From festive feasts to merry markets and sparkling shopping, residents are being encouraged to get in the festive spirit and pledge to do all their Christmas shopping in their local town centres this year.
It’s officially the festive season and our town centres have everything you need to get you and your family in the spirit of Christmas, including free parking, excellent shopping opportunities and lots of things to do and see. This page provides you with all the information you need to easily shop, dine and enjoy in our five town centres – Great Malvern, Barnards Green, Malvern Link, Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn.
Start planning where to do your Christmas shopping with our handy guide to our wonderful independent shops across the towns. Please continue to support your local traders and shop locally for everything you need to prepare yourself for Christmas. Your local traders are on hand to get stockings filled, fridges stocked and help Christmas day entertainment run smoothly.
Click on the links below to find out about what shops are on offer in each town, or shop by store type here.
Malvern Link is a fantastic shopping hub located just down the road from Great Malvern. Head here for furniture, books, clothing, pet supplies and more as well as a range of eateries. Handily located next to Malvern Link Train Station and close to excellent green space Victoria Park.
Barnards Green is filled to the brim with handy essentials as well as independent shops. Stop by the butchers, pick up some local cheese from the cheesemonger or stop by Café in The Green for a bite to eat.
Whether you’re meeting a friend for mulled wine or planning an annual family get together, take a look at our many delicious independent hospitality venues located within our town centres and beyond. For full a full list of eateries and food shops in our town centres and across The Malverns click the link below:
From Christmas parades to Panto’s, our towns have lots of events, markets and shows planned to keep you entertained throughout the festive period. Head to our ‘What’s on’ page to help you plan your days and evenings out. We know that your activities budget might be squeezed this year, so we have put together a list of FREE things to do in our Town Centres.
With an artisan arts and food market, the Christmas light switch on with Malvern Theatres Pantomime Stars, lantern parade, Christmas grotto & storytelling at Great Malvern Library, BBC Hereford and Worcester stage at Belle vue Island, seasonal festivities and refreshments in Great Malvern Priory and festive activities and entertainment throughout the town centre. There will be plenty of festive music, food, cheer and merriment starting from 10am on 25 November 2023.
Enjoy the last two farmers markets in Great Malvern Priory Grounds, taking place 18 November and 16 December with the final one being a Christmas Special. Local traders will serve up the finest foods including meat, bread, fruit and veg, cheese, pickles and many additional treats such as cakes, fudge, jams, steamed puddings, apple juice and more. On the Christmas Special find your festive essential as well as special Christmas treats.
Head to Tenbury Wells for the annual celebration of Santa riding through the streets. A flagship traditional Christmas event for the town which has been going since the 1960’s. The whole town comes out to see Santa travelling through the town. This year the event will be hosted on 2 December 2023. Stay longer with a bite to eat at the new independent burger bar on Teme Street or the new tapas restaurant on Market Street.
The Mistletoe Festival in Tenbury Wells is back on! This is a free family day out and one not to be missed. Saturday 2 December 2023 will see the Town Crier announce the Crowning of the Mistletoe Queen outside The Regal in this traditional celebration of mistletoe as well as music, dancing, willow crafting, storytelling and more.
Experience an enchanting evening, brimming with the spirit of the mistletoe on Friday 1 December.
This event will feature a captivating blend of melodious songs, dynamic dances, and a heartwarming play, all woven together with the rhythmic charm of rhymes.
Immerse yourself in the rich narratives spun by our talented bards and druids, as they transport you to a world of folklore and tradition. This gathering is not just about entertainment, but also about fostering a sense of community and celebrating love.
Join the Upton Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 9 December with Emporium Enterprises Christmas Gift and Craft fair at the Memorial Hall from 10am – 4pm. There will be entertainment from Vox Rox choir and Soul Children Upton Youth Choir.
The Chase Brass Band will be playing carols at the Pepperpot at 2pm plus Father Christmas will be walking around the town. The Tudor House Museum will be open from 10:30am – 6pm to coincide with the festivities.
Upton Christmas Lights Switch on and Late Night Shopping
Celebrate Christmas in the historic market town of Upton upon Severn on Wednesday 22 November 2023. Christmas lights switch on and late night shopping in the setting of pretty black and white buildings – what could be more festive! Christmas lights from 5pm and late night shopping until 7pm.
This year MHDC are offering free parking in our town centre car parks on certain days in December leading up to Christmas. Free Christmas parking is as follows:
Great Malvern: free Fridays (1, 8, 15, 22 Dec).
Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn: free Saturdays (2, 9, 16, 23).
