What’s on this Christmas in Somerset 2026?
The clocks go back, the fairy lights go up, and suddenly Somerset is all mulled cider, twinkly light trails and Santa grottos tucked into caves, cider barns and Georgian townhouses. This is my local’s guide to Christmas in Somerset 2026 – more than 70 festive events, days out and grottos across the county (plus a few just over the border), hand-picked for families. Looking for something specific? I’ve also got dedicated guides to the best Christmas lights trails in Somerset, Christmas markets in Somerset and where to see Santa in Somerset (coming imminently!).
The best Santa slots and lights trail tickets sell out by early November, so it pays to plan now. For year-round ideas, see my guide to the 50 best things to do in Somerset.
Use the table of contents to skip ahead, or browse through the post for inspiration. There’s so much on, you’re bound to find something you fancy near you. Be sure to check back regularly as I’ll continue to update the post with this to do in Somerset this Christmas.
If you know of any wonderful festive Somerset event that isn’t listed here, please click here to submit a listing.
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Christmas lights trails in Somerset
Make the most of the long dark evenings with the most joyful of winter events – a twinkly lights trail – neon tunnels, glowing trees and a hot chocolate in your mittens. Here are the big hitters.
Want the full list? Every trail, with prices, timings and my tips, is in my guide to the best Christmas lights trails in Somerset 2026.
Longleat Festival of Light
Selected dates, 7 November 2026-10 January 2027.
Longleat’s lantern festival is the West Country’s biggest Christmas night out, and 2026’s theme is Legendary Worlds. Expect more than 1,000 lanterns: a lost city of Atlantis where you walk beneath a life-sized whale, the Knights of the Round Table, Thor battling the World Serpent, a Trojan Horse, dragons and phoenixes, plus the UK’s largest singing Christmas tree and a light show on Longleat House itself. It’s also the Safari Park’s 60th birthday year, so expect a bit of extra sparkle.
Good to know: Twilight tickets are cheaper than full-day tickets if you only want the lanterns, and the Santa Train is a separate add-on. Book Longleat Festival of Light.
Christmas at Stourhead
27 November 2026-3 January 2027
Stourhead’s famous landscape garden turns into an illuminated trail after dark, with a Christmas Cathedral, a Fire Garden, a Sea of Light and a laser garden reflected in the lake. There are mulled wine, hot chocolate and festive food stalls along the way (charged separately). Book Christmas at Stourhead · See also Storytime with Father Christmas at Stourhead
Ice skating in Somerset this Christmas
Clarks Village Ice Rink
Get your skates on! Clarks Village outdoor, under-cover, all-weather 500m2 ice rink, set in the grounds of the Shoemakers Museum is returning for another year. Look out for quiet sessions as well as parent and toddler sessions for wobbly starters at this real ice rink. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, as well as bob skates to help skaters stay steady.
When you show your ice skating tickets (and/or receipt), you’ll get access to some exclusive brand discounts at Clarks outlet shopping.
Bath on Ice
Bath on Ice is back, bringing festive fun to the city with its spectacular outdoor rink. Keep the fun going with Glow Golf, a vibrant, illuminated mini-golf adventure net door.
Planet Ice Bristol
Along with attending shows and fixtures, visitors can get on the ice at Planet Ice Bristol across a variety of regular sessions.
- Public Ice Skating: open to all ages (3+) and abilities.
- Penguin Club: Dedicated quiet sessions for children aged 5 and under, with penguin skating aids and free entry for one accompanying adult.
- Sub Zero Disco: Evening sessions featuring disco lights and music for a livelier party atmosphere
- Inclusive Ice Skating: Sensory-friendly sessions designed for disabled skaters and their carers.
Jack & The Beanstalk on Ice (Thursday 26 November 2026) is brought to life by the Show & Skate class of amateur skaters and supported by their Professional on Tour cast.
Music & Magic On Ice (Saturday 12 December) brings together the best of British skating, stunning choreography, and live music from Boyzlife – featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy
Icescape Tropicana, Puxton Park
Experience real ice skating this winter at Icescape Puxton Park (19 November 2026-3 January 2027). Gather your family and friends for a day on their large, undercover real ice rink, complete with festive food, warming drinks and stocking-fulls of seasonal cheer. Early Bird tickets now open with 20% off, but hurry there is a limited allocation.
Somerset Christmas events 2026
Somerset Music Christmas Celebration Concert 2026, Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral hosts a festive highlight with the Somerset Music Christmas Celebration Concert 2026 on 7 December from 7pm to 9pm. Bringing together young musicians and singers from across the county, this annual showcase fills the breathtaking nave with seasonal classics and uplifting instrumental performances.
A Georgian Christmas, No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Step back in time and experience a Georgian Christmas, with rooms beautifully-decorated and festive tales and poems to bring the season to life. Meet Father Christmas on the first three weekends of December.
Don’t miss A Candlelit Christmas on 11 and 17 December 2026 when visitors can explore the house by flickering candlelight.
Montacute House
Enjoy festive cheer at Montacute House with Christmas carols recorded by five local Somerset choirs, each set to its own scenic backdrop. Wander the grounds, admire the 15-foot tree in the Great Hall, warm up by the braziers, leave a wish on the wishing tree and tuck into mince pies and mulled drinks. More info about festive Montacute.
Christmas at Tyntesfield
17 December to 31 December 2024 (excl. 24 & 25 December)
This Christmas, Tyntesfield transforms into a festive fairytale world with Once Upon a Christmas Time.
Explore magical decorations, a fairytale trail, and scenes inspired by Cinderella, the wild swans, and Jack’s beanstalk. Inside the house and across the grounds, enchanting stories come to life. Enjoy a charming chapel-courtyard street scene, festive concerts, Christmas trails, and craft workshops.
Christmas at Dunster Castle
2025 dates: selected dates 6 December-4 January 2026
Experience a traditional country Christmas inspired by the Luttrell family’s Christmas traditions at Dunster Castle. Tuck into seasonal treats at the Watermill Tearoom, explore the gardens, and explore the Nutcracker Trail from 26 December to 4 January.
The stalls in the stables will be decorated to welcome Father Christmas’ reindeer, expect presents piled high, a map marked with their route and their favourite treat: seasonal muesli from Dunster’s working watermill. Stop by on 6 and 7 December to see live reindeer as they prepare for their journey around the world.
Father Christmas will also be visiting Dunster during select dates in December – book your slot here.
Carols in the Courtyard, Fyne Court
To help you get into the festive spirit, A Company of Voices will lead everyone in singing well-loved carols, along with a joyful selection of their own seasonal harmonies at National Trust Fyne Court.
Everyone is invited to join in, with lyric sheets provided. It’s a free event, just go along and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Mendip Activity Centre Twilight Tobogganing
2025 dates: 6 November- 4 January 2026
Mendip Activity Centre are running their popular Twilight Toboggan sessions this winter. Pop on your free santa hat and shimmy to festive music in between swooshing down slopes dusted with snow (from a machine) and glittering fairy lights.
Afterwards, head off along an illuminated path to a canopied woodland clearing for marshmallows, hot chocolate, s’mores and sparklers around the campfire. The Mendip Elves have reimagined this festive grotto with hand-built shelters, rustic hazel fences, and dry stone walls.
This year, adults will also receive a mince pie and glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine. More info and booking.
Supper with Santa at Puxton Park 2025
6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 22-23 & 24 December 2025, 5.30-7.30pm
Enjoy a magical feast and dance the night away at a disco with Santa with a gift for all children, plus access to the soft play barn. £20 per child (includes buffet, ice-cream, soft-play, disco, and a present from Santa). £15 per adult (includes buffet). Book tickets here.
Magical Christmas Experience, Puxton Park
2025 dates: 6-7, 13-14, 21-24 December, 10am-4pm
Step into a Magical Christmas Experience at Puxton Park, wander through a winter wonderland, explore a Snowy Christmas Tree Village with a Wish Granting Tree, and meet Santa in his cosy grotto.
Decorate gingerbread with Mrs. Claus, craft a bauble in the Elves’ Workshop, and enjoy Festive Animal Shows. Pre-booking is essential.
Rudolph Advent Trail, Fleet Air Arm
3-23 December 2025
Take part in Rudolph’s Advent Trail at the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton. Kids can explore the tinsel-decorated museum, solving clues to open festive windows and complete the trail
Christmas Concert under Concorde, Fleet Air Arm Museum
2025 dates: 7-10pm, 11 December
Visitors can join the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band for Carols under Concorde 002 in Hall Four of the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm museum. The concert features several classics and festive numbers for the occasion. Tickets include a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival, and tea/coffee during the interval.
Vee Dub Christmas Cruz, Weston-super-Mare
14 December 2025
See over 150 VW vans all lit up for Christmas, raising money for The Grand Appeal – the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. The procession starts at the Queensway Retail Park around 5.30pm, and heads out around Worle, along the Boulevard and up to the seafront, down past the pier and on to Marine Parade.
Somerset Rural Life Museum
Visit Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury this December for:
- Reindeer Trail – 2 Dec to 3 Jan, £1 per child
- Festive Food Workshop – mince pie making & biscuit decorating, 20 Dec
- Decorate a Plate for Santa – 23 & 24 Dec, £2 donation
- Calendar Making – 30 & 31 Dec
- Donkey Rides & Donkey Craft – 2 Jan, £2.50 per child
- Retro Toys & Games – 3 Jan, outdoor and classic games
All activities run 10.30 am-3.30pm unless stated.
Christmas Late-Night Opening – 12 December 2025 (5-8.30pm): Carol singing in the Abbey Barn, toasted marshmallows, mulled cider/apple juice, and a reindeer trail.
The Museum of Somerset, Taunton
- Christmas & New Year Family Activities: 2 December 2025 to 3 January 2026:
- Elf Trail: 2-24 December 2025
- Decorate a Plate for Santa: 24 December 2025, 10am-2pm
- New Year Trail & Calendar Making: 30-31 December 2025, and 2-3 January 2026
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater
Workshop: Clay Highland Cow – 16 December 2025: Clay crafting, coffee sipping, and Highland cow sculpting at Somerset Brick and Tile Museum.
Painting Decorations – 22 & 23 December 2025. Family craft session to paint Christmas decorations and decorate a plate for Santa.
Yule, Avalon Archaeology
21 December 2025
Celebrate the Winter Solstice in the Anglo-Saxon Hall at Avalon Archaeology with greenery, a roaring Yule log fire, hot spiced apple juice, and live performances of songs, stories and poems.
Avon Valley Christmas experience
2025 Dates: 29-30 November; 6-7, 13-14, 19-24 December
The Grinch would have a tough time stealing all the festive joy from Avon Valley. With a Santa Show, slapstick elves, chance to meet Santa in his wooden cabin, toy factory, ‘The Grinch’ show, gingerbread cookie-decorating, magical forest, Santa’s post room, and ‘Elf Express’ miniature railway rides, Avon Valley is once again hosting one of the biggest Christmas experiences in Somerset.
Christmas Festival, Ferne Animal Sanctuary
30 November 2025
At Ferne Animal Sanctuary there’s animal blessings and carols in the barn (4pm – bring your own well-behaved pet!), story time with Father Christmas, winter wonderland games, Christmas arts and crafts.
Perdida Cafe will be open and serving festive food. £5 an adult and £3 per child. Pre-book tickets on the website.
Christmas Owl evenings, The Bird of Prey Project
The Bird of Prey Project is running Winter Owl Evenings from 6-13 December 2025 and Christmas Owl Evenings from 20-21. Visitors can meet stunning owls, enjoy a free flying display every afternoon at 2.30 pm, and even fly a bird themselves at 1pm.
Christmas lights switch-ons in Somerset 2026
Taunton’s WinterFest 2026
10am-8pm, Sunday 22 November 2026
Taunton’s WinterFest is a jam-packed day of festive fun with live music acts and performances, funfair rides, a Christmas market, charming Yuletide characters and the big Christmas light switch-on happening at 6pm. Santa will be enjoying the festivities too! More info.
These switch-ons are all free. 2026 dates are TBC, with last year’s in brackets:
- Frome – Light the Night lantern parade (2026: 27 Nov, 6-7pm): a lantern procession, carols, food stalls and Father Christmas in his grotto. Frome Lanterns has workshop details.
- Yeovil, King George Street (2026: 28 Nov, 4-7pm): live music and dance, a craft market and the Quedam tree lit up. Yeovil Town Council
- Crewkerne (2026: 27 November, 5-9.30pm): dress as an elf for Santa’s parade, Santa’s grotto, a craft fair and late-night shopping.
- Roth Bar, Durslade Farm, Bruton (2026: TBC)
- Weston-super-Mare (2026: 21 November): alongside the eat:Weston Christmas food festival in the Italian Gardens. eat: festivals
- South Petherton (2026: 29 Nov, lights at 4.30pm): a brass band in the square, crafts in Blake Hall and The Brewers Arms.
- Bruton Christmas Evening (2026: TBC): market stalls, late shopping and a Santa’s grotto. Bruton Festive Spirit
- Ilminster Christmas Lights (2026: 22 November 2-6pm)
- Light up the Lake, Clevedon (2026: 5 Dec, from around 4pm): a samba band procession from the pier, fire dancers and illuminated boats on the Marine Lake. Bring a lantern.
Christmas pantos and theatre in Somerset
I’ve turned my pumpkin into a coach and galloped around the county to reveal the the best pantomimes in Somerset. Ohhhh yes I have! From laugh-out-loud comedy to toe-tapping tunes, click here the full list of 2026 shows, see my round-up of the best pantomimes in Somerset.
Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Taunton
- The Wizard of Oz pantomime: 11-23 December 2026
Westlands, Yeovil
- Aladdin: 11 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
The Front Room, Weston-super-Mare
- Santa & Snowball (28 November 2026, 2pm and 3.30pm)
- From The Mud Cabaret: Christmas Panto Special (2 December 2026, 7.30pm)
- An Average Angel (3 December 2026, 7.30pm)
- Twinkle Twinkle (5 December 2026, 10am and 11.30am)
- Rock the Tots! – CHRISTMAS! (6 December 2026, 2pm)
- Winter Calling – Stories and Songs at the Turning of the Year (6 December 2026, 6pm)
- Moulin Scrooge (9-30 December 2026, 7.30pm)
Check tickets prices and availability at The Front Room.
The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare
- Aladdin starring Michael Goble: 4-31 December 2026
The Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
- Sleeping Beauty Panto 12-24 Dec 2026
Theatre Royal Bath
- Beauty & The Beast: 10 December 2026-10 January 2027
- A Christmas Carol: 14-18 December 2026
The Egg Theatre, Bath
- Beneath the Snow (2-12 December 2026)
- Arthur (19 November 2026-3 January 2027)
- Scrunch (16 December 2026 – 17 January 2027)
The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater
- Christmas at the Musicals: 28 November 2026
- Dick Whittington: 11-30 December 2026
The Regal Theatre, Minehead
- Royal Ballet and Nutcracker (1 November 2026)
- Dick Whittington (12-19 December 2026)
- The Santa Show 2026 (21 December 2026)
Strode Theatre, Street
Wellesley Theatre, Wellington
- Snow White: 20-24 January 2027
Wells Cathedral
- Nutcracker suite: 16 December 2026
Where to see Santa in Somerset
Santa in the Woods, ROAM, Dillington
Join Santa in the Woods family sessions on 13-14 December, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, £12.50 per person. ROAM’s woodland events offer outdoor activities, a log-stacle course, slack line, mud kitchens, food cooked over fire, and are very popular so book in advance!
Santa’s grotto, Rich’s Cider Farm
Meet Santa at Rich’s Cider Farm Christmas Fair on 28 November! Each child receives a special gift and a photo opportunity with Santa in small, timed groups. One adult may accompany each child. Tickets are limited. Parking is sold out, but a pick-up/drop-off zone is available for visitors.
Farmer Christmas, Torre Cider Farm
13 December 2025
Celebrate Christmas with a charming rural twist as Farmer Christmas arrives on his festive tractor to meet children and hand out a gift. Arrive from 4pm to settle in, enjoy crafts with the Elves, squash and biscuits. More drinks available on the night.
- £8 per child (under 2s go free).
- Pre-book your time slot on the website here.
Storytime with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Father Christmas, Taunton Brewhouse
2025 dates: 11 & 18 December, 2pm
Step into a twinkly world as the Sugar Plum Fairy hosts Christmas storytime at Taunton Brewhouse, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
As storytime ends, a very special visitor appears… Father Christmas! There’ll be time for photos, and every child will receive a small festive gift to take home. Ideal for under 4s.
Christmas on the farm with Santa, Palette & Pasture
2025 dates: 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December
Meet Santa in his grotto, pick a special gift from the Toy Shop, and snap a festive photo on a real Nordic sleigh at Palette & Pasture. Stroll around the farm, where animals await, including ice cream cows, ponies, sheep and more.
Kids can make reindeer food and build a Santa bell to jingle on Christmas Eve. All activities and an elf hat are included with your ticket.
- Adult Ticket £6, Child Ticket (2 years and older) £19.50, Child Ticket (under 2 years) £10.50, Dog Ticket £6.
Santa’s grotto at Museum of Somerset
Saturday 6, Saturday 13, Friday 19, Saturday 20, Tuesday 23 December 2025.
On arrival, Santa’s elves will guide you to the magical grotto to meet with Santa, and each kiddo will receive a special gift.
After seeing Santa, pop over to the museum for more Christmassy fun following the Festive Elf Trail (£1). The café will be open serving hot drinks and seasonal treats. More info and booking.
Father Christmas, Palmers, Yeovil
Dates: 6-23 December 2025
Francesca from ARTventurers will be on hand with festive crafts for little ones to make and take home. Marcus from MJS Entertainment will return with his photo booth to capture each special Santa moment.
Cost £12 per child (1+) including a gift. Additional Needs sessions available (9.30-10.30am, Saturdays). Buy tickets here.
Santa grotto, Taunton, Premier Princess Parties
- When? 21 December 2025
- Where? 51 station road, Taunton, TAl INZ
Step into a fairytale world with Jingles the head elf! Kids can make reindeer dust, enjoy festive treats, and join Santa to find their names on the nice list. Each child will receive a personalised, signed certificate and a special gift under the Christmas tree.
Sessions, capped at five children, include time for photos and last 25 minutes. Suitable for ages 1 and up, priced at £17.95 per child. More info and book tickets here.
Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
Visit Santa Claus-7 December 2025 (10am-5pm)
Friendly elves will guide you to Santa at Somerset Rural Life Museum, who will be waiting in the Farmhouse Kitchen. After a chat, and a gift, explore the museum and have a go at the Reindeer Trail. The Grain Store Café will be open serving festive treats. At the end of your visit, make a Christmas decoration to take home with you! £10 per child.
Visit Santa at Glastonbury’s Abbey House
29-30 November 2025
Visit Santa at Abbey House during Glastonbury’s Frost Fayre. Enjoy crafts, letter-writing, carol singing, and a festive trail before meeting Santa, who will give each child a gift. The experience lasts about one hour, with photos emailed afterwards.
Storytime with Father Christmas, Stourhead
Enjoy festive crafts, hobby reindeer riding, and a cosy story time with Father Christmas. Ticket price – £18 per child. More info and booking.
Father Christmas at Bishops Palace, Wells
Saturday 6, Sunday 7, Saturday 20, Sunday 21 and Monday December 22 2025, between 9.30am-5pm
Make your way through the decorated rooms of The Bishop’s Palace to find Father Christmas’ grotto. Each family will have exclusive time with Father Christmas and receive a special Christmas gift. More info and booking.
Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
2025 dates: Weekends from 22 November, daily from 20-24 December
Wookey Hole decorate their famous caves with thousands of fairy lights for their festive season, turning it into a magical twinkling grotto. 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 arcade and as part of the Christmas festivities, a chance to meet Santa and his elves.
Book to see Santa at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
Christmas fun day at The Helicopter Museum
2025 dates: 14 December
Got a young vehicle enthusiast in the family? Delight their little minds with a visit to Santa’s helicopter grotto at Weston-super-Mare’s Helicopter Museum. Children will have the unique opportunity to meet Santa and his elf pilots, receive a special gift, and climb aboard several aircraft from the museum’s collection.
The festive activities extend beyond the grotto with charity stalls, face painting, and a seasonal fayre. It’s a perfect day out for any aviation lover, mixing festive fun with hands-on exploration of some incredible flying machines.
Father Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves
Selected dates from November until Christmas Eve 2025
Did you know that it’s not just cheese stored in Gough’s Cave, but lots of toys too! Father Christmas will be stopping off to ensure his operations are up to scratch and has decided that while the final tweaks are made, he will invite you behind the scenes to marvel at the magic that is Christmas at Cheddar. You’ll see elves checking destinations, busy sorting letters and making toys.
Visit Father Christmas at Sheppy’s House of Cider
2025 dates: 6 December, (10am-4pm)
Father Christmas is getting into the Somerset spirit and greeting families in his Sheppy’s Oak Vat grotto! Children will receive a gift and activity pack and afterwards, can visit the donkeys in the Old Barn, take a winter stroll around the orchards or pop by the Christmas Craft Fair (2-3 December). More info on Sheppy’s Santa Grotto
Father Christmas Grotto, The Holburne Museum
- 27 November-23 December 2025
A 20-minute grotto experience featuring professional actors and musicians at Bath’s Holburne Museum. Includes a meet and greet with Father Christmas, a chance to take a family photo with Santa and his magical musical elf Sprinkles, plus a gift for children and adults.
Cadbury Garden Centre Santa Grotto
Santa’s coming to Cadbury Garden Centre, The Elves are eagerly awaiting your arrival and busy making a gift for you to collect on the way out. Meet Santa in his grotto, go for Christmas afternoon tea or try the breakfast with Santa experience!
Weston Pier Santa Grotto 2025, Weston-super-Mare
2025 dates: 6-24 December. Grinch 6-21 December.
Meet the jolly man himself a quarter of a mile out to sea (depending on tide times of course) and receive a special Christmas gift.
For a Santa visit with a different festive flavour for your little mischief maker, book a Mr Grinch takeover! This green grump will be posing as the magical man himself in an attempt to steal your Christmas spirit! Book traditional Weston Pier Santa here
Santa’s Grotto, Weston Museum
6, 10, 13 December 2025
Weston Museum hosts a Santa’s Grotto from 10am to 4pm, featuring multiple entry times throughout the day. Children can step into a festive scene, meet Santa, receive an age‑appropriate gift, and take photos (bring your own camera). Tickets cost £5.
Christmas grotto at Space Adventurers, Taunton
Selected dates throughout December 2025
Enjoy a magical 2.25 hour experience hosted by one of Santa’s elves, teaching kids the secrets of being a good elf through craft and play!
Create your own reindeer food, make your own themed hot chocolate and a Christmas decoration to take home. Santa Claus will give each child a personalised meet and greet (thanks to a special form), there’ll be an elf hat workshop, elf hunt round the soft play, Christmas tree origami plus access to a festive-decorated soft play. More info and booking.
Sister soft play, Ocean Adventurers, will also be hosting a similar Magical Mystical Christmas experience in Cheddar. For both venues, S.E.N.D. tickets are available with reduced capacity, no music and lowered lighting. Book here to see Santa at Ocean Adventurers this year
Meet Father Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent
6-21 December 2025
Father Christmas will be at No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath, where he’ll read a Christmas story to children in the beautifully-decorated Servant’s Hall. Each child will receive a gift and a Georgian Christmas Cookie recipe card. Tickets available online.
Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Yeovil
2025 dates: 13, 14, 22, 23, 24 December
Head off on a magical, elf-led guided tour to see real-life reindeer and have story time with the Unicorn Princess at Somerset Reindeer Ranch. Meet Santa in his lodge, head off on an elf-led tour to see real reindeer and go (Narnia-style) through a magic wardrobe. Luxury hot chocolate, reindeer feeding (£2 per portion) and a gift for youngsters under 16.
Also open on Boxing Day for two special family sessions (1130-1300 & 1400-1530) but without Santa as he will be far too tired!).
Click here to buy tickets and check availability.
Supper with Santa, Chew Valley Animal Park
Celebrate Christmas at Chew Valley Animal Park with Supper with Santa! Book in on 3 or 10 December 2025 for a festive evening of roast dinner, drinks, and magical moments. Children receive a special gift from Santa! Spaces are limited, call 07711 893964 to book your table today!
Santa at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
29 November to 21 December 2025
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will be running its Meet Santa event (11am-3pm). Kids can enter Santa’s cosy library, share their Christmas wishes, hear stories, and take a photo before receiving a special gift. Tickets are £12 per child (+ standard zoo entry), £10 for zoo members and under 2s. Don’t miss the gingerbread house trail, Christmas Market (with Xmas Dubs and wonky trees, 29 & 30 November) and more!
Christmas Santa trains in Somerset
Santa Express West Somerset Railway
2025 dates: selected dates 6-24 December
Step aboard the Santa Express and take an unforgettable journey through West Somerset’s winter woodlands on a round trip from Bishop’s Lydeard to Williton.
Inside festively-decorated heritage carriages, Santa’s presents (made from 100% recycled materials) and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to make sure you’ve found them! West Somerset Railway info and Santa Express ticket availability.
*Don’t miss the Minehead Station Christmas Market and Train: 29-30 November 2025.
Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre
2025 dates: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, and 23 December
The Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre run with diesel used on 6 December and steam on other dates. Travel in a decorated heritage carriage on a steam locomotive (about 1/3rd mile long), before making your way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, to meet Santa and receive a gift.
To add to the festive spirit there’s the chance to dance and play in falling ‘snow’. Adult tickets include a mince pie and hot drink.
Tickets cost £15 (£12 on 6 Dec). Pre-booking at least 24 hours in advance is essential; a 10% Early Bird discount applies until 30 September. More info and booking.
Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway
Select dates from 23 Nov-24 Dec 2025
Hop aboard for a 50-minute festive train ride at Avon Valley Railway! Enjoy mince pies or biscuits while Santa visits the train, then, back at Bitton Station, meet Santa again for a photo and receive a special reindeer-themed plush toy. Don’t miss the returning festive Christmas donkeys on the station lawn!
New for 2025, upgrade to the Premium Santa Experience for extra time with Father Christmas in a first-class carriage, complete with elves and hot chocolate.
Christmas markets in Somerset 2026
From Bath’s famous chalets to village-hall craft fairs, Somerset does Christmas markets beautifully. Here are the headliners. Every market, in date order: see my full guide to Christmas markets in Somerset 2026, from the big city markets to the village craft fairs.
Bath Christmas Market
Thursday 26 November-Sunday 13 December 2026. Mon-Wed 10am-7pm, Thu-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm
Wooden chalets wind around Bath Abbey and the surrounding streets, selling handmade gifts, local food and plenty of mulled something. Go on a weekday morning if you can, because weekends get very busy. Combine it with No. 1 Royal Crescent or Bath on Ice. Bath Christmas Market info.
Glastonbury Frost Fayre
Saturday 28 November 2026
Glastonbury’s annual festive fayre fills the town with market stalls, music and plenty of that only-in-Glastonbury charm. Book Santa at Abbey House the same weekend and make a day of it.
Old Rowlands All Year Christmas Shop, Cheddar Gorge
“Oh I wish it could be Christmas every daaayy”… Well, it is at Old Rowlands! Immerse yourself in the festive surroundings and pick up Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes. More info
Farm shops in Somerset
There’s something so lovely about pondering with an expert over a cheese or hunk of meat for a special occasion. At Christmas, Somerset’s glorious farm shops are brimming with festive goodies, tasty gifts, stocking fillers and scrummy delights for your Christmas feasting. Here are the best farm shops you’ll find in the county.
Carol concerts in Somerset
Carols by Candlelight Concerts, Wells Cathedral
2025 dates: 19, 20, 21 December
Share in this treasured tradition for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas within the awe-inspiring walls of Wells Cathedral. More info
Christmas Orchestra, Wells Cathedral
- 26 November 2025
Experience the magic of the season at Wells Cathedral, where a 16-piece chamber orchestra performs beloved Christmas film scores and sing-along classics from Home Alone, The Nutcracker, Love Actually, and more.
Carols around the bandstand, Vivary Park Taunton
2025 dates: 8 December, 6.30pm
Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir and The New Horizon Singers will be belting out some festive numbers accompanied by Taunton Concert Band. Bring a torch or even better, a lantern! More info
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