Accessible festive events in Gloucestershire this Christmas
Are you looking for a fun, family day out this Christmas? We've curated a list of some of the best ways to spend some time in the lead up to Christmas day!
From Abbeydale to Aylburton, we’ve found the best and most accessible festive days out for you and your family. Whether you’re looking to finish off your Christmas shopping or relax on a vintage train ride, we’ve found the event for you.
Gloucester Cathedral decorated and advent services
Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a collection of festive fun this year, from bountiful decorations and giant Christmas trees to adorable, knitted figures of the ‘Knitivity’. As well as taking a walk through the adorned walls of the cathedral building, there is a programme of services and concerts throughout December.
To find out about the events at Gloucester Cathedral this December, click here.
Taurus Crafts Christmas Market
During the weekends in the lead up to Christmas, Taurus Crafts will be hosting a weekly Christmas market with local artisan traders. There is also an opportunity to get hands-on with some arts and crafts in the creative activities marquee, guided by artist Jayme-Lee Cooper. As well as browsing the range of gifts and treats on offer, entertainment is also provided as over 20 musical performances are booked over the weekends of December to get you in the festive spirit!
Taurus Crafts has on-site parking, refreshments and accessible toilets. Find more information to plan your visit here.
Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas
The forest is brought to life at Westonbirt with Enchanted Christmas! Sparkling illuminations, whimsical sounds and creative installations with captivate those of all ages. Follow the illuminated trail and visit the Christmas Village which is all fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The trail spans just over a mile and is a hard path and there are rest points throughout the trail.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.
Gloucester Quays Winter Market
If you’re looking to share in the festivities and grab some goodies, Gloucester Quays is hosting its annual Winter Market boasting a range of gifts, locally produced food, street food and pop-up bars. The historic docks will have over 90 vendors each weekend and the market is free to attend! Gloucester Quays also has two on-site carparks, saving the need to walk from the city centre.
Click here to view the full list of vendors and plan your day out.
Dean Forest Railway Santa Special
Dean Forest Railway if offering a festive adventure for all of the family with its Santa Specials – an opportunity to take a ride behind a vintage steam engine from Norchard Station, through to Parkend, on to Lydney then return to Norchard Station. There’s even a chance of meeting Old St Nick himself!
Wheelchair spaces are available for this trip and facilities are available at Parkend Station. Find out more here!
12 Runaway Reindeer
If you’re heading into Gloucester city centre in the run-up to Christmas, keep your eyes peeled for twelve colourful reindeer statues which have been painted by local artists and have taken up residence in Gloucester landmarks. Each location of the art trail is within walking distance from the last and there is no time limit, allowing for a gentle stroll and even a pitstop for a cup of tea!
To find out more about where the Runaway Reindeer may be, click here.
