Sparkle - Christmas Garden Illuminations
Visitors follow a themed 12 Days of Christmas trail featuring illuminated installations and classical music throughout the grounds. Inside the palace, rooms showcase dried flower decorations alongside themed trail installations. Seasonal refreshments, including mulled wine, mince pies, and festive hot chocolate, are available from garden stalls and the Undercroft bar.
What to Expect
Illuminated walk and installations themed around The 12 Days of Christmas.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Palace Trust
Food & Drink
The Horsebox and Apple Store serve festive treats and seasonal drinks in the East Garden; on peak dates, the Undercroft serves mulled wine and mince pies, and festive afternoon teas are available at The Bishop’s Table café from 4pm to 6pm.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and christmas-lights fans
Vibe
Festive and atmospheric
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
£
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Off-peak: Adult £10; Child £6; Family £30; Friends of the Palace free. Peak: Adult £12; Child £8; Family £38. Annual Passes, RHS and Historic Houses cards are not valid for Christmas Illuminations. – Get tickets
- Hours: Off-peak: entry slots 5pm and 6pm; last entry 6.30pm; closes 7pm. Peak: entry slots 5pm, 6pm and 7pm; last entry 7.30pm; closes 8pm. Opening times vary slightly across different days.
- Parking: No parking on site. Use the central car parks, such as Waitrose Whiting Way (top car park) or Morrisons on East Somerset Way.
Tips & Advice
- Book ahead, especially for Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, as the event advises advance booking on these busier nights.
- Choose an entry slot before travelling: off-peak dates have 5pm and 6pm slots, while peak dates also offer 7pm entry.
- Use a central Wells car park rather than searching for on-site parking; Whiting Way and East Somerset Way are listed options.
- Leave Annual Pass, RHS and Historic Houses cards at home for admission; they are not valid for Christmas Illuminations.
- If you are a Friend of the Palace, consider an off-peak date for free entry; these sessions are typically quieter.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the illuminations extend inside the Palace, with dried garden flowers and 12 Days of Christmas installations in every room.
- Live music from local choirs and musicians on weekend evenings.
- Festive afternoon teas at The Bishop's Table café on peak dates.
- The Undercroft opens with mulled wine, mince pies and festive treats on peak dates.
- Friends of the Palace go free on off-peak dates.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's new this year?
For the first time, the illuminations carry on inside the Palace. Dried flowers from the garden fill every nook, and each room has installations that continue the 12 Days of Christmas trail.
What's the difference between off-peak and peak nights?
Off-peak nights (Monday to Thursday until mid-December, plus early January) are usually quieter, so you can go at your own pace. Peak nights have more catering, with mulled wine and mince pies in the Undercroft and festive afternoon teas at The Bishop's Table café. Live music from local choirs and bands is on selected peak dates.
What food and drink is there?
There are mince pies, mulled wine and the Palace's signature festive hot chocolate. The little café in the gardens is open every evening, and the Horsebox and Apple Store in the East Garden serve festive treats and seasonal drinks. On weekend evenings the Undercroft bar opens too.
Can I use my Annual Pass or RHS card?
No. Annual Passes, RHS and Historic Houses cards aren't valid for the Christmas Illuminations. Friends of the Palace get in free on off-peak dates.
Where should I park?
There's no parking on site. The Palace is a short walk from all the central car parks. For long stays, use Waitrose's Whiting Way car park (top car park) or Morrisons on East Somerset Way.
More Christmas Events Near Wells
More Christmas Events near Mendip
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.