Christmas Fairs & Markets
Bath Christmas Market
For two weeks, Bath Christmas Market (27 November to 14 December) will transform the city’s historic streets into a festive wonderland with more than 250 chalets selling artisan wares and seasonal food and drink.
Wells Christmas Market
Wells Christmas Market is a one-day extravaganza, held this year on December 6 from 9am until 3pm, with over 100 stalls spread across the Market Place and Cathedral Green, featuring local food, crafts, live music and seasonal cheer.
Wincanton Racecourse Christmas Fair
This mega festive shopping event, held on November 25 in a heated marquee at the racecourse, features around 50 independent stalls, with proceeds supporting Children’s Hospice South West.
Carols & Concerts
Wells Cathedral Carol Services
Wells Cathedral’s renowned choir is illuminated by over 3,000 candles during this magical evening of choral Christmas classics, atmospheric readings and festive joy.
Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols, Bath Abbey
As traditional as you can get, this Christmas service combines scripture readings with beautiful choral music in the flickering candlelight of Bath Abbey.
A Christmas Box Of Delights, St Mary’s Church Bruton
This charming festive event offers an upbeat mix of seasonal music, readings and holiday entertainment in a beautiful and ancient setting.
BBC Radio Somerset Christmas Celebration, Taunton Minster
Broadcast from the historic Minster, this popular community event features live music, carols and seasonal performances.
Events
The Further Adventures Of Peter Pan Pantomime, Theatre Royal Bath
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, which runs from December 11 until January 11, is a swashbuckling, family-friendly pantomime brimming with sword fights, crocodile chases and the fearsome return of Captain Hook.
The Newt’s Foraged Christmas Decorations Workshop
During this gorgeous workshop, held on December 9 and 10, you will forage for materials with The Newt’s gardener and florist and then craft your bounty into a unique creation, with tea, cinnamon buns and lunch to fuel your work.
Holburne Museum’s Father Christmas Grotto, Bath
The Father Christmas Grotto at the Holburne Museum, open from November 28 until December 23, is a 20-minute immersive experience in which children and adults join lively elves to wake Father Christmas, meet him and his musical elf Sprinkles, take a photo, and receive a gift. Classic, festive fun.
Twilight Toboganning At Mendip Activity Centre
Twilight Tobogganing, on at Mendip Activity Centre from November 7 until January 4, is as magical as it sounds. Whizz down a slope that lit by 10,000 fairy lights and lasers and then follow a woodland trail to a hidden grotto to toast s’mores, sip hot chocolate and wave sparklers. This one is truly unforgettable.
Indie Shops For Gift Buying
Commune, Bruton
You won’t want ever to leave this delicious boutique on Bruton High Street, which offers sustainable, nature-inspired self-care products and a warm space to connect with the brand’s philosophy.
Makers & Merchants, Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet
You will tick off several presents at this vibrant, eclectic shop that displays covetable food, homeware and garden goods in a creative, gallery-style setting.
Neighbour, Frome
This is a heavenly design-led café and homeware shop whose vintage finds, artisan pottery and handmade goods will leave you spoiled for choice.
Hidden Store, Bath
This tiny, peaceful, beautifully curated shop specialises in handmade or at the very least ethically sourced everyday treasures.
Cosy Pubs
The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe
An exquisitely refurbished 17th-century inn with a huge fire, cosy bar, five luxurious bedrooms and a menu, conceived by Margot Henderson, using local Somerset produce.
The Manor House Inn, Ditcheat
Another 17th century pub that has been beautifully restored in the 21st century. It offers the best pizza for miles, as well as a seasonal menu of other delights, and nine charming bedrooms.
The Queen’s Arms, Corton Denham
This super dog- and child-friendly pub serves delicious locally sourced food beside roaring fires. It has a lovely private room for larger gatherings and ten pretty bedrooms.
The Talbot Inn, Mells
The Talbot Inn in Mells is a charming 15th-century coaching inn that blends historic character with great food, a cosy bar and eight simple yet stylish bedrooms.
