With twinkling lights, festive music in the air and a calendar packed full of events, Taunton is truly embracing the magic of Christmas this year. For residents of Orchard Grove, the season’s very best celebrations are right on the doorstep – from artisan markets and winter wonderlands to concerts, choirs, and Santa himself.
Taunton Independent Market Christmas Markets (4–18 December)
Castle Green will once again transform into a festive hub as Taunton Independent Market returns with its Christmas Markets. Across selected dates, the historic square will be bursting with local makers, street food, crafts, gifts, homewares, fashion and festive treats.
Visitors can shop small, support local, and soak up the seasonal charm with daytime markets from 10am–3pm, plus special late-night shopping sessions on Thursday 11th and Thursday 18th December (5pm–9pm). Additional market days include Saturday 13th December and Sunday 14th December.
Expect twinkling lights, delicious aromas drifting through the streets, and one-of-a-kind finds for everyone on your Christmas list.
Winter Wonderland at Somerset County Cricket Ground (28 November – 4 January)
A brand-new Somerset Winter Wonderland is bringing ice-skating, festive food, an Après Winter Bar, fairground rides and Santa’s Grotto to the Cooper Associates County Ground — and it’s free to enter.
The covered real-ice rink is available to book (£14 for adults, £12 for children), and the event is dog-friendly, making it the perfect family outing. The Wonderland opens daily (except Christmas Day), with extended hours over the school holidays:
- Term time: Mon–Fri 4.30pm–9pm; Sat & Sun 12pm–9pm
- School holidays: Daily 12pm–10pm
- Christmas Eve: 12pm–7pm
- Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day: 12pm–9pm
With a 30-foot tree and the town centre lights already shining, Taunton is ready for a magical season.
Music & Performance: A Festive Musical Treat
Taunton Choral Society – Handel’s Messiah
13 December, St James Church
Taunton’s oldest and largest choir returns with a stirring performance of Handel’s Messiah — a seasonal tradition that fills the church with exceptional choral music and the spirit of Christmas.
Taunton Concert Band Christmas Concert
20 December, Temple Methodist Church
A joyful evening of classic carols, Christmas favourites and family-friendly fun. Expect festive favourites including Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, sing-along moments and toe-tapping tunes.
Snow Globe & Santa Experience – Orchard Shopping Centre (20–21 December)
Just days before Christmas, Orchard Shopping Centre will be hosting a giant Snow Globe for magical family photos from 10am–4pm.
Santa himself will appear on Saturday 20th December, greeting families at intervals throughout the day:
- 11:00–11:30
- 12:00–12:30
- 13:30–14:00
- 14:30–15:00
Perfect for capturing those last-minute Christmas memories.
Father Christmas at Rumwell Farm Shop – Just Moments from Orchard Grove
Located virtually opposite the Orchard Grove development, Rumwell Farm Shop welcomed Santa with huge celebrations as he arrived in style on a John Deere tractor earlier this month. Families gathered to sing along to festive music as Santa and his elves handed out sweets and spread Christmas cheer.
Santa is now settled into his cosy cabin grotto, with bookable sessions available on:
- Saturday 13 December (9am–5pm)
- Sunday 14 December (9am–4pm)
Tickets are £15.50 per child, including an age-appropriate gift. Advance booking is essential.
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