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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This post on Christmas things to do in Somerset contains affiliate links, should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission which goes towards the upkeep of this blog.

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 2026-17 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.

Dulverton by Starlight

• Sunday 6 December 2026 · 2-6.15pm onwards · Free

A festive afternoon and evening in the pretty Exmoor town of Dulverton, with Christmas markets, craft stalls, street entertainment, live music and a fireworks display above All Saints Church to round off the celebrations. Join the local choirs for a good old singalong beside the Christmas tree in Bank Square and pop in to see Santa at the Heritage Centre. Running from 2pm to 6.15pm, it’s a lovely excuse to wrap up warm and soak up some festive magic. More info.

Ice skating in Somerset this Christmas

Clarks Village Ice Rink

Get your skates on! Clarks Village outdoor, under-cover, all-weather 500^m2 ice rink, set in the grounds of the Shoemakers Museum is returning from 10 November to 3 January 2026. 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.

There’s an added bonus for shoppers: your skating ticket unlocks exclusive discounts in the outlet shops.

Bath on Ice

Bath on Ice is back from 20 November to 3 January, with twinkling lights, music and themed evenings including Disney Night and Battle of the Pop Girls. Afterwards, head to the Moguls Alpine Bar for hot chocolate, mulled drinks and hot food.

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

Experience a magical Christmas at Tyntesfield from 30 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, as the Victorian house and gardens are transformed by The Nutcracker.

• Festive decorations and seasonal displays in the Victorian house and gardens.
• Christmas wreath-making workshops: 26–27 November and 3–6 December.
• Family reindeer making: 13 and 20 December, although the event is currently listed as sold out.
• Chapel concerts: Cheddar Male Choir (5 December), The Harlequin Singers (6 December), SHE Choir (13 December) and the Fitzhardinge Consort (19 December).
• Christmas trail: Festive Friends: 19 December to 3 January 2027, featuring festive characters, games and challenges around the grounds.

Christmas at Dunster Castle 

Experience a traditional country Christmas inspired by the Luttrell family’s Christmas traditions at Dunster Castle. Here’s what’s on in winter 2026:

• Christmas wreath-making workshops: 26 November, 10am to 1pm, and 28 November, 5pm to 8pm. Booking essential.
• Dunster Christmas Lights & Late Night Opening: Weekends throughout December and daily from 19 to 23 December. Explore the illuminated castle after dark.
• Christmas falconry displays: 5 and 6 December, at 11.30am and 2pm.
• Meet Father Christmas: Selected dates from 12 to 19 December. Booking essential; £10 per child, plus admission where applicable.
• A Christmas Carol: 15 December, 7pm to 9pm. A candlelit, one-man performance by Toby Burchell. Booking essential.
• Live Christmas music: West Somerset Brass Band on 19 December from 5.30pm. Further performances are listed as to be confirmed.
• Robin Spotter Trail: Find knitted robins hidden around the castle.
• Reindeer Spotter Trail: Search for hidden reindeer around the gardens.
• Reindeer Service Station: Visit the decorated stables to discover where Father Christmas’s reindeer stop on their journey.

Fyne Court TBC

National Trust Fyne Court’s Christmas events at Fyne Court are yet to be announced. Watch this space for festive activities and seasonal events coming soon!

Mendip Activity Centre Twilight Tobogganing

Mendip Activity Centre are running their popular Twilight Toboggan sessions from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Pop on your free Santa hat and enjoy a magical one-hour festive adventure, racing down the slope on Zibob toboggans beneath twinkling 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. Suitable for ages 4+. Booking essential. More info and booking.

Supper with Santa at Puxton Park 2026

No dates or details have been announced for Christmas 2026 yet, so watch this space for updates! Previous events have included a festive buffet, ice cream, a disco with Santa, a gift for every child and access to the soft play barn.

Christmas events at Fleet Air Arm

• Christmas Concert under Concorde: Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December 2026, 7pm to 10pm. Enjoy festive favourites performed by the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band beneath Concorde 002, with mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival. Tickets from £20 for early bird standard admission. Booking essential.
• Further Christmas events may be announced. Check the Fleet Air Arm Museum What’s On page for updates.

Vee Dub Christmas Cruz, Weston-super-Mare

See over 150 VW vans all lit up for Christmas on 13 December 2026, 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 2026 for:

• Robin Decoration Workshop: 7 November 2026, 10am to 1pm. Sew a robin tree decoration. Ages 14+, £24.
• Mini Christmas Jumper Decoration Workshop: 7 November 2026, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Make a miniature jumper decoration. Ages 14+, £24.
• Christmas Wreath Workshop: 5 December 2026, 2pm to 4pm, with additional dates available. Create a biodegradable wreath using living and dried flowers. £65.
• Victorian Christmas: 10 December 2026. Children aged 7 to 14 can enjoy Victorian parlour games, cracker-making and festive activities.
• Toddler Explorers: Christmas Fun: 18 December 2026. A festive session for toddlers aged 1 to 3, with a Christmas story and seasonal crafts. £7.

The Museum of Somerset, Taunton

• Santa’s Grotto: Dates for Christmas 2026 are still to be confirmed.
• Toddler Explorers: Crazy Christmas: Friday 4 December 2026. Listen to Mog’s Christmas by Judith Kerr and make festive goodies. This is part of the museum’s monthly toddler activity sessions. South West Heritage Trust
• Check the Museum of Somerset What’s On page for updates.

Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater

Check the What’s on Page for all booking details:

Clay Tea Light Holders: Saturday 28 November 2026. Make a clay Christmas tree or angel tea-light holder and festive paper decorations. Suitable for ages 3+. £5 per person, booking required.

Tinsel and Tiles: Thursday 3 December 2026. A festive family workshop exploring traditional tile-making and Christmas crafts, including designing a Christmas tile. For ages 7 to 14, accompanied by an adult. £12 per adult and £10 per child.

Christmas: Painting Decorations: Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December 2026. Paint two Christmas decorations and design a plate for Santa. Suitable for ages 2+. £4 per child, booking essential.

Avalon Archaeology

• Viking Jól: Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am to 4pm. Meet the Vikings of Draca Beordor in the longhall, watch combat demonstrations, try Viking crafts and games, strike your own Viking coin, follow a monster trail and make a midwinter oath.
• Yule: Winter Solstice Celebration: Sunday 20 December 2026, 10am to 4pm. Celebrate the winter solstice in the Anglo-Saxon hall, with a roaring fire and burning Yule log, hot spiced apple juice, seasonal songs, poetry and storytelling.

For full details, visit the Avalon Archaeology events page.

Avon Valley Christmas experience 

Dates: 5, 6, 12, 13 and 18–24 December 2026.

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

6 December 2026

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 in December 2026 and Christmas Owl Evenings. 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

• PIN:0CCH10

Wellesley Theatre, Wellington

• Snow White: 20-24 January 2027

Wells Cathedral

• Nutcracker suite: 16 December 2026

Bristol Hippodrome

• Sleeping Beauty Pantomime: 4 December 2026-3 Jan 2027

Where to see Santa in Somerset

Santa in the Woods, ROAM, Dillington

TBC 2026

Join Santa in the Woods family sessions. 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

TBC 2026

Meet Santa at Rich’s Cider Farm Christmas Fair! 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.

Farmer Christmas, Torre Cider Farm

TBC

Christmas on the farm with Santa, Palette & Pasture

5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 22-23 December 2026

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. Take on the festive farm trail, feed animals, make reindeer food and build a Santa bell to jingle on Christmas Eve. All activities and an elf hat are included with your ticket. Prices: Adults £7.50; children aged 2+ £19.50; under-2s £11.50; dogs £6 (if receiving a gift).

Santa’s grotto at Museum of Somerset 

TBC 2026

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

TBC

Santa grotto, Taunton, Premier Princess Parties

• When? 23 December 2026
• Where? Taunton, TA1 1NZ

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 £20.95 per child. More info and book tickets here.

Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury

TBC 2026

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

TBC 2026

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

12-13, 19-23 December 2026

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

Dates: 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December 2026.

Includes: A visit to The Bishop’s Palace Wells to see Father Christmas and a gift. Daytime tickets also include festive arts and crafts and a family trail; evening tickets include the Christmas illuminations. Price: £15 per child.

Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland

Selected dates: 21 November to 24 December 2026

Wookey Hole decorate their famous caves with thousands of fairy lights for their festive season, turning it into a magical twinkling grotto. Venture deep into the rock on a guided tour and you’ll find the chambers set aglow by thousands of twinkling fairy lights and theatrical projections – transforming this subterranean world into a glittering grotto and bringing the timeless legend of the Witch of Wookey vividly to life.

The big headline for 2026 is the Wookey Express, a brand-new 4D train ride that whisks families through an enchanted, snow-covered world straight to Father Christmas’s grotto. Here, every child gets to step inside the toy factory and hand-pick their own gift. Beyond the caves there are animatronic dinosaurs, festive circus performances, a holiday film at the 4D cinema, soft play, and a vintage penny arcade.

For a festive treat that punches well above the standard Santa visit, look to Wookey Hole Hotel’s brand new ‘Christmas After Dark’ magical sleepovers on 5 and 12 December. When the day trippers head home, the gates shut to the public and hotel guests are invited to rides on the Wookey Express, a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas, a carvery dinner, live entertainment, and bedtime stories read by Mother Christmas.

Christmas fun day at The Helicopter Museum

2026 dates: 13 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 21 November until Christmas Eve 2026

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

2026 dates: 5 December, (10am-3.30pm)

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

• TBC

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 2026, Weston-super-Mare

5-6, 12-13, 19-24 December. Grinch Grotto Takeover 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 December 2026.

Meet the jolly man himself a quarter of a mile out to sea with the traditional Weston Pier Santa 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!

Bring your four-legged friend to Santa Paws Grotto or Grinch Paws Grotto at The Grand Pier (27-28 November 2026), for a festive meet-and-greet with Santa. Each dog receives a Christmas toy and puppuccino, with photos available to purchase. Sessions last around five minutes and must be booked in advance.

Santa’s Grotto, Weston Museum

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November 2026, 10am-3pm.

Visit Weston Museum’s Christmas Market Weekend to browse local stalls, enjoy seasonal treats at Clara’s Café and follow the children’s Christmas trail (50p). Entry is free, with Santa visiting 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm for free photos and a festive chat.

Christmas grotto at Space Adventurers, Taunton

Selected dates throughout December 2026

Space Adventurers in Taunton is hosting festive Elf School sessions throughout December. Children can make Christmas crafts, create reindeer food, decorate the soft-play area with festive magic and hunt for Elf on the Shelf. Each 2-hour 15-minute experience includes an individual grotto visit with Father Christmas, a soft toy gift and a snowy musical finale. On 23 and 24 December, book the extended three-hour Christmas Party, with Elf School, Santa’s grotto and extra time to play and celebrate together. SEND sessions available.

Sister soft play,  Ocean Adventurers in Cheddar, will also be doing similar: more info and booking.

Meet Father Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent

5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 December 2026

Meet Father Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath. Children can listen to a festive story in the beautifully decorated Servant’s Hall, with each child receiving a gift and a Georgian Christmas cookie recipe card. Advance online booking is essential.

Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Yeovil

Sessions run on 13, 14, 22, 23 and 24 December 2026, with four daily time slots from 1pm to 6.30pm.

Visit Somerset Reindeer Ranch for a magical Christmas experience with real reindeer, Unicorn Princess story time, a private meeting with Santa, a Narnia-style wardrobe adventure, luxury hot chocolate and gifts for children under 16. Special family sessions on Boxing Day (without Santa).

Festive Evening, 11 December from 7pm: An adults-only (16+) evening with live Christmas carols, reindeer feeding, an open bar, marshmallow roasting and gourmet hot dogs.

Supper with Santa, Chew Valley Animal Park

Celebrate Christmas at Chew Valley Animal Park. Santa meet and greet dates TBC.

Santa at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

28-29 November to 5-6, 12-13, 19-22 December 2026

Meet Santa at Noah’s Ark Zoo Faarm in North Somerset, where children can step into Santa’s magical library, share their Christmas wishes and take a festive photo. Every child receives a beautifully-wrapped, age-appropriate book, while children aged two and over also get an eco-friendly Christmas decoration to decorate at home. Santa tickets cost £13.95 for ages 2-15 and £11.95 for under-twos. Zoo admission must be purchased separately.

Don’t miss the Christmas Market at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Shop (21-22 November 2026) and more!

Christmas Santa trains in Somerset

Santa Express West Somerset Railway

Enjoy a festive steam-train adventure with West Somerset Railway’s Santa Express, departing from Bishops Lydeard or Minehead (5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 23-24 December 2026). Travel in decorated heritage carriages, meet Santa and receive a gift, with festive refreshments included.

Alternatively, enjoy a return journey to Minehead and explore its Christmas market (28-29 November 2026). Advance booking is essential.

Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre

2026 dates: 6 December (Diesel Special), 13, 19, 20 and 23 December (steam services). Tickets are £13 per person for 6 December and £15 for other dates, with advance booking essential.

The Santa Specials at Yeovil Railway Centre run with diesel used on 6 December and steam on other dates. Enjoy a festive train ride, followed by a visit to Santa in the Victorian railway grotto, transformed into a Winter Wonderland with snow machines, bubbles, festive music and lights. Every child receives a present, while adults get a mince pie.

Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway

2026 dates: 22 November; 28-29 November; 5-6, 12-13, 19-4 December. Trains depart at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm. Advance booking essential.

Hop aboard for a 50-minute festive train ride at Avon Valley Railway! Tuck into mince pies or biscuits while Santa visits the train, then, back at Bitton Station, meet Santa again to receive a gift. Christmas donkeys will be there too. Premium experiences offer first-class seating, hot chocolate and no queue for Santa photos.

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

2026 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

Nutcracker Suite, Wells Cathedral

Wednesday 16 December 2026, 7.30-9.20pm.

Experience a magical candlelit Christmas concert at Wells Cathedral on The acclaimed Piccadilly Sinfonietta, featuring pianist Warren Mailley-Smith, performs Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and a traditional festive medley in the cathedral’s atmospheric surroundings.

Carols around the bandstand, Vivary Park Taunton

December 7 2026, 6.30 pm

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