What’s on in Wiltshire - December 2021

December is just around the corner, and its promising to be a busy month here in Wiltshire. There are events planned across the county, including lots of festive fun in the run-up to Christmas. From live music to foodie treats, and from murder mysteries to film nights, this is what’s on in Wiltshire for December 2021.

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Christmas in Wiltshire

It’s less than a month until Christmas, and there are plenty of festive events taking place in Wiltshire to keep the whole family happy. If you’ve got little ones in the family, find out where to see Santa in Wiltshire this Christmas and plan a trip to Father Christmas’ grotto. Or, enjoy a sparkling evening out at one of the winter light trails taking place in Wiltshire, with some of the most famous local landmarks illuminated by beautiful after-dark light shows. Plus, there are Christmas carol concerts to enjoy and the chance to get crafty at a wreath-making workshop. Celebrate a Tudor Christmas at Salisbury Museum on 11 or 12 December, take part in a Festive Murder Mystery Night with Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm on 11 December, enjoy Salisbury’s Christmas on the Square, or head over the Wiltshire border to Hampshire and step into the wonderful world of owls with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Owls by Moonlight at Christmas. Or enjoy a jam-packed programme of festive events with 'Christmas in colours' at Avebury.

Need more inspiration? Take a look at all the upcoming Christmas events this December, featuring pantomimes, Christmas markets, festive dining, screenings of your favourite seasonal films, and much more. That should be enough to get you in the festive spirit!

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Live Music

There will be lots and lots of live music to enjoy in Wiltshire this December. Whatever your taste, you’ll find something to suit you. In Corsham, head to Pound Arts Centre where Kaia Kater performs live on 1 December followed by "one of the UK's best kept musical secrets" Nick Harper on 9 December. The Brodsky Quartet and cellist Laura Van Der Heijden come to Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon on 4 December for a performance of Schubert's String Quintet in C, before the Pasadena Roof Orchestra provide an abundance of razzle and dazzle on 18 December. On 5 December, the Swindon Recital Series continues with music from critically acclaimed British soprano Claire Rutter at Swindon Arts Centre. At Trowbridge Town Hall, Larkhall will give a cinematic performance where piano, art and technology collide on 4 December, and Katherine Priddy will demonstrate her haunting vocals and enchanting songs on 11 December. Meanwhile at Salisbury Cathedral, the City of London Sinfonia join the full Cathedral Choir and four distinguished soloists to perform Handel's 'Messiah' on 11 December, a popular and magical part of the city’s Christmas calendar.

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Film, Theatre and Performance

This month in Wiltshire we’ve got pantomimes, festive films, spectacular shows and performances of all sorts! Here’s what to watch this December… The Thinking Drinkers comes to the Arts Centre in Swindon on 9 December, promising that audiences will learn a lot and laugh a lot at history's greatest ever pub quiz. At Swindon Dance, watch a gritty blend of dance and theatre online with Out Late - VOXED between 2 and 7 December. Or watch family-favourite The Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra at Salisbury Cathedral on 3 December. The newly-opened Parade Cinema in Marlborough will be hosting a busy programme of festive films throughout December including Christmas classics like Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, and Elf. Plus, take a look at all the pantomimes and Christmas shows taking place in Wiltshire this month, featuring lots of family-friendly seasonal fun taking place in Trowbridge, Salisbury, and Swindon. For a more grown-up Christmas show, catch Miracle on 34 Seymour Street between 20 and 30 December at Trowbridge Town Hall, following two children through the decades, from 1994 to today.

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Food & Drink

Wintery weather, long nights and the excitement of Christmas all seem like good reasons to overindulge this December. Luckily, there are some fun foodie feasts for you to dive into. For a special meal out with friends and family, book a festive dining igloo at Bishopstrow Hotel or sit down to enjoy a sumptuous festive afternoon tea next to a roaring fire in the Library at Bowood Hotel. Woolley Grange Hotel just outside Bradford on Avon are also offering a family-friendly winter's afternoon tea as part of their Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas trail experience this December. If you prefer to get hands-on with your wintery food experiences, why not head to a Wiltshire cookery course? The Farm Cookery School's Mexican Spice Masterclass on 2 December will be an opportunity to learn how to make homemade tortillas, fajitas & Mexican cheesecake, or head to Vaughan's Cookery School on 4 December to learn all about bread making.

For an evening of delicious food and drink, round-off December with a bang at a New Year’s Eve do! The New Year’s Eve Soirée at Cosy Club in Salisbury will be a night of opulent celebration including cocktails, sumptuous food, live music and dancing. Or select one of the New Year Packages at Bishopstrow Hotel, including an overnight stay featuring a Champagne and canapé New Year's reception followed by a mouth-watering seven-course dinner. Yum! Meanwhile, New Year's Eve at Bowood offers the choice of celebrations with Champagne, delicious food, live entertainment and more.

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That should give you plenty of ideas for what to do in Wiltshire this month. Take a look at all our upcoming Christmas events. If you’re planning a winter getaway or Christmas break here in Wiltshire, there are lots of exciting things to do during your stay, from visiting ancient standing stones to skydiving over Salisbury Plain! Take a look at the lovely accommodation options on offer and book your stay today.