GET FESTIVE IN SOMERSET
Somerset is a really fantastic place to stay anytime of the year but over the Christmas period it is especially a great destination. From Bath's legendary Christmas Market for festivities with the family to Clarks Outlet Village in Street for stocking fillers and gifts under the tree, Somerset has everything you need to get ready for the big day and take in some seasonal vibes whilst you're at it.
BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Running Thursday 27th November to Sunday 14th December
Set in the beautiful Georgian surroundings of Bath, the annual Bath Christmas Market is considered one of the best in the country. Over 250 traders will set up shop in delightful log chalets surrounded by Christmas lights and you can wonder the historic streets whilst taking in everything on offer. There will be something for all with food, candles, handmade decorations, clothing and so much more on offer.
Be sure to plan ahead if you're looking to visit - there are 3 park and rides serving Bath and during the Market period they run additional services, a great option if you're driving over.
Alternatively Bath Spa Railway Station takes passengers right into the city centre.
You could even choose to stay over, no worry about when to leave, getting there or getting back, with Number 3, a fantastic B&B just a short stroll from the festivities..
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WELLS BISHOPS PALACE ILLUMINATIONS
Open on selected dates from 29th November – 4th January 2026.
A wonderful Christmas display which turns the palace and inner gardens into a wonderland of light and colour. This year they've improved the lights with a lantern tree, illuminated woodland and a longer light tunnel too.
There are various parking places in Wells but it also has a bus station so you can reach Wells on public transport.
A short walk from the palace and with views of Wells Cathedral and green, you could stay at The Ancient Gatehouse Hotel - not just a great place to rest your head it also has an onsite Italian restaurant where you could enjoy a meal before or after seeing the Palace Illuminations. This is an ideal place to stay if visiting Wookey Hole, Clarks Outlet Village or Glastonbury too!
WOOKEY HOLE CAVES WINTER WONDERLAND
Open weekends from 22nd November and daily from 20th to 24th December.
An amazing attraction anytime of the year with its caves, mill and dinosaurs, over the festive period Wookey Hole has an incredible Winter Wonderland where visits begin with a walk through the caves with over 100,000 twinkling fairy lights. Then see the big man himself in his grotto where after a warm greeting each child will get a gift.
The onsite theatre puts on an extra special festive themed circus spectacular for the whole family and don't miss the 4D cinema where a specially selected Christmas film will be playing.
Wookey Hole has onsite parking.
GLASTONBURY FROST FAYRE
29th November
The eclectic town of Glastonbury has loads to offer year round with its colourful high street, historic abbey and the tor rising above the Somerset Levels. At the start of the Christmas season the town throws an annual Frost Fayre, a real treat for the senses. The high street is closed to vehicles and you can wander on foot.
Additionally you can book to meet Santa in the Abbey House with Christmas activities, a gift and photo opportunities too - and parents get a free mince pie.
Glastonbury is on the main bus route to Bristol.
Being just a short distance from Clarks Outlet Village you could head over for a spot of shopping there. Better yet you could stay over in Glastonbury itself with Haydn House right in the centre and get the most out of a day at the Fayre and a day at Clarks.
CLARKS OUTLET VILLAGE
The ultimate Christmas day out for the whole family, Clarks Outlet village has over 90 retailers to peruse and fill those stockings and find the perfect gift for under the tree. Being an outlet village you can expect big brand names with discounts up to 60% off RRP! Not just shopping there are some great restaurants to enjoy and for the festive season you can get onto an ice rink!
Plus there is an artisan market running from Friday 28th November to Wednesday 24th December for the full Christmas shopping experience!
Clarks Village has plenty of parking for visitors and is on the main bus route to Bristol.
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY SANTA EXPRESS
Hop aboard the West Somerset Railway for a festive one and a half hour steam train ride through the Quantock Hills. A gift from Santa and some refreshments will be waiting at your table and you can expect a visit from the big man himself during the journey.
Town Mills is a great B&B in Dulverton, a fantastic place to stay for a journey on the West Somerset Railway and for visiting Dunster Castle.
DUNSTER CASTLE
Dunster Castle opens the door on a historic country Christmas, with the interior of the castle decked out in a way inspired by Luttrell family traditions, once the resident family of Dunster Castle.
After dark the castle will be open for their lights display from 13th to 21st December.There's also a host of events in the festive period including meeting reindeer, wreath making and the nutcracker trail.
Dunster Castle has onsite parking.
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