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Last updated: November 11, 2024


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!

Contact information and details below.



Taunton Holiday Light Displays


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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Taunton Holiday Shows and Entertainment



Taunton Other Holiday Activities


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

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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

Event Organizer?

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

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