There are few Cheltenham venues that bring quite the same sense of occasion as The Queens Hotel – and at Christmas, its grand setting comes into its own.
With pine trees and twinkling lights going up behind its famous white facade, and seasonal menus arriving at Victoria's, the landmark hotel in Montpellier is preparing for a packed programme of celebrations for 2026, spanning relaxed lunches and afternoon tea through to party nights, Christmas Day dining and a black-tie New Year's Eve gala.
Opened in 1838 and overlooking Imperial Gardens, The Queens retains much of its original character, with its grand staircase, chandeliers and Regency architecture adding plenty of festive atmosphere.
Following a year of change, with new owners and a new era for The Queens, memorable dining, stays and festive celebrations are now firmly at the centre of the historic hotel's next chapter.
Christmas parties and festive dining in Cheltenham
By late November, The Queens becomes one of Montpellier’s most recognisably festive addresses, with party nights and seasonal dining taking over the hotel.
For anyone tasked with organising the office Christmas party – or simply looking for an excuse to get friends together – The Queens is bringing its Christmas party nights back to the Regency Suite.
Taking place on selected dates from Saturday 28 November to Saturday 19 December 2026, evenings begin with a glass of fizz followed by a festive dinner and live entertainment until midnight, with shared party nights starting from £70 per person.
For something more relaxed, Victoria's Restaurant is serving seasonal lunches from £45 per person from Monday 30 November 2026, while festive dinners are available at Victoria's and Dukes Tea Room from £65.
For more information about Christmas parties and festive dining at The Queens Hotel, visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/christmas.
Festive afternoon tea at The Queens Hotel
Afternoon tea offers a quieter way to experience the hotel at Christmas, away from the rush of the town centre.
For a gentle way to embrace the season, festive afternoon tea returns from Tuesday 24 November until Thursday 31 December 2026.
Priced at £35 per person – or £45 with a glass of Pommery English Sparkling – it offers a chance to escape Cheltenham's busy Christmas shopping for an afternoon inside one of the town's most historic hotels.
For more information about festive afternoon tea at The Queens Hotel, visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/christmas.
Christmas Day lunch and festive stays
On Christmas Day itself, the focus shifts to long lunches, overnight stays and a slower pace inside the historic hotel.
For those who would rather hand over the cooking entirely, The Queens is serving a five-course Christmas Day lunch for 2026, combining traditional festive favourites with seasonal dishes and all the expected trimmings.
Lunch costs £135 for adults and £67.50 for children under 12, with children under five eating for free.
Guests wanting to make more of a break of it can also book a residential Christmas stay. A three-night festive break runs from Christmas Eve until Sunday 27 December 2026, with accommodation and meals included from £615 per adult based on two people sharing, while a two-night option is also available.
With Montpellier, Imperial Gardens and the town centre on the doorstep, it offers the chance to combine Christmas at the hotel with time exploring Cheltenham.
For more information about Christmas Day dining and festive stays at The Queens Hotel, visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/christmas.
New Year's Eve at The Queens Hotel
The festive programme at The Queens Hotel rounds off with a black-tie New Year's Eve gala, when the Regency setting gives way to black tie, live music and a late-night celebration.
Guests can see out 2026 with fizz, dinner, live saxophone music and dancing, with tickets priced at £135 per person and tables of 10 also available.
For more information about New Year's Eve celebrations at The Queens Hotel, visit queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/christmas.
