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.
This post was updated on the 26th November 2020 with up-to-date information
Things to do Christmas 2020 South West – Cornwall – Devon (no events found as yet, sorry) – Dorset – Gloucestershire – Somerset & Bristol – Wiltshire
If you are an attraction and would like a bigger feature or regular/one off promotion on Facebook please get in touch [email protected] I have a large days out based following.
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 Trail – Somerset
Event has changed but still going ahead
You should by now know that we LOVE Christmas at Avon Valley and that we excel at magical, immersive & theatrical experiences. While we can not offer our usual production this year due to the Covid crisis, we are going to bring our expertise into the park to offer a safe and magical event for the whole family to enjoy.
The Avon Valley elves are taking a break from their duties at the North Pole to bring their magic and theatrics to the park where you will find them as you take a walk through our Winter Wonderland before an opportunity to see Father Christmas and his reindeer. (Unfortunately this year he will not be giving gifts out due to covid restrictions but he will be leaving them under the tree as usual for kids on Christmas Eve!)
Avon Valley
Address: Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP
When? From 18th to 23rd December
How much? Tickets are £10 each
Avon Valley Railway – Santa Specials – Somerset – All dates sold out but do contact them in case there are any cancellations
As you may be aware, as we approach the end of the second national lockdown, there are now further restrictions in place and we have been placed into Tier 3. But, the good news is that Santa will still be visiting the railway and you can come and meet him!
Simply bring your family group or ‘household bubble’ along to Bitton Station within 30 minutes of the time your train was due to depart and you’ll be greeted by Santa’s elves. First, you’ll see our Christmas donkeys with their festive hats on the lawn to the side of the station. Then, you’ll wait on the platform for your turn to meet Santa where he’ll give out your presents and you can take photos with him, all socially-distanced of course. You’ll also still receive your mince pies and festive biscuits to enjoy whilst you’re at the railway too.
Avon Valley Railway
Address: Bitton Station, 3 Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD
When? Selected dates in 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
Event still going ahead
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. 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 – Event going ahead
Christmas 2019 at Camel Creek was enjoyed by hundreds of Families and we aim to make 2020 even bigger & better!
MORE DETAILS IN THIS FACEBOOK POST – Children will be able to meet Santa
Camel Creek
Address: Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA
When? Selected dates from 5th December
How much? £14.95 per person
Dean Forest Railway – Santa Specials – Gloucestershire Event still going ahead
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 going ahead from 10th, details yet to be finalised
*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? Selected dates from 10th December
How much? TBC – tickets will be released next week
Christmas Events South West 2020
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Santa Experience – Gloucestershire – Event still going ahead SOLD OUT
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 5th December – almost all dates are sold out
How much? £20 per person
Hope Nature Centre – Magical Christmas – Wiltshire – Event still going ahead
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.
Journey to the West Pole Westonbirt Arboretum 2020 – Gloucestershire – Event still going ahead
Set out on an adventure through the trees of the arboretum to find the West Pole and experience mesmerising light displays and stunning spectacles along the way. Meet the elves that help Father Christmas make the toys for the children, come across talking trees and make your way through the Candy Cane Forest on your quest to the West Pole. Who knows, when you arrive there you may catch a glimpse of a very special guest from the North Pole.
Address: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS.
When? Selected dates in December.
How much? Adults £16, children age 5-18 £8. Under 5’s are free and do not require a ticket. Other pricing options are available. Advanced booking is essential.
Longleat – Land of Light – Wiltshire – Event still going ahead – SOLD OUT
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 4th December
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 – Event still going ahead
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 – Event still going ahead, very few tickets left
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 4th 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.
Event Cancelled – 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 – Event still going ahead
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 4th 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 – Event still going ahead
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 – Opening from 12th December
Come and see the magnificent caves illuminated with Christmas characters on your magical tour. Come and meet our Wonderful Wizard after Christmas!
Wookey Hole
The Wizard will be meeting and greeting visitors on arrival and throughout the day.
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