Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset 2023

Get into the festive spirit this winter by visiting one of the magical Christmas events in Somerset. 

If you’re looking for a Christmas activity to enjoy with the whole family, you can visit a Christmas family attraction, go ice skating, see Father Christmas, visit a Christmas market and a whole host of events that will truly get you into the festive spirit.

Read our blog posts for the Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding area for 2024, or check out our post on the best Family Days out at Christmas in Bristol, 2024. For some ideas for free or lost cost events in the area, read Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2024.

To help you find the best experience for your family, we’ve rounded up the top Christmas events and activities in Somerset and around the Bristol area in 2024  for you. They tend to sell out quickly, so check out this list and book up as soon as you can.

Family Christmas attractions in Somerset

Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves 2024

Where: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF

When: 11th – 12th, 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th November; 9th – 10th, 16 – 24th December 2023.

• Sessions will run at the following times: 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm and 4:15pm

Price: Father Christmas Grotto Experience: £5.99 Child with gift (0-10yrs), £3.99 person with no gift (Any), PLUS normal admission price: £22.95/Adult (16yrs+); £17.20/Child (5-15yrs), FREE/Infant (0-4yrs)/Carers

This Christmas, deep within Gough’s Cave you’ll find the magical South West Workshop of Father Christmas’ elves. There’s also the opportunity to book a session to meet Father Christmas himself! Your children will sing some songs, listen to a festive tale and receive a present.

A Christmas at Cheddar Day Ticket gets you access into all the other exciting attractions, including the Elves South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave, Museum of Prehistory, Cox’s Cave and Jacob’s Ladder.

See our Cheddar Gorge Walk.

Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole and Caves

Where: Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB

When: 25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024, from 9.30 am until 4 pm. (Meet Santa finishes 24th December 2023.) 

Price: Adults £22.45, OAP’s £21.45, Children £17.95 (3-15yrs), £5 infant (under 3 yrs) – visit website and book online here.

Get into the spirit of Christmas at Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland. Your adventure includes three incredible Christmas experiences wrapped up into one magical day out. Visit the caves where over 100,000 of lights magically illuminate the way. It’s a breath-taking Christmas light show. Immerse yourself in Santa’s North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present from Santa’s Elves from the Toy Shop. You’ll also get to watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show, performed in the Wookey Hole Theatre as part of your experience. Your day out will include all the other attractions of Wookey Hole, including a special Christmas Movie in the 4D Cinema. 

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Where: Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ 

When: From 3rd November 2023 to 2nd January 2024

Price: £10/person (£80/8 people age 4+)

Festive, fun for all the family at Mendip Activity Centre.

• Your group of up to eight people will get exclusive use of half of the toboggan slope, with festive music, snow machine and festive lights and lasers, and given Santa hats to wear.
• After whizzing down the slope, you’ll head along a magical illuminated path to a camp fire, sit under giant canopies and roast marshmallows, make s’mores, light sparklers and drink hot chocolate.

Christmas Archery, Brocks Outdoor Adventures

Where: Kelston, Bath, BA1 9AF

When: 1st to 17th December, 22nd to 24th December, 27th to 31st December 2023 – Various times – book online.

Price: From £20/person

If you’re looking for a fun, family activity this Christmas, then a Christmas themed archery session could be the answer. 

• Recommended for age 7+

• All equipment provided

• Free onsite parking

• 75 minute session

This December enjoy festive archery games in ‘Santa’s Shooting Range’, with loads of unique Christmas-themed targets to aim for! Can you shoot all the balloon-baubles on the Christmas tree? Or challenge yourself to hit all the buttons on the Snowman!

Avon Valley Christmas Experience

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP 

When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023

Price: Adults £25, Children £30, Babe in arms (No gift) FREE

There is so much to enjoy this year at Avon Valley in a specially curated day complete with an theatrical show and many themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy.

• Santa’s Show
• Santa’s Toy Factory
• The Rudolph Show
• Making Reindeer Food
• Mrs Claus Gingerbread Parlour
• The Magic Forest
• Santa’s Post Room, The Polar Express Mini Railway
• An Ice Skating session can be added (see below)

Glo in the Dark, Mini Golf (Bath on Ice)

Where: Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR

When: 17th November 2023 to 3rd January 2024.

Price: Adult £8.75, Child (12 and under) £7.50, Teens £8.00. Pre-booking advised.

Bath’s popular adventure golf course will be decked out with its very own fairy light installations. Playing golf at night with glow-in-the-dark balls adds a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience. The 18-hole mini-golf course in Royal Victoria Park has been colourfully illuminated with rainbow lights for the festive season. 

Afterwards, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and a selection of food at Moguls Alpine Bar next door, open every day from 10:30am – 10:00pm

Light Up The Lake, Clevedon 

Where: Clevedon Marine Lake, Old Church Road, Clevedon

When: 2nd December 2023

• 4 pm – Meet at the Pier
• Procession from the pier to the lake with North Somerset Samba
• 5 pm – Light show at the Lake, Darklyte Collective fire dancers

Price: Free Event

Light up the lake is the big winter celebration at Clevedon seafront. Bring a lantern, torch or glow sticks and join in the lively procession from Clevedon Pier to the Marine Lake, following a Samba band. 

At the lake, watch it light up with fire dancers, paddle boards decorated with fairy lights,  illuminated model boats and other floating vessels. 

Visitors are invited to give generously to a bucket collection for MARLENS, the local volunteer-run charity which continues to fund raise toward the management and further development of Clevedon Marine Lake.

Santa Express at West Somerset Railway

Where: The Railway Station, Bishop’s Lydeard, Somerset, TA4 3RU

When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th, 20th – 24th December 2023, two trains a day. 

Price: £25.00/person, Infant (under 1 yr) £10

Step aboard the festively decorated heritage carriages, filled with Christmas cheer and excitement and take a wonderful journey through West Somerset’s winter woodlands. Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them! A round trip to Williton means there will be plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience, get in the festive spirit or relax with some refreshments whilst enjoying the journey.

Other West Somerset Railway events include Dunster by candlelight, which takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of December every year, sees the medieval village light up it’s streets with lanterns. One train service will run per day and depart Bishops Lydeard at 16.30, returning from Minehead at 20.30. 

Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre

Where: Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9UU

When: Sunday 3rd December to Saturday 23rd Dec 2023 

Trains run at: 

10.15am, 10.40am, 11.05am, 11.30am, 11.55am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.05pm, 2.30pm, 2.55pm, 3.30pm 

Price: £15/Person, pre-booking is essential

You start your visit with a steam train ride in a decorated heritage carriage. Then, you make their way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, where Santa will be ready to receive his visitors. After you have concluded the visit to Santa you may wish to visit the Shop.

Your visit includes:

• Steam train ride,
• Tea/coffee and a mince pie with soft drink for the children
• A visit to see Santa where the children will receive a carefully selected and appropriate gift.

Also, Tea with Santa on Saturday 2nd and 9th December 2023, from 2 pm tp 4 pm (no steam train ride).

Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Yeovil

Where: Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Orchid Stud, Oakley Lane,
Ilchester Road, Somerset, BA22 8RF

When: Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd December 2023

Price: £24/person, plus reindeer food can be purchased for £2 per portion.

The One Hour Magical Christmas Experience at Somerset Reindeer Ranch Includes:

• Story time with Santa
• A gift for each child under 16 years old
• A complementary luxury hot chocolate for you to make and enjoy at home.
• A magical, Elf led guided tour to see real Reindeer. As a special treat you will take a journey through the magical wardrobe, where everyone’s favourite Unicorn can be seen and photographed.

Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Pier, Weston super Mare

Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1AL 

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th December 2023

• 11 am – 3.30 pm

Price: £12/Child and accompanying adult; or, £15.00 that also includes a printed photo in a display folder with Santa. £3.50 per additional adult. (Ideal age is 18 months to 10 years). Pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.

Price includes:

• Pier admission
• Present from Santa

Visit the Grand Pier this Christmas for a magical adventure to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet the great man himself and some of his trusty elves!

As you step through the twinkling entrance you’ll find yourself in the one and only Santa’s Toy Shop. You’ll see toys of all shapes and sizes and those little rascal elves, all hard at work, getting everything ready for Santa’s big night!

The elves will be super eager to guide you through the festive trail, leading you all the way to Santa’s very own Grotto to hear all about your wishes and dreams for Christmas day and he has a special gift for everyone.

Oh, but be on the lookout! Santa’s playful naughty elf might make an appearance during your visit, adding a touch of excitement to the experience!

Christmas Fun Day at The Helicopter Museum

Where: Locking Moor Road, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, BS24 8PP

When: 10th December 2023

Price: Adults – £13.00; Children (4-15) – £6.00; Senior/Concession – £11.00; Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) – £30.00; Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) – £32.00

See Santa arrive by helicopter!

Come and see Santa and meet him in his special Helicopter Grotto. Free present from Santa included with every child’s admission ticket purchased on the day!

• Open cockpits,
• Charity stalls,
• Face painting
• Seasonal Fayre

Christmas at Cadbury Garden Centre

Where: Smallway, Congresbury, North Somerset, BS49 5AA

When: 2nd to 24th December 2023

Breakfast with Santa

Price: £14.95/person

Santa’s Grotto

Price: Child £10; Accompanying Adult – free

Come along and meet the big man himself.

VR experience: £5/person 

Father Christmas at Hestercombe House and Gardens

Where: Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023

Price: Children £14.00; Adult members – FREE; Adult non-members – half price garden admission – £7.25. Booking is essential

Father Christmas is welcoming children into his grotto at the Octagon Summerhouse, where there’s a log fire crackling away, surrounded by fairy lights, gifts, holly and friendly cheer.

This event can be combined with Illuminate, the Christmas light display at Hestercombe (additional cost).

Taunton Winter Fest

Where: Taunton Town Centre

When: Sunday 26th November 2023

• From 10 am to 8 pm
• 6 pm Christmas Light switch on

Price: Free Event

Come along and enjoy a day packed full of festive fun in Taunton. There will be a Christmas market, fairground rides, delicious food and great entertainment.

Father Christmas at Sheppy’s Cider Farm, Taunton

Where: Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1ER

When: Saturday 2nd December to Sunday 10th December 2023

• 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday
• 3.30 pm to 6 pm weekdays

Price: £12.50 per child (Ticket includes visit with Father Christmas and and age appropriate gift as well as an activity trail sheet)

Father Christmas can’t wait to greet children in his roundhouse grotto based in Sheppy’s Oak Vat. Children will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Afterwards:

• Complete the Christmas activity trail
• Winter walks around the orchards
• The Café will be open for hot food and drinks to take-away or eat-in.
• Visit the Christmas Market on 2nd and 3rd December.

Father Christmas Grotto, Bath

Where: Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath, BA1 1BZ.

When: 23rd – 26th November; 30th November – 3rd December; 7th – 10th, 14th – 24th December 2023.

Price: £11.55/person. Most suitable for children ages 3- 12 years.

Enjoy a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas!

Father Christmas’ Grotto is a fun interactive experience with professional actors.  Help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story of how they plan to make this year the best Christmas ever.

The Grotto features a song, a story and a chance to take a photo with Father Christmas as you receive your gift.

Meet Father Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent

Where: 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, BA1 2LR

When: Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th December 2023.

• Various times from 10 am to 4 pm. (book a time slot online in advance)

Price: £15/child

Father Christmas is making a special stop at No.1 Royal Crescent this year, he’s keen to experience the ’12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas’.

While he is here he would like to read a Christmas story to the children and of course give them a gift.

The children will be greeted by Christmas helpers and led into our beautifully decorated Servant’s Hall where Father Christmas will read them a story. They will have a chance to talk to him, have a photo with him and there is a special post box if your child would like to leave a letter for him.

Each child will be given a gift and a Georgian Christmas Cookie recipe card to take home.

Father Christmas Grotto at Kilver Court

Where: Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5NF

When:  Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023

• 10 am – 4 pm

• Visits to Father Christmas’ Grotto for children with additional needs from 9 am – 10 am on all days.

Price: £15/Child

Santas on the Run, North Somerset

Where: Charlton Farm, Children’s Hospice South West, Charlton Drive, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PE

When: Sunday 3rd December 2023

• 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• The run starts at 1.00 pm

Price: Tickets: Adult (16+) £9.60, A Child (3 – 15 years) £4.80, Child (2 and under) FREE

Sponsorship Target: £25/person, £60/Family

Icescape at Tropicana, Weston super Mare

Where: Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1BE

When: Tuesday 7th November 2023 – Sunday 7th January 2024

• Each skate session is 45 minutes

Price: Book here. Book by 1st November for a 20% Early Bird discount off all sessions.

Get your skates on the the UK’s largest undercover winter ice rink at The Tropicana. There will also be rides, and festive food and drink stalls alongside the ice rink.

Various sessions:

• Peak/Off Peak
• 2-4-1
• Parent and Toddler
• Quiet Session
• Disco Night

Bath on Ice

Where: Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR

When: 17th November 2023 – 3rd January 2024

Price: Adult £14.50, Child £12.50, Teen/Concession £13.50, Family of 4 £47.00, Child plus Hot Chocolate £16.00

Experience a Winter Wonderland in the centre of Bath. There’ll be twinkling lights, festive music, a cosy alpine bar and seasonal drinks to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Avon Valley Festive Ice Skating

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BANES, BS31 1TP

When: Select dates and times from 1st December 2023 until the 1st January 2024.

• Skate sessions are 45 minutes

Price:  £12.50/person

As part of the Avon Valley Christmas Nights or The Christmas Experience, you can add on a festive Ice Skating session. The 300 square meters of glittering real ice is waiting for you this festive season. Spectators are free and you only pay to skate! Suitable for the youngest beginner through to seasoned skaters looking to show off their skills. 

Clarks Village Ice Rink

Where: Clarks Village, Outlet Shopping Village, Farm Road, Street, Somerset,  BA16 0BB 

When: 9th November 2023 until 7th January 2024

• Skate sessions are 45 minutes long
• Arrive at least 20 minutes before your start time

Price: Adult/teen (age 13+) £14.50; Child (12 and under) £12.50; Family of 4 £48.

**Early bird offer: Book by 5th November for 20% off)**

• skating aids are available to hire for £5 each

Get your skates on at the Clarks Village outdoor, under cover ice rink! This enchanting ice rink is a stunning winter wonderland where you can soak up the glittering atmosphere, show off your skating skills and make some memories!

As well as the regular sessions, you can also book quiet sessions, parent and toddler sessions and disco night sessions.

Exclusive shopping discounts for Ice Rink guests at Clarks Village too!

Ice Skating at Propyard, Bristol

Where: 39-46 Feeder Road, Bristol, BS2 0SE 

When: 5th November 2023 to 31st January 2024

Price: £8  Tickets selling fast!

This festive season, Propyard is transforming its studio into Bristol’s only indoor festive ice-skating rink.

The Christmassy attraction will feature ice skating, ice bumper cars and ice training dolphins for nervous/smaller skaters.

Skate and see Santa, Planet Ice, Bristol

Where: Merlin Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS10 7SR

When: Every weekend in December from Saturday 2nd December from 11:00am until 16:00pm and then every day from Thursday 21st December from 11:00am until 16:00pm, until Christmas Eve.

Price: £22 per child

• Corresponding Public Ice Skating Session for your Child
• Meet Santa and his Elves
• Receive a Gift from Santa
• Santa and his Elves will read the children a Christmas Story

Best Christmas Events in Bristol 2023

Victorian Christmas Weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

Where: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY

When: 2nd December and 3rd December, 9th December and 10th December 2023

Price: Adult £22.00, Child £13.50, Under 4 Free, Student £18.50.  (Free, unlimited return visits for one year* from the date that the ticket is first used.)

Go back in time this Christmas and soak up the festive cheer at the magical Victorian Christmas Weekends on board the S.S. Great Britain.

• Meet Old Father Christmas in his green robes
• Hear traditional Christmas carols
• Feast on delicious mince pies 
• Experience the historic dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland with guaranteed snow.
• Interact with 19th-century costumed characters
• Hear enchanting stories of Christmases past.

The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion

Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

When: 1st – 3rd, 6th – 10th, 13th – 23rd December 2023

Price: £15.18/Child (includes a gift), Adults – optional donation (Booking is essential, online)

• Various time slots
• Experience lasts 20 minutes

Come on a magical adventure with Father Christmas at the historic Ashton Court Mansion.  A fun interactive experience where you will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

The experience starts in the Great Hall of the beautiful Victorian manor house and finishes with a gift from Father Christmas who makes a surprising entrance!

Sail with Santa with Bristol Ferry Boats

Where: Pick up: Bristol BS1 5UH, near cascade steps

When: 9th and 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023

Price: £20/person, which includes:

• a personalised gift for each child
• festive snacks
• sherry for the grown-ups
• a photo opportunity with Santa
• a 45 minute trip around the harbour

Join the ferry elves on a unique hunt for Santa!

Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all your little ones and sail around the harbour with you! 

Santa’s Enchanted Woodland at Bristol Zoo Project

Where: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023

Price: Adults £11.42/£12.56*; Children (age 2 – 14) £8.55/9.41*, Under 2’s and Carers FREE. (*with gift aid). Book in advance

• Festive Fables with Father Christmas included in admission (between 10.30am and 3.30pm).
• Explore different nature trails
• Festive Woodland, is included in admission, and runs from 2 December to 7 January.
• Christmas Choir – Saturday 9th December, 12.30pm – 1pm
• Fascinating animal talks and feeds
• The award-winning Bear Wood with panoramic views and chance to get nose-to-nose with the wolves!
• Fun play areas
• Lemur walk through

• Get up close to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, geladas and more

Join Father Christmas and his forest friends, Deer Darlington and Squirrel Nutkins, for fun festive fables in their cosy, festively decorated tipi, sitting at the end of a charming woodland.

The green-robed Father Christmas will share stories filled with messages of kindness and compassion for the natural world, including the story of the humble tree, and how a special wish enabled it to become the Christmas tree we all now love so much.

Visit Santa’s Workshop where the elves will be working hard to prepare all of the presents ahead of the big day. Fly to the North Pole on a Bristol Freighter and meet Santa himself. 

Join Concord Church for their annual carol service under Concorde on Saturday 16th December.

Father Christmas in Concert at The Bristol Beacon

Where: Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

When: Thursday 21st December 2023, 14:30

• Doors: 14.00
• Start Time: 14.30
• Interval: 15.00 – 15.20
• Finish: 15.55 (approx.)

Price: £21.80 – £34.88

• Recommended age 5+

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in Concert, plus The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Join the Mozart Symphony Orchestra this winter as they celebrate Raymond Briggs’ seasonal classic, Father Christmas. With the film playing on a big screen accompanied by a live orchestra and sound effects, this is a magical Christmas concert like no other!

The concert will begin with performances of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, both for narrator and orchestra. Each character in the tales is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra.

This concert is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family.

Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park

Where: Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG

When: 26^th November to 24^th December 2023, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm 2023. (Three sessions per evening event).

Price: Adults £17, Child £11.50 (2 – 15 yrs), concessions available. Booking ahead is advised.

This festive Illumination Trail offers a magical sensory experience that lights the beautiful Country Park. This year, the after dark event will feature a Starry Night trail guiding you around Old Down Estate, surrounding you with music, colour and light with interactive areas along the way. A truly magical Christmas experience for the whole family.

Dogs on a lead are more than welcome to join you on this magical trail.

Christmas Markets in Somerset and Bristol 2023

Bristol Christmas Market

Where: Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter, BS1 1UX

When: 3rd November  – 23rd December 2023

Price: Free Event

Walk through the streets of Bristol in a winter wonderland and soak up the festive atmosphere. In the very centre of the market, you will find an impressive 30ft Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations. Santa himself will make multiple appearances, along with elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists, and Christmas choirs. The stalls will be selling a range of truly unique gifts, handmade crafts, pick up a traditional festive drink and treat yourself to a bite to eat. 

Christmas Artisan Market, Wells

Where: The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Off Market Place (through The Bishop’s Eye entrance), Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD

When: Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th November 2023

• 10 am-4 pm

Price: £8 Adult; Child (5 – 17 years) £4; Under 5’s and Palace Members are FREE. (The event is a fundraising event in aid of The Bishop’s Palace)

Reduced price day admission tickets include access to:

• The Artisan Market
• The Chapel 
• 14 acres of RHS partner gardens

There’ll be plenty of gift inspiration at the Christmas market, decorations, cards and live entertainment in the inspirational setting of the medieval Palace building as the medieval rooms of the Palace, upstairs and downstairs, will be filled with a variety of enticing stalls offering hand-made and unique gifts.

The Bishop’s Table café will be serving a seasonal menu with views over the croquet lawn.

Bath Christmas Market

Where: Bath City Centre, Bath, BA1 1LZ

When: Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 10th December 2023

Price: Free Event

Walk through the historic streets of Bath in a winter wonderland and soak up the festive atmosphere. Featuring over 200 twinkling chalets amongst some of Bath’s most iconic monuments, selling a variety of high quality artisan products, food and beverage stalls. Visit the giant Christmas Tree in front of Bath Abbey.

Christmas Market at Weston Museum 

Where: Burlington Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1PR

When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023

• 10 am to 3 pm both days

Price: FREE ENTRY

• Lots of stalls selling Christmas gifts
• Clara’s Cafe with the usual tempting treats, alongside some seasonal specialities 
• Christmas Children’s Trail (50p each) – Find Santa’s missing reindeer around the galleries
• Santa will be visiting between 10:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 3:30pm (Saturday and Sunday) for photos and a Christmas natter. (Please note that meeting Santa is a FREE activity, and does not include a present from Santa)

Christmas Market at Hestercombe

Where: Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG

When: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 2023

• 9 am – 5 pm
• Book online
• All tickets include complimentary gardens admission. Tickets from 3pm onwards are charged at a lower rate due to the gardens closing at 5pm. There are limited slots available.

Price: £6/Adults; Children Under 15) FREE

Explore Hestercombe’s annual Christmas Market, featuring festive stalls bursting with beautiful locally-sourced gifts, delicious treats and unique hand-crafted items.

A Posset Christmas Market, Portishead

Where: Portishead High Street, North Somerset, BS20

When: Sunday 10th December 2023

• 2pm – 6 pm

Price: Free Event

The event stretches the High Street and has a great variety of gift stalls, food and drink and charity stalls. A fun fair will also be present for all to enjoy .

Combined with Live entertainment and local shops, the event is a lovely festive afternoon.  

Frost Fayre, Glastonbury

Where: Glastonbury High Street

When: 25th November 2023

• 10 am to 6 pm

Price: Free Event

• Held on the last Saturday in November, Glastonbury’s Frost Fayre kicks off at 10 am but is officially opened at noon by the Mayor.
• Lots of stalls
• Late night shopping 
• Father Christmas and his helpers
• Buskers and street entertainment
• Live performances on 5 Stages 
• Official “lights switch on” for the Market Square Christmas Tree
• Children’s Fairground Rides
• Children’s Worlds – crafts, shows and story telling for kids (in the Town Hall)

Wincanton Christmas Fair

Where: Wincanton Racecourse

When: Tuesday 21st November 2023

Price: £5 Entry (supporting Children’s Hospice South West)

A fantastic Christmas shoppingexperience with up to 50 independent stalls selling unique and quality products not usually found on the high street. Get all your Christmas shopping done in one place, under one roof.

Best Christmas Events in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire 2023

The Flight before Christmas, Cotswold Airport

Where: Cotswold Airport, Kemble, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BA

When: Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023

Price: £39.50/Child, £20/Adult

Step into a world of magic and wonder with the Negus Christmas Experience, The Flight Before Christmas! Take an unforgettable journey filled with interactive workshops and engaging activities that are sure to delight the whole family.

• Receive your boarding pass and customised North Pole Passport at the Elf Control Check
• Pass through the naughty or nice security check-in scanner
• Witness elves wrapping last-minute presents in the parcel bay
• Mix magical fairy dust and create the perfect reindeer food in the Forge
• Meet Father Christmas around the fire as he tells a group story
• Decorate a gingerbread person to take home
• Enter the Toy Factory where you’ll help assemble toys and make a special Christmas wish. Choose a teddy and take it home as a gift from Father Christmas and the Elves for your hard work and help

Santa’s Grotto at Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock

Where: Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LZ

When: From Saturday 2nd December – Sunday 3rd December,  Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December, Saturday 16h – Sunday 24th December 2023

Price: Child – £12.99, Adult – Free (max. 2 adults per child) – limited spaces, booking essential

Enjoy a magical experience and a chance to meet Santa and some of his reindeer at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock.

Meet Santa as he reads a Christmas story. Children will also be given hot chocolate (or alternative) and freshly made cookies whilst they enjoy their Christmas story. They will also be given their own festive gift to take home and enjoy. There is also the opportunity to take your photo with Santa after the story reading.

Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge WWT 

Where: WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

When: Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd December 2023.

Price: TBC

Breakfast with Santa includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Santa and receive a gift in his wetland grotto. You will also receive a full English breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen, which will be decked out for the holidays.

There will also be festive activities throughout the centre so you can enjoy a full day in the wetland wonderlands.

Santa Specials at the Avon Valley Railway

Where: Bitton Station, Bath Rd, South Gloucestershire, BS30 6HD

When: Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th – 24th December 2023. Several trains per day. Book in advance, online or via the booking office on 0117 932 5538.

Price: £21/person

All aboard the festive trains at Avon Valley Railway. Once the whistle sounds you’ll depart on your fifty minute Christmas train ride.

Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again and all good boys and girls will receive a present from him too! There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories.

 You’ll see the festive Christmas donkeys on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.

Santa Sunday lunch at De Vere Tortworth Court

Where: Tortworth, Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH

When: 10th and 17th December 2023

• Dining time 12.30 pm

Price: Adults £42.50, Children (age 4 – 12) £21.50, Children (age 3 and Under) FREE

A very special visitor will be arriving in the Westminster Suite at De Vere Tortworth Court this festive season as Santa drops by to join us at our traditional lunch. Our Magician will be on hand to entertain with table magic and you’ll enjoy a three-course festive lunch with coffee and mince pies. Then Santa will make his appearance with a gift for each child.

Santa’s North Pole Christmas Grotto, Fairfield Animal Centre

Where: Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 9QD

When: 25th and 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 2023

Price: Child – £19.95

The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park

Where: Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

When: Selected dates from 11th November 2023 to 7th January 2024

Price: Prices start from £18.70 – see website for details.

The Festival of Light presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other treasured tales. Put your family at the centre of the most magical Christmas story of them all this year, as The Festival of Light returns, with more life-size lanterns than ever before. Step into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl and marvel at the breath-taking illuminated world of your favourite childhood characters.

• Go on the iconic Winter Safari
• Santa Train
• A spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond.
• A phenomenal light show will bring the historic facade of Longleat House to life.

Christmas Events at the National Trust:  In Somerset, Bristol and surrounding area

Christmas at Tyntesfield

Where: Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PA

When: The Reindeer Trail: 16th December to 1st January  

• Daily between 10:30am and 4:00pm (last entry 3 pm)

Price: Usual admission fee to enter the estate (free for NT members), plus a donation to charity for the trail.

The reindeer have escaped from Tyntesfield stables and are running riot across the estate! Father Christmas needs your help to track them down so he can round them up to pull his sleigh. Using a map of the locations they were last seen, explore the Tyntesfield estate and see if you can find all 9 reindeer.

Our reindeer have been lovingly made by our resident green woodworkers; the Somerset Bodgers, a group of skilled craftspeople who offer courses and workshops in this historic craft.

Christmas Trail at Fyne Court

Where: Broomfield, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2EQ

When: 16th December 2023 – 1st January 2024

• 10 am to 4 pm

Price: Free entry, £5 car parking (NT members park for free)

Explore Fyne Court’s wintry woodland as you follow the trail around the gardens. Afterwards make seasonal crafts in the Music Hall where the huge Christmas trees will be brimming with baubles and twinkling with fairy lights.

Christmas at Dyrham Park

Where: Dyrham, near Bath, South Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY

When: 1st December 2023 – 7th January 2024

Price: Usual Admission price (Free entry for NT members)

Take a journey through time, and explore Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park.

• Through the ages – the house will be dressed in the style of five different eras, with festive writings by the likes of Samuel Pepys, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens brought to life.
• Children’s Trail – families can track down giant wooden presents in a discovery trail around the estate. Indoor crafts and games in the house’s basement bringing to life the magic of the popular festive poem ‘The Night before Christmas’.
• Christmas food and shopping – the tearoom is open serving mince pies, snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks. The NT shop is open with lots of gift ideas.

Christmas at Stourhead National Trust

Where: Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

When: 1st – 31st December 2023, various time slots available each evening. Booking is essential.

Price: Peak and off-peak time slots available. View prices online here.

Christmas at Stourhead is a famous annual event that sees this world-famous Wiltshire estate lit up with festive illuminations. Look forward to spending time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels, giant baubles and glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Discover a sea of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life crystals suspended in trees and Liquid Sky filling the air with all the colours of the rainbow!

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way.

There’ll be a range of delicious and tempting treats for sale. So, why not complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate or some toasted marshmallows, shared with someone special.

Storytime with Father Christmas at Stourhead

When: Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd December 2023

• 10 am – 3.20 pm

Price: Grotto £15 per child plus normal admission prices. It is essential to prebook your tickets 

Enjoy some festive magic at Stourhead. Begin in the Stableyard and get creative with the jolly helpers. Then jingle your way up the drive on one of the hobby reindeer. Before snuggling down for a cosy Christmas story with Father Christmas himself. 

• This event is recommended for children under the age of 12.

Toddler Time with Mother Christmas at Stourhead

When: 8th and 15th December 2023

• 10:15 – 10:45; 11:00 – 11:30; 11:45 – 12:15

Price: £10/Child, Adults free but normal admission price applies (Free for NT adult members)

Cuddle up with your little ones for a Christmas story in Lacock’s cosy grotto. A relaxed session for under 5’s.

Meet in Lacock visitor reception to start your visit. It’s a short walk to the grotto from the abbey gates so please allow at 15 minutes to get there in time.

• Dress in your festive best, but wrap up warm.

Meet Father Christmas at Newark Park

Where: Ozleworth,  Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th December 2023. 8 time-slots a day

Price: £6/Child plus normal NT admission applies (Free admission for NT members)

Father Christmas is stopping at Newark Park before he heads off for his busiest night of the year. There will be a little gift and a chat with the man himself in his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room of Newark house.

Christmas Reindeer Roundup at Montecute House

Where: Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP

When: Saturday 25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024 (except Christmas Day) 

Price: Normal admission price (NT members free)

Hidden around the house and garden discover nine specially designed reindeer – you’ll spot each unique, larger-than-life character as you’ve never seen them before. 

Christmas at Barrington Court

Where: Barrington, near Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0NQ

When: 16th – 17th, 21st – 24th December 2023

Price: Christmas events are included in normal admission price.

There will be self-led crafts and seasonal story telling in the farm buildings at Barrington Court this Christmas. Head down to the farm yard to listen to some festive stories in the History Shed. Afterwards wrap up warm and enjoy a wintry walk in the garden and parkland. 

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Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the venues website/socials before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. Many of these events need pre-booking. If you have any more suggestions for family days out in Somerset and Bristol, we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re looking ahead to Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, check out:

The Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset and Bristol 2023

Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2023

FREE Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2023

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Best Gifts for Outdoor Kids, 2023