Can it be nearly that time again already?  It certainly can – Christmas is getting closer by the day and it seems to have taken us by surprise this year for some reason.

But if you have a few spare days available to take a weekend break in the Cotswolds from Friday 4th December onwards, you can really get into the spirit of the season as a result.

That’s because one of the most popular places to grab cheap UK holidays – Bourton on the Water – is holding a late night shopping spectacular to get involved with.  But this isn’t just any kind of late night shopping.  This is themed to hark back to Victorian times, and there is arguably no better way of getting into the spirit of the season than this.

And there is far more than just shopping to help you kick off a nice weekend break too.  If you have the kids with you they will love the opportunity to go and see the big man himself, Father Christmas.  He’ll be there in his grotto, getting ready for the big day that by then will only be 3 weeks away.

You can also enjoy the seasonal cheer brought on by carol singers and even a jazz band.  So if you aren’t quite in the mood for Christmas when you arrive in the Cotswolds, this should soon change!

And of course there are lots of cottages in the Cotswolds you can stay in while you enjoy a nice seasonal weekend of shopping and sightseeing in the area.  Bourton on the Water is home to several of our properties, and even if they are fully booked over that first weekend in December we have plenty of others nearby that you can try as well.

But if you’re still dreaming about doing some Christmas shopping in the Cotswolds, think about what else you can look forward to on the 4th December in Bourton on the Water.  If you’re in town by 6pm you will be able to watch the Christmas tree being lit in readiness for the festive season.  And since the shops stay open until 9pm you’ll have plenty of time to wander around and find all those little gifts and stocking fillers you’re stuck for.

There is no doubt that coming to a place like the Cotswolds totally transforms Christmas shopping.  You’ll be able to shop to the wonderful aromas of the pig roast, and stop to enjoy the Punch and Judy show before moving on to the next few shops on your list.

Here are a few tips if you are planning on coming along to join in the seasonal celebrations in Bourton on the Water.  Make sure you wrap up warm as the long dark evenings will find it quite chilly.  Grab some gloves too and enjoy eating a hot snack as you wander round the unique and always attractive setting of Bourton.

Finally, take a moment or two to appreciate the Christmas tree.  As the lights go on for the first time you can mark that as the beginning of your Christmas this year.