas markets, shopping, entertainment and seasonal events throughout the Christmas period.

Event dates can change, so check with the organiser before travelling.

Christmas Lights & Seasonal Experiences

Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail – Woodstock

Experience the magic of Christmas as the palace grounds are transformed with thousands of lights, music and spectacular seasonal displays.

Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas – Tetbury

A beautiful winter evening experience through one of Britain’s most famous arboretums, with impressive lighting displays and a magical atmosphere.

Sudeley Castle Christmas Events – Winchcombe

Enjoy festive decorations, seasonal activities and the unique atmosphere of this historic Cotswolds castle.

Cotswold Garden Centre Christmas Experiences

Many Cotswolds garden centres offer festive displays, Christmas shopping and seasonal activities for visitors of all ages.

Historic Houses & Christmas Experiences

Snowshill Manor Christmas Events – Broadway

Discover a historic Cotswolds property decorated for the festive season, offering a unique glimpse into Christmas traditions of the past.

Sezincote House Christmas Events – Moreton-in-Marsh

Visit this extraordinary country house near Moreton-in-Marsh and enjoy its unique architecture and seasonal events.

Berkeley Castle Christmas Events – Berkeley

Step back in time with festive activities and Christmas experiences at this historic Gloucestershire castle.

Dyrham Park Winter Events – Near Bath

Explore this beautiful historic estate during the quieter winter months with seasonal walks and countryside views.

Family Winter Days Out

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Specials – Toddington

A favourite Christmas experience for families, with festive steam train journeys and visits from Santa.

Cotswold Farm Park Christmas Events – Kineton

A family-friendly winter attraction with seasonal activities and countryside experiences.

Cotswold Wildlife Park – Burford

A wonderful year-round attraction and a great winter day out with fewer crowds and plenty to discover.

Cotswold Falconry Centre – Moreton-in-Marsh

Enjoy spectacular birds of prey displays and countryside experiences during the peaceful winter months.

Winter Walks & Countryside Adventures

Bledington & The Evenlode Valley Winter Walks

Explore beautiful local countryside directly from The King’s Head Inn, with scenic routes through the Cotswolds followed by a welcoming pub lunch or drink.

The Slaughters & Bourton-on-the-Water Winter Walks

Discover some of the most picturesque Cotswolds villages during the peaceful winter months, when the countryside takes on a different charm.

Broadway Tower Winter Walk

Enjoy stunning views across the Cotswolds with a refreshing countryside walk to one of the area’s most famous landmarks.

Cosy Cotswolds Breaks

A Winter Break at The King’s Head Inn, Bledington

After exploring Christmas markets, countryside walks and local attractions, return to The King’s Head Inn for seasonal food, local drinks and a comfortable overnight stay in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Whether you are planning a festive escape, a romantic winter break or a countryside getaway, The King’s Head Inn is the perfect base for discovering the Cotswolds during the winter months.

Plan Your Winter Break in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a wonderful place to visit during the winter months, with beautiful villages, festive events, scenic walks and welcoming pubs offering plenty to enjoy throughout the season.

After a day exploring Christmas markets, discovering local attractions or walking through the countryside, return to The King’s Head Inn in Bledington for great food, local drinks and a warm welcome.

Our traditional Cotswolds pub is the perfect base for a winter escape, whether you are planning a festive break, a romantic getaway or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds at a quieter time of year.

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Looking for more things to do at other times of the year? Explore our guide to Summer Events in the Cotswolds.

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Cotswolds Christmas Markets — FAQs

What is the best Christmas market in the Cotswolds?
Blenheim Palace hosts a popular Christmas market from 13 November to 20 December 2026. Other markets and festive events include Moreton-in-Marsh on 28 November, and Cirencester and Chipping Campden on 5 December. Broadway also has late-night shopping on 27 November and 4 December. Check event organisers for the latest details before travelling.
What is the most Christmassy town in the Cotswolds?
Broadway is one of the highlights of Christmas in the Cotswolds, with its beautiful village setting, festive lights and late-night Christmas shopping events. Bourton-on-the-Water is also a popular choice, with its Christmas tree in the River Windrush, while Cirencester offers a lively festive atmosphere and seasonal shopping.
Where are the best Christmas markets in the Cotswolds in 2026?
Christmas markets and events take place from November through December. Blenheim Palace’s market runs from 13 November to 20 December, while markets in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cirencester and Chipping Campden take place on selected dates in late November and December. Dates can change, so check with the organiser before setting off.
Which UK town has the best Christmas markets?
Britain’s most famous Christmas markets are usually found in cities such as Bath, Birmingham, York and Manchester. In the Cotswolds, the standout is Blenheim Palace, alongside the historic market towns of Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden — all a short drive from The King’s Head Inn in Bledington.
Do you need tickets for Cotswolds Christmas markets in 2026?
Many Christmas markets, especially those in town centres, are free to visit, so you can enjoy a wander around the stalls without buying a ticket. Larger attractions and special Christmas experiences may charge an entry fee or require advance booking. Blenheim Palace is one example, with its Christmas Market included as part of its ticketed Christmas experience. It’s always worth checking the event website before you travel.
How much do Cotswolds Christmas markets cost in 2026?
Prices vary from one Christmas market to another. Many town-centre markets are free to wander around, while bigger attractions such as Blenheim Palace require tickets. And even if entry is free, be prepared to spend a little on a hot chocolate, a warm pork roll or a festive treat or two! Check the organiser’s website for ticket prices and any other charges before you set off.
What are the opening times for Cotswolds Christmas markets in 2026?
Opening times vary from market to market, so it’s worth checking the details before you set off. If you’re visiting a popular market, try to arrive early. Parking can be harder to find on market days, as some town-centre car parks and parking spaces may be used for the stalls themselves. A little planning can save you time and leave you more time to enjoy the festive atmosphere.