We’ve moved into the dark days of winter, so all of us are looking for something brighter to do or to visit.

How about a trip to the Christmas market in the Docks? Dozens of stands selling all sorts of festive things will be looking forward to having lots of visitors. There’s always plenty to see and you can also stop for a meal in one of many pubs and restaurants in the area. The market is open each Saturday in the run-up to Christmas from 10am to 6pm, and each Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Floating sleigh rides are on offer in the Docks every day throughout December from 4pm to 8pm, except 25th, 26th, 27th and 31st. On 2nd December there’s a Christmas craft fair at Llanthony Secunda Priory and a Local Makers Market at the Folk of Gloucester, both from 10am to 4pm.

Santa will be visiting lots of Gloucester locations

Santa is also visiting. He’ll be at Llanthony Secunda Priory on 2nd December from 11am to 4pm, at the National Waterways Museum from 2nd to 21st between 11am and 2pm in a return of the Stories with Santa experience, and he’ll be sailing into Gloucester Docks between 10.30am and 4.30pm on 16th December. Misters on Westgate Street have also requested him to visit between 10am and 2pm on the 20th to 22nd. Santa is always accommodating so I’m sure you’ll be able to find him in lots of other places.

If song is your preference, the Folk have a song and tune session on the 21st from 12 to 3pm. There’s lots on offer at the Cathedral through-out the festive period – always worth a number of visits between 9th and 31st December. Gloucester Choral Society are also presenting A Christmas Chorale at the Cathedral on 2nd December from 7pm to 9pm.

Throughout the month, 12 runaway reindeer will be hiding around the city centre, with a challenge to find them all. Good luck!

The run-up to Christmas can be a busy time – shopping for presents, eating out and generally celebrating the festive season. I hope this year it is a good time for all of you and I wish you all the best Christmas and a very Happy New Year.