The holidays are calling in Mendip! Explore our guide for the best festive events and activities. For Mendip inhabitants and visitors alike, this guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
Popular events include Bath on Ice, where you can glide across a picturesque outdoor rink, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the season. Another attraction, Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland, features enchanting light displays and festive activities for all ages. And the chance to meet Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Mendip
- Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland (Wells)
- Bath on Ice (Bath)
- Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre (Churchill)
- Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland (Wells)
- Santa Special Sunday, Yeovil Railway Centre (Yeovil)
- Christmas at Tyntesfield (Wraxall)
- Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens (Wells)
- Supper with Santa at Puxton Park (Weston-super-Mare)
- Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch (Yeovil)
- Avon Valley Christmas Nights Light Trail (Keynsham)
See these and even more events listed below!
Mendip Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
What to Expect:
Historic backdrop with illuminated gardens and Palace.
Description:
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens transform into a spectacular display of light and color during the Christmas Illuminations. Wander through beautifully lit gardens, admire the stunning illumination of the Palace, and explore a mesmerizing light maze and tunnel. Enjoy festive food and drinks, including mulled wine and hot chocolate, while discovering the Palace’s interiors adorned with festive decorations.
Where: Wells | More Info: Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive light and sound display in a historic garden setting.
Description:
Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens is a dazzling light and sound display that transforms the gardens into a vibrant, interactive experience. The event features spotlights, lit trees, and coloured paths leading to dynamic fountains and the Great Cascade. It culminates in a show-stopping display at the front of Hestercombe House.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Illuminate at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Avon Valley Christmas Nights Light Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive light trail with festive food options.
Description:
Avon Valley's Christmas Nights Light Trail features stunning light installations and play areas creatively lit, offering a family-focused, fun light trail to be enjoyed by all ages. The event includes the Elf Express miniature railway and Dinosaur Valley with animatronic inhabitants. Festive food and refreshments, such as mulled wine and s'more toasting, are available for purchase separately.
Where: Keynsham | More Info: Avon Valley Christmas Nights Light Trail
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with over a million lights and seasonal sounds.
Description:
Explore the illuminated trails at Westonbirt Arboretum, featuring over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds. Discover luminous birds, colorful neon trees, and sparkling tunnels of light amidst the arboretum's unique tree collection. Enjoy seasonal snacks and warm drinks while strolling through the festive light display.
Where: Tetbury | More Info: Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Mendip Holiday Markets and Shopping
Minehead Christmas Market and Train
What to Expect:
Special steam service with unique gift shopping opportunities.
Description:
The Minehead Station Christmas Market and Train offers a delightful festive atmosphere where you can discover unique gifts during the holiday season. Each day features a special steam service departing from Bishops Lydeard at 10:50 AM, heading towards Minehead, exclusively for those who have pre-booked. Two ticket options are available: one for Bishops Lydeard to Minehead return and one for Williton to Watchet return.
Where: Minehead | More Info: Minehead Christmas Market and Train
Mendip Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas light display and circus show.
Description:
Explore Wookey Hole's Christmas light show featuring over 100,000 lights, meet Santa in his North Pole Grotto, and enjoy a Grinch-inspired circus show.
Where: Wells | More Info: Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Traditional Santa Grotto with special gifts for children.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas in his traditional Grotto at Wookey Hole, where children can receive a special gift from Santa's Elves.
Where: Wells | More Info: Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland
Christmas at Tyntesfield
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas celebrations with music and crafts.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at Tyntesfield with Victorian-themed events, concerts, and crafts, set amidst an ornate Gothic Revival house and extensive gardens.
Where: Wraxall | More Info: Christmas at Tyntesfield
Supper with Santa at Puxton Park
What to Expect:
Intimate holiday dinner with Santa.
Description:
Join Puxton Park for a delightful evening with Santa, featuring a festive feast and dance night.
Where: Weston-super-Mare | More Info: Supper with Santa at Puxton Park
Glitzmas 2024 at Bath Racecourse
What to Expect:
Fireworks display and live music.
Description:
Glitzmas 2024 at Bath Racecourse features live music, fireworks, and high-quality hospitality, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for all attendees.
Where: Bath | More Info: Glitzmas 2024 at Bath Racecourse
Panto Train presents Cinderella, West Somerset Railway
What to Expect:
Real-life steam train pantomime adventure.
Description:
Join Prince Charming on a quest to find Cinderella as you help him re-unite with his beloved. Meet beloved Panto characters on a vibrant trip from Bishops Lydeard to Williton, filled with abundant audience interaction and traditional pantomime fun.
Where: Bishops Lydeard | More Info: Panto Train presents Cinderella, West Somerset Railway
Mendip Other Holiday Activities
Bath on Ice
What to Expect:
Real ice rink with glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
Description:
Bath on Ice is a festive ice skating event in the heart of Bath, featuring a real ice rink, wintery music, and a cozy bar with seasonal drinks. It also includes glow-in-the-dark mini golf, adding a new layer of excitement to the classic golf experience.
Where: Bath | More Info: Bath on Ice
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
What to Expect:
Toboggan ride with fairy lights and festive grotto.
Description:
At Mendip Activity Centre, experience a thrilling outdoor toboggan ride under 10,000 twinkling fairy lights and lasers. Afterward, embark on a woodland walk to a festive grotto where you can toast marshmallows and enjoy hot chocolate by a crackling fire.
Where: Churchill | More Info: Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
Santa Special Sunday, Yeovil Railway Centre
What to Expect:
Steam train ride with Santa and festive displays.
Description:
Join Yeovil Railway Centre for a festive Santa Special Sunday, where children can ride behind a steam locomotive, visit Santa, and enjoy multi-award-winning Christmas displays. All children receive a free present from Santa, and adults get a free mince pie and hot drink. The event also features a large selection of books, DVDs, and model railway items in the shop.
Where: Yeovil | More Info: Santa Special Sunday, Yeovil Railway Centre
Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch
What to Expect:
Award-winning Christmas experiences with Reindeer and Fox interactions.
Description:
Nestled in Somerset Countryside, Somerset Reindeer Ranch offers award-winning Christmas experiences, including Reindeer and Fox Experiences, camping, and glamping. The ranch provides a family-friendly environment with a focus on creating memorable, magical moments.
Where: Yeovil | More Info: Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch
Tea with Santa, Yeovil Railway Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive event with Santa, games, and a buffet.
Description:
Meet Santa at the Yeovil Railway Centre for a fun-filled afternoon with games, music, and a buffet included. Children will receive a small present.
Where: Yeovil | More Info: Tea with Santa, Yeovil Railway Centre
Christmas at Dobbie’s Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
Description:
At Dobbies Garden Centre, children embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa. The experience includes snowy scenes, woodland characters, and hidden nutcrackers, culminating in a chance to share Christmas wishes and receive a wrapped gift from Santa.
Where: Shepton Mallet | More Info: Christmas at Dobbie’s Garden Centre
Festive Fables with Father Christmas at Dobbie’s Garden Centre
What to Expect:
Interactive train-themed journey with Santa.
Description:
At Dobbies Garden Centre, children embark on a Little Seedlings train-themed journey, complete with interactive elements and a meeting with Santa. The experience includes snowy scenes, woodland characters, and hidden nutcrackers, culminating in a chance to share wishes and receive a gift.
Where: Shepton Mallet | More Info: Festive Fables with Father Christmas at Dobbie’s Garden Centre
Christmas Special workshop at Caisson Gardens
What to Expect:
Creative art workshops in a unique, nature-rich setting.
Description:
At Caisson Gardens, immerse yourself in a creative workshop where you can explore botanical block printing, pumpkins, and chiaroscuro techniques amidst a visually stunning and thriving wildlife environment.
Where: Bath | More Info: Christmas Special workshop at Caisson Gardens
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Frome (13 miles)
- Nailsea (15 miles)
- Bath (15 miles)
- Bristol (15 miles)
- Kingswood (16 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (16 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (17 miles)
- Clevedon (17 miles)
- Bridgwater (18 miles)
- Portishead (18 miles)
- Mangotsfield (18 miles)
- Trowbridge (19 miles)
- Yeovil (20 miles)
- Yate (23 miles)
- Chipping Sodbury (23 miles)
- Taunton (26 miles)
- Chippenham (27 miles)
- Penarth (27 miles)
- Newport (29 miles)
- Cardiff (29 miles)
- Barry (31 miles)
- Risca (33 miles)
- Cwmbran (34 miles)
- Caerphilly (35 miles)
- Pontypool (37 miles)
- Salisbury (38 miles)
- Pontypridd (40 miles)
- Stroud (40 miles)
- Swindon (43 miles)
- Weymouth (44 miles)
- Tonypandy (45 miles)
- Coity (45 miles)
- Ebbw Vale (45 miles)