{"count":10,"contentType":"events","articles":[{"contentID":38732,"sectionID":3,"contentType":"events","category":"Art, Christmas","dateAdded":"2025-08-27","dateModified":"2025-08-27","displayOrder":5880,"title":"Festive Paint & Sip in Lydiard Park","intro":"Experience a Christmas-themed painting workshop while enjoying festive drinks at Lydiard Park.","content":"<p>Festive Paint & Sip provides an inviting setting for participants to express their creativity through guided Christmas painting projects.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Enjoy seasonal beverages while creating holiday artwork on Wednesday 10th December 2025 at Lydiard Park.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/www.lydiardpark.org.uk\/event\/festive-paint-sip\/" target="_blank">BOOK NOW!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-08-27","endDate":"2025-12-11","eventDate":"2025-12-10","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"See website for details","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Festive Paint & Sip at Lydiard Park","metadescription":"Join Festive Paint & Sip for a Christmas-themed art and drinks event at Lydiard Park on 10th December 2025.","seoURL":"\/entertainment\/festive-paint-sip-lydiard-park\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-10 01:01:01"],"images":[{"imgAlt":"","imgFile":"events\/entertainment\/38732_154lydiard-festive-paint-and-sip-scaled-e1755597504965.jpg","displayOrder":null,"position":null}]},{"contentID":38931,"sectionID":8,"contentType":"events","category":"Christmas Market Holidays","dateAdded":"2025-10-24","dateModified":"2025-10-24","displayOrder":5807,"title":"Rhine Christmas Markets with Barnes Coaches","intro":"Spend five magical days in Boppard on the Rhine, experiencing Germany\ufffds famous Christmas markets with lights, candles, and festive treats.","content":"<p>Experience the charm of Germany’s renowned Christmas markets with a five-day holiday in Boppard on the Rhine. Immerse in festive atmospheres filled with lights, candles, and the aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine. The trip departs on 11th December 2025.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<a href="https:\/\/www.barnescoaches.co.uk\/itineraries\/8807-rhine-christmas-markets?tourid=170454&t3p=">BOOK NOW<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-10-24","endDate":"2025-12-12","eventDate":"2025-12-11","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"\ufffd729","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Rhine Christmas Markets 5 Day Coach Holiday","metadescription":"Enjoy five days in Boppard, Germany at the Rhine Christmas Markets, with festive lights, traditional treats, and more. Coach holiday included in package.","seoURL":"\/shopping\/rhine-christmas-markets\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-11 01:01:01"]},{"contentID":38748,"sectionID":3,"contentType":"events","category":"Christmas","dateAdded":"2025-08-29","dateModified":"2025-08-29","displayOrder":5890,"title":"Lydiard Ghost Tales at Christmas","intro":"In the atmospheric setting of Lydiard House, surrounded by traditional Christmas cheer, you\ufffdll hear spine-tingling ghost stories about some of the spirits that have been reported at Lydiard over the centuries.","content":"<p>Their fascination with ghostly stories during the festive season goes all the way back to ancient winter solstice celebrations. Recounting tales of brave heroes, monstrous creatures and the supernatural became a cherished midwinter tradition, which keep people entertained during those long, dark nights. The Victorians put their spin on it, relating ghost stories directly to the festive season – the idea of something dreadful lurking beyond the light and laughter inspired some chilling tales.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>On the day of the event: please arrive at the entrance to Lydiard House Museum at your session start time (either 6pm or 8pm depending on your booking). You will then receive a complimentary arrival drink before the storytelling session begins. If you are travelling by car, they recommend using the Hay Lane entrance to Lydiard Park as this will lead you to the closest car park to Lydiard House.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Spaces are limited and tickets must be booked in advance. Full payment online is required at the time of booking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Prepare to step into the shadows this December as they revive a chilling tradition that goes back thousands of years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Friday 12th December<\/li>\r\n\t<li>6pm – 7.30pm or 8pm – 9.30pm<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Suitable for ages 10+<\/li>\r\n\t<li>£12 per person – includes arrival drink<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/www.lydiardpark.org.uk\/event\/lydiard-ghost-tales-at-christmas\/" target="_blank">BOOK NOW!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-08-29","endDate":"2025-12-13","eventDate":"2025-12-12","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":null,"eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Lydiard Ghost Tales at Christmas","metadescription":"In the atmospheric setting of Lydiard House, surrounded by traditional Christmas cheer, you\ufffdll hear spine-tingling ghost stories about some of the spirits that have been reported at Lydiard over the centuries.","seoURL":"\/entertainment\/lydiard-ghost-tales-at-christmas\/","geoPlacename":"Swindon","eventdates":["2025-12-12 01:01:01"],"images":[{"imgAlt":"","imgFile":"events\/entertainment\/38748_9lydiard-ghost-tales-at-christmas.jpg","displayOrder":null,"position":null}]},{"contentID":38716,"sectionID":3,"contentType":"events","category":"Concert","dateAdded":"2025-08-22","dateModified":"2025-08-22","displayOrder":5872,"title":"The Snowman in concert with Aldbourne Band at STEAM Museum","intro":"The Snowman in concert with the Aldbourne Band brings live music and festive magic to the STEAM Museum during the holiday season.","content":"<p>Enjoy The Snowman in concert with Aldbourne Band at STEAM Museum on 13th December 2025. This special event offers a live orchestral performance that enchants audiences of all ages, capturing the spirit of Christmas. Full event details are available via the event webpage.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<a href="https:\/\/www.steam-museum.org.uk\/event\/the-snowman-in-concert-with-aldbourne-band\/">BOOK NOW<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-08-22","endDate":"2025-12-14","eventDate":"2025-12-13","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"See website for details","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"The Snowman in Concert with Aldbourne Band \ufffd STEAM Museum","metadescription":"The Snowman in concert with Aldbourne Band appears at STEAM Museum on 13th December 2025 for a magical festive performance.","seoURL":"\/entertainment\/the-snowman-in-concert-with-aldbourne-band-steam-museum\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-13 01:01:01"]},{"contentID":38763,"sectionID":3,"contentType":"events","category":"Christmas Party","dateAdded":"2025-09-03","dateModified":"2025-09-03","displayOrder":5893,"title":"That 80s Night Christmas Party at De Vere Cotswold Water Park ","intro":"Celebrate a festive 80s themed Christmas party at Cotswold Water Park Hotel.","content":"<p>Relive the iconic sounds of the 1980s at That 80s Night Christmas Party at Cotswold Water Park Hotel. Enjoy festive entertainment and a nostalgic atmosphere in December 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/www.devere.co.uk\/cotswold-water-park-hotel" target="_blank">FIND OUT MORE HERE!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-09-03","endDate":"2025-12-14","eventDate":"2025-12-13","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"\ufffd62.00 \/ Participant","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"That 80s Night Christmas Party at Cotswold Water Park Hotel","metadescription":"Celebrate Christmas with an 80s themed party at Cotswold Water Park Hotel in December 2025.","seoURL":"\/entertainment\/that-80s-night-christmas-party-de-vere-cotswold-waterpark\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-13 19:00:01"]},{"contentID":39025,"sectionID":3,"contentType":"events","category":"Christmas Events","dateAdded":"2025-11-21","dateModified":"2025-11-21","displayOrder":5933,"title":"Christmas in the Town Gardens","intro":"This December, South Swindon Parish Council is proud to present a brand-new winter attraction, right in the heart of Swindon\ufffds Old Town, inside the beautiful Town Gardens \ufffd and it\ufffds completely FREE to join in the fun!","content":"<p>The Town Gardens will be brought to life with a range of free-to-access activities, suitable for all ages, between 12pm and 4pm on 13, 14, 20 and 21 December. <\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Stop by Santa’s Craft Corner near the Town Gardens Cafe, where you and your little ones will be guided through exciting festive craft projects perfect for all the family. Marvel at a whimsical garden of giant interactive plants brought to you by the award-winning Air Giants, before following Swindon Culture Collective’s Magical Lantern Forest through into the heart of the gardens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Experience the diversity of Swindon’s live music offering on the iconic Town Gardens Bandstand, with performances from a range of local organisations from Swindon Hindu Centre and Rhythmix Goa, to Swindon Brass and Wroughton Silver Band (see a full schedule of performances below).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>With visits from beloved Christmas characters – including the big man, Santa, himself – throughout the day, alongside a fully-licensed bar, provided by fan-favourites, Fandangos, serving all your festive tipples, and a variety of food stalls to suit all tastes, there is truly something for everyone at the Town Gardens this Christmas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Saturday 13 December<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>12.00 – 12.45: TBC<\/li>\r\n\t<li>13.00 – 13.45: Swindon Hindu Centre<\/li>\r\n\t<li>14.00 – 14.45: TBC<\/li>\r\n\t<li>15.00 – 15.45: Rhythmix Goa<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Sunday 14 December<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>12.00 – 12.45: Rhythmix Goa<\/li>\r\n\t<li>13.00 – 13.45: Swindon Hindu Temple<\/li>\r\n\t<li>14.00 – 14.45: Swindon Welcomes Ukraine Choir<\/li>\r\n\t<li>15.00 – 15.45: PKS<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Saturday 20 December<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>12.00 – 12.45: Revolution Performing Arts<\/li>\r\n\t<li>13.00 – 13.45: The Commonweal School<\/li>\r\n\t<li>14.00 – 14.45: Emily’s Dance Academy<\/li>\r\n\t<li>15.00 – 15.45: Apollo Performance Academy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Sunday 21 December<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>12.00 – 12.45: Swindon Choral Society<\/li>\r\n\t<li>13.00 – 13.45: TBC<\/li>\r\n\t<li>14.00 – 14.45: Swindon Brass<\/li>\r\n\t<li>15.00 – 15.45: Wroughton Silver Band<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/southswindon-pc.gov.uk\/event\/christmas-in-the-town-gardens\/" target="_blank">FIND OUT MORE HERE!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-11-21","endDate":"2025-12-22","eventDate":"2025-12-13","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"FREE EVENT","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Christmas in the Town Gardens","metadescription":"This December, South Swindon Parish Council is proud to present a brand-new winter attraction, right in the heart of Swindon\ufffds Old Town, inside the beautiful Town Gardens \ufffd and it\ufffds completely FREE to join in the fun!","seoURL":"\/entertainment\/christmas-in-the-town-gardens\/","geoPlacename":"Swindon","eventdates":["2025-12-13 12:00:01","2025-12-14 12:00:01","2025-12-20 12:00:01","2025-12-21 12:00:01"],"images":[{"imgAlt":"","imgFile":"events\/entertainment\/39025_54713_-14_-20-and-21-december.jpg","displayOrder":null,"position":null}]},null,{"contentID":38731,"sectionID":7,"contentType":"events","category":"Family, Christmas","dateAdded":"2025-08-27","dateModified":"2025-11-20","displayOrder":5860,"title":"Sunday with Santa at Lydiard Park","intro":"Families can enjoy festive fun and meet Santa at Lydiard Park on Sunday 14th December 2025.","content":"<p><span style="color:#FF0000;">SOLD OUT!<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Children and their families are invited to enjoy a day of festive activities, treats, and the opportunity to meet Santa at Lydiard Park. Experience the magic of Christmas at this special event on Sunday 14th December 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/www.lydiardpark.org.uk\/event\/sunday-with-santa\/" target="_blank">BOOK NOW!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-08-27","endDate":"2025-12-15","eventDate":"2025-12-14","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":"See website for details","eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Sunday with Santa at Lydiard Park","metadescription":"Experience festive fun and meet Santa with the family at Lydiard Park on 14th December 2025.","seoURL":"\/family\/sunday-with-santa-lydiard-park\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-14 01:01:01"],"images":[{"imgAlt":"","imgFile":"events\/entertainment\/38731_72sunday-with-santa-2-scaled-e1755597626958.jpg","displayOrder":null,"position":null}]},{"contentID":39067,"sectionID":1,"contentType":"events","category":"Christmas","dateAdded":"2025-12-04","dateModified":"2025-12-04","displayOrder":5720,"title":"Festive Family Lunch at the Doubletree by Hilton","intro":"Bring the whole family together for a Festive Carvery Lunch on 14th December at the DoubleTree by Hilton.","content":"<p>Start off with a glass of fizz or orange juice, then while you sit back and relax over coffee, their photographer will be available to capture your special family moments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Santa will also visit and deliver gifts for all children 12 and under. Arrival drink served from 12.00pm. Lunch served from 12.30pm - 2.00pm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>Includes an arrival drink, a gift from Santa for all children 12 and under, along with one complimentary photo from their resident photographer.* *extra photos available, charges will apply.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><a href="https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/swihndi-doubletree-swindon\/" target="_blank">FIND OUT MORE HERE!<\/a><\/p>\r\n","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-12-04","endDate":"2025-12-15","eventDate":"2025-12-14","eventLocation":null,"eventPostcode":null,"eventPrice":null,"eventPlaces":null,"metatitle":"Festive Family Lunch at the Doubletree by Hilton","metadescription":"Bring the whole family together for a Festive Carvery Lunch on 14th December at the DoubleTree by Hilton.","seoURL":"\/eating\/festive-family-lunch-at-the-doubletree-by-hilton\/","geoPlacename":"Swindon","eventdates":["2025-12-14 12:00:01"],"images":[{"imgAlt":"","imgFile":"events\/eating-and-drinking\/39067_785image00016.jpg","displayOrder":null,"position":null}]},{"contentID":39074,"sectionID":7,"contentType":"events","category":"Family Activities","dateAdded":"2025-12-08","dateModified":"2025-12-08","displayOrder":null,"title":"Little Locos","intro":"Little Locos offers an imaginative session for children under 5 to enjoy play and crafts at the STEAM Museum.","content":"Little Locos at the STEAM Museum continues on 17 December 2025, providing additional opportunities for children under 5 to join in with creative play and railway-themed crafts. More details are available through the event website.<br><br><a href='https:\/\/www.steam-museum.org.uk\/event\/little-locos-6\/'>BOOK NOW<\/a>.","displaydate":null,"startDate":"2025-12-08","endDate":"2025-12-18","eventDate":"2025-12-17","eventLocation":"STEAM Museum, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon","eventPostcode":"SN2 2EY","eventPrice":"General admission applies","eventPlaces":"STEAM Museum","metatitle":"Little Locos at STEAM Museum Swindon \ufffd December Play Session","metadescription":"Little Locos is a fun play and crafts session for children under 5 at STEAM Museum in Swindon on 17 December 2025.","seoURL":"\/family\/little-locos-steam-museum\/","geoPlacename":null,"eventdates":["2025-12-17 00:00:00"]}]}