Simon L
15 October 2018
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets make a comeback to several towns around the county. In addition to normal seasonal treats offered at these popular markets, there are lots of special trinkets, local produce and gifts available to give you some inspiration for a range of Christmas presents and your all-important festive dinner.
Somerset boasts some of the best Christmas markets in the South West, full of regional producers and tasty local food - everything you need to make your day with family and friends extra special. Take a look at some of these top Christmas markets in Somerset.
When: November 16th-18th
A popular attraction in Somerset, Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton is hosting a Christmas market bursting with over 60 stalls and fantastic entertainment. This popular market takes place throughout the beautiful grounds and showcases a range of gift ideas, tasty food, classic Christmas hampers and many more handmade goodies.
Make a day of it with half-price admission to the house and gardens giving you plenty of time explore the spectacular woodlands, streams and trails. Other wintery activities taking place at Hestercombe throughout the season include meeting Father Christmas, ice skating and wreath making workshops.
When: November 9th-December 23rd
This popular German-style market in Bristol has more than 40 traditional chalet style stalls as well as some fun-filled entertainment on offer. The Broadmead shopping quarter at the heart of the city centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland festooned with pretty lights. Here you can try the famous Gluhwein and tasty Bavarian foods whilst enjoying traditional music. New to this year is the Jagerbarn bar and beer garden, perfect for soaking up the festive atmosphere.
When: November 24th
Glastonbury's annual Frost Fayre is an event attracting more and more visitors each year with its own take on the classic Christmas market. Dozens of stalls surround the town's magnificent Christmas tree, with other attractions including Santa's grotto, found in the grounds of the abbey, live street entertainment and performances from buskers and silver bands. Throughout December, as part of the Christmas Tree Festival, you'll also see more than 50 individually decorated Christmas trees lining the High Street.
When: November 22nd -December 9th
An award-winning Christmas market and perhaps the largest in Somerset, Bath Christmas Market is a charming festive event set to the backdrop of the city's beautiful buildings. More than 200 wooden chalets will be hosting a variety of stalls by a wide choice of hand-picked producers and craftsmen, with 80% of them being from the West Country. Visitors will also be able to indulge in some festive food and drink as well as all kinds of live performances from gospel choirs to brass bands and street theatre.
When: November 30th
Held at the town's Cheese and Grain, the Christmas Extravaganza is sure to put a smile on your face with its variety of stalls giving you the changes to pick up some top-quality gifts, crafts and produce. The venue's bar area will also be hosting live entertainment as well as serving up some festive food and drink. This market is just one part of the wider Christmas celebrations in Frome – throughout the season expect to discover even more markets and fairs, dazzling light displays, theatre productions and more.
Other markets
There are plenty of Christmas markets around the county giving you the best in local produce, family entertainment and scrumptious food and drink whilst enjoying the lively festive spirit in the heart of each community. If you're looking for even more Somerset Christmas market ideas, here are some more dates for your diary:
- Cheddar: November 30th
- Porlock: November 24th-25th
- Wincanton Racecourse: November 20th
If you're thinking of visiting some of these fantastic markets, we've got plenty of great places to stay nearby. With a holiday in our hand-picked cottages, you'll have everything you need to get into the festive spirit.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.