Free Things To Do At Christmas in Somerset and Bristol 2025
December is a notoriously expensive time of year, and we’re all conscious of the rising cost of taking our families out, especially at Christmas time. You may be looking for ways to save money whilst still going out with the family and enjoying the festive season. There are some great free Christmas events locally.
A Guide to the Best Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol in 2025
If you’re wondering: What is there to do at Christmas near me that is free? – I’ve come up with some suggestions.
Even though many of us are on a tight budget this year, it’s possible to enjoy some free Christmas events, or very low cost.
I have come up with some great ideas for Christmas experiences and things to do with kids that will get you into the festive spirit but won’t break the bank! Here is our guide to the best free (or very low cost) things to do in Somerset and around Bristol this winter.
Free Christmas Events in Somerset, 2025
Where: Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2UE
When: Saturday 20th December 2025, 10:00 – 11:00
Price: Free but must reserve tickets in advance via EventBrite.
This Christmas, enjoy a fun, free, Christmas Family Sing-Along at Wells Cathedral! Wells Cathedral’s Song Squad choirs are inviting families to sign-up for this special festive event, which is particularly aimed at children aged 4-11. Children need to be accompanied by an adult throughout.
During the event there will be a short performance by the Wells Cathedral Song Squad choirs.
Wed 26th November 2025 – The Christmas Orchestra Concert (Early concert – 19:00; Late concert 21:30). Tickets and more info here.
Fri 19th – Sun 21st December – There are also Carols by Candlelight Concerts at Wells Cathedral which are ticketed events. More info here.
Where: Bath Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DS
When: TBC
- Doors open 6.00 pm
- Carols 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Price: FREE but must have a ticket for entry
Come along for a festive evening of carols, family fun and a celebration of Christmas in the heart of Bath.
From carols to mince pies and mulled wine, there’ll be all-age excitement and something for everyone at Carols at the Rec!
Where: Bath Abbey
When: TBC
The popular Shoppers Carols, an informal 20-minute service with traditional carols. Everyone is welcome, no need to book.
Family Nativity Service
When: TBC
Children are invited to come dressed as a shepard, star, wise man or angel to take part in a fun retelling of the Nativity – with a real live donkey!
Where: Bath City Centre
When: TBC
- Procession 5.30 pm
- Those wishing to join the parade should meet at the Old Bond Street outside Sweet Little Things at 5.15pm
Price: FREE
Bath Lights the Night is an event to celebrate the lights switching on in the city and kick off the festive season. Watch a lantern procession come through the streets with beautiful handmade lanterns created by schools, families and friends at the Bath Carnival.
The lantern procession will be accompanied through the streets of Bath by performers, with light up carnival costumes and music from samba group Jamma de Samba. Special guest comedian Jarred Christmas is compering the evening.
Watch the procession illuminate the streets of Bath from along the route (outside the Roman Baths Shop, Primark or by the York Street Arch).
Following the Bath Lantern Procession through the city and Christmas Light switch on, head to the Abbey for a music event…
Where: Bath Abbey
When: Straight after the Lantern Procession (6 pm – 7 pm)
Price: Free event, book tickets online in advance
At the Abbey, everyone joins together for a musical celebration illuminated by the ‘Under the Same Stars’ paper star installation. Featuring the Head Rush Brass Band, comedian Jarred Christmas and music from gifted local performers, and filled with light from the procession.
There will be reserved seating for ticket holders and performers. After that, there will be standing spaces and when the Abbey gets to capacity, the doors will close.
Where: The Bandstand, Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset
When: December 2025 – TBC
Price: Free community event
Details: The Mayor of Taunton invites you to sing out loud at Carols Around the Bandstand, from 6.30pm in Vivary Park.
Where: Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead (North Somerset)
When: Saturday 13th December 2025, From 5.00 pm.
The vee Dub Christmas Cruz is a great free Christmas event in North Somerset. You’ll see a festive VW Cruz as over 100 VW’s drive around North Somerset towns covered with tinsel, lights, baubles, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, elves, stickers, and anything festive, spreading the Christmas cheer.
Leaving from the Tower House Car Park in Nailsea and heading out around the Trendlewood area of Nailsea, then cruising out to Clevedon. From Hither Green industrial estate behind Aldi, touring Clevedon before heading to Portishead. Along the High Street and finishing up at The Lake Grounds for people to come along and see the vans at the end.
After Portishead, they’re heading into the centre of Bristol for several drive-by’s of the Children’s Hospital – please note that anyone taking part in this will need to pay for the Bristol Clean Air Zone if applicable to their vehicle. After the drive-by they’re heading up to the Clifton Downs for some photos.
Where: Weston Beach Lawns, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
When: Sunday 14th December 2025, from 5.15 pm
Leaving from the Queensway Retail Car Park and heading out around Worle, along to the Boulevard and up to the sea front before heading down past the pier. From here they’re driving along Oxford Street, on to Station Road, over the Hildesheim Bridge on to Winterstoke Road.
Then along Marchfields Way into The Range car park where they will park up for people to come along and walk around the vehicles, chat to their owners and throw some money in the buckets.
Price: FREE Christmas event for spectators, donations welcome for charity. Costs to join the parade in your VW – see website for fee.
Raising money for The Grand Appeal, the official charity of the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Weston super Mare Christmas Lights Switch on
Where: Italian Gardens, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, BS23 1AJ
When: Saturday 29th November 2025
Details: The Christmas lights switch-on ceremony coincides with the Eat:Weston Food Festival which kicks off the festive season. There’ll be music, food and festivities! You’ll see around 100 food and produce stallholders taking over the The Winter Gardens and Italian Gardens.
Where: Clevedon Marine Lake, Old Church Road, Clevedon
When: Saturday 6th December 2025
- 4 pm – Meet at the Pier, joined by the Rock Choir
- 4.20 pm Procession from the pier to the lake with North Somerset Samba Band
- 5 pm – Light show at the Lake, Darklyte Collective fire dancers
Price: Free Christmas Event
Light up the lake is the big winter celebration at Clevedon seafront. Bring a lantern, torch or glow sticks and join in the lively procession from Clevedon Pier to the Marine Lake, following a Samba band.
At the lake, watch it light up with fire dancers, paddle boards decorated with fairy lights, illuminated model boats and other floating vessels.
Visitors are invited to give generously to a bucket collection for MARLENS, the local volunteer-run charity which continues to fund raise toward the management and further development of Clevedon Marine Lake.
This year, there’s a night market at Nead’s Coffee Hut on the Salthouse Fields.
- Monday 27th Oct – Friday 31st Oct 2025 (10am-12pm) – There is a children’s lantern making workshop at The Porthole Room on the pier during half term. You could bring these along to the Light Up The Lake event.
- Monday 27th October (10-12), Monday 17th November (4-6pm), Tuesday 18th November (4-6pm) – Children’s lantern making workshop at The Community Centre.
Where: Clevedon Pier, The Toll House, The Beach, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7QU
When: Friday 5th December 2025
From 5:00 pm
Price: Free Pier entry from 5.00 pm.
Wrap up warm and come along to Clevedon Pier for a Festive Evening of Lights by the Sea. Come and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Keep warm with mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies from The Pagoda.
Christmas Trail at Clevedon Pier –
Throughout December, explore Clevedon Pier for hidden Christmas decorations and draw them onto your Christmas Tree Trail card. Plus learn interesting facts about our Christmas traditions made popular by the Victorians.
Why not make a day of it and grab lunch in the Glass Box restaurant, or sweet treats from the Pagoda Cafe.
Where: Clevedon Town Centre
When: Friday 21st November 2025, from 4.00pm.
Details: Festive fun – enjoy Christmas music, Nutcracker-themed decorations, and seasonal cheer in the town centre. Children can bring their lanterns along!
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Where: Hill Road, Alexandra Gardens and Sunhill Park, Clevedon
When: Thursday 27th November 2025
Hill Road are kicking off the festive season with their Christmas evening festivities with a vintage bus to pick you up and deliver you to the slopes of Clevedon for free! Enjoy lights, entertainment and indulge in festive late night shopping, eating and drinking.
The “Light Up The Parks” project organised by volunteer group, Clevedon Community Lights Group are lighting up the town of Clevedon. You can wander through an illuminated wonderland in Alexandra gardens (between Hill Road and Clevedon Pier) from dusk, this Christmas.
This year, Sunhill Park and Clevedon Community Centre is joining the illuminations. Their light switch on at 6 pm and Father Christmas will be there. Festive food and drinks are also available, with music on the terrace.
Where: Portishead High Street, BS20
When: Monday 24th November 2025
- Starts 5:40 pm
Lights on and fire works 6.45 pm
See Father Christmas in Portishead – Santa will be arriving via the V-Dubs (VW’s covered in 1000’s of Christmas lights) especially for the lights switch on!
Where: Portishead High Street, BS20
When: Sunday 7th December 2025
- 2 pm – 6 pm
Discover an array of stalls which will include gifts, food and drink at a Posset Christmas Market. Enjoy a fun fair, live entertainment and local shops, the event is a great afternoon.
FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, READ: Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2025
Where: Quedam Shopping Centre, 10 Ivel Square, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1EY
When: Saturday 22nd November 2025
- Starting from 3.00pm
- Christmas Light Switch On – 6:30 pm
Get in the festive spirit at the Yeovil Christmas light switch-on.
Enjoy live music and dance performances, family-friendly creative activities, specialist roaming acts, delicious food and drink, and a specially curated market, celebrating the magic of Christmas, fairytales and pantomime.
Where: Market House, Ilminster Town Centre, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0AN
When: Friday 21st November 2025
- Children’s Choirs from 1.30 pm
- Christmas Market 3.30 pm – 8.30 pm (Youth Centre, Frog Lane)
- Food Drink and Entertainment 4.00 pm (Town Centre)
- Lantern and Festive Parade 6.15 pm (Town Centre)
- Light switch on 7.00 pm (Market House)
Ilminster has one of the best Christmas light displays in Somerset. The entire town is decorated with thousands of lights, from the market square through to West Street, Silver Street and beyond. Culminating in an evening of fun, drinks, food, and puppet shows.
Ilminster Christmas Festival is a free Christmas event for all the family to kick-off the festive season. The Christmas lights will be switched on, market stalls, late-night shopping, entertainment, food and drink to buy.
Where: Martock Parish Hall, Martock, TA12 6JL
When: Saturday TBC
- 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
Price: Free Community Christmas Event
Bring the kids along to meet Santa and his Elves and play some festive games. There will be sweet treats, games, an hourly draw and refreshments available to buy.
When: Friday 5th December 2025
- From 5.00 pm until late
- 5.15 pm See father Christmas in the Town Centre
Where: Swain Street and Surrounding streets
With late night shopping, live music and street entertainment, it promises to be a fun, festive night for the whole family.
When: Sunday 7th December 2025
- 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Town Centre
Dulverton by Starlight is a magical event held every year on the first Sunday of December, open to all free of charge. Every December the pretty Exmoor town of Dulverton is decorated with Christmas trees festooned with lights, and for one Sunday many of the shops are open for people to do some local Christmas shopping.
Festivities take place all afternoon and into the evening, including street entertainers, live music, festive stalls and a fabulous fireworks display to conclude the evening! Don’t miss this traditional, festive occasion – marking the beginning of Christmas every year in Dulverton, Exmoor.
- Craft market
- Carol Singers
- Santa in the Heritage Centre
Where: Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AA
Santa’s Grotto
When: (Grotto) Saturday – 2025 TBC
- 10:10 am – 4:10 pm
Price: Grotto £TBC
Enjoy a magical Santa experience in the Museum’s festive grotto this Christmas.
After visiting Santa, see if you can spot the cuddly reindeers around the museum with the festive reindeer trail, £1 each with a treat at the end.
Other Festive family Events
When: TBC
- Reindeer Trail –
- Decorate a Plate for Santa –
- Calendar Making –
- Vintage Toys and Games –
The café will be open serving hot drinks and seasonal treats.
Where: Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DB
When: TBC
- 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Tues – Sat.)
Price: Entry – Adult/£9.35; Concessions/£7.65; Child (5-17) £4.00; Child (under 5)/Free; Family of 4/£22. Museum Unlimited Annual Pass – Pay once and visit for a whole year Free of Charge. Activities/£1-2
Although admission to the museum isn’t free, with the annual unlimited pass, you pay once and the rest of the year is free. There are lots of low cost activities going on over the festive period at the museum.
Cheddar Festive Night 2025
Where: Cheddar Village
When: Friday 5th December 2025
Details: Cheddar Festive Night is an ideal opportunity to buy unusual gifts whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.
There will be choirs and bands dotted around the village with the Lower Gorge and much of the village decked out with Christmas trees and lights. Also, featuring a Christmas market and charity stalls.
Food will be available in a number of Cheddar’s pubs and cafes, market stalls aplenty and you can expect a visit from Santa.
Where: Shepton Mallet Prison, Frithfield Lane, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5FQ
When: TBC
Price: FREE
Get into the festive spirit this December at Shepton Mallet Prison for A Creative Christmas – a FREE festive experience with fun activities for all to take part in:
- Letter to Santa: An opportunity for your little ones to write a letter to Santa
- Christmas ‘CELLfies’: Snap the perfect photo at our festive photo corner.
- Christmas Wish Tree: Add your festive wish to our Christmas tree, sharing the joy and spirit of the season.
- Fuzzy Felt Tree & Snowman Decorating: Get creative and help decorate our felt Christmas tree and snowman. Additional craft items are available to purchase to make your prison experience extra special!
Please note, this ticket does not include entry into the entire prison.
Free Christmas Events in Bristol, 2025
Where: The Mall, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS34 5DG
Magical Trail – Free Christmas Event
When: TBC
Discover the magical Stick Man trail, following the beloved Christmas character as he finds his way home to the family tree. Pick up a free booklet at the information desk and explore The Mall to discover the whole story.
Santa-tainment – Free
Join Santa at Cribbs this Christmas for the ultimate festive family day out! Settle down with Santa and his Forest Elves for storytelling, festive fun and elfish entertainment. All the fun is totally free for all to enjoy, no need to book just turn up to join the festivities.
When:
- TBC
Where: Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RL
When: TBC
- 10.30am—3.30pm
Daily, free drop-in activities for the whole family.
- Write a message for the Christmas wishing tree
- Send a letter to Santa.
Where: Broad Street and High Street, Chipping Sodbury
When: Sunday 7th December 2025
- 11 am – 5.30 pm
- The Original Santa Float arriving at 5pm.
A free festive event for all the family.
The streets will be lined with stalls offering a wide selection of gifts and food including traditional mulled wine, mince pies and roasted chestnuts.
Local cafés, public houses, shops and restaurants will also all be open.
Discover a full stage of entertainment and a new free Santa visit in the courtyard open 11.00 – 3pm!
Live donkeys, a free craft area and bouncy snow globe, fun in the Grammar School, funfair rides and Christmas entertainment galore!
Not forgetting all the amazing independent businesses opening for Sunday trade and over 50 stalls to shop with!
Where: Clifton Observatory, Litfield Place, Bristol, BS8 3LT
When: Sunday 7th December 2025
- 6 pm – 7 pm
Price: £5 including a mulled wine or mulled non-alcoholic cider and mince pie.
Join a festive night of carols led by Bristol Musical Theatre! Brighten up a dark winter’s evening with some warming, well-loved carols and a hot drink to keep you toasty! Enjoy exclusive access to the Rooftop Terrace to witness the gorgeous night-time view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Where: Princess Victoria Street and Fosseway Court
When: TBC
- From 4:30pm
- 5:30pm warm refreshments in the Church
Throw on your Christmas jumpers, grab a hot drink and come join on a street near you for some festive carol singing and chocolate treats!
Where: Yate Shopping Centre, BS37 4AP
When: TBC
- 11 am to 5 pm
Price: Free event
Enjoy free Christmas fun with children’s fairground rides, face painters, send a letter to Santa, balloon modelling, music, magicians and tribute acts, Paddington and Postman Pat, free meet and greets.
Santa’s Grotto will be open in the Central Square from 10am until 4pm and each successive Saturday and Sunday running through to Christmas week when it will be open more often, closing on Christmas Eve at 1pm.
Santa’s Grotto suggested contribution £1 (Jessie May Children’s Hospice). There will be stickers and certificates for each child on their visit to Santa who will be located outside the Grotto.
Where: Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Bristol, BS36 1SE
Carol’s in the Barn
When: Saturday 13th December and Sunday 14th December 2025
- 3.00 pm Saturday and Sunday
- Doors open from 2.15pm
Price: £5.39; Child £1.08 (inc. booking fee) – Booking essential.
Relive the Christmas story as members of St Michael’s church tell it in words and music with the opportunity to join in singing your favourite Christmas carols. This has rapidly become a Winterbourne tradition between St. Michael’s Church and The Barn – don’t miss it!
To get you in the holiday spirit there’ll be a mulled wine and mince pie on arrival included with your ticket (non-alcoholic, gluten free and children’s alternatives available). It will be pretty chilly in The Barn so wrap up warm in your finest festive knits!
Winter Family Craft Sessions
When: TBC
- 10 am or 1 pm
Price: £4.07/Child
Join for some family festive crafts. A range of winter themed crafts will be available, or children are welcome to use the materials provided to get creative with their own projects!These workshops will be held in the beautiful main barn so there is plenty of space to move around, get creative but do wrap up! Recommended for ages 5-11 years (approx). Free (limited) parking on site.
Where: 10 Gloucester Rd, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4AA
When: Every Friday
- 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Price: Free (Booking in advance recommended)
Two hours of free kids entertainment, including singing, dancing, crafts, movies, popcorn and more!
Giant Elf on the Shelf, Bristol
Where: Various locations around Bristol City Centre
When: TBC
Is Brunelf, Bristol’s giant Scout Elf making another appearance in 2025? Waiting for confirmation!
Bristol Ride to Charlton Farm
Where: Leaving from Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1JL, through Bristol City Centre, to Charlton Farm, Wraxall, BS48 1PE
When: Saturday 6th December 2025
- Arrive from 10.30am for mince pies and hot drinks.
- Depart Winterbourne from 12:30pm – 1.00 pm.
- Arrive Charlton Farm around 2.15 pm
This is an amazing sight to see with lots of motorbikes riding in convoy, bikers dressed in Santa, elf, snowman or reindeer costumes and raising lots of money for charity.
No charge to attend, but all donations welcome and 100% passed on to Children’s Hospice South West.
Christmas Fairs and Markets in Bristol 2025
Where: Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DX
When: Friday 7th November – Tuesday 23rd December 2025
- Market Stalls open 10 am – 7.00 pm (6pm on 23rd Dec)
- Food stalls and bars open 10 am – 10 pm
Located in the heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 35 unique stalls, as well as entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves. Grab yourself a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander through the market soaking up the festive atmosphere. Admire the impressive 30ft Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations.
Discover live music and enjoy delicious drinks in the warm Jäger Barn Bar or book one of the private Gondolas to escape the bustle of the Market for a while.
Where: Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5DB
When: TBC
- 10am to 11pm
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas at this family-friendly harbourside event in Millennium Square. Featuring a wide range of stalls with a selection of food and drinks, as well as fairground rides like dodgems and a carousel.
Vintage Winter Wonderland also has an après bar serving winter warmers and many vintage games with a chance to win toys.
Where: St Nicholas Market, Corn Exchange, Old City, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
When: Friday 14th November to Wednesday 24th December 2025
- Monday to Friday, 9.30pm to 5pm
- Saturday, 9.30am to 6pm
- Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Christmas Eve, 9.30am to 3pm.
Where: The Brightwell, Bradbury House , Wheatfield Drive, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS32 9DB
When: Saturday 29th November 2025
- 11:00 – 14:00
Price: Entry is FREE.
Come and join us for a fabulous festive market as we countdown to Christmas. There’s a visit from Santa plus a whole host of delicious festive treats.
Showcasing a wide variety of gifts and crafts this will be the perfect opportunity to start (or finish) your Christmas shopping. The variety of wonderful local stall holders, you are sure to find the perfect Christmas gifts for family and friends.
There will be scrumptious refreshments on sale throughout the event to purchase too.
Come along and kick off the festive season whilst supporting The Brightwell and their mission to support people affected by MS and other neurological conditions.
FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, READ: Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2025
National Trust Properties
If you’re a member of the National Trust, their properties are free to explore this Christmas. Many have a family Christmas Trails.
Local Light Displays
A fun, free thing to do with the kids at Christmas is to walk or drive around your local light displays – some people go to town! There are always certain roads in every town that really ‘push the boat out’ when it comes to putting on light displays in their front gardens and on their houses. Often when one house starts, their neighbours will join in. There are certain places that make the local news for their fantastic displays and charity fund raising efforts. Here are a couple of those:
- Trinity Close, Burnham on Sea
- Brookfield Walk, Clevedon
- Brailsford Lights Christmas Display, Brentry
Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the venues website before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. Some of these events may need pre-booking.
If you have any more suggestions for free Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, we’d love to hear from you!
Read more Somerset seasonal Guides
If you’re looking for more Christmas events in Somerset and Bristol, check out:
Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset, 2025
Christmas Light trails in Somerset and Bristol, 2025
Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol 2025
Christmas Markets in Somerset 2025
Christmas Ice Skating in Somerset 2025
Are you stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Read our blog post The Best Gifts for Outdoor Kids, for some inspiration this Christmas. Over 60 ideas (to suit all budgets) that are perfect for outdoor adventurers and their families.
Check out some winter walks in Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding area.
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the organisers/venue before you leave in case there are any changes or cancellations. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
