The year is drawing to an end, which means that Christmas just is around the corner. Charming all year round, the village of Broadway is especially magical during the festive season. Twinkling lights illuminate the streets, shop windows are decorated with nativity scenes and restaurants serve up yummy seasonal treats. Christmas in the Cotswolds is like setting foot inside a winter wonderland and, if you are really lucky, you might get a sprinkling of snowfall. Here we’ve got six great reasons to visit Broadway at Christmas.

See the Christmas Illuminations

As night falls on this beautiful Cotswold village at Christmastime, hundreds of fairy lights begin to glow like twinkling stars. Set against a backdrop of elegant Georgian cottages, the traditional illuminations create a scene that appears to have been lifted from a Dickensian novel. Local businesses join in on the fun, too, by adorning their windows and shopfronts with baubles, holly wreaths and Santas. A gentle stroll along the village streets is sure to fill you with festive cheer.

Browse for Unique Gifts and Souvenirs

Like many Cotswold villages, Broadway is home to dozens of independent boutiques and galleries. From chinaware and clothing to antiques, handicrafts and jewellery, shoppers are spoiled for choice. There’s a good chance that you’ll find one-of-a-kind gift ideas perfect for your friends, family and loved ones. Why not peruse the village’s galleries for unique artwork? The Gordon Russell Design Museum is definitely worth a visit. It celebrates the life of a pioneering British designer that spent much of his life right here in the village.

A Train Ride on the Cotswolds Express

Train enthusiasts and children alike will enjoy passing through stunning Cotswold countryside onboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. This is a great chance to experience the golden age of steam rail travel while trundling between nearby Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse. Sit back, relax and gaze out of the window as lush green pastures whiz by. You could even combine your trip with a day at the races or a shopping spree in Cheltenham.

Join Decoration and Wreath-Making Workshops

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of bringing out the decorations and preparing your house for Christmas. If you fancy some arts and crafts activities then you’ll find them at the Tower Barn visitor centre of the historic Broadway Tower. All of the materials are provided at the Christmas Wreath Making Workshop and Christmas Table Decoration Workshop. Just come along with your creative juices flowing. It might be wintertime but a walk from the village to Broadway Tower is a rewarding way to arrive.

Dine on Festive Treats

It wouldn’t be Christmas without indulging in festive sweet and savoury goodies. Pick up cinnamon buns, and homemade mince pies from the bakeries, café and tearooms that line the High Street. A glass of fruity and spiced mulled wine is ideal to keep you warm on a brisk winter’s days. Go all out with hearty festive dinners and an overnight stay at The Broadway Hotel.

Meet Santa at a Country Park

Just a short 15-minute drive up the road from Broadway, The Valley Evesham is a wonderful day out in Worcestershire all year round. Mix shopping at over 20 outlets with walks around Evesham Country Park. There’s an adventure playground and the Evesham Valley Light Railway toy train, too. Santa and his elves come to town on weekends in December and spread Christmas joy to all. Kids will love counting the missing presents as the train travels around the park before returning to receive their own present from Santa himself.