Best Christmas Events South West 2024 – Meet Santa and More

Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

There are some magical events happening this festive period in the South West of England in 2024 and some are yet to be confirmed. I’ve put them into one big post so you can search for the best Christmas events near you in the South West – in Cornwall – Devon – Dorset – Gloucestershire – Somerset & Bristol – Wiltshire where you can meet Santa and more. Don’t forget to book in advance this winter so your festive cheer isn’t left feeling disappointed.

Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully, some venues require you to prebook. There’s nothing like attending an event before Christmas Day and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus many places have some amazing Christmas decorations, previous years have been a testament to that.

Best Christmas Events Dorset 2024

Corfe Castle – Christmas at Corfe – Dorset – To be confirmed

Info from last year – For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Join the Lord of Misrule on an interactive storytelling tour of the castle or help Monty Mouse on his hunt for a festive feast with our new family trail. Warm up around the fire pits, roast marshmallows or make a Christmas wish on our wishing bridge. Corfe Castle

Address: The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

When? TBC

Farmer Palmers – Christmas Experiences – Dorset – Tickets on sale

We have two different experiences and opportunities to meet Farmer Christmas. You can choose between our Daytime Experience or Twilight Experience. Children can enjoy a farm-tastic time at the Farm Park! Experience the wonder and excitement of meeting ‘the man in red’ and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn. PLUS every child with a ‘Farmer Christmas Experience Ticket’ receives a great gift from the Elves at Ye Olde Toy Shoppe! Farmer Palmers

Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU

When? Selected dates in December

Kingston Lacy – A Christmas Wish – Dorset – Tickets on Sale

Discover the magic of Christmas wishes this festive season. The Kingston Lacy Wish Makers have been busy transforming the house with beautiful decorations to fulfil every Christmas wish. Meanwhile, in the gardens, a problem at the wish sorting office means the Wish Makers are going to need help from the whole family to find all the escaped wishes before Christmas. Kingston Lacy

Address: Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA

When? 30th November – 5th January

Swanage Railway – Polar Express – Dorset – Tickets on Sale

The experience consists of approximately an hour-long return train journey leaving from the Swanage Railway Station, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB. The train cannot be boarded at any other station. The nearest long-stay car park (Pay and Display) is on Victoria Avenue, BH19 1AP. We regret there is no parking available at the station.

On board, each train will be actors appearing as characters from the book and film THE POLAR EXPRESS™. There will be singing, dancing and interaction with our customers. All customers will receive a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on the journey, and a special present on the return journey from the North Pole. Polar Express

Address: Swanage BH19 1HB

When? Selected dates from 23rd November – 24th December

Best Christmas Events Somerset 2024

Avon Valley Adventure Park – Christmas Experience – Somerset – Tickets on sale

There is so much to enjoy this year at Avon Valley in a specially curated day complete with a theatrical show and many themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy.  Book your timed specific ‘Santa Show’ but enjoy the rest of the festive fun from 9.30 am. Visit Santa is his beautifully decorated wooden cabin to get your ‘golden ticket’ to take to the toy factory! Avon Valley Adventure Park

Address: Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP

When? Selected dates from 30th November – 24th December

Avon Valley Railway – Santa Specials – Somerset – Tickets on Sale

Once onboard our festive trains the whistle will sound and you’ll depart on your fifty-minute train ride. Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again and all good boys and girls will receive a present from him too! There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories. Avon Valley Railway

Address: Bitton Station, 3 Bath Rd, Bristol BS30 6HD

When? Selected dates from 23rd November to 24th December

Bishop’s Palace – Christmas Illuminations – Somerset – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Discover the beautifully lit inner gardens of The Bishop’s Palace, where a captivating display of festive lights and decorations awaits this December. The Illuminations are open from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on those dates, with the last entry at 7 p.m. Whilst you’re here, indulge in the festive menu served at The Bishop’s Table café – where a culinary treat awaits! Bishops Palace

Address: The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD

When? TBC

West Somerset Railway – Santa Express – Somerset – Tickets on sale

Make memories to treasure for a lifetime on our Christmas family favourite – our Santa Express! Step aboard our festively decorated heritage carriages for a magical ride behind a steam locomotive through the scenic Quantock Hills from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back. A gift from Santa and refreshments will be waiting for you at your table, with the man himself visiting during the journey. West Somerset Railway

Address: Station Rd, Bishop’s Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3BX

When? Selected dates from 1st – 24th December

Wookey Hole – Winter Wonderland – Somerset – Tickets on sale

You’re invited to get into the festive spirit at Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland. Your adventure includes a visit to Santa, an incredible underground light experience and a fun, thrill-packed Panto-themed circus show. Plus you’ll be able to enjoy all the other activities at Wookey Hole. Wookey Hole

Address: Wookey Hole Ltd. Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB

When? Selected dates from 23rd November – 24th December

Best Christmas Events Devon 2024

Bicton Park Gardens – Father Christmas – Devon – To be confirmed

Info from last year – We have a host of Christmas activities for you and your family to enjoy over the festive break. We have the traditional Santa in his lounge along with his little helpers to make a special visit to remember. Bicton Gardens

Address: Bicton, East Budleigh Salterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BJ

When? TBC

Pennywell Farm – Christmas Experience – Devon – Tickets on Sale soon

This festive season, enjoy the perfect Christmas experience for all the family. You will need to allow between 2 – 2.5 hours for the experience. At this time of year, the Farm is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle. A truly magical Christmas experience awaits! Following on from the fantastic success of the last couple of years, this year’s event will take a similar format but promises to be even more magical! Pennywell Farm

Address: Lower Dean, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0LT

When? TBC

Powderham Castle – Christmas at the Castle – Devon – Tickets on sale soon

Address: Powderham Estate, Exeter EX6 8JQ

When? TBC

South Devon Railway – Polar Express – Devon – Tickets on sale

The most iconic feature of The Polar Express is its sleek black steam engine. It’s even inscribed with the ‘1225’ signage to identify it as Santa’s own train. Your children will gasp with amazement as the Polar Express train pulls into the station. Billowing steam all the way, your authentic steam train ride will last around an hour.

Throughout your train ride you’ll be entertained, meeting the Conductor and his crew. All the while the train steams towards the North Pole. ! Here you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves. He will climb on board the train to meet you all. The Conductor will even clip your Polar Express tickets just like in the film. Polar Express

Address: Buckfastleigh station, TQ11 0DZ

When? Selected dates from 29th November

Best Christmas Events Cornwall 2024

Camel Creek – Christmas at Camel Creek – Cornwall – To be confirmed

Info from last year – Santa’s Grotto – Free gift for every child. Christmas Tree Forest. Christmas light tunnel (One of the longest). Seasonal arts & crafts. Christmas family photo opportunities. Christmas Decorations – Delicious festive treats and more. Camel Creek

Address: Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA

When? TBC

Gardens of Heligan – Father Christmas – Cornwall – Tickets on sale

This Christmas, the Heligan Team are excited to announce the return of a very special guest, as we look forward to welcoming back Father Christmas and his team of Elves to The Lost Gardens. Tickets for Father Christmas are likely to go on sale in September.Gardens of Heligan

Address: B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN

When? 29th November – 24th December

Newquay Zoo – Tea or Breakfast with Santa – Cornwall – To be confirmed

More info coming soon. Newquay Zoo

Address: Trenance Gardens, Newquay TR7 2NL

When? TBC

Best Christmas Events Gloucestershire 2024

Clearwell Caves – Christmas at Clearwell – Gloucestershire – To be confirmed

After Christmas tickets are also available to see our magical story only (without Father Christmas, the Christmas stalls or the Underground Café). Clearwell Caves

Address: The Rocks, Clearwell, Coleford GL16 8JR

When? TBC

Cotswold Farm Park – Christmas on the Farm – Gloucestershire – Tickets on Sale

Get ready for a heartwarming, one-on-one encounter with Father Christmas and a day filled with festive joy! We’ve been spreading holiday cheer for many years, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our beloved ‘Christmas On The Farm’ event. Plus there is a light trail in the evening which is a separate event. Cotswold Farm Park

Address: Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL

When? Selected dates from 22nd November to 24th December

Dean Forest Railway – Santa Specials – Gloucestershire – Tickets on sale

Visit the Dean Forest Railway this Christmas for your chance to ride behind a real steam engine and visit Santa and his elves! With presents for the children and a miniature for the adults (plus mince pies for everyone!) Dean Forest Railway

Address: Forest Road, Lydney GL15 4ET

When? Selected dates from 23rd November to 24th December

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway – Santa Express – Gloucestershire – Tickets on Sale

Join us aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway’s Santa Express and make cherished memories with your loved ones. Step into a world where the wonder of Christmas comes alive, where the joy of the season is wrapped in the rhythmic chug of a vintage steam train. Get ready for an enchanting adventure as we transport you to the North Pole and back. Our beautifully restored steam train, adorned with festive decorations, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. GWSR Railway

Address: The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT

When? 23rd November – 23rd December

Perrygrove Railway – Christmas Twilight Trains – Gloucestershire – To be confirmed

Info from last year – They are offering 2 different Christmas experiences this winter. You can book Christmas Twilight trains. “Watch the musical arrival of the steam train at Perrygrove Station then take your pre-booked seats aboard the Twilight Express. Spot the illuminations along the line to Oakiron Station where you will watch the Perrygrove Christmas Panto, (from your compartment), featuring Father Christmas. Everyone receives a hot chocolate and children receive a token gift, (these are wooden tree decorations unique to Perrygrove).” Plus Down the Chimney Shows. Perrygrove Railway

Address: Perrygrove Rd, Coleford GL16 8QB

When? TBC

Sudeley Castle – Spectacle of Light – Gloucestershire – Tickets on sale

Explore this magical after-dark experience and follow the new illuminated trail around the fairy-tale grounds of Sudeley Castle, now in its 9th Year. Meet iconic characters from this well-loved tale as you follow the story to discover what has happened to Sleeping Beauty. Sudeley Castle

Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire, Winchcombe GL54 5JD

When? Selected dates from November 22nd to 30th December

Westonbirt Arboretum – Enchanted Christmas – Gloucestershire – Tickets on sale

Get ready for a brand-new festive experience at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum this Christmas. We’ve teamed up with the award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew, Christmas at Bedgebury and Christmas at Blenheim to bring you a light trail never-before-seen at Westonbirt. Westonbrit Arboretum

Address: Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS.

When? 29th Nov – 31st Dec, open on selected evenings

Best Christmas Events Wiltshire 2024

Longleat – Festival of Light – Wiltshire – Tickets on Sale

This year Longleat’s Festival of Light celebrates the 10-year anniversary of this incredible event with the theme ‘Journey through time’. Turn back the clock and explore the history of our planet all the way from the age of the dinosaurs to the present day! Breath-taking lantern displays will feature kings and queens, a giant 12-metre clock, the spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights, and so many more captivating scenes. Different areas of history will be explored through spectacular life-sized lanterns and of course the impressive Longleat House light show in celebration of Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago! Festival of Light

Address: Warminster BA12 7NW

When? Selected dates from 9th November 2024 – 5th January 2024

Roves Farm – Christmas Experience – Wiltshire – Tickets on Sale

Your Christmas Experience ticket gives you entry to Roves Farm for the whole day, 9 am-5 pm.  Please check the Activities Board on arrival for the full programme of all the day’s activities for you to enjoy. We would suggest you need at least 4 hours to make the most of your day. Your visit to the Grotto will fall within the time slot you select at booking, and you will receive your exact time upon arrival. Roves Farm

Address: Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG

When? Selected dates 30th November to 23rd December

Stourhead – Christmas Lights – Wiltshire – Tickets on sale

Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Stourhead has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Stourhead

Address: Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6QF

When? Selected dates from 29th November – 1st January

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