Make the most of the nights drawing in with the most joyful of winter events – twinkly Christmas lights trails! A number of Somerset attractions will be bringing a little bit of festive magic into our lives over the coming weeks with illuminations, dazzling foliage and glittering displays. Here’s a round-up of the best Christmas Lights Trails to visit in Somerset…
Christmas Lights Trails in Somerset
ILLUMINATE at Hestercombe House and Gardens, (27 November-2 January)
Be one of the first to experience Hestercombe’s inaugural Christmas Lights Trail around their beautiful gardens! ILLUMINATE will light up Rook Wood, casting a kaleidoscopic spotlight on its natural features and terrain, before leading you on to the light-studded Yew Tunnel and dynamic pixel display by Hestercombe House.
Warm your cockles around the fire pit afterwards with a hot chocolate or homemade sausage roll from Caffe + Gelato.
Opening times: limited capacity slots are available from 4.30pm- 6.50pm. Advance booking is required, discounted tickets for Hestercombe members.
Frogmary Green Farm Festive Lights (1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 December)
Wrap up warm and head out for a colourful evening stroll to see Frogmary Green Farm’s festive Christmas lights trail! Pick up some delicious Yuletide snacks and hearty beverages from Farm and Field Cafe before pottering around the grounds marvelling at the illuminated parkland.
Opening times: 4 to 8 pm (last entry at 7.30 pm). Booking essential – £15 per car, or £15 for 7 people if you’re walking from South Petherton.
Christmas at the Palace: Illuminations 2021, Bishops Palace, Wells (5, 9-12, 16-19 December)
The medieval ruins and magical inner gardens provide a spectacular backdrop for the Christmas illuminations emblazoning Bishops Palace. And while it’s all drenched in rainbow light and sparkly outside, inside promises to be just as eye-popping…
Festooned with a plethora of Yuletide decorations ranging from Victorian to Nordic, there’ll also be a roaring fire and seasonal greenery to jolly up the historic interior. Don’t miss Father and Mother Christmas who will be meeting children!
Illuminations begin at 3.30pm and last entry time will be 6.30pm.
The Enchanted Garden of Light, American Museum and Gardens (9-31 December)
This after-dark adventure is brand new for Christmas 2021. Follow sparkling reindeer on an enchanting trail of illuminations around the manor house, gardens and woodland.
Keep toasty underneath the stars with hot spiced apple, mulled wine and hot chocolate, homemade mince pies, roasted chestnuts, hotdogs and gourmet burgers.
Christmas at Stourhead (26 November – 2 January)
Wander along the illuminated mile-long Christmas light trail to see the beautiful National Trust gardens at Stourhead dripping with festive colour. Discover gigantic luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky, glittering trees swathed in light, giant baubles and a fire garden aglow with flames, all enhanced by a soundtrack of festive tunes. One of the best Christmas lights displays I’ve ever been to.
Christmas at Longleat (6 November-3 January)
There’s no lantern festival of light this year, but visitors can still get their fill of festive lights at Longleat. Guests will be able to see Longleat House illuminated, bathed in light shows around the grounds. Follow the disco balls through the after-dark Hedge Maze, potter along the winding Winter Wonderland path, settle down for story time with owls at the Flight Before Christmas show, belt out carols with Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree and meet Santa and his elves!
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole (5 December-3 January)
These famous age-old Somerset caverns are given a scintillating festive makeover for the Yuletide season. 100,000 festive lights turn this subterranean world into a colourful twinkling grotto
Guided tours lead visitors through the magnificent caverns (keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Witch of Wookey) and then you’re free to explore above ground, where you’ll find a fairy garden, animatronic dinosaurs, a 4D cinema showing a festive adventure, live circus shows, a giant soft play, Victorian-style arcade and a chance to meet a gift-giving Santa and his elves.
Avon Valley Christmas Lights Trail (3-31 December)
Combine sparkly Christmas lights with letter writing to Father Christmas, a miniature train ride (bound for the North Pole) and a fun fair! This year, visitors can follow and interact with a festive light trail around the park.
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