The folk from towns and villages across North Somerset are gearing up to inject a big dose of festive spirit into the local celebrations this year. In fact, the line-up of festivities is truly something to get excited about with special Christmas markets, tree illuminations, Father Christmas visits and carol concerts - and it all kicks off with the traditional Christmas lights switch-on events.
Read on to discover what is happening in North Somerset this November and December…
Santa Run at Charlton Farm…
A swathe of Santas is set to make haste on a course that runs through farmland and the scenic grounds of Charlton Farm in Wraxall on Sunday, December 3, and all in aid of a fantastic cause – Children's Hospice South West. The sea of red suits and festive costumes bobbing along at pace is sure to be quite the spectacle and as a family-friendly event, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. From midday, a festive convivial atmosphere will fill the event village and a magical flurry of snow is sure to get the runners off to a good start. Musical entertainment along the route will no doubt encourage the runners to keep going, and at the finish line a medal and a festive goody awaits all participants. Registration is only £12 per adult, £6 per child and there is a proposed sponsorship target of £25 per person. Participants benefit from 50% off the entry price into nearby Noah's Ark Zoo Farm on the weekend of the event. For details call 01275 866600 or see: www.chsw.org.uk
Icy Action in Clarks Village…
This festive season, the icy winter wonderland awaits visitors to Clarks Village as the popular all-weather ice-skating rink has returned for its second year. The undercover 550-square-metre rink is located within the festively decorated grounds of the historic Arthur Gillet Trust, which neighbours Clarks Village and can be accessed via the dedicated entrance opposite the outlet’s restaurant terrace area. Until Sunday, January 7, 2024, the custom-built rink, featuring real ice, will be attracting skaters of all ages and abilities. Each ice-skating session lasts 45 minutes and is pre-bookable with skate hire included. The ice rink will offer quiet sessions, discos and parent and toddler sessions too. For more, see clarksvillage.co.uk.
Supper with Santa in Puxton Park
Most youngsters would be thrilled to have supper with Santa, so that’s exactly what Puxton Park in Hewish has arranged this December. The sit-down feast includes a buffet dinner followed by tasty ice-cream, plus a disco and a present from the great man himself. Prior booking is essential, and the event takes place on several dates: December 8, 9, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23. For details, call 01934 523500 or email info@puxton.co.uk
Tyntesfield’s Reindeer Trail
The festive reindeer trail at the Tyntesfield estate near Wraxall opens on Saturday, December 16 and will give youngsters a fabulous opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while on a quest to track down Santa’s wayward reindeer. The nine reindeer have escaped from Tyntesfield stables and are running riot across the estate, so young super sleuths are required to help find them using a map of the locations where they were last seen. The trail will run until January 1, 2024. For details, see: nationaltrust.org.uk and search for Tyntesfield.
Nailsea’s Community Christmas Fayre
Nailsea’s town centre and High Street will be filled with magical illuminations and festive cheer on Friday, December 1, at its special Community Christmas Fayre. From 4pm to 8pm, the streets will be lined with stalls where it will be possible to pick up a Christmas gift and stocking filler or two from local businesses and craftspeople whilst enjoying live entertainment.
The fayre promises to provide something for everyone with a feast of festive food on offer including pizza, tacos, homemade cakes and pastries, while the local artisans will be selling a plethora of items including handmade jewellery, home décor products, Christmas decorations and cards – even the Nailsea Knitters will be in attendance selling their lovely hand knitted Christmas decorations. Nailsea Musicals will also have a stand to promote their upcoming pantomime, Dick Whittington.
Children's activities will include free Christmas balloon modelling and face painting, plus there will be a giant stilt walking Christmas tree, live animals and the Ice Queen will be making an appearance singing her popular seasonal hits and enchanting audiences. Nailsea Lions will be on hand to help transport Father Christmas on his sleigh, whilst he takes a short break from his preparations for the festive season.
Clevedon’s Big Light Switch-On
The calendar date for Clevedon’s big Christmas light switch-on is Thursday, November 23. On this day the coastal town's streets will be illuminated with a wash of bright and sparkly lights, as it signals the start of the traditional festivities. Organised by the Clevedon Community Lights Group and supported by Clevedon BID the two groups are on a mission to bring the magic of the season to every corner of Clevedon. Plans are in place to show a spectacular display of lights that will illuminate Clevedon’s Hill Road, Alexandra Gardens and the Queens Square areas, including The Village, creating a connected Christmas experience for everyone to enjoy.
A couple of days later, on Saturday, November 25, Clevedon Flower Show will be set for its seasonal spectacle with a special Christmas Fayre running from 10am to 3pm. Residents and visitors are invited to step into the warmth of Princes Hall in Clevedon Community Centre and soak up the festive spirit while browsing the artisan stalls manned by traders selling an array of crafts and gifts. It will be a great spot to pick up a unique present for that ‘hard-to-buy-for’ family member. Festive food will be in hot demand and the raffle to win a seasonal hamper is likely to be a big hit. Lively entertainment from the Posset Singers, Weston Brass Band and Stepping Stones Dancers will help to build a convivial atmosphere, while the children will be occupied with Story Time and a special visit from the man in red. Fayre entry is only £1 per person and it is free for children.
Dowlais Farm will also be hosting a Christmas Fayre on the same day from 11am to 3pm. The farm, located on Lower Strode Road in Clevedon, will play host to a wide array of stalls selling a plethora of gifts and festive treats.
Other festive events lined up in Clevedon include a Christmas Market at the Pear Orchard on Saturday, December 9 from 12pm to 6pm, and a children’s singing project that will culminate with a performance in St John’s Church in Clevedon on Thursday, December 14, from 4pm to 5pm. Expect to hear a mixture of traditional carols such as Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful, along with other Christmas songs like It Was on a Starry Night, Winter Wonderland and We're Walking in the Air.
Festive Fun in Portishead
Portishead’s streets will be illuminated with bright lights, vivid colour and festive spirit on Monday, November 27, at its special lights switch-on event. Affected roads will shut at 5pm in time for the main festivities to begin at 6.15pm. Local celebrity Downsy will be the compere for the evening and organisers are hopeful for a live performance to take place on the stage. This year’s lights will be switched on by the winners of the Christmas raffle, drawn at the Poacher’s pub on November 19. The official switch-on is set to take place at 6.45pm and will trigger a golden mile of
festive illuminations through the High Street, up West Hill and into the Waitrose Piazza. Also, it's been confirmed that Santa will be flying in on his sleigh, especially for the festivities. Youngsters are encouraged to give Father Christmas their ‘wish lists’ and will get a reply if their address is written on the letter. The evening’s celebrations will culminate with a thrilling fireworks display.
Craig McMurray, a spokesman for Portishead Christmas Lights said: “We are so proud of the Portishead Christmas. It takes a dedicated team of 100+ volunteers on light-up day to erect the town’s Christmas lights. Seeing faces of joy and reading comments of thanks when the lights are up really means the world to us and we strive every year to be ‘the best in the west’ for town Christmas lights.”
One of Portishead’s biggest events takes place just over two weeks later. The Posset Christmas Market, formally known as the Victorian Evening and Craft Fayre, will take over the High Street on Sunday, December 10, from 2pm to 7pm. More than 70 stalls will line the street, where local artisans will sell an array of gifts and festive food. Live entertainment, a fun fair and a free Santa’s grotto at the Poacher’s pub (donations welcome) will all add to the festive atmosphere. Craig McMurray added: “Don’t forget, entry to this fabulous festive fayre is at the bargain price of 1p per person.”
