Get into the festive spirit this winter by visiting one of the magical Christmas illuminations and light trails in Somerset near you. If you’re looking for a Christmas activity to enjoy with the whole family, a festive light experience is perfect for all ages and will bring sparkle and cheer to the darkest winter months. There’s nothing like wrapping up warm and heading out on a cold winters evening to marvel at the pretty, twinkling illuminations with your family and friends.
Read our blog post for the best Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset, 2024 and, Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2024. For some ideas for free or low cost events in the area, read Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2024.
There are many Christmas light displays to choose from and we’ve rounded up the Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset and 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.
Where: Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB
When: Weekends from 23rd November and daily from 21st December to 24th December 2024. from 9.30 am until 5 pm.
Price: Adults £24.00, OAP’s £22.00, Children £19.00 (3-15yrs), Infant (under 3 yrs) FREE – 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.
Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens 2024
Where: Off Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
When: 6th (Members’ Only Preview Evening), 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th December 2024
- 4.30pm – 7.30pm (last entry 7pm)
Price: Visitors purchasing Joint or Day tickets on the day of the Illuminations will also have access to the event as part of their ticket.
Special Evening Only Tickets: For those without a valid ticket, a special Evening Only Ticket is available, granting access from 4:30pm to 7:30pm on selected evenings (last entry at 7:00pm). Adult £10, Children (5-17 yrs) £6, Under 5’s FREE. Book here.
Discover a captivating display of festive lights and decorations at the inner gardens of The Bishop’s Palace. Marvel at the transformation of the medieval ruins and surrounding gardens, brought to life with lots of sparkling, colourful lights.
Step into the interior of the medieval Palace which will be transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with festive finery from the Palace Gardens. As you step into the Entrance Hall, you’ll be greeted by a warm, crackling fire.
Festive Food and Drinks will be available during the festive illuminations, including a tasty BBQ or, enjoy a mulled wine, cider or hot chocolate from the Bishop’s Brew Horsebox or the Applestore.
Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Where: Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG
When: Thursday 21st November to Monday 30th December 2024. Limited capacity slots are available at 15 minute intervals from 4:30pm to 8:00pm (last entry).
Price: Adults £17.00, Children £8.50 (under 2 are free). Booking required, click here.
Prepare to be awe-inspired at the beautiful gardens at Hestercombe as they come to life this Christmas. “Illuminate” will transport you on a magical journey of colour, light and sound to bring festive awe and wonder to the gardens”.
Bring the whole family to see the natural features and views of the Landscape Garden come to life at night. Following coloured paths with spotlights and lit trees towards the Great Cascade, down past beautiful fountains in the Pear Pond and through a ‘Christmas tree’ grove below the Formal Garden, before finishing with a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.
Dogs are very welcome on a short lead.
The Bampfylde Hall will be open for hot food, snacks, cakes and drinks throughout the evening.
Avon Valley Christmas Nights Light Trail, Somerset
Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BANES, BS31 1TP
When: 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st December 2024. From 5.30pm – 8.30pm (7.30pm last entry)
Price: £15.95/person, Under 2’s £9.95, Babes in arms FREE (early bird discount deducts £2) Plus booking fee. Book here.
Bring the family to Avon Valley for a spectacular light trail. Follow a route around the park with the lake and trees as a spectacular backdrop. The stunning light installations, play areas and animatronic dinosaurs are creatively lit up, as well as a festive fun fair and elf express to enjoy.
You can also book the Christmas Experience at Avon Valley to compliment your visit. This includes a theatrical Santa show, see Santa is his beautifully decorated wooden cabin, visit his Toy Factory and choose your own gift, watch the Rudolph Show, decorate gingerbread with Mrs Claus in the parlour, make your own reindeer food in the shed to take home, explore the magical forest, post your letter to Santa in his Post Room and enjoy the park attractions such as the safari jeeps.
Also, the Festive Ice Skating can be purchased seperately.
Check website for dates, times and prices.
Winter Lights at West Somerset Railway
Where: The Railway Station, Bishop’s Lydeard, Somerset, TA4 3RU
**This Event is not running in 2024**
When:
Price:
All aboard an illuminated steam train, ready to take you on an unforgettable winter journey.
Travel along the enchanted track, through woodlands and countryside transformed for the season. Spectacular lineside displays will shine and glow, to the amazement of the whole family. An encapsulating tale will unfold along the way, before you arrive at Crowcombe Heathfield, where you will gaze in wonderment through the carriage windows at a famous station steeped in festive spirit. It’s then back to Bishops Lydeard in your cosy, comfortable carriage before your wonderful Winterlights journey becomes Christmas memories to treasure.
Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase before the journey.
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Outdoor Activity Centre – Outdoor Christmas Activity
Where: Lyncombe Drive, Churchill. BS25 5PQ.
When: Between Friday 8th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
Price: From £100/up to 8 people. Book here.
Hit the toboggan slope with family and friends for a magical and exhilarating evening. The 10,000 fairy lights, coloured flood lights, lasers, Santa hats, festive music and a Hollywood-style snow machine create an unforgettably festive experience. After tobogganing, you’ll head along a magical illuminated path to an enchanted clearing in the ancient woodland. Sit under giant canopies around a camp fire and roast marshmallows, make s’mores and light sparklers. Hot chocolate will be waiting too to ensure the perfect end to a festive, family experience you’ll never forget.
Where: Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR
When: Friday 15th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
- 4.00 pm to 8.45 pm
Price: Adult £9.75, Child (12 and under) £7.50, Teens £8.00. Family of 4 £33. 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 go ice skating at Bath on Ice, or enjoy a hot chocolate and a selection of food at Moguls Alpine Bar next door, open every day from 10:30am – 10:00pm
Bath Lights the Night
Where: Bath City Centre
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024
- Procession 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Price: FREE
Bringing light to the streets during the dark evenings of November, Bath Lights the Night is an event to celebrate the lights switching on in the city. Watch the procession come through the streets with beautiful handmade lanterns created by local children, accompanied by a Samba band.
Watch the procession from outside the Roman Baths Shop, Primark or by the York Street Arch.
Following the Bath Lantern Procession through the city and Christmas Light switch on, head to the Abbey for a music event…
Music in the Abbey
Where: Bath Abbey
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Straight after the Lantern Procession (6 pm)
Price: Free event, when the Abbey gets to capacity, the doors will close.
The Bath Lights the Night lantern procession will proceed to the inside of Bath Abbey before everyone joins together for a musical celebration illuminated by the ‘Under the Same Stars’ paper star installation. Featuring the Head Rush Brass Band and Jarred Christmas.
Where: Puxton Park, Cowslip Lane, Hewish, North Somerset, BS24 6AH
When: Friday 29th November 2024
- 4 pm to 7 pm
Price £6/person
Kick off the festive season with a night of fun, magic, and unforgettable memories! Come along for a magical evening to light up the season! Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the enchanting Ice Princesses, all while enjoying festive carols and holiday cheer. Perfect for families and little ones.
SEE MORE: For free Christmas events, which includes a few Free Christmas Illuminations in North Somerset, read: Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol.
Best Christmas Illuminations in Bristol 2024
Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park 2024
Where: Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG
When: 24th November and 7th to 24th December 2024, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm . (Four time-slots per evening event).
Price: Adults £17.55, Child £11.70 (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 after dark event will feature themed areas, from an Ice Kingdom to Fairy Land and Rainbows! The immersive experience will guide you around Old Down Estate and surround you with music, colour and light with interactive areas along the way. A truly magical Christmas experience for children and adults to explore.
- ‘Quieter Sessions’ on Monday evening illumination events. (With reduced noise and less capacity to appeal to anyone who would prefer a calmer experience).
- Meet some animals along the way.
- Get creative at the craft station.
- The Festive Village will be making a return this year, complete with Crumble Station, Hot Chocolate Station and marshmallow toasting!
- Dogs on a lead are more than welcome to join you on this magical trail.
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show: Bristol
Where: Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 9EJ
When: Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st December 2024
Early show:
- Gates open: 14:30
- Food village opens and DJ starts: 14:30
- Show starts: 16:50
- Show ends: 17:35
- Site closes: 18:00
Late show:
- Gates open: 19:00
- Food village opens and DJ starts: 19:00
- Show starts: 20:45
- Show ends: 21:30
- Site closes: 23:00 (23:30 for hospitality guests)
Price: Adult £24, Child/Concession £17, Adult + child under 3 (under 3s sat on adult’s lap) £27; Concession + child under 3 (under 3s go free, sat on adult’s lap) £20 – book online here.
Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life in the night sky for a captivating new animated drone light show, narrated by Matt Lucas.
A Christmas Carol, the drone light show, presents the very latest in creative entertainment with a magical celebration of the Christmas spirit. Witness famous characters brought to life in the sky, as you’re taken on a heart-warming narrated journey through the immortal tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve and his ghostly visitors who lead him to profound transformation.
Have an unforgettable time with your friends and family. Enjoy magic in the sky, festive favourites in the food village and a world-class stadium experience at Seat Unique Stadium where every seat is a front row view to the world’s biggest stage – the sky.
Get stuck into the magic of the evening with festive food stalls, mouthwatering local street food, fairground rides, and music.
Where: Bristol Cathedral, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ
When: Monday 25th November to Friday 29th November 2024
Price: Adult: £11.99; Child: £7.99; 0 – 3 Year Old: Free; Essential Carer: Free
Join Bristol Cathedral for a dazzling journey of light and sound as the Cathedral architecture turns into a virtual canvas this Christmas.
The award winning artistic collaboration known as Luxmuralis are back, set to transform the interior of Bristol Cathedral with stunning sound and light artwork.
Begin this year’s Christmas celebrations by coming along on an uplifting journey through a reimagining of the Nativity Story. It promises to be a stunning experience for all the whole family, the perfect start to the Advent season.
Christmas Illuminations in Gloucesterhire and Wiltshire
The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park
Where: Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
When: Selected dates from Saturday 9th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
Price: Twilight tickets Adults £27.95/£32.95; Child £20.95/£24.70 – see website for details. Safari Day tickets also available.
The Festival of Light presents A Journey through time.
Travel through time and let your imagination run wild on your festive adventure. Explore the era you want to discover as we showcase the evolution of the earth from the age of the dinosaurs to present day. Discover scenes from the Ice Age, Vikings, Age of Dinosaurs, Ancient dynasties, monarchs and more!
A Twilight Ticket includes:
- Access to our stunning lantern scenes
- Festive attractions including the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show
- A whole host of attractions to explore including Adventure Castle and Rockin’ Rhino.
- Longleat’s grounds and gardens
Don’t miss the spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond. Longleat House will be even more luminous, with a phenomenal light show bringing its historic facade to life.
Other options include the iconic Winter Safari and the Santa Train.
Spectacle of light at Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Where: Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5LP
When: Friday 22nd – 24th, 29th – 30th November 2024, and 1st, 6th – 8th, 12th – 13th, 17th – 23rd, 27th – 30th December 2024.
Price: Advance Adult/£22.50, Advance Child 3-15/£12.60, Advance Family 2+2 – £59.40. Tickets are Full price from 22 November onwards.
- From 4.45 pm onwards.
Explore the magical after-dark experience at Sudeley Castle and follow the new illuminated trail around the beautiful fairy-tale castle grounds. On the way, meet some fabulous characters as you discover what has happened to Sleeping beauty. Discover the Light Wave on the Mulberry Lawn, the sparkling water features and the Harlequin trees, the flickering Fire Flowers of the Queens garden, light beams, lanterns and the columns of light in front of the Castle.
Take away hot food, drinks and doughnuts are available to buy. Sip festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate as you join the magical trail.
Westonbirt Arboretum: Enchanted Christmas
Explore trees from all over the globe in a completely new light. The National Arboretum is a place where new memories are made when over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun.
The new trail has everything you need for an unforgettable time with your friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas. Discover luminous birds delicately balanced on branches, colourful neon trees, sparkling tunnels of light and the arboretum filled with all the colours of the rainbow.
Prepare to be dazzled by an enchanting winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, festive sounds and stunning instillations, making for an unforgettable experience for all the family. Westonbirt’s captivating landscape and impressively lit trees creates an enchanting world full of wonder and imagination – the perfect place to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Don’t miss Father Christmas who will be located on the illuminated trail and all visitors will get the opportunity to see him.
You can arrive anytime before your trail time slot to soak up some seasonal cheer in the Christmas Village. Once complete you will exit via the Christmas Village. The village will have food and drink stalls and traditional fairground rides.
National Trust: My Nearest Christmas Light Trail
Where: Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD
When: Friday 29th November 2024 – Wednesday 1st January 2025, various time slots available each evening. Booking is essential.
Price: Peak and off-peak time slots available. From £15.00/Adult, £10/Child. Parking £8 or Free for NT members. 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 across the lake, larger-than-life crystals suspended in trees and Liquid Sky filling the air with all the colours of the rainbow! There’s huge feathers floating high into the night sky and sparkling tunnels of light.
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.
Top Tips for visiting a light trail and festive illuminations
- Pre-book your tickets early because most places will sell out quickly. Keep an eye on the website for when tickets are released and book in advance. For some places you will need to book a time slot for arrival. The peak times will be earlier on in the evening and weekends.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear as these are evening events, taking place after dark in winter. There may be some slippery surfaces on your route, especially when wet.
- Arrive in plenty of time. Give yourself time to park the car and walk to the trail entrance by your allocated time (some venues require you to book a time-slot).
- It is a good idea to bring a torch with you just in case because the event takes place after dark and it’s useful to have extra lighting. Some children bring glow sticks!
- Check with the venue how accessible the site is before you book, not all trails are wheelchair friendly.
- Check with the venue whether dogs are welcome before bringing your pet with you.
- Bring money and allow extra time for a hot drink and snack, most venues will be selling food and drink.
Read more Seasonal Somerset Guides
For firework displays and bonfire night events in Somerset and Bristol, check out:
The Best Firework Displays and Bonfire Night Events in Somerset and Bristol 2024
Firework Displays and Bonfire Night Events in Bristol and South Gloucestershire 2024
If you’re looking ahead to Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, check out:
Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset 2024
Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2024
Best Festive Ice Skating Rinks in Somerset, 2024
Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2024
Free Christmas Events in Somerst and Bristol, 2024
For Halloween events further afield, check out:
Halloween Events in Yorkshire by Sam at The Reluctant Explorers
Halloween Events in the Manchester Area by Colette at Going on an Adventure
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity with the kids, why not check out one of our walks .
Pin it for later!
Found this useful? Share on Pinterest
Follow us on social media
Somerset Family Adventures is a free online resource. If you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful, you can say thanks and show your support by buying me a coffee. Thanks so much! You can also sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear of our new walks and days out.
Share this post with your friends and family, and follow us on our social media. Feel free to tag us in your photos if one of my posts has inspired you to visit.
Disclaimer: 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 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-friendly Christmas Illumination events in Somerset and Bristol, we’d love to hear from you.
