Things to do in Wiltshire this Christmas 2026

Christmas at Stourhead 2026

Where: Pick up signs near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

About: Christmas at Stourhead returns for 2026, transforming the world-famous gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland. Follow the magical after-dark trail through twinkling lights, immersive seasonal sounds and stunning installations, including the Sea of Light, Fire Garden and much-loved Winter Cathedral.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, warming hot chocolates and mulled wine, plus a magical glimpse of Father Christmas. Perfect for families, couples and friends looking for an unforgettable festive evening in Wiltshire.

Dates: 27th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027

Christmas Features: Illuminated light trail, Lasers, Festive music, and Christmas adventure activities.

How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Stourhead 2026 HERE.

The Cotswold Ice Rink

Where: Cotswold Ice Rink, Gateway Café & Information Centre, Lake 6, Spine Road East, Cirencester, GL7 5TL

About: Located just outside Cirencester at The Gateway, the rink offers 45-minute skating sessions from just £4.99 per person, with skate hire included. Alongside classic ice skating, there’s a packed programme of special sessions throughout the season, including Parent & Toddler, Sensory Skating, Magical Character Skates, DJ Skate, Adults Only, Patch Ice and Hockey Ice.

Dates: Thursday 19 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027

How to book: Visit their website here

Christmas at Westonbirt

Where: Westonbirt

About: Plan the perfect get together with friends or family! With new light installations and even more festive magic, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s an evening out with friends, family or someone special, make memories that last a lifetime. Discover the magic of Christmas at Westonbirt this winter.

Dates: Friday 27 November 2026 - Thursday 31 December 2026

Features:

• new trail, new lights, new memories to be made
• explore Westonbirt’s breathtaking trees in a whole new light
• catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way
• festive fairground rides for added seasonal fun*
• delicious food & drink stalls serving winter warmers*

How to book: Click HERE

Christmas at Whitemead Forest Park

Where: Whitemead Forest Park, Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4LA

About: Santa visits, cosy glamping and a good old-fashioned “oh yes it is!” Whitemead Forest Park has plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit. Make a day of it with Santa’s grotto, an Elf Workshop, a festive treasure hunt and illuminated adventure golf. There are free carols around the Christmas tree on selected Sundays, too.

For even more family fun, catch Cinderella, taking to the stage from 20–22 December, with tickets priced at £9.50 for ages two and over.

Fancy turning your visit into a festive escape? The Santa Glamping Experience starts from £199 for a family of four, including a MegaPod stay, Santa visits for two children, marshmallow toasting, adventure golf and access to the leisure facilities.

For an evening with friends, festive tribute and party nights include Robbie v Bublé, an 80s party band and a 90s celebration, with a two-course festive meal included. These events are for ages 18+.

Dates: Selected dates throughout November and December 2026; activity dates vary.

Christmas features: Santa’s grotto, glamping breaks, Cinderella pantomime, Elf Workshop, festive treasure hunt, illuminated adventure golf, carols and festive party nights.

Suitable for kids: Yes, excluding the adult party nights.

How to book: Explore Christmas at Whitemead and book here.

Makers Yard Market at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon

Where: Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon, Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2DY

About: This Christmas we’re excited to launch our brand new Makers Yard Market at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon – an indoor festive market celebrating independent talent and unique gifting.

Launching from the 24th of November through December, the Makers Yard will bring together local crafters, designers and producers in a community space alongside Santa experiences, street food and all the magic of Christmas shopping.

Dates: From 24th November 

Suitable for kids: Yes

Wreath Making at The Kings Head

Where: Kings Head Hotel, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR

About: The Kings Head Hotel is open during the festive season - celebrate with a creative and hands-on wreath making workshop. You’re invited to celebrate the most magical time of the year with Kings Head Hotel! Let’s make this Christmas one to remember and get to go home with a beautiful!

Date: Wednesday 26th November

For bookings & enquiries:

• 01285 700900
• [email protected]

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Visit Santa

Where: Various locations including STEAM, Swindon Designer Outlet and Roves Farm.

About: Spend time making magical festive memories with the kids by taking them to visit Santa in Swindon this Christmas. There are a host of exceptional Santa’s grottos and winter wonderland experiences across Wiltshire to visit offering you a chance to meet Santa and hand over your Xmas list. 

Find out more about where to meet Santa in Wiltshire HERE.

Dates: Various dates throughout November and December.

Suitable for kids: Yes

Pick up a Christmas tree

Where: Various locations around Wiltshire

About: If you want a real Christmas tree to put up in your home then you need to know the best places in Wiltshire to buy yours. Make finding your Christmas tree a wonderful family experience by heading to one of these great Xmas tree farms HERE and enjoy browsing the various trees before picking yours and taking it home with you.

Dates: Most tree farms open end of November and stay open throughout December.

Suitable for kids: Yes

Enjoy a festive meal

Where: Various locations around Swindon

About: The arrival of Christmas means it’s time to unbutton that belt buckle and head out for delicious food and drink with family and friends for a celebratory Christmas meal.

Swindon’s culinary scene is packed with a host of exceptional restaurants and pubs to choose from but we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best festive dining venues in Swindon. Browse our top picks HERE or by clicking below and book your Xmas dinner in Swindon.

Dates: November and December

Suitable for kids: N/A

Go on a Winter walk

Where: Various locations in Wiltshire

About: There is something about stepping outside into the cold winter frost for a walk that screams christmas! Fortunately Wiltshire boasts some of the best winter walks in and we’ve got you covered with our winter walks guide HERE. Check out our favourite winter walks and get outdoors for some fresh air before heading home and warming up by the fire with a minced pie and some mulled wine.

Dates: N/A

Suitable for kids: Yes but wrap up warm!

Escape for a romantic Christmas stay

Where: Various locations in Wiltshire including Chiseldon House Hotel, The Kings Head Hotel Cirencester, Leonardo Hotel and more.

About: Christmas doesn’t have to just be about the kids, make time for you and your loved one by booking a romantic Christmas getaway to one of the brilliant hotels and B&Bs dotted around Wiltshire. Whisk yourselves away for a night of romance, drinks, and good company by booking a short Christmas break and enjoy some adult time this festive period.

For our top picks, find your festive staycation in our accomodation guide.

Suitable for kids: No

Christmas at Longleat

Where: Longleat, Warminster, BA12 7NW

About: Longleat is once again transforming itself into a winter wonderland with the famous safari park creating a festive experience like no other. Longleat may be a further distance from Swindon than any of the other light trails that feature on our list, but a trip to Longleat is well worth the visit with their enchanted Christmas tree show and Santa Train highlights of this Xmas adventure. 

Dates: 8th November 2025 - 11th January 2026

Christmas Features: Santa train, Illuminated light trail, Christmas storytelling and live owl show, Singing Christmas tree, Winter safari drive-through.

Price: Various

How to book: Book tickets online for Christmas at Longleat HERE or by clicking below.