Christmas in the Cotswolds: Shops, Events & Where to Stay (2026)

If you’ve ever seen the movie The Holiday, you’ve probably dreamt about spending Christmas in the Cotswolds. 

And while I can’t promise that Jude Law will turn up on your doorstep, I can tell you it’s one of the most beautiful times to visit this gorgeous part of the UK. 

The chocolate-box towns are all sparkly, and there are hundreds of festive events, crisp countryside walks, and crackling fires in every honey-stoned pub. 

When I was a kid, we used to spend every Christmas in the Cotswolds, and I didn’t realise how much I missed it until we went back last year. 

So this is the full insider guide to spending the festive season in the Cotswolds, whether you’re visiting in the run-up, wondering what’s on, or renting a Holiday-style cottage for the whole family. 

Where to Stay for Christmas in the Cotswolds 

It’s hard to pick the most festive village in the Cotswolds. The fact is, they all look pretty dreamy with their twinkling fairy lights and honey-coloured cottages.

But if you’ve not been before or just want easy access to the best events, here are the top spots to base yourself. 

Broadway 

Broadway is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds, for good reason. 

Its charming high street is dotted with boutique stores, tea shops, and classic English pubs, with lots of other famous Cotswolds spots nearby, like Broadway Tower for a scenic, festive walk. It’s also where we chose to stay last year. 

You’ve also got Broadway late-night shopping, which is taking place on November 27th and December 4th in 2026 for the perfect festive atmosphere to pick up some gorgeous gifts. 

On Boxing Day, the horse-and-hound gathering is a historic spectacle to check out. The traditional Boxing Day Meet sees dozens of riders in traditional hunting attire heading off at 10.4am with foxhounds in their wake. It’s a popular time to visit, and lots of pubs sell takeaway mulled wine and cider to the crowds. 

There are a couple of options for a really good Christmas dinner in the Cotswolds here as well. We had ours at The Swan, but the Broadway Hotel or the Lygon Arms are popular alternatives. 

Just be sure to book your table well in advance if you’re hoping to eat out on Christmas Day!

Bourton-on-the-Water 

Regularly voted one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water also gets a gorgeous glow-up for the festive season. 

The river, with its little bridges, looks even more special with the giant Christmas tree planted right in the middle of it. The Christmas lights switch-on is a popular event here, taking place this year on Friday 27th November, with shops staying open for festive browsing, a riverside Christmas market, and carol singers. 

There’s also a dedicated Christmas shop on the High Street, perfect for picking up a festive souvenir or handcrafted ornament. 

Stow-on-the-Wold 

Stow-on-the-Wold is another Cotswold classic, made all the more beautiful at Christmastime. 

There’s even a Christmas Tree Festival which is usually held here in early December at St. Edward’s Church, where you can wander through incredible displays of decorated trees. 

The historic market streets look especially elegant all dressed up in their festive displays, and pubs like The Sheep on Stow and The Porch House look incredibly inviting for a Christmas tipple or hot chocolate by the fire. 

You’ve also got famous Cotswolds farm shops nearby, like Daylesford, which typically have beautiful festive displays, events and handcrafted decorations to buy. 

Where to have Christmas Lunch in the Cotswolds 

If you’re dreaming of a traditional Christmas lunch in the Cotswolds, there are some gorgeous country hotels and cosy pubs where you can enjoy all the festivities without having to lift a finger in the kitchen.

In Broadway, I’d recommend The Broadway Hotel, which offers a luxurious Christmas break complete with a four-course Christmas Day lunch, champagne and all the trimmings. 

It’s right in the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages, making it perfect for a festive stroll afterwards. The Swan is another great choice here for something elegant but relaxed. 

Lords Of The Manor Hotel in Upper Slaughter and The Slaughters Manor House in Lower Slaughter are particularly lovely choices for a festive meal (and somewhere to stay), while The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold is perfect if you prefer a stylish pub atmosphere.

In Bourton-on-the-Water, I’d recommend The Kingsbridge for a relaxed pub-style celebration beside the River Windrush.

Whatever you choose, I’d recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for Christmas Day itself. Some hotels only offer festive dining as part of a residential package, so double-check whether non-residents can book before making plans.

Best Christmas Events in the Cotswolds

There are so many magical Christmas events in the Cotswolds, but my absolute favourites are the illuminated Christmas trail at Blenheim Palace, the spectacular lights at Westonbirt Arboretum and the atmospheric Christmas markets in Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway.

For 2026, Broadway’s late-night Christmas shopping evenings take place on 27 November and 4 December, while Cirencester’s Advent Market runs on 28-29 November. 

I’d also recommend visiting Bourton-on-the-Water to see its famous Christmas tree standing in the River Windrush. It’s the ultimate festive postcard-worthy scene in the Cotswolds. 

Best Christmas Shops in the Cotswolds 

If you love Christmas decorations as much as I do, make sure you visit The Victorian Christmas Shop in Bourton-on-the-Water. 

It’s packed with beautiful baubles, ornaments and festive treasures. Another favourite is Cotswold Christmas Shop in Lechlade, which sells Christmas decorations throughout the year.

For stylish gifts rather than traditional decorations, I’d recommend exploring Broadway’s independent boutiques, particularly Cotswold Trading – Broadway, and Whatever The Weather. You’ll find everything from gorgeous homeware and candles to thoughtful stocking fillers.

The Ultimate Christmas Day in the Cotswolds 

Here’s how to spend the perfect Christmas Day in the Cotswolds (in my opinion!), combining your favourite family traditions with a little local atmosphere sprinkled in. 

Breakfast and presents with the family: whether you have kids or not, waking up on Christmas morning and looking out your window to a festive Cotswolds village is pretty magical. 

Church service or morning walk: If you’re religious, there are plenty of charming churches and chapels in nearly every village to attend Christmas morning mass. If not, a short circular walk around the rolling Cotswolds countryside gets the blood flowing and calories burning for later. 

Quick stop in a classic English pub: Put on your festive outfits and rub shoulders with locals at the nearest country pub for a pre-Christmas dinner tipple.

Christmas dinner without the chaos: Book your table at one of the famous spots like the Lygon Arms for an unforgettable meal with zero washing up to worry about. 

Post-dinner games and merry-making: What would Christmas Day be without a few games? Head back to your accommodation for classic board games, the annual family quiz, or just a few cocktails – whatever your family does best! 

How to Spend Boxing Day in the Cotswolds

For me, Boxing Day in the Cotswolds is all about slowing down after the excitement of Christmas Day. 

Wrap up warm for a countryside walk, perhaps around Broadway Tower, the Slaughters or along the pretty riverside paths in Bourton-on-the-Water, before finding a cosy country pub for a long lunch beside the fire. 

If you’re staying near Broadway, you might want to head out around 10:30am to catch the famous Boxing Day Meet riders and foxhounds trotting down the High Street in their traditional hunting attire. 

If you fancy something more festive, some Christmas light trails and seasonal events continue between Christmas and New Year, including the illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace on selected dates. 

Just remember that many shops, restaurants and attractions operate reduced hours or close completely on Boxing Day, so I’d recommend checking ahead.

Typical Weather in the Cotswolds at Christmas 

The weather in the Cotswolds at Christmas is much like the rest of the UK – a little unpredictable. 

It will certainly be cold; highs of around 8°C to 9°C are the norm, but you could get a crisp sunny day, or a foggy grey one. A white Christmas is possible, although not something you should count on! 

Bring your favourite coat, a cosy scarf, and your best festive hat, and you’ll be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. 

Top Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds at Christmas 

The Cotswolds are absolutely magical at Christmas, but a little forward planning will help you make the most of your festive getaway. Here are a few things I’d recommend knowing before you go.

• Book accommodation and restaurants early. The prettiest country-house hotels, cosy cottages and popular pubs get booked up quickly, particularly over Christmas and New Year. If you’ve got your heart set on somewhere special for Christmas lunch, I’d recommend reserving several months in advance.
• Visit in early December for the best festive atmosphere. If you want to experience Christmas markets, late-night shopping evenings and illuminated trails, I’d recommend visiting during the first two weeks of December. You’ll get all the festive magic without quite as many Christmas-week closures.
• Hire a car if you want to explore. The Cotswolds’ villages are spread out, and public transport can be limited, especially over the Christmas holidays. Having your own car makes it much easier to visit places like Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden in one trip.
• Pack plenty of warm layers and waterproof boots. December in the Cotswolds is typically chilly, with daytime temperatures around 5 to 8°C. Snow isn’t guaranteed, but rain, frost and muddy countryside paths are all possibilities. A warm coat and comfortable walking boots are essential!
• Check Christmas opening hours. Many independent shops, cafes and attractions close on Christmas Day, with reduced hours on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Even some popular pubs may only open for pre-booked meals, so don’t assume everywhere will be operating as normal.
• Explore the popular villages early in the day. Broadway, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water can get surprisingly busy during the festive season, particularly at weekends. I’d recommend arriving in the morning for quieter streets, easier parking and those gorgeous Christmas photographs without the crowds.
• Book festive experiences in advance. Popular attractions like Christmas at Blenheim Palace and Westonbirt’s illuminated trail often sell out on peak dates. Booking tickets ahead of time also makes it easier to plan your itinerary around evening events.
• Don’t try to squeeze in too many villages. One of the best things about Christmas in the Cotswolds is slowing down. Leave time for a leisurely pub lunch, browsing independent boutiques and warming up with a mulled wine beside a roaring fire. 

Christmas in the Cotswolds FAQs

Is the Cotswolds good at Christmas?

In my personal opinion, Christmas is one of the best times to visit the Cotswolds. It’s a beautiful part of the world at any time of year, but it’s particularly special in December, adorned with twinkling lights and chic, festive decor. 

Having said that… I also love the Cotswolds in Autumn… well, I love it at any time of year really! 

What is the most Christmassy town in the Cotswolds?

I’d have to say, Broadway. With its honey-coloured cottages, beautifully decorated shopfronts, twinkling Christmas lights and cosy pubs, it looks like something straight out of a Christmas film. 

The village’s late-night Christmas shopping evenings make it particularly magical, with mulled wine, festive music and independent shops staying open after dark.

That said, Bourton-on-the-Water is a very close second, thanks to its famous Christmas tree in the river. I’d recommend visiting both if you’re planning a festive weekend in the Cotswolds.

Where to stay in the Cotswolds at Christmas?

For a romantic Christmas getaway, I’d recommend booking a luxury country-house hotel with open fires, beautiful interiors and somewhere lovely to enjoy a festive dinner. The Fish Hotel is perfect for a stylish countryside escape, while Lords Of The Manor Hotel offers a more traditional country-house experience.

Have more questions about heading to the Cotswolds over the festive season? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help plan your trip.