Thursday, December 21

Taunton's Farmers' Market

THE Vale is a genuine Farmer and Producers co-operative which has grown from strength to strength since its launch in 1999. We are fully certified by FARMA – the National Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association, so you can be confident you are really buying local produce.

It all takes place in Taunton High Street, every Thursday from 9am until 3pm, year round.

Cards for Good Causes Charity Christmas Shop

THIS is the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation.

Buying your charity Christmas cards from us means you can choose from a wide range of designs and support more than one charity this Christmas. Choose designs from over 30 charities.

In the past five years, charities have received more than £20 million from Cards for Good Causes - representing at least 70p in every pound out of which charities had to pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT.

The shop is at Taunton Visitor Centre, Market House, Fore Street in Taunton until December 23.

Friday, December 22

Colours of Exile

The Art of Hans Schwarz at The Museum of Somerset VIBRANT paintings of places and people by the Austrian artist who made his home in London and West Somerset Runs from to 3 March 2018.

Free entry The Museum of Somerset, Taunton Castle, Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset.

Saturday, December 23

Phoenix Singers present

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Conductor: Andrew Maddocks Organist: Ed Jenkins Traditional Congregational carols and choir carols by Warlock, Macmillan, Leighton, Ledger, Chilcott, Hill and Wishart.

The event which starts at 6.30pm is free to attend.

It all takes place at St John The Baptist Church, High Street, Wellington -Taunton Christmas Market TAUNTON Christmas Market will be in the High street until January 7 There will be hot food stalls, craft stalls and fabulous gift ideas.

Sunday, December 24

Get Ready Reindeers

Festive Family Trail HELP Father Christmas get ready for his travels by finding everything he needs to take with him in his sleigh.

Trail: £1 per child. Normal admission applies.

All this festive fun takes place at Hestercombe Gardens, Hestercombe, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset.

Father Christmas MEET Father Christmas in his secret folly….

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy Christmas schedule to take up residence at Hestercombe.father-christmas-in-front-of-the-fire Book now to enjoy a magical experience where every child can speak to the man in red himself and receive their own special toy.

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by one of our friendly Hestercombe elves, then you'll wander through the wintertime gardens to meet Father Christmas.

In his little house, the log fire will be roaring, lights will be twinkling on the Christmas tree and sacks of presents will be waiting.

A visit to Father Christmas is extra special in the dark as you can wander along the illuminated pathway to his garden hideout.

A traditional Christmas day out… Meeting Father Christmas is just one part of an exciting festive day out at Hestercombe.

Make a day of it and enjoy the other Christmas events: glide around on our skate rink, follow the Get Ready Reindeers Trail, take part in wreath making workshops and enjoy a Christmas concert in the Bampfylde Hall.

*Father Christmas can see a maximum of three children in each slot – please book one session for up to three children. If there are more than three children in your group, call on 01823 413923 or email annacrew@hestercombe.com and they can book a double slot for you.

Starts at 10am at Hestercombe Gardens, Hestercombe, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton.

Tuesday, December 26

Festive Skating

GET your skates on… Come and have a go on the undercover skate rink at Hestercombe this Christmas (it's artificial so you won't get too chilly!).

Housed in a magical winter marquee, you can skate whatever the weather and enjoy some festive refreshments rink side too.

Skating at Hestercombe is popular, so booking a time slot is a good idea as spaces fill up quickly on busy days.

Make a day of it… Festive skating is just one part of a day out at Hestercombe this winter. Why not make a day of it and enjoy other Christmas events – come and meet Father Christmas in his secret garden grotto, follow our Get Ready Reindeers Trail, take part in wreath making workshops and enjoy a Christmas concert in the Bampfylde Hall. When you book skating, you are eligible for half price admission to Hestercombe.

All takes place from 10am - 5pm (26 Dec 2017 - 7 Jan 2018) Takes place at Hestercombe Gardens, Hestercombe, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton.

Saturday, December 30

Christmas Race meeting

AT Taunton Racecourse & Conference Centre, Orchard Portman, Taunton All car parking free Courtesy bus from Taunton Railway Station Saturday 12.15pm to 3.45pm - Sunday, December 31 Somerset Walking Club Meet at 10.30am for walk Thurlbear/Orchard Portman Thurlbear Church, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5BW