Make the most of the nights drawing in with the most joyful of winter events – twinkly Christmas lights trails! A number of attractions in Somerset (and just over the border!) will be bringing a little bit of festive magic into our lives over the yuletide season with their Christmas lights outdoor events – expect neon illuminations, dazzling foliage and glittering light displays!
A firm favourite on our family calendar and now a seasonal tradition that I intend to keep going for many years to come, here’s my round-up of the best Christmas lights in Somerset for 2026, from proper ticketed light trails to the big town switch-ons in Taunton and Wellington.
Planning a full festive day out? Pair a light trail with a visit to Father Christmas (see my guide to where to see Santa in Somerset), a mooch around the Christmas markets in Somerset, or browse everything in what’s on this Christmas in Somerset. And for the rest of the year, here are my 50 best things to do in Somerset.
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The best Christmas light trails in Somerset 2026
Enchantment at Langford Lakes, near Wellington & Taunton
Best for: families after proper woodland magic close to Taunton
Selected dates: 20 November-30 December 2026
If you’re looking for a dose of festive magic this winter, Langford Lakes is an enchanting trail on an actual Christmas Tree Farm, a mile outside of Langford Budville, near Wellington (postcode is TA21 0RS, around 20 minutes’ drive from Taunton). The kilometre-long trail takes around an hour to complete and takes you through towering firs strung with lights, shimmering lakeside installations and glowing surprises – from miniature fairy houses to a Santa’s sleigh, dinosaurs, to giant evil-looking octopus emerging from the water.
With friendly staff, cheeky elf Twig hidden in the forest and a wintry chill in the air, this is maximum merriment under Somerset skies.
Warm up afterwards by toasting marshmallows around the fire pit, sipping a mulled wine, cider or get your chops round a juicy hot dog.
Open between 4.30pm and 9pm. Tickets cost £14 for adults, £8 for children in November and £16 for adults and £10 for children in December. Pull on sturdy boots, as working farm tracks can get muddy underfoot.
Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole 2026
Best for: combining caves, lights and a Santa visit in one trip
Selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2026
These famous age-old Somerset caverns are given a scintillating festive makeover for the Yuletide season, with 100,000 festive lights turning this subterranean world into a colourful twinkling grotto.
This year, the Somerset attraction has completely reimagined its Winter Wonderland. The brand new Wookey Express, is an immersive 4D train ride transporting families through an enchanted forest to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, where every child chooses a toy from the factory.
Guided tours take you through the spectacular caverns and then you’re free to explore above ground, where you’ll find a giant gorilla, fairy garden, animatronic dinosaurs, festive 4D cinema, festive circus shows, soft play, Victorian-style vintage penny arcade and more.
For something extra special, the Wookey Hole Hotel is hosting an exclusive ‘Christmas After Dark’ Magical Sleepover on 5 and 12 December. Once the public leaves, overnight guests enjoy private access, festive dining, bedtime storytelling with Mother Christmas, and premium Santa encounters. Early booking is essential.
Check ticket availability on the Wookey Hole website
Stourhead Christmas Lights 2026
Best for: the big showstopper, 45 minutes from Bath
27 November 2026-3 January 2027
Sitting on the border of Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset is the National Trust’s Stourhead – a magnificent spot and one of the best Christmas lights trails on the festive calendar. Wander along the illuminated mile-long trail to see the beautiful gardens swathed in over a million twinkling lights.
Discover gigantic luminescent sculptures rising high into the night sky, glittering trees dripping with festive colour, giant baubles and a fire garden aglow with flames, all enhanced by a soundtrack of festive tunes.
Click here to check ticket prices at Stourhead
Festival of Light at Longleat 2026
Best for: jaw-dropping lanterns, with a winter safari thrown in
7 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
Longleat in Wiltshire is so tantalisingly close to Somerset, it would be remiss of me not to include it in this festive light trails post!
This year’s Festival of Light, Legendary Worlds at Longleat presents myth, magic and legendary creatures! Meaning you’ll get to see some incredible depictions of the lost city of Atlantis, a life-sized blue whale and encounter mighty gods, dragons, giants and magical creatures all creatively-imagined in lantern form. The attention to detail is incredible.
Belt out carols with Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree, go on a winter safari, let bats flap past your ears in the Bat Cave, and board the Santa Train (book as an added extra) to a snow-covered winter wonderland to meet Father Christmas and his elves.
Tickets from £34.95 when booked in advance.
The 12 Days of Christmas Illuminations at the Bishop’s Palace, Wells
Best for: little ones and smaller budgets
When? 1 December 2026-3 January 2027
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 Yuletide decorations ranging from Victorian to Nordic and seasonal greenery to jolly up the historic interior. There’ll also be a roaring fire, BBQ, mulled beverages and hot chocolate.
Check ticket availability on the Bishops Palace website.
Luminate, Ashton Court, Bristol
27 November-28 December 2026
Explore an illuminated trail at Ashton Court this winter 2026. Winding 1.3km through the estate’s beautiful parkland, this sparkling new experience brings more than 15 glowing installations, hands-on light features and magical, music-synced moments to discover along the way.
The trail takes around 60-90 minutes, depending on how slowly you like to wander and soak up the magic.
Moments of Light, Dorothy House Hospice Care, near Bath
Best for: a quieter, more reflective evening
From 1 October to 31 December 2026, the grounds of Dorothy House Hospice Care near Bradford-on-Avon have been transformed into an utterly breathtaking sea of lights, creating an extraordinarily beautiful, immersive experience by internationally-renowned artist Bruce Munro.
With an almost Avatar-like feel in places, the glowing installation is magical to wander through in the dark – my videos really don’t do it justice!
Look out for lights dedicated to loved ones, making this a moving celebration of life, love and remembrance. Tickets are free, with donations welcomed to support Dorothy House’s vital end-of-life care.
Make a day of it by combining your visit with the American Museum & Gardens, just a 10-minute drive away.
Christmas lights near Bath
Bath is brilliant for twinkly streets and its Christmas market, but for a glittery light trail you’ll need to hop in the car. Dorothy House is the closest, around 15 minutes away. Longleat is roughly 40 minutes south and Stourhead around 45.
Christmas lights switch-ons in Somerset 2026
Below are the big free Somerset town switch-ons. For switch-ons in Wells, Frome, Yeovil, Bridgwater and beyond, see my full guide to what’s on this Christmas in Somerset.
Taunton WinterFest Christmas lights
When? Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am-8pm, with the lights switched on at 6pm. North Street and East Street fill with market stalls, live entertainment and family attractions, and the fair rides usually arrive from Saturday 21 November.
Wellington Christmas market and lights switch-on
When? Saturday 28 November 2026. The Christmas market runs 10am-7pm, and the town lights go on at 6pm.
Like this post on the best Christmas lights in Somerset 2026? Discover more festive days out in the county here:
Where to See Father Christmas in Somerset 2026
Christmas Markets in Somerset 2026
Twixmas in Somerset: Things to do between Christmas and New Year 2026-27
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