Cheltenham’s 3-day festivities: Crafting christmas magic on the prom

As wandering market vendors find a place to settle for the weekend, Cheltenham town comes alive with christmas spirit as the three-day gift market opens.

The brief market kicks off with an enchanting atmosphere as for the first time, the christmas lights fade on at 4pm on the 16th of November, casting a soft glow over the wooden market stalls. Local craftspeople and distillers selling their creations, from beautifully designed ornaments to handcrafted spirits all from the heart of the town centre.

With the warm scent of mulled wine floating through the cold winter weather, a couple of first year students at the University of Gloucestershire gather around the hot drink stall, wrapped up in hats and scarves.

‘Cheltenham may be a small town, but the christmas spirit is larger than life – it’s like exchanging the bright city lights of London for the warm, comfortable glow of community celebrations.’

18-year-old student Bethany moved down from the country’s capital, enjoying the happy neighbourly spirit of Cheltenham’s annual Christmas market for the first time.

The market is crowded with people as town residents gather around the range of stalls, exploring the treasures specially made by local Cotswold artisans. Among these vendors is a skilled woodworker, expressing the sentiment that extends past just trading.

‘Cheltenham market is more than a place to sell our crafts, it’s like a gathering of people who appreciate what we do’.

With each passing day, this woodworker’s handmade creations – each infused with their makers love and passion – become cherished gifts for loved ones.

With the festive spirit growing stronger as the market goes on, the Promenade become more than a simple christmas shopping destination – it’s growing to the heart of community spirit.

Within this celebration, you can find families and friends sat around tables, eating carvery wraps, and drinking different seasonal favourites. Conversations and festive music echoing throughout the streets, each one proof of the shared joy and love surrounding the market goers.

As the stalls close for the last time at 8pm, the masses of visitors slowly disperse, bringing a soft and peaceful quiet to the streets of Cheltenham. The memories of laughter and warmth linger, a reminder of the christmas magic that is the festive market on the Promenade.