ShowDayGuide

Christmas Markets in Somerset 2026

Updated 28 October 2026

8 Christmas markets and fairs in Somerset are listed for 2026, and the Mendip Christmas Fair and the Bishop's Palace Christmas Artisan Market in Wells open first, both on Saturday 14 November. The medieval Bishop's Palace is given over to its market for a weekend, with local makers and food and drink producers. Hestercombe House & Gardens, near Taunton, fills its house and grounds with independent makers from Somerset and the South West for two days in December. Mendip Christmas Fair, which grew from a 1990 charity sale of handmade knitwear, now fills Aldwick Court Farm near Redhill. The Rural Living Show fills King's College Prep School in Taunton for a November weekend, and Wells Christmas Market takes over the old streets in December.

Markets in this guide: Cheddon Fitzpaine, Glastonbury, Redhill, Taunton, Wells and Wincanton.

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Markets listed
8
First to open
Sat 14 Nov
Last to close
Sun 13 Dec
Dogs welcome at
3 of 8

All 8 at a glance

MarketDates 2026TownEntryDogsAccess
Bishop's Palace Christmas Artisan MarketSat 14 – Sun 15 NovWellsPaid entryDogs welcome outdoors, on a leadWheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Mendip Christmas FairSat 14 – Sun 15 NovRedhillPaid entry——
The Rural Living ShowSat 21 – Sun 22 NovTauntonPaid entryNo dogs (assistance dogs are welcome by law)Wheelchair accessible, Accessible toilets
Glastonbury Abbey Christmas MarketSat 28 – Sun 29 NovGlastonburyFree entryDogs welcome on a leadWheelchair accessible, Step-free access, Accessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Glastonbury Frost FayreSat 28 NovGlastonbury——Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Wincanton Christmas FairTue 1 DecWincantonPaid entry—Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Hestercombe Christmas MarketFri 4 – Sat 5 DecCheddon FitzpainePaid entryDogs welcome outdoors, on a leadAccessible toilets, Accessible parking / blue badge parking
Wells Christmas MarketSat 12 – Sun 13 DecWells———

A dash means the market has not said. Ordered by opening date.

The markets

Questions about Christmas markets in Somerset

When do Christmas markets start in Somerset?

Somerset's first markets are the Mendip Christmas Fair and the Bishop's Palace Christmas Artisan Market, both on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026. The Rural Living Show comes next, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November. Hestercombe Christmas Market follows on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December, and Wells Christmas Market on the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Each market's card lists its dates.

Are dogs allowed at Christmas markets in Somerset?

At some, on a lead outdoors. The Bishop's Palace welcomes dogs on a lead in its grounds, but not in the Palace buildings unless they are assistance dogs; it has no separate rule for the market. Hestercombe welcomes dogs on a lead in its gardens, but pets are not allowed inside Hestercombe House or Bampfylde Hall. Dogs are not permitted at The Rural Living Show, though assistance dogs are very welcome. The Mendip Christmas Fair and Wells Christmas Market have published nothing about dogs.

Do I need to book for Christmas markets in Somerset?

Hestercombe Christmas Market needs booking, as entry is by timed slot. At the Bishop's Palace, booking in advance gives fast-track entry and guaranteed admission, and a market-only ticket is sold on the day from 2pm. The Mendip Christmas Fair charges for entry, and children under 16 go free. The Rural Living Show sells tickets in advance or on arrival, with under-16s and carers free, though its wreath-making workshop must be booked ahead. Wells Christmas Market has published no entry charge.

Is there parking at Christmas markets in Somerset?

Arrangements differ: the Mendip Christmas Fair has free parking. The Bishop's Palace has no car park, but it is a short walk from all of Wells's central car parks. Hestercombe's spaces are limited, so it asks visitors to car share where they can. The Rural Living Show has free parking on site, with a free shuttle from an overflow car park at Pyrland School when the main one is busy. For Wells Christmas Market, the council publishes spaces and costs for the town's car parks.

Do Somerset's Christmas markets raise money for charity?

Some do. The Bishop's Palace market is a fundraiser for the Palace and Gardens, which a registered charity runs. The Mendip Christmas Fair raises money for two children's charities, and Hestercombe's market is run with The Somerset Collective, which raises money for charity through its events. The Rural Living Show supports Children's Hospice South West, raising funds across the weekend.

Can I get to Wells Christmas Market by bus?

Yes. Services from Bath and Bristol call at Wells Bus Station, and the walk from there to the Market Place takes about five minutes.

More Christmas markets nearby

All Christmas markets in the South WestChristmas markets in CornwallChristmas markets in DevonChristmas markets in Gloucestershire

Every market is listed from the details its organisers and venues publish.