Christmas Events in the South West

We're fast approaching the most wonderful time of the year! As we creep up on the beginning of December, the excitement builds slowly as we realise just how close we are to Christmas. While the Christmas build up continues, you can find a wide range of festive events taking place across the South West to make sure the whole family are in the Christmas spirit. 

In this blog post, we have listed a handful of Christmas events that are well-worth checking out through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Somerset

Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Pier – 2nd to 24th December

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

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 booking tickets and ticket availability, please visit: https://www.grandpiergrotto.co.uk/

Christmas Lights at Stourhead – 1st to 31st December

near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

The after-dark, illuminated trail through the garden at Stourhead returns for its fifth year in 2023. 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!

For more information about the event and booking tickets, please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead/christmas-lights-at-stourhead

Bath Christmas Market - 23rd November to 10th December

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 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, please visit https://www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/

Devon

Exeter Christmas Market - 17th November to 17th December

Exeter, Devon

Head over to Devon’s biggest Christmas market this year in Exeter’s located on the popular Cathedral Green. As with every year, you can expect to see over 100 traders and tens of thousands of visitors passing through. 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.

Find out more here: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/events/exeter-cathedral-christmas-market/ 

Seaton Tramway: The Polar Express – 24th 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. Please visit https://www.tram.co.uk/events/view/the-polar-express-tram-ride for more information on bookings and date availability.

Christmas at Pennywell Farm – 17th 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!

To secure tickets and find more information about available dates, please visit https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-christmas-nativity-tickets

Cornwall

Trengwainton Christmas Lights - 1st to 17th December

Trengwainton Garden, near Madron, Penzance, TR20 8RZ

Head down to Trengwainton this Christmas to take a stroll through the garden of lights. The café offers a selection of hot food and drinks, as well as mulled wine to keep you warm. Due to it being his busiest time of year, Santa will not be available. However, children can make a Christmas wish by hanging a bauble on the wishing tree.

This is an event that requires you to book in advance. Please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trengwainton-garden/christmas-lights-at-trengwainton to find out more information and secure your tickets.

Father Christmas at the Eden Project – 1st to 30th December

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. Head to the Mediterranean Biome for a Christmas Spectacle with a 1920s jazz twist!

To see more information and to find out how to book tickets, please visit: https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/christmas-at-the-eden-project

Padstow Christmas Festival – 7th - 10th 

Padstow, Cornwall

Head over to Padstow Christmas Festival this December to enjoy some fantastic chef demonstrations and a festive Christmas market. Watch and learn from the best chefs in town as they present some mouth-watering cookery demos. After, you can take walking around the Christmas market you’ll find a wide range of food stands, drink stands and art and crafts stands. All this on top of a firework display and live music. For more information on the event and to secure tickets, please visit: https://www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk/