Father Christmas is returning to The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells this December, ready to create some magical Christmas memories for families.
On selected dates from 12th to 22nd December, children will be able to meet Father Christmas in his atmospheric Palace grotto, surrounded by frosty trees, beautifully wrapped presents and twinkling lights.
Each child will have the chance to spend time with Father Christmas and will receive a special gift to take home.
Families can choose to make a day of their visit or experience the Palace after dark. Daytime Father Christmas tickets include festive arts and crafts in the medieval Undercroft and a family trail through the Palace and gardens.
Alternatively, on selected dates families can combine their visit to Father Christmas with the Palace’s spectacular Christmas Illuminations, which will transform the historic Palace and gardens after dark with a magical new 12 Days of Christmas theme.
This year illuminated installations will lead visitors through both the gardens and the medieval Palace itself, with everything from golden rings and milk maids to, appropriately for the Palace and its famous residents, plenty of swans-a-swimming.
Merryn Kidd, CEO of The Palace Trust, said: “For so many families, a visit to Father Christmas is one of those special moments that children remember for years to come. We love being part of those family traditions and there is something particularly magical about meeting Father Christmas in a building that has stood here for hundreds of years.
“Families can choose the experience that works best for them, whether that’s a daytime visit with activities and a trail or seeing Father Christmas before heading out to enjoy the Palace Illuminations after dark.”
There will also be plenty of opportunities for a festive treat during a visit, with seasonal food and drink available at the Palace, including mince pies, mulled wine and the Bishop’s Palace festive hot chocolate.
Father Christmas will be at The Bishop’s Palace on Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th, Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December 2026.
Tickets to see Father Christmas cost £15 per child. Accompanying adults should also book the relevant daytime or evening admission ticket.
Tickets and further information are available at The Bishop’s Palace website www.bishopspalace.org.uk
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is operated by The Palace Trust, a registered charity. Income from visits and events helps the charity care for this remarkable historic site so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
