Discover the joy of the season in Taunton with our comprehensive guide. From Taunton residents to wandering souls, our guide unveils the city's holiday charms.
One of the highlights this year is the enchanting ILLUMINATE at Hestercombe House and Gardens, where stunning light displays transform the gardens into a fairy tale setting. Christmas at the Palace offers an elegant backdrop with thematic decorations and festive treats, capturing the spirit of the season. And the Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a magical grotto and festive entertainment for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Taunton
- ILLUMINATE at Hestercombe House and Gardens
- Christmas at the Palace (Wells)
- Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole (Wookey Hole)
- Light Trails Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park (Keynsham)
- Taunton’s WinterFest
- Father Christmas at Hestercombe House and Gardens
- Supper with Santa at Puxton Park (Weston-super-Mare)
- Weston-super-Mare Christmas Lights switch-on (Weston-super-Mare)
- Elf School and Christmas grotto at Space Adventurers
- Visit Father Christmas, Taunton Brewhouse
See these and even more events listed below!
Taunton 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 natural features and views of the Landscape Garden into a spectacular evening experience. The event includes spotlights, lit trees, and coloured paths leading to the Great Cascade, dynamic fountains in the Pear Pond, and a show-stopping display in front of Hestercombe House.
Where: Taunton | More Info: ILLUMINATE at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Christmas at the Palace
What to Expect:
Historic Palace illuminated with festive decorations and light maze.
Description:
Explore the beautifully lit gardens and decorated Palace rooms at Christmas at the Palace. Wander through the illuminated gardens, admire the stunning illumination of the Palace, and discover the Palaces interiors adorned with festive decorations. Enjoy tasty BBQ, mulled wine, cider, and hot chocolate at the Bishops Brew Horsebox and Applestore.
Where: Wells | More Info: Christmas at the Palace
Light Trails Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
What to Expect:
Family-focused light trail with festive railway and animatronic dinosaurs.
Description:
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park presents a stunning light trail featuring creative installations and play areas, perfect for families of all ages. The event includes the Elf Express miniature railway and Dinosaur Valley with animatronic inhabitants. Enjoy festive food and refreshments, including mulled wine and s'mores toasting.
Where: Keynsham | More Info: Light Trails Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Taunton’s WinterFest
What to Expect:
Christmas lights switch-on event with live music.
Description:
Taunton’s WinterFest is a festive celebration in Taunton Town Centre featuring live music and entertainment all day from 10am to 8pm, culminating in the Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Taunton’s WinterFest
Weston-super-Mare Christmas Lights switch-on
What to Expect:
Lantern procession and special performances by local children and theatre groups.
Description:
The Weston-super-Mare Christmas Lights switch-on features a lantern procession, special performances by Pauline Quirke Academy and Blakehay Theatre's Panto, and appearances by Weston Brass. Mince pies and Santa meet-and-greets are also part of the event.
Where: Weston-super-Mare | More Info: Weston-super-Mare Christmas Lights switch-on
Stourhead Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail with bio-fuel and efficient power usage.
Description:
Stourhead Christmas Lights feature a one-mile trail of colour-changing lights, huge feathers, and sparkling tunnels, set amidst the beautiful gardens of Stourhead. Enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks while taking in the festive atmosphere.
Where: Stourhead | More Info: Stourhead Christmas Lights
Clevedon Pier Christmas Light Switch-On Event
What to Expect:
Multi-coloured light display on historic pier.
Description:
Clevedon Pier transforms into a radiant canvas with multi-coloured lights, creating a mesmerizing display over the Bristol Channel. Enjoy the lights, glass mulled wine, and freshly prepared food at the Glass Box restaurant.
Where: Clevedon | More Info: Clevedon Pier Christmas Light Switch-On Event
Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night
What to Expect:
Lantern parade and traditional Victorian market.
Description:
Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night is a fun-packed event in Ilminster town centre, featuring a lantern parade, Christmas lights switch-on, market stalls, and late-night shopping. The evening includes entertainment, food, and drink, all in a traditional Victorian setting.
Where: Ilminster | More Info: Ilminster Christmas Victorian Night
Taunton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole
What to Expect:
Unique blend of underground lights, Santa's Grotto, and festive circus performances.
Description:
Explore Wookey Hole's Christmas celebrations with over 100,000 fairy lights, a visit to Santa's traditional Grotto, and a festive-themed circus show.
Where: Wookey Hole | More Info: Christmas Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Taunton Other Holiday Activities
Father Christmas at Hestercombe House and Gardens
What to Expect:
Interactive experience with Father Christmas in a picturesque garden setting.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas in a charming setting at Hestercombe House and Gardens. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by friendly Hestercombe elves who will keep you entertained in the grotto while you wait. As you wander through the winter gardens, you'll find Father Christmas in his cozy garden folly, surrounded by a roaring log fire, twinkling Christmas tree lights, and sacks of presents.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Father Christmas at Hestercombe House and Gardens
Supper with Santa at Puxton Park
What to Expect:
Dinner with Santa in a festive setting.
Description:
Join Santa for a delightful evening of feasting and dancing at Puxton Park. Enjoy a delicious meal and spend quality time with the jolly old man.
Where: Weston-super-Mare | More Info: Supper with Santa at Puxton Park
Elf School and Christmas grotto at Space Adventurers
What to Expect:
Interactive elf training and personalized Santa visits.
Description:
At Space Adventurers, the Elf School offers a 2-hour experience where children learn elf secrets through craft and play. Activities include an Elf hat workshop, keepsake tree decorations, and making themed hot chocolate. The Christmas grotto provides a special individual visit to meet Father Christmas, with a soft toy to take home as a gift. The event concludes with a musical finale and graduation as fully-qualified elves.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Elf School and Christmas grotto at Space Adventurers
Visit Father Christmas, Taunton Brewhouse
What to Expect:
Interactive tree decoration activity with a jolly forest elf.
Description:
Visit Father Christmas at Taunton Brewhouse, where you can wander through a vibrant enchanted forest inspired by Pinocchio. Join a jolly forest elf to create a tree decoration and hear the latest news from the North Pole. Meet Father Christmas as he prepares for the big day in his Somerset workshop, and receive a make-at-home gift to cherish with your family.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Visit Father Christmas, Taunton Brewhouse
Father Christmas at Sheppy’s Cider Farm
What to Expect:
Age-appropriate gifting and activity trail sheet.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas at Sheppy’s Cider Farm, where children can greet him in Mrs. Claus' Kitchen and receive an age-appropriate gift. The event includes an activity trail sheet and winter walks around the orchards.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Father Christmas at Sheppy’s Cider Farm
Christmas Family Activities, Museum of Somerset
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities for families.
Description:
Visit the Museum of Somerset to paint a plate for Santa and follow festive trails, including an Elf Trail and the 12 Days of Christmas interactive Trail.
Where: Taunton | More Info: Christmas Family Activities, Museum of Somerset
Coates English Willow Christmas Sculpture Trail
What to Expect:
Unique willow sculptures in a scenic setting.
Description:
Explore the Coates English Willow Visitor Centre's Christmas Sculpture Trail, featuring unique willow sculptures amidst the picturesque Somerset Levels.
Where: Stoke St Gregory | More Info: Coates English Willow Christmas Sculpture Trail
Santa’s Grotto, Martock
What to Expect:
Professional family photos with Santa Claus.
Description:
Santa’s Grotto in Martock offers a professional family photo opportunity with Santa Claus, creating cherished holiday memories.
Where: Martock | More Info: Santa’s Grotto, Martock
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bridgwater (9 miles)
- Burnham-on-Sea (16 miles)
- Yeovil (21 miles)
- Weston-super-Mare (24 miles)
- Mendip (26 miles)
- Heavitree (27 miles)
- Exeter (27 miles)
- Barry (28 miles)
- Penarth (29 miles)
- Exmouth (30 miles)
- Clevedon (31 miles)
- Cardiff (32 miles)
- Nailsea (32 miles)
- Portishead (35 miles)
- Frome (37 miles)
- Bristol (37 miles)
- Caerphilly (39 miles)
- Weymouth (39 miles)
- Bridgend (40 miles)
- Kingswood (40 miles)
- Newport (40 miles)
- Coity (40 miles)
- Newton Abbot (40 miles)
- Bath (41 miles)
- Risca (41 miles)
- Mangotsfield (42 miles)
- Barnstaple (42 miles)
- Pontypridd (42 miles)
- Torquay (42 miles)
- Trowbridge (44 miles)
- Cwmbran (44 miles)
- Tonypandy (45 miles)
- Paignton (45 miles)