Last weekend we kicked off the festivities in Evesham with the annual Christmas light switch-on. There was something for everyone with a range of live musical entertainment throughout the afternoon, a chance to visit Father Christmas and then enjoy the switch on and fireworks all for free.
We’ve rounded up another twelve fun and festive things to do in and around Evesham in the lead up to Christmas starting with the one and only Evesham Christmas Artisan Fayre happening this weekend 25 and 26 November. Evesham’s heritage quarter will be transformed taking visitors on a journey from the medieval to the modern period. Entry is free to explore high quality artisan stalls and find those unique Christmas gifts. There will be live entertainment throughout the weekend and an opportunity to sample mulled mead and cider alongside a range of other festive treats to get you in the Christmas spirit. Open from 10am – 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. All funds raised through the Christmas Artisan Fayre help to fund the Battle of Evesham event in August.
A very tall number two, the Tree of Light switch-on is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. It takes place on the 30 November at 6:30pm at Workman Bridge. The switch on is an opportunity to spend time with loved ones but also to remember loved ones who we can’t be with. The tree of light remembers 1900 loved ones and has supported 110 charities since it began. You can find out more about the tree of light and how to donate on the Rotary Club website.
For our third top tip, or tipple, you might need your sunglasses when stepping inside The Valkyrie Bar in Market Square as they have really gone to town with the decorating with over 15,000 twinkling LED lights. They are hosting a number of events in the lead up to Christmas. These include an opportunity to post your wishlist to Father Christmas, they are the starting point for the Evesham Christmas Light Trail, you can purchase a trail form for £2 and then set off around Evesham to tick off all of the participating places that are showing their twinkling lights. Bring your completed form back to the Valkyrie to win a selection box prize. The trail runs from 1 – 24 December and all funds raised go to Evesham Defibrillators. They are also hosting a family fun day from 11am – 3pm on the 10 December.
Number 4 through the church door is the Evesham Christmas Tree Festival opening on the 10 December from 10am – 4pm except during church services until the 30 December. This is a wonderful opportunity to see Evesham’s creativity and it showcases all of the amazing charity and community organisations in the town all inside the magnificent All Saints Church.
Dashing in at number 5, Evesham Round Table will be working their magic this Christmas with Evesham’s Santa Sleigh. Look out for the big man himself doing his rounds early in Evesham making sure all is in order with his sleigh before the big day and collecting for local charities as he goes.
Our sixth sophisticated suggestion, you can book in at The Regal Evesham’s stunning art-deco cinema where you can watch André Rieu’s ‘White Christmas’ and The Royal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ or for lots of laughs ‘Cinderella Live’ their Christmas panto. Book tickets through their website.
A very special seven indeed is the Santa Special at Evesham Vale Light Railway. Take the 1¼ mile steam train ride around the Country Park and count Santa’s missing presents. Enjoy seasonal refreshments whilst waiting to meet Santa. Santa and his Elves will meet you in his Festive Log Cabin, where you will receive a present and have a photo opportunity with Santa and the Elves.
At number eight, one day only so don’t be late it’s the Christmas Dog Parade at The Valley, Evesham at 10am on the 10 December. Growing in popularity every year this is a fun heart-warming event, an opportunity to dress up your four-legged friend for the parade with prizes for the best dressed dogs.
Nine reindeer are pulling Santa’s sleigh and at number nine on our list we have Christmas at Smart Trees where you will be able to visit their lovely reindeer as part of a full Christmas day out for all the family. Take a sleigh ride through their 20 acre Christmas tree plantation, explore the indoor forest, get creative in the craft area, set off on a treasure hunt and of course a magical visit to Santa.
A cute option for number 10 ‘A Magical Christmas Adventure’ at All Things Wild a chance to visit all the animals as part of your special Christmas ticket which also includes an individual family visit to Santa, making reindeer food, decorating gingerbread, visiting Twinkletown, exploring the Christmas tree forest and much more.
Our eleventh seasonal suggestion is to check out what’s on at The Henrician Theatre there’s Bretforton Silver Band’s Annual Christmas Concert and ‘A Christmas Carol’ where award-winning actor and writer Jonathan Goodwin performs as Dickens in this one-man performance.
Teeing off at number twelve and new this year is the imaginative Glow Golf experience from Aztec Adventure at The Valley. A wonderful opportunity to do something suitable for the whole family, get you feeling festive with glow in the dark golf balls and the course decked out in fairy lights and get that Christmas competitive spirit going before the big day!
Lastly and perfect if you are a last minute shopper or you need to get those finishing touches to your Christmas spread at number 13 we have the annual Evesham Christmas Charter Market which this year will run from Tuesday 19 December to Saturday 23 December. This is a great opportunity to buy all your essentials locally from mulled wine and chestnuts, cheese, fresh fruit alongside gifts, candles and wreaths.
