Christmas markets, festive lights and a "magical" ice rink are all just half an hour away from Worcester.

On Saturday, November 23, Cheltenham will kick off the festive season with a day packed with free celebrations.

The streets will be packed with thousands of twinkling lights, the Brewery Quarter will host a Christmas launch party, and the Pittville Pump Room will hold a Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.

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The festivities will continue until Tuesday, January 5, with a covered ice rink in the Imperial Garden, offering sessions for all ages and special appearances from a snow queen and her sister.

From November 21-24, the Promenade will become a Christmas Gift Market, featuring festive chalets filled with treats and treasures.

The traditional Arts & Crafts Christmas Market will return from December 12-22, showcasing unique handmade items.

Suffolk’s Christmas Market will return on Sunday, November 24 on the outskirts of the town centre, with an array of independent crafts, sweet treats, and a visit from Father Christmas.

The town’s theatres will offer a festive treat for families with performances of Aladdin and Jack & The Beanstalk.

The Town Hall will screen The Snowman, accompanied by the Mozart Symphony Orchestra.

Sudeley Castle will host a Spectacle of Light trail from November 22 to December 30, with a Sleeping Beauty theme.

The Christmas Meeting at the racecourse on December 13 and 14 will mark the beginning of the festive racing season, with Christmas-themed family fun.

Cheltenham’s New Year’s Day Raceday on Wednesday, January 1, will include a day packed with racing action and family entertainment.

‘The Festival Town’ also features a variety of restaurants to escape from the cold.

For more information on the winter season in Cheltenham, visit visitcheltenham.com/christmas.