Christmas is always a magical celebration in the heart of winter. Pair it with a holiday away, and its allure becomes manifold, especially for little ones, with the car packed to the roof bars with presents and suitcases, and Mariah Carey blasting on the radio as you drive along the motorway.
For a different, yet uniquely traditional Yule, head to the quietly beautiful county of Somerset and nestle down in a pretty cottage for the season. Bustling Christmas markets wait to be discovered, bedecked and bejewelled manor houses open their doors to reveal their festivities, country inns welcome us in for hearty meals and frost-coated countryside invites us to pull on our boots and explore – let's face it, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Somerset, especially at Christmas!
Whether you’re taking your family away for a magical getaway or whisking that special someone for a deeply cosy and oh-so-romantic escape, here’s our guide to Christmas in Somerset.
Find out more:
Christmas markets
Christmas events
Christmas lights
Christmas food
Christmas walks
Christmas markets
There’s something uniquely special about a Christmas market – the merry atmosphere, the twinkling lights, the mouthwatering scents in the air….perfect! Nothing builds the Christmas spirit more than wrapping up in your cosiest coat, popping on a woolly hat and heading out to blag yourself that perfect last-minute present, a tasty snack, and, of course, a glass of steaming mulled wine. Somerset is particularly blessed with a host of Christmas markets to discover, where the air fills with the scent of cinnamon and clove and the harmonies of carollers in full swing.
Bath
Thursday the 28th of November to Sunday the 15th of December
Probably one of the most famous Christmas markets in Britain, the huge Christmas Market in Bath boasts the spectacular cathedral as its backdrop, creating an incredible scene of seasonal frivolity. With hundreds of wooden chalets to stroll around, you’re sure to find some unique gifts for your loved ones, while the mouthwatering aromas that fill the air mean you’ll have plenty to eat and drink too. Little ones will squeal with delight at the enormous ice skating rink at Royal Victoria Park that runs from the 15th of November to the 5th of January and ensures everyone will be entertained.
Frome
Friday the 22nd of November
The wonderful market town of Frome is fantastic to explore whatever time of year, but it definitely comes into its own around the festive season. Leading up to the big day, it’s a wonderful place to visit, whether it’s strolling the frost-flecked cobbled streets during the day or for a late-night shopping spree in the evening when the air is fragrant with mulled wine, lights twinkle, and carols wrap around you like a musical hug. On Friday the 22nd of November, the annual Christmas in Frome event will be showering the town in festive cheer as stalls line the streets and the Christmas lights enjoy their festive switch-on. Lantern parades, live music, and mouth-watering street food awaits at this oh-so-special event.
Wells
Saturday the 14th of December
The beautiful cathedral city of Wells is the perfect location for soaking up the Christmassy atmosphere, and on Saturday the 14th of December they have their annual Christmas Fair, with over 100 stalls selling artisanal products and tasty food and drink. Wrap up warm, get yourself a steaming cup of mulled wine, and embrace the festive season as you peruse the stalls on Bishop’s Palace Green and the Market Place, with live music and entertainment on tap that’s sure to raise the spirits.
Glastonbury
Saturday the 30th of November
For an alternative Christmas celebration head to Glastonbury and the unique Frost Fayre. Here, the motto is ‘peace and goodwill to all’ with much merriment and festivities taking place throughout the day, starting at 10am. As well as lots of stalls to explore, there are five stages offering live performances, a ‘Children’s World’ in the town hall with crafts, shows, and storytelling for little ones, late-night shopping, fairground rides, and, of course, Father Christmas. The Abbey will be free to enter with music performances throughout the day and will be lit up at night – a truly magical sight. You certainly won’t run out of things to do during your visit!
Christmas events
Somerset happily embraces the festive season and really takes the spirit of Christmas to heart, so you’ll have no problem finding a host of events taking place across the county. Here are a few top events to take a look at…
Christmas on the West Somerset Railway
Various dates throughout November and December
Are you a fan of the classic children’s film Polar Express? Unleash your inner child and step aboard the historic steam locomotives of the West Somerset Railway.
If the kids can’t wait to meet Father Christmas, book you and your family onto the Santa Express. Departing from Bishops Lydeard between Saturday the 1st to Tuesday the 24th of December, the festively decorated carriages brimming with Christmas cheer are oh-so-welcoming as they wind their way through the wintry countryside of west Somerset on a round trip to Williton. Seated at tables overflowing with presents and refreshments, you’ll be visited by the man himself during your ride, ensuring fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.
The festive fun doesn't stop there, with the likes of festive afternoon teas and even an adults-only 'Bad Santa' experience, which promises belly-aching jokes and button-popping food.
Christmas at Still Shed Distillery
Looking to quite literally get into the festive spirit? Still Shed Distillery invite you to enjoy a fabulous evening of cocktails and crafts with their wreath-making and gin-tasting workshop. Kick the evening off a delicious Dimpsey Somerset Gin cocktail before flexing your creative fingers and crafting your very own Christmas wreath with foraged greenery and beautiful dried fruits.
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Various leading up to Tuesday the 24th of December
It’s not just cheese that’s stored in the caves at Cheddar Gorge & Caves – at Christmas, you’ll find Father Christmas, his elves, and lots of toys too! See the workshop in full swing, whether it’s elves checking letters (have you been naughty or nice this year?), inspecting the sleigh, or making toys. Afterwards, you can join in the Grotto fun and listen to festive tales, take part in a singalong and meet the man of the hour himself. Dogs are welcome too, making this a fantastic day out for the whole family.
A Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Saturday the 16th of November to Sunday the 5th of January
The stunning museum of No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath explodes into life in a flurry of Georgian extravagance this Christmas. Wander through the rooms and gaze in awe at the dining room table groaning under the weight of a decadent feast (which includes intricate sugar sculptures), swathes of fragrant foliage such as bay and yew decorating the hallways, and the scent-filled busyness of the kitchen and servant’s hall.
Called the 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas, this fully immersive tour is a fascinating glimpse into how Christmas would have been celebrated over 200 years ago. For children, there’s a Christmas mouse trail to follow with the opportunity to make your own masquerade mask.
Christmas Pudding Race, Baltonsborough
Sunday the 22nd of December
Feeling energetic? Why not take part in the annual Christmas Pudding Race in the small village of Baltonsborough, just outside Glastonbury? A charity race covering 5 miles along undulating country lanes, fancy dress is positively encouraged so expect running Santas, elves, Christmas puddings, fairies and even Christmas trees in the crowd.
Christmas lights
From the exuberantly cheery to the subtly atmospheric, the twinkling of Christmmas lights gives Christmas that magical touch. From festooned villages to lit up adventures, Somerset pulls out all of the stops to create a shimmering world to discover.
Longleat
Saturday the 9th of November to Sunday the 5th of January
Longleat Safari Park near Frome is a firm family favourite and at Christmas it really pulls out all of the stops to create a magical experience for its visitors. The Festival of Light runs every year and offers a mesmerising display of lanterns (over 1,500 of them, some over 15 metres high). To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the festival invites you to step back in time as you walk through displays of toweing dinosaurs and Arabian Nights.
Other fantastic things to see include an enchanted Christmas tree show with Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree, a Santa train that takes you through the park to Santa’s Grotto, an evening light show illuminating Longleat House, a 60-metre-high fountain display, a festive owl show, and guided tours of the house to see it all dressed up in its festive finery. This is a memorable day out for little ones as they fall in love with this wonderful combination of animals and adventure.
Dulverton
Saturday the 1st of December
Every Christmas, the pretty Exmoor town of Dulverton comes alive with decorated Christmas trees during the prolonged celebration of Dulverton by Starlight. The shops stay open later and a host of street entertainers, live music, and stalls line the street, culminating in a fantastic fireworks display at the close of the evening - not to mention the enchanting Christmas lights that set the town aglow from here on out.
Wookey Hole
Saturday the 23rd of November to Tuesday the 24th of December
For something a little different, head to Wookey Hole near Wells for a subterranean Christmas! Their Winter Wonderland spectacle transforms the caves with over 100,000 lights illuminating the way to Santa’s North Pole Grotto and a Christmas-themed circus show performed in the Wookey Hole Theatre. This is a great family activity (make sure to book before you go) and really handy as little ones don’t need to stay up late to see lights twinkling in the dark.
Hestercombe
Thursday the 21st of November to Monday the 30th of December
Fast becoming legendary, Illuminate at Hestercombe near Taunton is a sell-out event that draws visitors from far and wide. Here, you’ll discover the beautiful gardens brought to life in a breathtaking illuminated display, transporting you on a magical light and sound journey with musical accompaniments and water features. With even more awe-inspiring sights for 2024, the trail takes you past spotlights and coloured paths, leading you up towards the Great Cascade and Sibyl’s Temple and back down towards the Formal Garden. This is definitely one you’ll need to book.
Christmas food
Famed for its food, Somerset always delivers a mouthwatering Christmas, whether you’re all about pigs in blankets or steaming mugs of mulled cider - after all, when in Somerset!
Cooking at home from home
When you arrive at your cosy cottage in Somerset for Christmas, one of the ways to really get into the Christmas spirit of the county is to stock up on lots of delicious local produce. From a carefully curated cheese board to a locally reared turkey, freshly dug-up potatoes to a handmade Christmas cake decorated with candied fruits, there’s something extra special in knowing that what you’re eating has only come from a few miles away.
This is where farm shops really come into their own and Somerset boasts a wonderful selection to choose from. Rumwell Farm shop is excellent for its free-range pork (perfect for ham and pigs in blankets), while their cake selection is second to none. The Newt Farm Shop near Bruton is a glamorous option for a super-special Christmas (with its very own cheese room), and lovely when combined with a walk around the grounds, sparkling with frost and crispy underfoot. Newton Farm near Bath is a must for organic meat, while if you’re embracing a Victorian Christmas, head to Goose Slade Farm near Yeovil where their hand-reared geese are a speciality.
Eating out
It’s fair to say that there are hundreds of fantastic places to eat in Somerset, whether you’re looking for something laid back, a little more formal, or something quick and easy while out and about.
Nothing says winter quite like a cosy country pub complete with open fires, hearty food, and a pint of something special in hand, and it’s always a welcome interlude after a morning walk. The Cat Head Inn near Yeovil is a historic pub dating from 1580 and, in addition to their tasty winter menu, they’re offering a festive two or three-course menu – perfect for a relaxed family get-together.
Dining out in a restaurant is a perfect way to mark the festive season and handily offers an evening off from anyone having to cook! Matt’s Kitchen in Bruton is a bijou, one-of-a-kind eatery with an ever-changing set menu that offers local, seasonal dishes at an excellent price – perfect for a more intimate meal. For a show-stopping meal head to the Clockspire in Gainsborough for a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Offering an excellent set menu for the Christmas period, the restaurant was previously a school and boasts vaulted ceilings, polished floors, and exposed oak beams.
…And mulled cider
It’s safe to say that cider is one of Somerset’s most prized brews, and it’s more than just a thirst-quenching, chilled drink to enjoy on a hot summer's day. Now there may be many different recipes for this spicy, soul-warming drink but by and large they all tend to include cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and allspice, with citrus fruits such as orange and lemon creating a fruity tang. Add a couple of heaped spoonfuls of fudgy brown sugar, gently heat and hey presto – mulled cider! For an extra-warming effect, add a tot of local gin or rum – yum!
Christmas walks
Whether you need to walk off the Christmas feast, take the dog for a jaunt or just fancy a leisurely stroll for a breath of fresh air, nothing beats a festive stomp to blow away the cobwebs. Luckily, Somerset has so many beautiful places to walk, you’re spoilt for choice. For a more challenging hike, head to the hills, with the Quantocks and Mendips an excellent choice for an elevated view – just make sure to don warm woollies to keep the chill off.
For complete wilderness, Exmoor is a fantastic choice for a ramble, followed by a glass of something appropriately cheery in a country pub! The West Somerset Coastal Path stretches between Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea and guarantees a blustery walk. A ramble on the beach is perfect for some vitamin sea (followed by fish and chips), while a walk up Glastonbury Tor will give you fantastic views for miles around. If you fancy exploring a frosted forest, there are lots of woodland walks to experience too, from the historical Beacon Hill Woods near Shipton Mallet to the easy-access Ham Hill Country Park.
Feeling inspired to experience Christmas in Somerset? Take a peek at our cosy and welcoming cottages in Somerset and start planning your festive getaway today.
