There are lots of fantastic Christmas events taking place in Somerset in 2024. Many of the events listed 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 a Christmas event in Somerset.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SOMERSET 2024 – Markets
Buy something beautiful at a fantastic Somerset Christmas market. Below are a few favourites.
Bath Christmas Market. This Christmas market takes place from 28 November – 15 December. Over 200 stallholders and festive entertainment.
Bristol’s Christmas market runs from 1 November until 23 December. Festive stalls from 10am – 7pm.
Chew Valley Animal Park is hosting a Christmas market on 30 November and 1 December. 10am – 4pm.
Clarks Village Artisan Christmas Market runs from 29 November until Christmas Eve. Plenty of festive fun – you can even ice skate!
Frome’s Independent Market is guaranteed to be a festive occasion on 1 December. 10am – 3pm.
Hestercombe hosts a Christmas market 15 – 17 November. 9am – 5pm. Tickets £6.50 (includes admission to the gardens, house and art gallery).
Shepton Mallet Market is 5pm-8pm on 29 November. Christmas lights are switched on at 7pm.
Taunton Christmas Craft Fair 1-15 December. Takes place on Fore Street in the town centre.
The Cheese & Grain Christmas Gift Market in Frome is on 7 December.
Wells Christmas Market 2024 takes place on Saturday 14 December 9am until 3pm. Wells Market Place and the Bishop’s Palace Green host 100+ festive stalls selling a wide range of products.
Wincanton Christmas Fair is on 26 November 10am – 4pm. Admission is £5 (in support of the Childrens Hospice South West.)
Yeovil Christmas Market at the Yeovil Showground. Gets underway on 15 December and runs for a week.
ENJOY CHRISTMAS lights & VISIT santa
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge
Go underground and find Santa’s elves making gifts in Gough’s Cave. Father Christmas will be visiting on selected dates from 16 November until Christmas Eve. Find out more. Booking essential
You can also go below to experience a winter wonderland at Wookey Hole. Selected dates from 23 Nov to 24 Dec.
Hestercombe – Illuminate 2024
There are 50 acres of beautifully restored gardens to enjoy at Hestercombe. Illuminate 2024 is a magical journey of colour, light and sound. 21 November until 30 December. Booking essential
Bishop’s Palace, Wells – Christmas Garden Illuminations
These very special gardens are illuminated on selected dates from December 6 – December 30. More information.
MORE CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SOMERSET 2024
Catch the Frost Fayre in Glastonbury 10am -6pm on 30 November. (It always takes place on the last Saturday in November.) Peace and Goodwill to all.
All aboard the Santa Express – West Somerset Railway. Runs on selected dates 1 – 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.
Carols by Candlelight in Wells Cathedral takes place on December 19, 20 & 21 from 7pm. Absolutely magical and very atmospheric. The Cathedral is lit with over 3,000 candles. Enjoy choral classics sung by Wells Cathedral Choir plus festive readings and poetry. Tickets sell quickly

Pic by Nick James
Shepton Mallet Lantern Parade is on Saturday 21 December. Meet at the bandstand. Lantern workshops take place on various dates in November and December.
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. In 2024, the Festival of Lights celebrates its 10th anniversary. 9 November 2024 until 5 January 2025.
The theme changes every year. This year enjoy a ‘Journey through time’. Marvel at 1500 incredible lanterns, some over 15 metres tall. Be sure to book.
Christmas at Stourhead 2024
A beautiful location at any time of year. This famous Wiltshire estate will be lit with illuminations from 29 November until 1 January 2025.
The 1 mile trail takes around 90 minutes to walk 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, find out more about Somerset’s best all year round markets.