This year Christmas for Explore Gloucestershire started with a real Christmas cracker of a pantomime at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.  Their production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was truly spectacular and thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike.
We can't divulge too much as it would spoil the fun and surprises for you, but can safely say that it's a fine mixture of colourful costumes and characters, time travel, kitchen chaos, music, dancing and comedy for all to enjoy with the usual ‘double entendres’ and slap-stick humour as well.
We're sure that it will gain another prestigious award as in previous years. With the best ever pre-sales, tickets are flying fast out of the box-office, so with this in mind don’t be disappointed and leave it until the last minute – book your tickets now!

On Sunday 6 December, why not tune into STAR 107.5FM, for their first Christmas Charity Auction.  Not only could you grab yourself a bargain, but you’d help raise money for the Pied Piper Appeal, helping sick and disabled children across Gloucestershire.  With NO RESERVES, some of the donations so far include a 2 week holiday to Jamaica worth £4,500, a luxury stay at the Cotswold 88 Hotel, £500 of vouchers to spend at the Regent Arcade - to name but a few.

Also take a look at STAR 107.5FM radio presenter, and ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ star and children’s TV legend, MIKE READ with his brand new charity Christmas song – take a look...

Explore Gloucestershire have a whole section for Chistmas in Gloucestershire , so whether you’re wanting to know where Santa has set up his Grotto? Where you can enjoy a Christmas meal? or where Christmas Carol concerts are taking place? - you’ll find these and many other Christmas Activities right here below:-

• Where's Father Christmas?
• Christmas Activities
• Christmas Eating Out
• Entertainment & Panto’s
• Christmas Shopping, Markets & Fayres
• Christmas Gifts & Vouchers
• Carols & Concerts

Explore Gloucestershire have teamed up with ‘All Your Life...”, to offer you the chance to win a luxury personal makeover worth £500.
If you're a fan of television shows such as Gok Wan's, 'How to Look Good Naked', Trinny and Susannah's, 'What Not to Wear', and the brilliant 'Ten Years Younger' then this is a competition you have to enter.
For petrol-heads and thrill-seekers we have four karting experiences up for grabs courtesy of JDR Karting in Gloucester – it’s great fun so even if you don’t win the prize you need to give it a go sometime soon.
For the foodies, especially the latin-lovers, Explore Gloucestershire have £50 worth of vouchers for one lucky winner to enjoy at Cheltenham’s only authentic Trattoria Pizzeria – Bottelino’s.

ENTER COMPETITIONS...

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year from all at Explore Gloucestershire.

Please click on the links for further information.

Featured News Will you be listening on 6 December? – The Star 107.5 Christmas Charity Auction The Star 107.5 Christmas Charity Auction will be raising money for the Pied Piper Appeal, helping sick and disabled children across Gloucestershire. SPECIAL OFFER! Book your Xmas Cruise on the Edward Elgar NOW and save £'s! Explore Gloucestershire and English Holiday Cruises have teamed up to offer this special promotion - saving £5 per person for a fabulous Christmas meal and entertainment aboard the MV Edward Elgar. HURRY though as this runs out on Wednesday 2 December at 5pm! A Christmas Day Treat at the Craven Arms at Brockhampton A sumptuous eight course meal at a quintessential Cotswold pub. WIN a Gok Wan style makeover worth £500! Explore Gloucestershire have teamed up with All Your Life to offer one lucky winner a fantastic makeover worth nearly £500! Gloucestershire at its Best! Enter your photo for your chance to win £250! Still time left to get in that fantastic photo.
Six of the Best Events in Gloucestershire Friday & Saturday evenings Winter Owl Evenings See the owls at night and enjoy mulled wine and a hog roast. Throughout December Sleeping Beauty at The Everyman Gloucestershire’s biggest and best panto is back! 5 December 'As it Fell on a Holie Eve' at Lodge Park Music from Christmas past performed on historical instruments by the Galliard music ensemble. 5,6,9,12,13,19,20 & 24 December Santa Specials at Dean Forest Railway A special Christmas treat in the Forest of Dean. 10 December Call My Wine Bluff at Pittville Pump Rooms Christmas 2009 will be a truly memorable occasion for discerning wine connoisseurs in Cheltenham. 19 – 24 December Father Christmas at Birdland Father Christmas makes a special visit.
EVENT LISTINGS
	Throughout December Corinium Museum Christmas Holiday Activities Lots of things to make and do for the children.
	Throughout December Winter Wonderland & Spiegeltent A new attraction for Christmas in Gloucester.
	Throughout December Floodlit Swan Feeds at Slimbridge WWT Enjoy the magical winter spectacle on the floodlit lake.
	Until 6 December Cheltenham Christmas Market The popular German style market returns to Cheltenham.
	Until 20 December Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Take a walk through the famous Enchanted Wood and see The National Arboretum lit up at night.
	Until  24 December Christmas Fantasy at Clearwell Caves Clearwell Caves is once again transformed into a magical place in the Forest of Dean.
	Until 24 December Santa’s Grotto at The Regent Arcade Come and visit Santa and his helpers.
	Until 24 December Christmas Winter Wonderland at The Forest Model Village A Christmas spectacular in miniature.
	5 December Victorian Christmas  at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum A free drop-in event - make decorations and cards from the past.
	5 December Live Reindeer at The Brewery Father Christmas and two special visitors.
	5 December Christmas Floral Decorations at Out of the Hat With renowned artist Katherine Kear.
	5 & 6 December 2009 Festive Food & Drink Weekend in Gloucester A weekend dedicated to Christmas food and drink.
	5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 December Santa Specials at Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Take a trip on the famous Santa Special.
	5,6,12-24 December Santa Claus at Puzzlewood A magical experience in the Forest.
	5, 8 & 10 December Christmas Wreaths at Taurus Crafts Make your own Christmas wreath this year.
	8 December A Christmas Carol For the very first time ever, 'Rain or Shine Theatre Company' are producing a Christmas season tour.
	9 December Howlers Xmas Party at The Royal Oak Get into the party spirit with great food and great comedy.
	9 – 10 December Christmas Workshop at Cotswold Wildlife Park A day of seasonal activities for adults.
	12 December Christmas Lantern Workshop & Carol Singing at The Brewery A free lantern making workshop.
	12 December Howlers at the Venue A great night of comedy featuring Nick Wilty, Matt Price and Jim Smallman.
	12 – 13 December Christmas at Lodge Park A trail for the children, Father Christmas and festive refreshments.
	12,13 & 19-24 December Father Christmas at Over Farm Market The ideal opportunity to visit Santa and do some shopping.
	12 – 24 December Christmas at Prinknash Bird & Deer Park The park will be transformed into a magical place for some festive family fun.
	12,13,19,20,21,22,23,24 December 2009 Santa’s Onboard Grotto in Gloucester Docks A festive treat along the River Severn.
	14 December Howlers at the Hall A night of fabulous comedy with Sarah Millican and John Robins.
	18 – 20 December Christmas Market & Wonderland at Cirencester Country Park & Beach A Christmas extravaganza.
	19 December Christmas Craft Workshop at The Brewery A free gift bag making workshop.
	19 – 30 December Christmas Holiday Activities at Nature in Art Lots of things for children to make for Christmas.
	25 December Christmas Day Swim at the Lido One for the brave – adults only!
	26 December   The Annual Boxing Day Duck Race A good reason to get out into the fresh air on Boxing Day.
	27 & 28 December & 1 January 2010 Mince Pie Special at Dean Forest Railway Time for some fresh and a trip out.