The Best Christmas Events in the South West

We're fast approaching the "most wonderful time of the year"! During this upcoming festive period, you can find a wide variety of events taking place across the South West that the whole family will enjoy. To save you the work of researching the best events in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, we've complied a list for you in this blog. 

So, get in the festive spirit, pack up your Mercedes-Benz and jingle all the way to hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows and Christmas markets galore!

Somerset

Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Pier – 6^th December to 24th December

Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1AL

“Step inside the Enchanted Elevator and take a trip to Santa’s Grotto in style!” Come and visit Santa and his helpers in his magical Grotto on the Grand Pier this Christmas all the way up until Christmas Eve, when they must leave to make sure all the Christmas presents are delivered on time. When you arrive, you will be transported down an enchanted path to Santa’s very own grotto. Santa’s elves will be on hand to make sure you don’t get lost! 

For more information on the event and booking tickets, click here. 

Christmas Lights at Stourhead – 28th November to 31st December

near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

The after-dark, illuminated trail through the garden at Stourhead returns for its sixth year in 2024.  Christmas at Stourhead is an annual event that sees this world-famous Wiltshire estate lit up with festive illuminations. Look forward to some time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels, giant baubles and glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way! The grotto is located on the first floor of Grand Pier next to our Adventure Cove Café.

For more information about the event and booking tickets, click here.

Bath Christmas Market - 27th November to 14th December

World Heritage City, Bath, Somerset

Step back in time and discover the wonderful world of Christmas in Bath. It’s a place where the scent of Christmas dances through the air, traditional artisan makers line the cobbled streets, and festive cheer lies on every corner. At Bath Christmas Market, you are bound to make memories that last a lifetime.

For more information about Bath Christmas market, click here. 

Devon

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market - 20th November to 19th December

Exeter Cathedral Green, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1HS

Head over to Devon’s biggest Christmas market this year in Exeter’s located on the popular Cathedral Green and this year, it’s set to be “bigger, brighter and more magical than ever.” As with every year, you can expect to see over 100 traders and tens of thousands of visitors passing through, plus a brand new festive area in Exeter Cathedral’s historic Cloister Garden featuring a range of independent businesses from Thursday-Sunday. Amongst the traders you’ll find pop-up restaurants serving delicious street food, local produce sourced from the West Country and those extra special unique gifts and presents you can only find if you’re in the right place at the right time.

For more information, click here.

Seaton Tramway: The Polar Express – 23rd November to 24th December

Colyford Road, Seaton, EX12 2SP

A brilliant event the whole family will enjoy! Jump on the magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in decorated tramcars, while sipping on a warm hot chocolate and singing along to Christmas carols. To keep the kids in the Christmas spirit, they will receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa himself! 

Tickets types and tariffs do apply. For more information on bookings and date availability, click here.

Christmas at Pennywell Farm – 21st November to 24th December

Pennywell Farm, TQ11 0LT 

It’s that time of year when Pennywell Farm turns into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Included in your Pennywell Farm experience is a walking nativity journey, mince pies and warming drinks for the adults, homemade biscuits and cold drink for the kids, a visit to the Elf’s sweet shop, and enjoy some close encounters with some amazing animals. A truly magical Christmas experience awaits!

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

Cornwall

Christmas at the Eden Project – 22nd November to 5th January

Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 S2G

This Christmas at the Eden Project you can meet Father Christmas and enjoy a spot of ice skating! Celebrate the festivities by stepping into an all-new after-dark immersive music and light experience. 

To see more information and to find out how to book tickets, click here. 

Cornwall Christmas Markets – 12^th to 14^th December

Royal Cornwall Showground, Whitecross, Wadebridge PL27 7JE

This event is running for a limited time this December but promises to bring the wonder of Christmas to Cornwall! From the freshly prepared seasonal treats, the heartwarming sound of Christmas carols sung by local Cornish choirs and over 120 hand-picked independent trading stands to shop from, this promises to be a Christmas event not to be missed!

Tickets can be purchased via their website here

Heligan Night Garden – 15^th of November to 3^rd of January 2026

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN

Illuminate your winter with a season of wonder at Heligan Night Garden. This award-winning garden returns for another year, providing a journey through the beautiful and magical garden trail, with beautifully lit installations and lanterns around the woodlands and gardens. Along your journey, you can enjoy a plethora of seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

You can book your tickets for the Heligan Night Garden here 

The team at Mercedes-Benz South West would like to wish their customers in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and beyond, a very merry Christmas!