January 2026 in the Cotswolds: Seasonal Festivals and Countryside Traditions
January in the Cotswolds is not just about quiet villages and frosty landscapes — it is also a month rich in tradition. For guests staying with The Cotswold Retreats in January 2026, this is the time to experience some of the region’s oldest seasonal customs, along with lively evenings in village halls and historic inns.
One of the most distinctive Cotswolds traditions to look out for in January is Wassailing. This ancient rural celebration dates back centuries and is still practised in parts of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Typically held in orchards during mid-to-late January, wassails are designed to bless apple trees for a fruitful year ahead. Expect torchlight processions, warm cider, music, singing and storytelling — a wonderful way to witness countryside culture in action rather than through a museum display.
Another winter highlight is Burns Night on 25 January, which is widely marked across villages, market towns and country inns in the region. Many venues host traditional suppers featuring haggis, whisky and poetry readings in honour of Robert Burns. Whether you attend a formal dinner or a more relaxed pub celebration, Burns Night offers visitors a warm, welcoming way to enjoy January evenings in the heart of the English countryside.
Village quiz nights, food evenings and seasonal celebrations also fill community calendars throughout January. These events are often hosted by local pubs and village halls and offer visitors a chance to mix with residents rather than staying in tourist-only spaces. It’s a great way to meet locals, enjoy regional food and experience how life flows beyond the summer crowds.
Market towns including Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh typically host winter pop-up events, artisan markets and indoor fairs throughout January, making it a good month to explore shopping in a quieter atmosphere. Independent traders offer handmade crafts, local produce and unique gifts — a far cry from big-city retail experiences.
Staying with The Cotswold Retreats gives you the freedom to enjoy these events without rushing. After a long countryside walk, a village celebration or an evening in front of a log fire at a local inn, you can return to your private accommodation and relax in complete comfort. No hotel corridors, no noise — just your own space in the countryside.
January offers something many travellers rarely experience: a Cotswolds that belongs more to its residents than tourists. It’s quieter, richer in tradition, and filled with moments that feel authentic rather than staged. If you want to see the region at its most genuine, this is the month to visit.