Things to do in the Cotswolds in December

Our guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds this month

EXHIBITION
The Contemporary Landscape
An exhibition of paintings by some of the foremost artists working in the genre today. Lyrical observation and dazzling innovation await in a selection that draws upon a broad
range of approaches to the subject.
until December 11, Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1SW, paragongallery.co.uk

In Glad Surprise, by Melanie Cormack-Hicks, 60x60cm (Image: Melanie Cormack-Hicks)

EXHIBITION
Merry Illuminations
Inspired originally and specifically by the richness and vibrancy of Medieval art, Alison Merry's unique painting style puts a medieval ‘spin’ on her subjects, including angels and shepherds, cats, castles and churches, legendary landscapes and characters from folklore.
until Sunday, December 19, Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AF, museuminthepark.org.uk

SELLING EXHIBITION
A Crafted Christmas
Bringing together the very best pieces by craftspeople, makers and designers; the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts, each with a story behind them, years of skill invested in them and creativity at their heart.
until December 24, New Brewery Arts, Cirencester, GL7 1JH, newbreweryarts.org.uk

Believe at Westgate Oxford (Image: westgateoxford.co.uk)

FESTIVE FUN
Believe
Meet Norbert the enchanted reindeer at Oxford's fun family grotto.
until December 24, Westgate Oxford, westgateoxford.co.uk

Meet Norbert the enchanted reindeer at Oxford's fun family grotto (Image: westgateoxford.co.uk)

EXHIBITION
Table Manners
A buying exhibition of all manner of tables – dining, console, desk, coffee and lamp – ranging from the classical to the contemporary and the functional and quirky. All tables have been selected for their excellence in design whilst demonstrating the skills of the maker and their respect for the sustainability of the woods and materials used.
until March 31, 2022, Derwent House, Witney, OX29 5BY, derwenthouseliving.co.uk

ART INSTALLATION
Scintillating Birch Forest
This meditative and thought-invoking illumination has been created by Stroud-based artist Jack Wimperis as part of Gloucester's Bright Nights light festival.
until July 2022, Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, GL1 1NS, gloucesterguildhall.co.uk

Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park (Image: cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk)

FESTIVE LIGHT TRAIL
Enchanted Light Trail
Feed the animals their last snacks for the night before setting out on an illuminated evening stroll through the paddocks.
November 27-December 31 (selected dates), Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, GL54 5FL, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

FESTIVE FUN
Stroud Goodwill Evening
A festive experience right in the centre of famously creative Stroud, featuring Christmas market, mulled wine, mince pies and more.
Friday, December 3, 5pm, Stroud Subscription Rooms and across the town, thesubrooms.co.uk

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Celebration of Christmas
Cotswold Dogs & Cats Home's annual event, hosted by actress Lisa Maxwell and accompanied by friends from stage and screen. Mulled wine and mince pies, raffle and more! Adult tickets are £10 each; children tickets are FREE. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
Saturday, December 4, 5pm, St Mary's Church, Painswick, cotswoldsdogsandcatshome.org.uk

Three Divers at Sunset (Image: Dan Parry Jones)

SELLING EXHIBITION
Show of Hands
The launch show of a new collective of artists and makers, including Clare Bonnet, Heidi Hockenjos, Alex Merry, Lorraine Robbins, Dan Parry Jones and Emma Studd. Work is available to buy and is an opportunity for high-end, high quality gift buying in the lead up to Christmas.
December 4-23, SVA Gallery, John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA, sva.org.uk

Loopy Ewes will be exhibiting at the Show of Hands exhibition, SVA Gallery, Stroud (Image: Loopy Ewes)

CHORAL MUSIC
Monteverdi Mass
Monteverdi’s four part mass will be sung by Cantabile at a service of Holy Communion. Tickets are free but book by calling 01451 860222 as numbers are limited.
Sunday, December 5, 6pm, Turkdean Parish Church, cantores.net

FESTIVE SHOPPING
Christmas Market
A festive market in the Barn, selling a wide range of hand-crafted gifts and festive items.
Sunday, December 5, Old Farmyard, Avebury, tel: 01672 538036, nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury

Bath Abbey at Christmas (Image: Bath BID)

CLASSICAL MUSIC
Symphony of Sorrowful Songs with Paraorchestra
Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is an astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence. Performed by Paraorchestra, with acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari.
Wednesday, December 8, 7.30pm, Bath Abbey, bathfestivals.org.uk

ONLINE TALK
Mistletoe, Wrens and Mumming
Ever wondered where our Christmas traditions come from? Or how people celebrated Christmas in the past? Join Gloucestershire folklorist Kirsty Hartsiotis in a hunt for Britain's quirkiest Christmas traditions.
Thursday, December 9, 7pm, bit.ly/2XXIAMr

CHRISTMAS
Christmas Tree Festival
Charlbury's popular Christmas Tree Festival returns, with special events running in the Church over the first weekend. The decorated trees will remain lit up each day until just after Christmas.
December 9-27, St Mary's Church, Charlbury. More information from hilli.waller@gmail.com

CAROL CONCERT
CPRE Gloucestershire Carols
An evening of Christmas carols, readings, poems, and the amazing Cadenza Choir, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £10 (£5 for under 17s).
Tuesday, December 14, 6pm, Highnam Holy Innocents Church, GL2 8DG, bit.ly/3bxh9wh

Stroud Wassail procession (Image: Vintage Mary)

LOCAL CUSTOMS
The Wassail Tradition
Stroud Wassailer Robin Burton takes us through the tradition of Wassail, practised in England since Anglo Saxon times and common practice in the South West till the early 20th century. £9.
Wednesday, December 15, 7pm, Rausing Building, Athelstan Museum, Malmesbury, SN16 9BZ, tel: 01666 829258, athelstanmuseum.org.uk

PANTOMIME
Aladdin
Expect all the usual panto ingredients – laugh-out loud comedy, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos & hisses – as you follow Aladdin, Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey on their spectacular adventure.
December 15-22, Sundial Theatre, Cirencester, GL7 1XA, tel: 0333 666 3366, sundial-theatre.co.uk

Steve Harley (Image: Darren Robinson Photography)

LIVE MUSIC
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
Celebrating his 48th year in music, touring with a full six-piece rock band, while also fronting the Steve Harley Acoustic Band.
Thursday, December 16, Cheltenham Town Hall, tel: 01242 528764, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band (Image: carnivalband.com)

LIVE MUSIC
Carols & Capers
Join Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band at their celebratory Christmas show.
Thursday, December 16, 7.30pm, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NR, tel: 01684 295074, carnivalband.com

COMEDY
Jack Dee: Off the Telly
Join Jack for an evening of entertainment in his new stand-up tour. Tickets £25.
Friday, December 17, Cheltenham Town Hall, GL50 1QA, tel: 01242 528764, cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

Soprano Rebecca Silverman (Image: rebeccasilverman.com)

OPERA
A Night at the Opera with Rebecca Silverman
Join soprano Rebecca Silverman and pianist Jessica May for a programme of songs and arias by Handel, Mozart, and Bernstein.
Friday, December 17, 7.30pm, The Old Prison, Fosse Way, Northleach, bit.ly/3HqSqIQ

Horrible Christmas is coming to Cheltenham Racecourse (Image: carparkparty.com)

DRIVE-IN PANTO
Horrible Christmas
A hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they all join forces to save the festive season... all from the comfort of your own car!
Tuesday, December 21, 11am, 2pm & 5pm, Cheltenham Racecourse, carparkparty.com