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The Gateway Ice Rink
Where: The Gateway Café & Information Centre, Spine Road E, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5TL
About: The Gateway Café & Information Centre is hosting an Ice Rink this Christmas season. Fresh ice will be ready and waiting for up to 110 skaters per session. With the site also home to the Gateway Café, Pizzeria 720 and Bar @ Lake 6, you can recharge your batteries with the variety of food and drink offer - there will also be some brand new pop ups!
From woodfired pizzas to crepes and waffles, there's even the chance to toast your own marshmallows over an open fire and for those who have energy spare, the onsite bar will also be hosting their regular DJ's on Friday & Saturday evenings.
Dates: From 18th November 2022 - 3rd January 2023
Suitable for kids: Yes
Visit Santa in Swindon
Where: Various locations around Swindon including STEAM, Roves Farm, and Kidz About.
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 throughout Swindon to visit offering you a chance to meet Santa and hand over your Xmas list.
Find out more about where to meet Santa in Swindon HERE or by clicking below.
Dates: Various dates throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Watch the Panto at Wyvern Theatre
Where: Wyvern Theatre Swindon
About: The pantomime is back and bigger than ever before with the Wyvern Theatre's spectacular showing of Beauty and the Beast. Re-live the story of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and watch as the scornful beast finds true love as a race against the clock before the last petal falls from the magical rose. Starring The Chase' Anne Hegerty as Fairy Flutterby and Swindon's favourite Dame, David Ashley, as Dame Fifi.
Dates: Saturday 3rd December 2022 - Monday 2nd January 2023
Suitable for kids: Yes
Enchanted Christmas Light Trail
Where: Old Town Gardens
About: Swindon's Christmas light trail is back for it's second year as the Enchanted Christmas Light Trail returns to the Old Town Gardens. Swindon's winter wonderland illumination with lights, lasers, and more leading you on a magical winter walk around the enchanted gardens. This is the perfect way to get in the spirit and is a must-visit for any Swindonian at Christmas time.
Dates: Thursday 2nd December - Friday 31st December 2022
Suitable for kids: Yes
Pick up a Christmas tree
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: If you want a real Christmas tree to put up in your home then you need to know the best places in Swindon 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
Experience Christmas at STEAM
Where: STEAM Museum, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon, SN2 2TA
About: Christmas is coming to Swindon’s STEAM Museum this December with the family-fun attraction putting on a two-day Christmas extravaganza. With Santa in attendance, children will enjoy listening to a Christmas story and will also be given a Christmas present to take home with them. Come meet Santa at STEAM and enjoy a festive experience in Swindon like no other.
Dates: 3rd and 4th of December
Suitable for kids: Yes
Watch the Swindon Wildcats on the ice
Where: Better Link Centre
About: If you haven’t been to watch the Swindon Wildcats before then Christmas is the perfect time to do so with the Wildcats taking to the ice at the Better Link Centre 5 times throughout December. Swindon Wildcats are chasing success once again this season so head on down to the rink for this family-fun, adrenaline-packed competitive festive experience.
Dates: Weekends 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
Cheer on Swindon Town at the County Ground
Where: Swindon Town County Ground
About: A trip to the football is a Christmas tradition in England and now is the time to book your tickets to watch Swindon Town. Swindon have enjoyed a brilliant season so far under new owner Clem Morfuni and Head Coach Ben Garner, with the Robins on-track for promotion from League Two. With a packed Christmas fixture list, get on down to cheer on Swindon Town and make brilliant Christmas memories by spending a day out watching the football at the County Ground.
Check out our complete guide to Swindon Town FC HERE.
Dates: Various home games throughout November and December.
Suitable for kids: Yes
Go on a Winter walk
Where: Various locations around Swindon
About: There is something about stepping outside into the cold winter frost for a walk that screams CHRISTMAS! Fortunately Swindon and it’s surrounding areas boast some of the best winter walks in Wiltshire 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 around Swindon including Jurys Inn, Blunsdon House Hotel, and more.
About: Are you feeling naughty or nice? 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 Swindon and 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.
Dates: N/A
Suitable for kids: No
Take a train ride with Santa
Where: Swindon & Cricklade Railway
About: Santa is swapping his sleigh for a train this Christmas with Santa making a stop at Swindon & Cricklade Railway this Christmas. Visit Santa’s grotto with the family and enjoy a festive themed train ride. Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance.
Dates: Every weekend from 26th November - 18th December 2022
Suitable for kids: Yes
Christmas at Lydiard House
Address: Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA
About: Lydiard House is hosting a series of firt-class festive events designed to get you and the family in the Christmas spirit. Pay a visit to Swindon's beautiful country property and take part in a chorus of Christmas activities including Christmas caroling inside the estate, festive afternoon teas, and even a special Christmas lunch that will leave you feeling as full as Santa's sack of presents.
Celebrate Christmas at Lydiard House and enjoy the very best of Swindon's festive experiences in the stunning surrounding of this national park.
Dates: Throughout December 2022
Suitable for kids: Yes
The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show
Where: Swindon Arts Centre, 6 Devizes Road, Swindon, SN1 4BJ
About: Father Christmas may be the man of the moment over the Christmas holiday but what about poor old Mrs Claus? Join Mrs Christmas and Santa's hardworking elves as the big man himself prepares for his trip around the world delivering presents to all the boys and girls.
This magical festive show is a great Christmas activity in Swindon perfect for families over the festive period, with every child able to get a picture with Mrs Claus and Santa after the show.
Dates:Thursday 15th December 2022
Suitable for kids: Yes