From mulled cider to cheese boards full of the West Country’s very best, Somerset is perfectly primed for the festive season. Find all the delicious goodies you need for Christmas Day while picking out the perfect presents for your loved ones – all while soaking up the Yuletide atmosphere, Christmas lights and all.
With the promise of supporting local exhibitors and making the most of the local area, the many Christmas markets in Somerset are a great way to start celebrating the festive season while on your holiday – not to mention the copious opportunities for a piping hot mulled wine as you wander the gently glittering streets.
Ready to let the festive spirit take over? Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Somerset where you can fill the stockings and the fridge…
Bristol Christmas Market
3rd of November to the 23rd of December 2023
Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter BS1 1UX
One of the biggest Christmas markets in the South West, Bristol has been putting on a festive feast for the senses for many years. Ticking things off your Christmas shopping list is a breeze thanks to over 35 unique stalls laden with all you could ever want for Christmas (sorry Mariah, we want more than one thing this year).
You can also fill your belly as well as your basket as countless tasty treats await from the sweet (and savoury) smelling food stands, which range from mouth-watering street food to piping hot doughnuts fresh from the fryer. All this merriment can be thirsty work, so a stop by the Jager Barn Bar – complete with cosy igloos and heated seating – is always a good idea. You can also book one of the romantic gondolas and indulge in either a bratwurst platter, charcuterie board, or cheese board alongside your tipple of choice.
Christmas Artisan Market, Wells
5th to the 5th of November 2023
The Bishop's Palace, Wells BA5 2PD
One for those who want to get their Christmas shopping done nice and early, the Christmas Artisan Market at The Bishop’s Palace is a great way to start the festive season as soon as possible. All under the impressive backdrop of a medieval palace, you’ll find lots of enticing sights to catch your eye, from the many tempting stalls to the live music serenading the café throughout the event. In December, the Christmas Illuminations turn the grounds into an enchanted world full of festive wonder, making this historic gem a great one to visit whenever you’re in Somerset.
Hestercombe Annual Christmas Market, Taunton
17th to the 19th of November 2023
Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LG
Home to both a fabulous Christmas market and epic Christmas lights display, Hestercombe Gardens are a must for your Yuletide explorations. Running over three days, the market promises to be abuzz with festive cheer as happy shoppers browse beautiful, hand-crafted gifts. It’s not just presents on offer, oh no!
With crumbly mince pies, decadent hot chocolates, and homemade mulled wine – alongside other tasty treats – your taste buds are sure to be satisfied during your visit. Admission to the gardens, house and art gallery is free with your ticket to the market, so why not make a total day of it and see what other festive treats are hidden around this popular Somerset garden.
Bath Christmas Market
23rd of November to the 10th of December 2023
Various locations in Bath
With beautiful, honeyed buildings and the reaching silhouette of Bath Abbey as your backdrop, Bath Christmas Market is a truly magical place for some festive browsing. Artisan gifts line the many stalls and chalets as the aromas of cinnamon, orange, and cloves waft through the air courtesy of the mulled wine vendors.
Pick up some floral hand-crafted soaps, taste your way through the West Country’s rich larder, and marvel at the delicate jewellery just waiting to be presented on Christmas Day. Big and little kids will scream and squeal at the enormous ice rink that appears in Bath between the 17th of November and the 3rd of January, giving everyone the chance to discover their inner ice skater.
Somerset Collective Christmas Pop Up, Bruton
24th of November 2023
At The Chapel, 28 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AE
Taking over At The Chapel for a festive pop up full of spectacular gifts, the Somerset Collective is the ultimate way to prepare for Christmas while supporting local makers and raising money for charity.
Quirky illustrations that are sure to bring the ‘Ahhs’ and ‘Ooos’, beautiful homeware you just can’t say no to, and seriously tempting foods that might not make it to the cupboards – there is so much to choose from and all with a wonderfully homemade and local ethos. Breakfast, brunch and lunch will also be served throughout the day, making sure you can put all your focus into shopping and not soothing a rumbling tummy.
Frost Fayre, Glastonbury
25th of November 2023
Glastonbury Town Centre, BA6
Known for its quirky shops and historic background, Glastonbury becomes a hub of festive cheer as the town turns into the Frost Fayre on the last Saturday of November every year. Fabulous stalls, late night shopping, and live music combine to create the ultimate shopping experience where you can stock up on a variety of unique Christmas gifts.
Delicious food and drink are available throughout the town at various stalls and Glastonbury’s own terrific assortment of restaurants and cafés. If you really want to soak up the area’s charm during your visit, there is a lovely winter’s walk up to Glastonbury Tor, a beautiful way to experience everything Glastonbury has to offer.
Weston Museum Christmas Market, Weston-super-Mare
2nd and 3rd of December 2023
Weston Museum, Burlington Street, Weston Museum, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1PR
With over 20 stalls gathering to inspire great gift ideas, the annual Christmas market at the Weston Museum is back to wow festive revellers with a stellar array of local gifts and treats - and this year they're opening on the Sunday, too!
Taking time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule, Santa will be making an appearance in the morning and the afternoon for some Santa selfies (otherwise known as Elfies) as well as a Christmas chat about what you would like to find under your tree.
Christmas Makers Market, Frome
18th of November 2023
Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
With lots of great markets happening throughout the year, including the much-loved Frome Vegan Fair, Cheese & Grain is a bustling hotspot for browsing local wares. This year, their opening a one-off Christmas special so you can enjoy some festive shopping with local makers at the heart. Free entry and an assortment of different makers and creatives ensures this unique event celebrates local creatives and all the amazing work they produce.
Wells Christmas Market
16th of December 2023
Market Place and Bishop’s Palace Green, Wells
Still got some things to tick off the Christmas list? Or perhaps you’ve got all your Christmas gifts wrapped up and tied with a bow and you’re looking to get yourself a little something? Well, whatever your shopping needs, the Wells Christmas Market has you utterly covered with its collection of artisan stalls full of beautiful gifts just waiting to be given (even if it’s from you to you).
Spread across two locations, you can soak up the incredible sights and history of the cathedral city as you walk between stalls, sipping on a mulled cider as you go – after all, when in Somerset!
Ready to embrace the festive season and fill up the stockings? Explore our cosy holiday cottages in Somerset and prepare for your Christmas market tour.
