See the best of the holidays in Bridgwater! Our guide has all the must-see festive events and activities. For those who love Bridgwater and those about to fall in love with it, our guide is your holiday companion.
Popular events this season include Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations, where stunning lights transform the historic gardens into a winter wonderland. You’ll also find the enchanting Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole, featuring festive activities and magical displays for all ages. And the Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it showcases the beauty of the gardens illuminated in the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Bridgwater
- Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens (Taunton)
- Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole (Wells)
- Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations (Wells)
- Christmas at Stourhead (Stourton)
- All aboard the Santa Express – West Somerset Railway (Minehead)
- Carols by Candlelight in Wells Cathedral (Wells)
- Christmas Trail at Fyne Court
- Bath “Lights the Night” (Bath)
- Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night (Ilminster)
- Mendip Activity Centre Christmas Event (Churchill)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bridgwater Holiday Light Displays
Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound spectacle in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens features a dazzling display of colour, light, and sound, transforming the Landscape Garden into a spectacular evening experience. The natural features and views come alive with spotlights, lit trees, and coloured paths, leading visitors through the Great Cascade, Pear Pond, and Formal Garden before culminating in a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations
What to Expect:
Spectacular light displays in a historic setting.
Description:
The Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations feature spectacular light displays, including a captivating light maze and tunnel, set against the historic backdrop of the Palace and its gardens. Wander through beautifully lit gardens, admire the stunning illumination of the Palace, and explore the mesmerizing light maze and tunnel. Discover the Palace’s interiors adorned with festive decorations, and enjoy festive food and drinks from the Bishop’s Brew Horsebox and Applestore.
Where: Wells | More Info: Bishop’s Palace Christmas Garden Illuminations
Christmas at Stourhead
What to Expect:
Spectacular light trail with seasonal snacks and drinks.
Description:
Stourhead's Christmas light trail features a one-mile illuminated path with sparkling tunnels, huge feathers, and a glimpse of Father Christmas. Enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks while exploring the beautifully decorated gardens.
Where: Stourton | More Info: Christmas at Stourhead
Bath “Lights the Night”
What to Expect:
Community lantern procession with local children's creations.
Description:
Join Bath Lights the Night for a community lantern procession through the city, featuring beautiful handmade lanterns created by local children. The event culminates in a celebration at Bath Abbey with music and singing.
Where: Bath | More Info: Bath “Lights the Night”
Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed evening with lantern parade and light switch-on.
Description:
The Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night is a fun-packed event in November featuring the switching on of Christmas lights in Ilminster's town centre. Shops and stalls stay open throughout the evening, offering goodwill and good cheer to all. The event includes a lantern parade and entertainment from local bands and choirs.
Where: Ilminster | More Info: Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night
Clevedon Pier Christmas Light Switch-On
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display on historic pier.
Description:
Clevedon Pier transforms into a radiant canvas with multi-coloured changing lights, creating a mesmerizing dance of colours over the Bristol Channel. Enjoy lights, glass mulled wine, and freshly prepared food from the Glass Box restaurant.
Where: Clevedon | More Info: Clevedon Pier Christmas Light Switch-On
Bridgwater Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight in Wells Cathedral
What to Expect:
Choral classics performed with candlelight and festive readings.
Description:
Join Wells Cathedral Choir for a Christmas celebration featuring choral classics, festive readings, and over 3,000 twinkling candles. Enhance your evening with a delightful two-course dinner at The Loft, and dedicate a candle to a loved one.
Where: Wells | More Info: Carols by Candlelight in Wells Cathedral
Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole
What to Expect:
Unique blend of festive lights, Santa's Grotto, and Grinch-inspired circus show.
Description:
At Wookey Hole, immerse yourself in a Christmas celebration featuring over 100,000 fairy lights illuminating the caves, a visit to Santa's traditional Grotto, and a festive-themed circus show inspired by the Grinch story. Enjoy all other attractions, including a special Christmas movie in the 4D Cinema.
Where: Wells | More Info: Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Bridgwater Other Holiday Activities
All aboard the Santa Express – West Somerset Railway
What to Expect:
Steam locomotive ride with Santa visits and refreshments.
Description:
All aboard the Santa Express at West Somerset Railway for a delightful journey through the Quantock Hills. Festively decorated heritage carriages await, offering a memorable experience with Santa visiting each child at their seat and adults enjoying a mince pie and festive drink.
Where: Minehead | More Info: All aboard the Santa Express – West Somerset Railway
Christmas Trail at Fyne Court
What to Expect:
Interactive woodland trail with festive craft activities.
Description:
Explore Fyne Court's wintry woodland and create festive crafts in the Music Hall. Follow the trail around the gardens and discover hidden gems in the undergrowth.
Where: Bridgwater | More Info: Christmas Trail at Fyne Court
Mendip Activity Centre Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Exclusive toboggan use and festive woodland experience.
Description:
At Mendip Activity Centre, enjoy a unique outdoor adventure with exclusive use of 8 toboggans, an enchanted woodland walk, and a magical grotto where you can toast marshmallows and warm up with hot chocolate.
Where: Churchill | More Info: Mendip Activity Centre Christmas Event
Christmas at Dyrham Park
What to Expect:
Historic house dressed in festive decorations from seven eras.
Description:
Explore Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park, featuring festive decorations from seven different eras, including a 1980s room filled with authentic items. Enjoy pear-themed decorations, a reindeer discovery trail, and local choirs singing carols in the village church.
Where: Dyrham | More Info: Christmas at Dyrham Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Burnham-on-Sea (8 miles)
- Taunton (9 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (15 miles)
- Mendip (18 miles)
- Yeovil (21 miles)
- Barry (22 miles)
- Clevedon (23 miles)
- Penarth (23 miles)
- Nailsea (24 miles)
- Cardiff (25 miles)
- Portishead (26 miles)
- Bristol (29 miles)
- Frome (30 miles)
- Kingswood (31 miles)
- Newport (32 miles)
- Caerphilly (32 miles)
- Bath (33 miles)
- Mangotsfield (33 miles)
- Risca (33 miles)
- Heavitree (35 miles)
- Pontypridd (36 miles)
- Bridgend (36 miles)
- Exeter (36 miles)
- Coity (36 miles)
- Cwmbran (36 miles)
- Trowbridge (37 miles)
- Yate (38 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (39 miles)
- Tonypandy (39 miles)
- Exmouth (39 miles)
- Pontypool (40 miles)
- Rhondda (41 miles)
- Weymouth (43 miles)
- Chippenham (44 miles)
- Aberdare (45 miles)