There are lots of fantastic Christmas events taking place in Somerset in 2023. The events highlighted below take place in stunning venues and locations. These range from incredible gardens to underground caves. You can listen to Christmas carols in a beautiful cathedral or chug through the countryside on a Santa special steam train. Enjoy Christmas in Somerset.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SOMERSET 2023
Bath Christmas Market
This Christmas market takes place from 23 November – 10 December. Monday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm. Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
Homeware, handmade jewellery and a host of personalised gifts available from the 170 chalets. (Find out more about Somerset’s markets.)
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge
Go underground and find Santa’s elves making gifts in Gough’s Cave. Father Christmas will be visiting on November 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26 and December 2, 3, 9 & 10. Then daily from 16 – 24 December.
Find out more. Booking essential
Hestercombe – Illuminate 2023
There are 50 acres of beautifully restored gardens to enjoy at Hestercombe. Illuminate 2023 is a magical journey of colour, light and sound. 23 November until 30 December 4:45pm – 8:00pm. Booking essential
Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations
These very special gardens are illuminated on December 1 (Member’s Only), 2, 3, 7 – 10 and 14 – 21.
3:30pm until 7.30pm. Last entry at 7pm. More information.
MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SOMERSET 2023
All aboard the Santa Express – West Somerset Railway
Runs from 2 – 24 December. Climb aboard a festively decorated heritage carriage and take a journey through Somerset woodlands. Santa leaves presents and refreshments on the tables and he’ll be checking to ensure you have been good! Booking essential.
Wells Christmas Market
Saturday 16 December 9am until 3pm
Stuck for a gift idea? Wells Market Place and the Bishop’s Palace Green host 100+ festive stalls selling a wide range of products.
Carols by Candlelight in Wells Cathedral
December 19, 20 & 21
Pic by Nick James
Absolutely magical and very atmospheric as the Cathedral is lit inside with over 3,000 candles. Enjoy choral classics sung by Wells Cathedral Choir. Plus festive readings and poetry. Tickets sell quickly
OTHER CHRISTMAS EVENTS CLOSE BY
The Festival of Lights at Longleat
Just over the border in Wiltshire (but only 16 miles from my B&B) lies Longleat House. The Festival of Lights runs from 11 November until 7 January.
The theme changes every year. Marvel at 1500 incredible lanterns, some over 15 metres tall. Be sure to book.
Christmas at Stourhead
A beautiful location at any time of year. This famous Wiltshire estate will be lit with illuminations from 1 – 31 December.
The trail takes around 90 minutes and features giant baubles, glistening trees and illuminated tunnels. You may also spot Father Christmas! Trails need to be booked in advance.
Come and enjoy a Christmas event in Somerset this year. If you’re visiting at another time of year, take a look at my blog on the ‘9 Best places to go in Somerset‘.