Cheltenham’s popular Imperial Gardens ice rink will not return for Christmas 2026. The borough council says it would rather put its money into a wider mix of events.
Cheltenham will go without its seasonal ice rink this winter. Cheltenham Borough Council has confirmed that the rink, which has been a fixture in Imperial Gardens for the past three years, will not be back for the 2026 festive season.
The rink was run under a three-year contract with a provider. When that contract ended, the council decided not to renew it.
Instead of signing another long-term deal, the council said it wanted to try something different. Councillor Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, culture, wellbeing and public realm, said the authority did not want to commit to another long contract, particularly with significant rises in costs and the changing shape of local government. He said the council was keen to offer a “unique festive countdown” this year, “full of new experiences to really set Cheltenham apart and let it sparkle”.
What is planned instead
Christmas lights switch-on. The town’s festive season officially starts on Saturday 21 November 2026, when the Christmas lights are switched on. The event is delivered by Cheltenham BID and part-funded by the council.
Festive film projection. A new immersive film, celebrating Cheltenham’s identity, heritage and character, will be projected onto the facade of the Municipal Offices on the Promenade. It will run every evening as darkness falls, from Thursday 3 to Wednesday 16 December 2026.
Late-night shopping. Late opening returns on Thursday 3 and Thursday 10 December 2026. John Lewis and Marks & Spencer are among the first retailers to sign up, and the council is urging more town centre shops to join them.
Free parking. On those two evenings, parking is free from 3pm in all town centre council car parks. That covers High Street, Town Centre East (which closes at 8pm), Royal Well, Rodney Road, Bath Parade, St James Street, Chelt Walk and Sherborne Place. The Regent Arcade car park is not included.
Christmas market. The Cheltenham Christmas Market returns to the Promenade for an extended run, from Thursday 10 to Wednesday 23 December 2026. It will have 40 wooden stalls selling gifts and crafts made by local producers, along with festive food and mulled wine.
For skaters, the loss of the rink will be a disappointment. But the council’s programme gives people several reasons to spend more time in the town centre through December.
