The Somerset towns lighting up for Christmas this weekend
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Frome, Taunton and Clevedon.
Last updated 24th Nov 2023
As the nights grow longer and big winter coats make their annual debut, towns across the Westcountry are switching on their Christmas lights this weekend.
For many, Christmas switch-on events signify the start of the festive season.
With temperatures in the single figures this weekend, events across the region featuring festive fun from lights, Father Christmas and even lanterns.
Here are some of the major events in our region:
Frome Christmas Lights Switch On
Tonight (24th November), the iconic Frome lantern parade and Christmas market will take place in The Times' prettiest Christmas town in the UK.
The event is set to start at 5pm, with the parade starting at six, lead by the joyous Jamma de Samba.
Amongst the hundreds of lanterns will be an otter and group of fish, made by Frome Families for the Future.
The environmental community group are using the event to raise awareness for their River Vision campaign.
They hope to make the river more accessible and raise awareness for the importance of protecting Somerset's waters and wildlife.
"If you love something you want to protect it," said Gemma Annan, from the group, "The River Frome is a key piece of Frome it's beautiful but there's a lot disconnection with people and the river.
"We're just trying to highlight the importance of how the river helps people's wellbeing but also how the river helps the environment in Frome."
And tonight's event is the perfect place to celebrate the community, its wildlife and the festive season.
"It's magical," said Gemma, "lots of fascinating lanterns - because they're not easy to make"
"A lot of time goes into them - so just standing on the side-lines when its nice and cold and crisp and wintery and then you've got all these really beautifully made lanterns in front of you and there's a lot of them - its a really impressive moment."
The town will be full of local food and drink stalls, live music and street entertainment before the parade gets going.
Clevedon Pier
After the success of last year's lights, Clevedon Pier is once again set to dazzle as it hosts the Clevedon Pier Light Switch On Event on today (November 24th) from 5pm to 7pm.
This event is open to all, with free entry.
Enjoy the lights with a glass of mulled wine and freshly prepared food from the Glass Box restaurant to eat in or takeaway.
Bridgwater Snowflakes and Shopping
Market stalls, street food and entertainment start at 10am on Saturday 25th in Bridgwater.
As always, the event will showcase the lighting of Bridgwater's iconic Christmas lights at 6pm, with a visit from Santa also in the works.
There will also be a taste of carnival with a squibbing display at 6:30pm.
Taunton Winter Fest
The town's winter fest starts in the town centre on Sunday 26th November 2023 for this year’s Winter Fest.
There will be entertainment all day from 10am and 8pm with the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm.
Stage performances include the finalists of Taunton’s Got Talent, part of Go Create and many other local loved bands.
They’ll be a few surprises too, so look out for a real life unicorn, a Snow Queen, Jack Frost and see if you can try and avoid those naughty little elves.
The Mayor and friends will officially be turning on the Christmas Tree Lights at 6.30pm in the heart of the town.
Other Events in Somerset:
- Wells Christmas Tide - Friday 24th November, 6pm
- Keynsham Winter Festival - Friday 24th November, 6pm-9pm
- Crewkerne at Christmas - Friday 24th November, from 5pm
- Ilminster Christmas Lights featuring James Purefoy - Friday 24th November, 5pm
- Chard Christmas - Saturday 25th November, 4pm.
- Radstock Christmas - Saturday 25th November, from 3pm
- Portishead Christmas Lights - Monday 27th November, 6:15pm