Winter Wonderland at No.131
From festive lunches to fabulous suppers with your nearest and dearest, we’ve got Christmas all wrapped up at our beautiful Georgian townhouse, No. 131, in the heart of Cheltenham. We have transformed our back terrace into a Winter Wonderland, sparkling with decorations in addition to warming blankets, heaters and regular DJs and bands. There’s a superb menu to boot with a winter fondue, crepes, mulled wine and tasty mulled Cider. Come and celebrate Christmas Day with us, too, where we’ll be serving up a truly decadent lunch – think beetroot cured salmon gravlax, a traditional bronzed turkey and our brandy-soaked Christmas pudding.
No.131, 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW. 01242 822939; www.no131.com
The International at Cheltenham Racecourse
Christmas comes early to Cheltenham every year with two days of world-class jump racing in December. Go on Friday when the Racecourse will be turned yellow for Tiggy’s Trust, which supports young riders with mentoring, mental health and training. It’s also a big day in the racing calender, from the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase to the Unibet Handicap Steeple Chase. Then on the Saturday, get stuck into the festive spirit with Christmas carols and live music – plus plenty of action with the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup, the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle and the Unibet International Hurdle.
10th & 11th December. Cheltenham Racecourse. Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. 01242 513014; www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
The Snowman film with live orchestra in Cheltenham Town Hall
It’s hard to beat The Snowman with its charming story, beautiful music and all-round festive feel. However, this special family event takes Raymond Briggs’ story to another level, with the Mozart Symphony Orchestra accompanying the film on the big screen with live music including the much-loved aria: Walking in the Air. In the words of The Times: ‘This is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family. You would be hard pushed to find a more magical Christmas experience.’ And, as an added treat, the orchestra will also perform Chappell’s Paddington Bear’s First Concert.
23rd December. Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QA. 01242 528764; www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk
Cheltenham Ice Rink
Gloucestershire’s only all-weather ice rink, experience the wonders of ice skating in the stunning surroundings of Imperial Gardens, which was once home to Cheltenham’s ice rink in Georgian times. Magical during the day or at night, this modern-day version is brilliant for families with skate penguins available for wobbly little ones. Go one step further and hire out the entire rink for a fabulous festive celebration with family and friends. Afterwards, enjoy Cheltenham’s other festive offerings – don’t miss the Christmas Market– before hotfooting it to No. 131 and cosying up with a warming drink and bite to eat.
Until 2nd January 2022. Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1QA. www.visitcheltenham.com/ice-skating
No.131, 131 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW. 01242 822939; www.no131.com