Christmas doesn’t have to cost the earth. Come to Brimscombe Mill, just outside Stroud, for low-cost festive fun from 19 November to 23 December 2026. There’s room for everyone at the Mill. Pop in to make something, pull up a chair for a pay-as-you-can meal at The Long Table, or bring someone along for their first visit.
Things to do in the run-up to Christmas
Christmas Post Box · 28 November to 5 December. Bring the children to post their letters to Santa. See the Christmas Post Box details.
Festive Film Night · Friday 4 December, film at 4.30pm. Dig out your Christmas jumper and settle in for a family film in the Sanctuary. Stay for a pay-as-you-can dinner from 6pm. No booking needed. See the film night details.
Order of Grace Advent Experience · Sunday 6 December. Explore an interactive walk through the Mill with moments to pause and reflect. All ages welcome, with no booking needed. Check the Advent Experience listing for the start time.
Santa’s Grotto · Wednesday 16 December, 10am–noon. Come and meet Santa. Each child gets a present. It’s pay-as-you-can and you can drop in. See the Santa’s Grotto details.
Adopt a Bear · Thursday 17 December, 10am–6pm. Drop in to Kids Stuff, choose a soft toy and fill in its adoption certificate. See the Adopt a Bear details.
Festive Family Party · Thursday 17 December, 5–7pm. Come for games, a disco and pay-as-you-can dinner. No booking needed. See the family party details.
Carols Around the Fire · Friday 18 December, 6–7pm. Bring a neighbour and join in with carols and a short Christmas reflection. No booking needed. See the carols details.
Christmas school holiday activities for kids
Kids Stuff holiday craft tables · 21–23 December, 10am–noon. Drop in to make Christmas crackers on Monday, festive popcorn on Tuesday or tree decorations on Wednesday. No booking needed.
Needle-felt Christmas tree decorations · Monday 21 December, 1–3.30pm. Make a decoration to hang on the tree or give as a gift. Ages 8+. See the needle-felting workshop details.
Festive Kids Kitchen · Tuesday 22 December. Make edible gifts with The Long Table. Check the listings for ticket releases for hot chocolate mugs at 1.30pm and chocolate truffles at 3pm.
Phil the Christmas Elf Magical Family Show · Wednesday 23 December, 10.30–11.30am. An hour of magic, clowning and audience participation, especially for preschool and primary-aged children. Grown-ups and younger siblings are welcome too. Book Phil the Christmas Elf.
Christmas workshops and evenings for adults
Christmas Craft Night · Thursday 19 November, 7–9pm. Try four mini craft stations with local makers, from lino-printing cards to making willow decorations. Book Christmas Craft Night.
Wreath Making Workshop · Thursday 3 December, 7–9pm. Make a wreath with Emily from Fiorella Florals using fresh foliage and natural materials. Book the wreath-making workshop.
Winter Songs Feast · Friday 18 December, 7–10pm. Share a festive meal at The Long Table with live music and readings by candlelight. See Winter Songs Feast details and ticket information.
Foliage centrepiece workshop for adults and teens · Monday 21 December, 3–5pm. Make a centrepiece with your teen using fresh foliage. Ages 11+. £15 per pair, with ‘on us’ tickets also listed. See the centrepiece workshop details.
Get involved this Christmas
Bring a friend who hasn’t been to the Mill before, share this guide with a local family, or pull up a chair and meet someone over dinner at The Long Table. Shop for second-hand decorations at the Gloucestershire House Clearances Christmas Sale on 20 November, support young makers at the Mini Makers Market on 21 November, or pass on outdoor kit you no longer use at the Wear Next pop-up on 5 December. Got an idea or some time to give? Find out how to get involved at the Mill.
Find us at Brimscombe Mill, Brimscombe Hill, Stroud, GL5 2SB. Check the full What’s On calendar for the latest times and ticket availability, or plan your visit to Brimscombe Mill.