There are quite a few magical events happening this Christmas 2020 in the South West of England. I’ve put them into one big post so here you will find the best Christmas events in the South West where you can meet Santa and more – Not all events include Santa. Don’t forget to book in advance where possible. Hurry, Hurry! Lots of places are selling out fast for their Christmas events so it’s time to get booked.
Things to do Christmas 2020 South West – Cornwall – Devon (no events found as yet, sorry) – Dorset – Gloucestershire – Somerset & Bristol – Wiltshire
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Please keep up-to-date with government guidance before booking or visiting. I am unsure of the following attractions policies on cancellations of events, please consider this before booking and check with them in advance. It may also be an idea to check with the attraction that everything is as advertised the day before you visit.
Avon Valley – Christmas – Somerset
You should by now know that we LOVE Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park and that you will not find a more magical, immersive & theatrical experience in Bristol or Bath or even the South West!
Father Christmas and the elves are taking a well earned break and will be back later in the year to confirm details for 2020.
Avon Valley
Address: Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP
When? 5th to 23rd December
How much? TBC
Avon Valley Railway – Santa Specials – Somerset
Once onboard, Santa will meet and greet each family group as usual, but he won’t be able to enter individual compartments or stop and have a long conversation. He’ll be available for photographs when you return to Bitton rather than part way through the journey like he’s done before. He’s also going to have to make some changes to the gifts he gives out as the virus is causing no end of problems for his elves in Lapland.
You’ll be pleased to know that the festive Christmas donkeys will be returning and you’ll be able to see these on the lawn at Bitton, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.
Avon Valley Railway
Address: Bitton Station, 3 Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD
When? Selected dates from 28th November to 23rd December
How much? Tickets cost between £10 & £16 er person (both adults and children) depending on the day you choose. Infants (under 1 year) are just £5 if you would like Santa to give them a present.
Bishop’s Palace – Christmas at the Palace – Somerset
The rooms of the medieval Palace building will each be festooned with decorations on a variety of themes, from medieval through to Victorian. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire, and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors.
Outside the Palace, the Gardens will also be dressing up for Christmas, with a winter woodland theme, and outdoor lighting and decorations in the formal gardens.
There will also be a Christmas-themed family trail which will take visitors through the Palace & Gardens, leading to a traditional nativity scene at the end.
Bishop’s Palace
Address: The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD
When? 5th to 22nd December
How much? Entrance to Christmas at the Palace is included in entry, Father Christmas tickets are £10 per child (and include general admission for the child!). All accompanying visitors to Father and Mother Christmas do require a general admission ticket (day ticket/Peoples ticket/Membership)
General admission prices of £15 an adult. Child 5-18 years £7.50. Under 5’s are free. Other pricing options are available.
Camel Creek – Christmas – Cornwall
Christmas 2019 at Camel Creek was enjoyed by hundreds of Families and we aim to make 2020 even bigger & better!
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
Camel Creek
Address: Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA
When? Selected dates from 28th November to 23rd December
How much? TBC
Dean Forest Railway – Santa Specials – Gloucestershire
Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and visit with Santa and his elves! With presents for the children and a miniature for the adults (plus mince pies for everyone!)
To ensure social distancing, Santa himself will now be in his grotto at Norchard Station, where you will visit him before your trip, at your chosen time (please note, each available timeslot will disappear when booked, so the earlier you book the more choice you will have). You will have a few minutes to talk with Santa, and he will give each child a special ticket to take on the train.
Dean Forest Railway
Address: Forest Road, Lydney GL15 4ET
When? Selected dates from 5th to 24th December
How much? £15 per person. Under 2’s are free. Prebooking online is essential.
Farmer Palmers – Father Christmas Magic -Dorset
*Event may run differently in 2020* We are currently working on our plans to bring some farm-tastic festive MAGIC to your VIP’s this Winter. We need to make sure “Farmer Christmas” can meet the children in a well-ventilated space (we all know what he’s like after those sprouts!), and we want to give you a wonderful, safely distanced, experience. Our top team of Elves are working hard behind the scenes. We’ll update this post when we have more information. Thanks for your patience. Tickets to see “Farmer Christmas” will be available online, in addition to normal admission.
Farmer Palmers
Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU
When? TBC, coming soon
How much? TBC
Christmas Events South West 2020
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Santa Experience – Gloucestershire
With the Governments ’social distancing’ measures likely to be in force for the foreseeable future, we regret that we won’t be able to run our normal Santa Special programme this year.
However, we have a team of volunteers looking at the possibility of providing a Santa Experience which will vary from our normal format. Keep up to date by regularly visiting their website.
GWSR railway
Address: The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT
When? Selected dates from 28th November to 24th December
How much? TBC
Hope Nature Centre – Magical Christmas – Wiltshire
Get ready for our special new event, A VERY MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AT HOPE NATURE CENTRE. Hop aboard the Snowflake Express, and enjoy a ride around our Animal Park, before stepping through the doors of the Toy Workshop. Here you will have your very own ‘meet and greet’ with Santa or Mrs Claus.
All children will get a present, and after your visit, you can enjoy the rest of the Animal Park. Adult tickets also include a hot chocolate and mince pie.
Hope Nature Centre
Address: Frome Rd, Southwick, Trowbridge BA14 9QD
When? Selected dates from 28th November to 24th December
How much? Adult ticket £7.95, child 2-11 years £9.95, toddler £5.95. Annual pass holders save 25%. All tickets must be prebooked online.
Longleat – Land of Light – Wiltshire
This winter, illuminate your senses with the brand new festive event: Land of Light!
A myriad of magical light installations will emerge across Longleat in seven unique zones. In the Land of Light, you can discover motion-detected splashes of playful colour and movement and immerse yourselves in enveloping blankets of soft, synchronised light and sound.
Longleat
Address: Warminster BA12 7NW
When? Selected dates from 7th November to 10th January
How much? There are a number of pricing options such as access to the park by day and Land of Light by night, Land of Light evening tickets only, Santa train tickets and Santa storytelling tickets.
Perrygrove Railway – Christmas at Perrygrove – Gloucestershire
Father Christmas has just confirmed he will be dropping into Perrygrove throughout December once again – but it will be a little different!
Twilight Trains is the perfect family adventure through the illuminated woods. Meet Father Christmas at his Snowy station and collect your wooden Christmas tree decoration.
If you’re looking for an extra special treat this year why not book our exclusive VIP package. See Father Christmas come down the chimney, listen to a Christmas story and chat with Father Christmas in his festive engine shed. Tailored gifts, refreshments and a private carriage on your train ride make this a truly unique package for up to 6 people.
Perrygrove railway
Address: Perrygrove Rd, Coleford GL16 8QB
When? See below
How much? Twilight trains run on selected dates from 4th to 23rd December. Compartments range from £31 for 2-3 seats up to £62 for 4-6 seats. Prices and dates for Santa train are not yet confirmed.
Roves Farm – Christmas Experience – Wiltshire
Follow the sparkling lights to a magical Christmas experience here on our family farm.
Go on a journey to meet Father Christmas in his grotto then choose your special gift from the Elves’ Toyshop. Join the Elves who will help you make your own Reindeer Food ready for Christmas Eve. Meet our donkeys, alpacas, sheep and goats in our ‘Walk Through Nativity Scene’ and don’t forget to make time to take part in all our usual daily activities and enjoy the outdoor play areas and animal paddocks.
Roves Farm
Address: Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG
When? Selected dates from 27th November to 23rd December
How much? Prices from £19.80-22.30 for a child age 3-16. adults are £5, other pricing options are available. Prebooking online is essential.
South Devon Railway – Polar Express – Devon
Your family can now hop aboard this awe-inspiring steam train (located in Buckfastleigh, just half an hour from Plymouth and Exeter) and begin the journey of a lifetime to the Christmas experience to top all others. Our amazing team of chefs will serve the richest hot chocolate and tastiest cookies you have had all year, singing and dancing all the while.
The conductor stamps your ticket, causing a shower of smiles all round (and a shower of punches all over your table). Just as you think you couldn’t possibly be happier, the steam-powered beauty will come to a halt… You’re not dreaming; you’ve made it to the North Pole! Now for the most memorable part of your experience- Santa Claus on board the Polar Express! The ringing of bells dances around the carriage as your child’s eyes grow wide- they believe…. And so do you! Santa greets them personally and gives them their first gift of Christmas, a beautiful silver bell! Be sure to check for holes in their pockets before you leave…
South Devon Railway
Address: Buckfastleigh station, TQ11 0DZ
When? Selected dates from 27th November until 23rd December
How much? Prices start from £24.95 per person.
Sudeley Castle – Spectacle of Light – Gloucestershire
Explore the beautiful new illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds returning for a 5th year. Enjoy the wonderful music as you discover each new secret of this magical environment.
See the timeless castle, the glorious gardens and romantic ruins all lit under the stars. Experience the dazzling new illuminations as you stroll around these beautiful grounds.
Sudeley Castle
Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire, Winchcombe GL54 5JD
When? Selected dates from 28th November to 30th December
How much? Advance ticket sale £17 an adult, children age 3-15 £10.20, under 3’s free. Other pricing options are available.
West Somerset Railway – Santa Express – Somerset
Join us for a magical steam train ride through the countryside for a festive experience giving you treasured memories with your children for years to come! Your journey will start with a visit to our welcome marquee at Bishops Lydeard, this will be a waiting area whilst your service is being prepared.
You will then board your dedicated steam service, which will be magically adorned with festive cheer. Tickets for this service will be sold in tables of 4 and compartments which can take a maximum of 6 people. This is in line with Government Guidelines.
You will be able to take socially distant photographs and enjoy a chat with Santa who is very excited to meet you all.
West Somerset Railway
Address: Station Rd, Bishop’s Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3BX
When? Selected dates from 5th to 24th December
How much? Prices from £80 to £150 for 4-6 people.
Wookey Hole – Winter Wonderland – Somerset
Come and see the magnificent caves illuminated with Christmas characters on your magical tour.
The Christmas Circus Show will wow you with glitzy performers taking to the stage to deliver a show stopping line-up of trapeze, hula, juggling and magic!
The 4D Cinema will be showing the charming ‘Happy Feet’. This snowy adventure will have you tapping your feet as you become fully immersed in the 4D experience with moving seats, 3D vision, wind effects and sprinklers!
Wookey Hole
Address: Wookey Hole Ltd. Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB
When? 20th November 2020 to 3rd January 2021
How much? Booking and prices coming soon.
If you are looking for Halloween events across the South West of England please check out – Best Halloween Events South West 2020 | Things to do Half-Term