December is a notoriously expensive time of year, and we’re all conscious of the rising cost of taking our families out, especially at Christmas time. You may be looking for ways to save money whilst still going out with the family and enjoying the festive season. There are some great free Christmas events locally.
If you’re wondering: What is there to do at Christmas near me that is free? – I’ve come up with some suggestions.
Even though many of us are on a tight budget this year, it’s possible to enjoy some free Christmas events, or very low cost.
I have come up with some great ideas for Christmas experiences and things to do with kids that will get you into the festive spirit but won’t break the bank! Here is our guide to the best free (or very low cost) things to do in Somerset and around Bristol this winter.
Free Christmas Events in Somerset, 2024
Where: Bath Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DS
When: Wednesday 11th December 2024
- Doors open 6.00 pm
- Carols 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Price: FREE but must have a ticket for entry
Come along for a festive evening of carols, family fun and a celebration of Christmas in the heart of Bath.
From carols to mince pies and mulled wine, there’ll be all-age excitement and something for everyone at Carols at the Rec!
Where: Bath Abbey
Shoppers Carols
When: Saturday 30th November 2024 and Saturday 7th December 2024 at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm; and Saturday 14th December 2024 at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
The popular Shoppers Carols, an informal 20-minute service with traditional carols. Everyone is welcome, no need to book.
Family Nativity Service
When: Sunday 22nd December 2024 at 3.30 pm
Children are invited to come dressed as a shepard, star, wise man or angel to take part in a fun retelling of the Nativity – with a real live donkey!
Where: Bath City Centre
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024
- Procession 5.30 pm
- Those wishing to join the parade should meet at the Old Bond Street outside Sweet Little Things at 5.15pm
Price: FREE
Bath Lights the Night is an event to celebrate the lights switching on in the city and kick off the festive season. Watch a lantern procession come through the streets with beautiful handmade lanterns created by schools, families and friends at the Bath Carnival.
The lantern procession will be accompanied through the streets of Bath by performers, with light up carnival costumes and music from samba group Jamma de Samba. Special guest comedian Jarred Christmas is compering the evening.
Watch the procession illuminate the streets of Bath from along the route (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…
Where: Bath Abbey
When: Straight after the Lantern Procession (6 pm – 7 pm)
Price: Free event, book tickets online in advance
At the Abbey, everyone joins together for a musical celebration illuminated by the ‘Under the Same Stars’ paper star installation. Featuring the Head Rush Brass Band, comedian Jarred Christmas and music from gifted local performers, and filled with light from the procession.
There will be reserved seating for ticket holders and performers. After that, there will be standing spaces and when the Abbey gets to capacity, the doors will close.
Where: Quedam Shopping Centre, 10 Ivel Square, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EY
When: Saturday 16th November 2024
- Starting from 3.00pm
- Christmas Light Switch On – 6:30 pm
Get in the festive spirit at the Yeovil Christmas light switch-on. Hollywood star, Luke Evans is turning on Xmas lights in Yeovil this year.
Enjoy live music and dance performances, family-friendly creative activities, specialist roaming acts, delicious food and drink, and a specially curated market, celebrating the magic of Christmas, fairytales and pantomime.
Where: Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead (North Somerset)
When: Saturday 14th December 2024, From 5.00 pm.
The vee Dub Christmas Cruz is a great free Christmas event in North Somerset. You’ll see a festive VW Cruz as over 100 VW’s drive around North Somerset towns covered with tinsel, lights, baubles, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, elves, stickers, and anything festive, spreading the Christmas cheer.
Leaving from the Tower House Car Park in Nailsea and heading out around the Trendlewood area of Nailsea, then cruising out to Clevedon. From Hither Green industrial estate behind Aldi, touring Clevedon before heading to Portishead. Along the High Street and finishing up at The Lake Grounds for people to come along and see the vans at the end.
After Portishead, they’re heading into the centre of Bristol for several drive-by’s of the Children’s Hospital – please note that anyone taking part in this will need to pay for the Bristol Clean Air Zone if applicable to their vehicle. After the drive-by they’re heading up to the Clifton Downs for some photos.
Where: Weston Beach Lawns, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
When: Sunday 15th December 2024, From 5.15 pm
Leaving from the Queensway Retail Car Park and heading out around Worle, along to the Boulevard and up to the sea front before heading down past the pier. From here they’re driving along Oxford Street, on to Station Road, over the Hildesheim Bridge on to Winterstoke Road. Then along Marchfields Way into The Range car park where they will park up for people to come along and walk around the vehicles, chat to their owners and throw some money in the buckets.
Price: FREE Christmas event for spectators, donations welcome for charity. Costs to join the parade in your VW – see website for fee.
Raising money for The Grand Appeal, the official charity of the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Where: Clevedon Marine Lake, Old Church Road, Clevedon
When: Saturday 7th December 2024
- 4 pm – Meet at the Pier, joined by the Rock Choir
- 4.20 pm Procession from the pier to the lake with North Somerset Samba Band
- 5 pm – Light show at the Lake, Darklyte Collective fire dancers
Price: Free Christmas 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.
This year, there’s a night market at Nead’s Coffee Hut on the Salthouse Fields.
Where: Clevedon Pier, The Toll House, The Beach, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7QU
When: Friday 13th December 2024
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
- 6.30 pm start (approx.)
Price: Free Pier entry from 5.00 pm.
Wrap up warm and come along to Clevedon Pier for a sing-a-long for a unique Christmas carol event. The Salvation Army are playing festive and classic carols from the end of the Pier.
Keep warm with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies from The Pagoda.
Christmas Trail at Clevedon Pier –
Throughout December, explore Clevedon Pier for hidden Christmas decorations and draw them onto your Christmas Tree Trail card. Plus learn interesting facts about our Christmas traditions made popular by the Victorians.
Why not make a day of it and grab lunch in the Glass Box restaurant, or sweet treats from the Pagoda Cafe.
Where: Hill Road, Alexandra Gardens and Sunhill Park, Clevedon
When: Thursday 28th November 2024
Hill Road are kicking off the festive season with their Xmas Lift Off evening with a vintage bus to pick you up and deliver you to the slopes of Clevedon for free! Enjoy entertainment and indulge in a spot of apres ski eating, drinking and shopping.
The “Light Up The Parks” project organised by volunteer group, Clevedon Community Lights Group are lighting up the town of Clevedon. You can wander through an illuminated wonderland in Alexandra gardens (between Hill Road and Clevedon Pier) from dusk, this Christmas.
This year, Sunhill Park and Clevedon Community Centre is joining the illuminations. Their light switch on at 6 pm and Father Christmas will be there. Festive food and drinks are also available, with music on the terrace.
Where: Portishead High Street, BS20
When: Monday 25th November 2024
- Starts 5:40 pm
Lights on and fire works 6.45 pm
Santa will be arriving via the V-Dubs (VW’s covered in 1000’s of Christmas lights) especially for the lights switch on! Followed by an outstanding fireworks display.
Where: Portishead High Street, BS20
When: Sunday 8th December 2024
- 2 pm – 6 pm
Discover an array of stalls which will include gifts, food and drink at a Posset Christmas Market. Enjoy a fun fair, live entertainment and local shops, the event is a great afternoon.
FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, READ: Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2024
Where: Market House, Ilminster Town Centre, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0AN
When: Friday 22nd November 2024
- Children’s Choirs from 1.30 pm
- Christmas Market 3.30 pm – 8.30 pm (Youth Centre, Frog Lane)
- Food Drink and Entertainment 4.00 pm (Town Centre)
- Lantern and Festive Parade 6.15 pm (Town Centre)
- Light switch on 7.00 pm (Market House)
Ilminster Christmas Festival is a free Christmas event for all the family to kick-off the festive season. The Christmas lights will be switched on, market stalls, late-night shopping, entertainment, food and drink to buy.
Where: Martock Parish Hall, Martock, TA12 6JL
When: Saturday 7th December 2024
- 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
Price: Free Community Christmas Event
Bring the kids along to meet Santa and his Elves and play some festive games. There will be sweet treats, games, an hourly draw and refreshments available to buy.
When: Friday 6th December 2024
- From 5.00 pm until late
- 5.15 pm See father Christmas in the Town Centre
With late night shopping, live music and street entertainment, it promises to be a fun, festive night for the whole family.
Where: Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA
Santa’s Grotto
When: (Grotto) Saturday 7th December, Saturday 14th December, Friday 20th December and Saturday 21st December 2024
- 10:10 am – 4:10 pm
Price: Grotto £7
Enjoy a magical Santa experience in the Museum’s festive grotto this Christmas.
After visiting Santa, see if you can spot the cuddly reindeers around the museum with the festive reindeer trail, £1 each with a treat at the end.
Other Festive family Events
When: Tuesday 3rd December 2024 – Saturday 4th January 2025.
- Reindeer Trail – From Tuesday 3rd December 2024
- Decorate a Plate for Santa – Tuesday 24th December 2024
- Calendar Making – Tuesday 31st December 2024
- Vintage Toys and Games – Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th January 2025
The café will be open serving hot drinks and seasonal treats.
Where: Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DB
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Saturday 4th January 2025
- 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Tues – Sat.)
Price: Entry – Adult/£9.35; Concessions/£7.65; Child (5-17) £4.00; Child (under 5)/Free; Family of 4/£22. Museum Unlimited Annual Pass – Pay once and visit for a whole year Free of Charge. Activities/£1-2
Although admission to the museum isn’t free, with the annual unlimited pass, you pay once and the rest of the year is free. There are lots of low cost activities going on over the festive period at the museum:
- Special Christmas Evening Opening – Friday 13th December 2024 – Join after dark and see Abbey Farm beautifully decorated for Christmas, for a special evening toasting marshmallows around the fire. Staying open right up until 9pm.
- Elf Trail – 3rd to 30th December – join in the cuddly Elf Trail, a fun and festive way to explore the museum (£1 per child).
- Check out the full timetable of events
Where: Shepton Mallet Prison, Frithfield Lane, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5FQ
When: 7th, 8th, 14th – 24th December 2024
Price: FREE
Get into the festive spirit this December at Shepton Mallet Prison for A Creative Christmas – a FREE festive experience with fun activities for all to take part in:
- Letter to Santa: An opportunity for your little ones to write a letter to Santa
- Christmas ‘CELLfies’: Snap the perfect photo at our festive photo corner.
- Christmas Wish Tree: Add your festive wish to our Christmas tree, sharing the joy and spirit of the season.
- Fuzzy Felt Tree & Snowman Decorating: Get creative and help decorate our felt Christmas tree and snowman. Additional craft items are available to purchase to make your prison experience extra special!
Please note, this ticket does not include entry into the entire prison.
Free Christmas Events in Bristol, 2024
Where: The Mall, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS34 5DG
Stick Man’s Magical Trail – Free Christmas Event
When: From 29th November 2024
Discover the magical Stick Man trail, following the beloved Christmas character as he finds his way home to the family tree. Pick up a free booklet at the information desk and explore The Mall to discover the whole story.
Santa-tainment – Free
Join Santa at Cribbs this Christmas for the ultimate festive family day out! Settle down with Santa and his Forest Elves for storytelling, festive fun and elfish entertainment. All the fun is totally free for all to enjoy, no need to book just turn up to join the festivities.
When:
- Weekday Mornings: 10.00 – 13.00 (10.00 – 17.00 from the 16th December)
- Saturdays: 10.00 – 17.00
- Sundays: 11.00 – 17.00
Christmas at Bristol Museums
Where: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL
Family Festive Fun
When: Tuesday 3rd December—Tuesday 24th December 2024
- 10.30am—3.30pm
Daily, free drop-in activities for the whole family.
- Write a message for the Christmas wishing tree
- Send a letter to Santa.
Special event days
Dates: 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd December 2024
Times: 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm
- Dance with Doris: A special silent disco for all the family with Doris, the pliosaur who swims above the museum café.
Price: £5 per headset.
- Story time: Join in with Mini Curiosity, reading your very own story of Doris amongst some Christmas tales. Free, drop in.
Where: Broad Street and High Street, Chipping Sodbury
When: Sunday 1st December 2024
- 11 am – 5.30 pm
- The Original Santa Float arriving at 5pm.
A free festive event for all the family.
The streets will be lined with stalls offering a wide selection of gifts and food including traditional mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts.
Local cafés, public houses, shops and restaurants will also all be open.
Discover a full stage of entertainment and a new free Santa visit in the courtyard open 11.00 – 3pm!
Live donkeys, a free craft area and bouncy snow globe, fun in the Grammar School, funfair rides and Christmas entertainment galore!
Not forgetting all the amazing independent businesses opening for Sunday trade and over 50 stalls to shop with!
Where: Clifton Observatory, Litfield Place, Bristol, BS8 3LT
When: Sunday 8th and Sunday 15th December 2024
- 6 pm and 8 pm
Price: £5 including a mulled wine or mulled non-alcoholic cider.
Join a festive night of carols led by Bristol Musical Theatre! Brighten up a dark winter’s evening with some warming, well-loved carols and a hot drink to keep you toasty! Enjoy exclusive access to the Rooftop Terrace to witness the gorgeous night-time view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Where: Princess Victoria Street and Fosseway Court
When: Saturday 14th December 2024
- From 4:30pm
- 5:30pm warm refreshments in the Church
Throw on your Christmas jumpers, grab a hot drink and come join on a street near you for some festive carol singing and chocolate treats!
Where: Yate Shopping Centre, BS37 4AP
When: Saturday 23rd November 2024
- 11 am to 5 pm
Price: Free event
Enjoy free Christmas fun with children’s fairground rides, face painters, send a letter to Santa, balloon modelling, music, magicians and tribute acts, Paddington and Postman Pat, free meet and greets.
Santa’s Grotto will be open in the Central Square from Saturday 30th November from 10am until 4pm and each successive Saturday and Sunday running through to Christmas week when it will be open more often, closing on Christmas Eve at 1pm.
Santa’s Grotto suggested contribution £1 (Jessie May Children’s Hospice). There will be stickers and certificates for each child on their visit to Santa who will be located outside the Grotto.
Where: Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Bristol, BS36 1SE
Carol’s in the Barn
When: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024
- 3.00 pm Saturday
- 3.00 pm and 6.00 pm Sunday
Price: £5.42; Child £1.08 (inc. booking fee) – Booking essential.
Relive the Christmas story as members of St Michael’s church tell it in words and music with the opportunity to join in singing your favourite Christmas carols. This has rapidly become a Winterbourne tradition between St. Michael’s Church and The Barn – don’t miss it!
To get you in the holiday spirit there’ll be a mulled wine and mince pie on arrival included with your ticket (non-alcoholic, gluten free and children’s alternatives available). It will be pretty chilly in The Barn so wrap up warm in your finest festive knits!
Winter Family Craft Sessions
When: Sunday 29th December 2024
- 10 am or 1 pm
Price: £4.07/Child
Join for some family festive crafts. A range of winter themed crafts will be available, or children are welcome to use the materials provided to get creative with their own projects!These workshops will be held in the beautiful main barn so there is plenty of space to move around, get creative but do wrap up! Recommended for ages 5-11 years (approx). Free (limited) parking on site.
Where: 10 Gloucester Rd, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4AA
When: Every Friday
- 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Price: Free (Booking in advance recommended)
Two hours of free kids entertainment, including singing, dancing, crafts, movies, popcorn and more!
Giant Elf on the Shelf, Bristol
Where: Various locations around Bristol City Centre
When: Friday 22nd November – Tuesday 24th December 2024
Brunelf, Bristol’s giant Scout Elf will embark on a Christmas adventure, delighting Bristolians with his larger-than-life presence, playful holiday antics and some new-for-2024 Christmas surprises!
No. 17 Park Street (22nd – 25th November)
Old Fire Station (25th – 27th November)
Ritorno Lounge (27th – 29th November)
Bristol Temple Meads (29th November – 2nd December)
70 Redcliffe Street (2nd – 5th December)
The Wellhead (5th – 9th December)
Cheese Lane Shot Tower (9th – 12th December)
The Planetarium at We The Curious in Millennium Square (12th – 16th December)
Bristol Hippodrome (16th – 20th December)
Bristol Old Vic (20th – 24th December).
Brunelf invites everyone “to explore the city’s landmarks in a whole new way.
Bristol Ride to Charlton Farm
Where: Leaving from Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1JL, through Bristol City Centre, to Charlton Farm, Wraxall, BS48 1PE
When: Saturday 7th December 2024
- Depart Winterbourne from 12:30pm – 1.00 pm.
- Arrive Charlton Farm around 2.15 pm
This is an amazing sight to see with lots of motorbikes riding in convoy, bikers dressed in Santa, elf, snowman or reindeer costumes and raising lots of money for charity.
Christmas Fairs and Markets in Bristol
Where: Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DX
When: Friday 1st November – Monday 23rd December 2024
- Market Stalls open 10 am – 7.00 pm (6pm on 23rd Dec)
- Food stalls and bars open 10 am – 10 pm
Located in the heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 35 unique stalls, as well as entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves. Grab yourself a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander through the market soaking up the festive atmosphere. Admire the impressive 30ft Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations.
Discover live music and enjoy delicious drinks in the warm Jäger Barn Bar or book one of the private Gondolas to escape the bustle of the Market for a while.
Where: Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB
When: Saturday 9th November – Sunday 5th January 2024
- 10am to 11pm
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas at this family-friendly harbourside event in Millennium Square. Featuring a wide range of stalls with a selection of food and drinks, as well as fairground rides like dodgems and a carousel.
Vintage Winter Wonderland also has an après bar serving winter warmers and many vintage games with a chance to win toys.
Christmas at St. Nick’s Market
Where: St Nicholas Market, Corn Exchange, Old City, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
When: Open every day until Christmas Eve.
- Indoor Market – Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30 am – 6 pm; Sunday 10.00 am – 5 pm. Christmas Eve 9.30 am – 3.00 pm.
- Street Food Market – Tuesday and Friday: 11 am to 2.30 pm
The Brightwell Centre, Bradley Stoke
Where: The Brightwell, Bradbury House , Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB
When: Saturday 30th November 2024
- 11:00 – 14:00
Price: Entry is FREE.
Come and join us for a fabulous festive market as we countdown to Christmas.
Showcasing a wide variety of gifts and crafts this will be the perfect opportunity to start (or finish) your Christmas shopping. The variety of wonderful local stall holders, you are sure to find the perfect Christmas gifts for family and friends.
Mini Massive Sax Flextet will be bringing the festive tunes to life – all donations are greatly received for the charity.
There will be scrumptious refreshments on sale throughout the event to purchase too.
Come along and kick off the festive season whilst supporting The Brightwell and their mission to support people affected by MS and other neurological conditions.
FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, READ: Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2024
National Trust Properties
If you’re a member of the National Trust, their properties are free to explore this Christmas. Many have a family Christmas Trails.
Local Light Displays
A fun, free thing to do with the kids at Christmas is to walk or drive around your local light displays – some people go to town! There are always certain roads in every town that really ‘push the boat out’ when it comes to putting on light displays in their front gardens and on their houses. Often when one house starts, their neighbours will join in. There are certain places that make the local news for their fantastic displays and charity fund raising efforts. Here are a couple of those:
- Trinity Close, Burnham on Sea
- Brookfield Walk, Clevedon
- Brailsford Lights Christmas Display, Brentry
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. Some of these events may need pre-booking.
If you have any more suggestions for free Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, we’d love to hear from you!
Read more Somerset seasonal Guides
If you’re looking for more Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, check out:
Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset, 2024
Christmas Light trails in Somerset and Bristol, 2024
Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol 2024
Christmas Markets in Somerset 2024
Christmas Ice Skating in Somerset
Are you stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Read our blog post The Best Gifts for Outdoor Kids, for some inspiration this Christmas. Over 60 ideas (to suit all budgets) that are perfect for outdoor adventurers and their families.
Check out some winter walks in Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding area.
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the organisers/venue before you leave in case there are any changes or cancellations. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
