Family Christmas Events in The South West 2026: Farms, Santa Visits and Festive Fun for Little Ones

Christmas in the countryside feels especially magical for little ones. There are animals, tractors, twinkling lights and the occasional visit from Father Christmas. Here are some of our favourite family Christmas events in Somerset and Devon this year, with a few tips to help you plan. 

Family Christmas events in the South West: at a glance 

Christmas in the countryside feels especially magical for little ones. There are animals, tractors, twinkling lights and the occasional visit from Father Christmas. Here are some of our favourite family Christmas events in Somerset and Devon this year, with a few tips to help you plan. 

What are the best farm Christmas events for families? 

Pennywell Farm, Devon. If your children love animals, this one is a real treat. The Christmas Experience at Pennywell, near Buckfastleigh, is a guided Winter Wonderland journey that includes a walking nativity with real farm animals, cuddles with piglets, rabbits and guinea pigs, a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto and a tractor and trailer ride. You should allow around two to two and a half hours for the experience, plus you can explore the Christmas village and food outlets afterwards too. 

It’s a popular one, so book online in advance. Wrap up warm and leave the dog at home, as only assistance dogs are allowed. Visit their website for availability and to book your visit.  

Puxton Park, Somerset. If you’re after an activity-filled Christmas day out that won’t be spoiled by the weather, this one’s worth a look. Puxton’s Magical Christmas Wonderland has four festive attractions that the whole family will enjoy. The kids can decorate gingerbread with Mrs Claus, make a festive treat in the Elves’ Workshop and wander through the Christmas Tree Village to find the Wish Granting Tree. Then they get to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and come away with a special gift to keep. It’s easy to reach too, just off Junction 21 of the M5. Find out more on the Puxton Park website. 

Where can children visit Santa near Taunton? 

Rumwell Farm Shop, Somerset. Head to Rumwell Farm Shop and mark the start of the festive season with a free Father Christmas arrival on Sunday 6 December at 9.30am.  There’ll be carols, sweets from the elves and children are encouraged to bring along a homemade welcome banner to cheer Father Christmas as he arrives. Breakfast and refreshments are available to buy too. 

Once he’s arrived, Father Christmas takes up residence in his cosy cabin grotto, which is open on 6, 12 and 13 December. Each child gets a wrapped, age-appropriate gift to take home. Grotto tickets are £16 per child and need to be booked in advance. Full details are on the Rumwell Farm Shop website, so do check there before you go.  

Where can you buy a Christmas tree with activities for children? 

Secret Valley Christmas Trees, Somerset. Choosing the Christmas tree is a highlight for many families, and Secret Valley makes an outing of it. This family-run farm on the edge of the Quantocks at Enmore, just off the M5 at junction 24, offers pick-your-own and premium pre-cut trees. There are lots of activities to keep the kids entertained too, so you can find your perfect tree and keep the little ones smiling. Check the Secret Valley Christmas Trees website for dates, prices and full details. 

Langford Lakes Christmas Tree Farm, Somerset. A family-run farm near Langford Budville, just outside Wellington, Langford Lakes is a lovely place to choose a home-grown, freshly cut Christmas tree. It’s open from 14 November to 23 December, and from 20 November there’s also a festive illuminated trail, Enchantment at Langford Lakes. Make a family day of it and start your own festive tradition. Check the Langford Lakes website and the Enchantment website for details and booking. 

Are there Christmas events for children who love tractors? 

On Sunday 13 December, Middlezoy Football Club hosts its Christmas Charity Tractor Run, raising money for RABI, the farming charity. With festively decorated tractors, a good cause and plenty to see, it’s a treat for any child who loves Christmas and tractors. The run starts from 5pm, and full details are on the event’s Facebook page.  

What are the best Christmas days out at castles and gardens? 

Christmas at Powderham Castle, Devon. From 29 November to 30 December, Powderham Castle and its grounds are dressed for the season, with twinkling lights, festive displays and Christmas music in every room and along the pathways. It’s a magical setting for a family outing or a festive evening out. Check the Powderham Castle website for tickets and full details.  

Merry and Bright at Knightshayes, Devon. A good one for a day out with the kids, with playful festive rooms inside and a garden trail full of family-friendly games outside. Stay until dark on a late-night opening to see the house and trees lit up. It’s suitable for all ages, pushchair-friendly and doesn’t need booking. Check the Knightshayes website for dates and admission details. 

Christmas at Stourhead (National Trust), Wiltshire. Just over the Somerset border, Stourhead’s gardens have an impressive after-dark illuminated trail from 27 November to 3 January. It’s about a mile long and takes around 90 minutes, with a “Sea of Light”, a “Fire Garden” and the “Winter Cathedral” along the way, plus festive food and drink to buy. Tickets must be booked in advance, and only assistance dogs are allowed. Check the Stourhead website for dates and booking. 

Make it a Christmas to Remember: a festive story for ages 3-7 

Whichever events you choose, a Christmas story is a lovely way to build the excitement beforehand or to settle little ones afterwards. A Christmas to Remember, the debut story in the Moor Farm Stories series, is a children’s picture book for ages 3-7 by Hollie Savage.  The book launches on 14 November, where you can join author Hollie Savage for her launch event at Sedgemoor Livestock Market from 10am. You can find more info here.  We'd love to see you there! 

Top tips for Christmas events with young children  

 A Christmas to Remember is the debut children’s picture book for ages 3-7 by Hollie Savage and the first story in the Moor Farm Stories series.