The Christmas Meeting
Kick off the holiday season with The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse. This two-day event on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th, 2026, is a highlight of the Christmas racing calendar, promising excitement and festive cheer. Don't miss the Tattersalls Cheltenham Sales on Friday, featuring select winning and placed horses.
What to Expect
Festive horse racing and Tattersalls sales event.
Event Details
Duration
2 days
Ages
Under 18s race free (excluding Cheltenham Festival)
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Jockey Club
Food & Drink
Mobile catering units offer various food options. Food for individual consumption is permitted in the Best Mate enclosure only (excluding Cheltenham Festival). Hip flasks are not permitted.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Racing enthusiasts, families, festive celebrations
Vibe
Festive, exciting, traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Outdoor event, may be affected by weather
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Public car parking is FREE for most race meetings, except for Saturday of The November Meeting and all four days of The Cheltenham Festival. Colour-coded parking zones are available, with Green signs for public parking if no advance label is purchased.
- Accessibility: Information on physical accessibility is available on their website.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals only)
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets in advance to secure the best prices and avoid potential sell-outs, especially for popular hospitality options.
- Arrive early on racedays, particularly if driving, to ensure easy access to parking and avoid queues at the entrance.
- Check the Cheltenham Racecourse website for specific road closure information on racedays, especially during peak events like The November Meeting.
- Familiarize yourself with the different enclosure options (Club, Tattersalls, Best Mate) to choose the experience that best suits your preferences.
- Download the Cheltenham Racecourse app before your visit for easy ticket access, racecard information, and venue maps.
Special Events & Promotions
- Under 18s race free (excluding Cheltenham Festival)
- Half price tickets for 18-24 year olds with RacePass
- Collect Rewards4Racing points on purchases
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children attend for free?
Yes, children under 18 accompanied by a full-paying adult gain free admission to most racedays, excluding the Cheltenham Festival where a ticket is required for ages 5 and over. Young persons under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (21+).
What happens if the event is cancelled?
If an event is cancelled or a fixture is abandoned, the racecourse's refund policy applies. Refer to their terms and conditions for specific details.
Is parking free?
Public car parking is free at most meetings, with the exception of Saturday of The November Meeting and all four days of The Cheltenham Festival, where a parking pass must be purchased in advance.
Can I bring my own food?
Bringing your own food and drink is not permitted in the Club and Tattersalls enclosures. Food for individual consumption is allowed in the Best Mate enclosure only (excluding The Cheltenham Festival), with no liquids permitted and bag searches in place.
How do I get to Cheltenham Racecourse?
The postcode for GPS is GL50 4SH. On racedays, follow temporary yellow AA signs. The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa, with bus services to the racecourse.
More Christmas Events Near Cheltenham
More Christmas Events near Cheltenham
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.