Whether you want to take the family to a winter wonderland experience, or enjoy a fantastic seasonal pantomime, Somerset has plenty to offer this Christmas.

Take a look at some of the top venues in Somerset offering exciting activities during the upcoming festive season.

Somerset County Gazette:

American Museum & Gardens

During December, visit the American-inspired winter wonderland at the American Museum and Gardens in Bath. The Georgian manor house will be festooned with hundreds of beautiful, handcrafted decorations, with a stunning 18ft Nordmann fir tree from Langford Lakes at the heart of the museum. Dressed with 9,000 twinkling lights and unique ornaments, a visit to the classic tree is a lovely way to get in touch with the Christmas spirit.

Frosty gardens with spectacular valley views are a haven for wildlife and peaceful spaces for fresh winter walks and wellbeing.

Throughout the month, you can enjoy fun Christmas workshops and festive food and drinks at the American Garden Deli. The popular LEGO bricks exhibition Brick America is open until December 31. See the website for full information and opening times.

Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

Tel: 01225 460 503

Web: americanmuseum.org

Somerset County Gazette:

Theatre Royal Bath

The fabulous family pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Bath between 7 Dec 2023 and 7 Jan 2024 promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained!

EastEnders' and West End star Neil McDermott will play Prince Vincent, alongside Bath favourite Jon Monie as Lester the Jester, EastEnders' Nick Wilton as Dame Nanny Nora, Hollyoaks' Sarah Jane Buckley as Fairy Snowfall and Maisie Sellwood as Princess Rose.
A beautiful princess pricks her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel that has been cursed by the evil Carabosse at her 18th birthday party.

Can the Good Fairy's magical spell break the curse? The princess can only be awoken by true love's kiss. Will she find her true love and live happily ever after?

Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET

Tel: 01225 448844

Web: theatreroyal.org.uk

Somerset County Gazette:

Lanacre Barn Gallery

Lanacre Barn Gallery, surrounded by stunning Exmoor countryside, is putting on a spectacular and exciting Christmas exhibition with strong Exmoor overtones.

Taking place between November 18 and December 3, the exhibition is open daily between 11am and 5pm, featuring work from 11 professional artists, all exhibiting in a wide variety of different mediums. The exhibition has oil painting, watercolours, charcoal drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics and relief printmaking all under one roof. There's something for everyone, including giclee prints, Christmas cards and wreaths, with browsers and shoppers equally welcome.

The gallery has off-road parking, public amenities and refreshments available with wonderful walks and pub lunches all within a short distance of the gallery. The perfect combination for a great day out. For more information and full directions, please visit the website.

Lanacre Barn Gallery, Lanacre, Withypool, Exmoor TA24 7SD

Tel: 07814420913

Web: moorlandart.com

Somerset County Gazette:

Bath Bach Choir

Bath Bach Choir and its artistic director, Benedict Collins Rice, are delighted to present four one-hour concerts of beautiful Christmas music in the splendid surroundings of the Pump Room in Bath. 

Taking place on Thursday December 21 and Friday December 22, from 7pm to 8pm and then 8.30pm to 9.30pm at The Pump Room Bath (next to Bath Abbey), these concerts celebrate the festive season in style with some heartwarming entertainment.

There will be special guest appearances by Voices for Life Bath Children's Choir whose young members will share the thrill of making music within their local community. 

Tickets cost £20, £15, £12 (U18/student concessions available) and are available from October 23 at Bath Box Office.

34 Watch House Place, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7AU

Tel: 07508 940807

Web: bathbachchoir.org.uk

Somerset County Gazette:

Trading Post Farm Shop

The Christmas marquee at the Trading Post Farm Shop is bigger and better than ever. It's absolutely brimming with everything you could possibly need this Christmas, from chocolates, marzipan and puddings to beautiful tins filled with tea, biscuits and confectionery.

A huge variety of locally sourced Christmas essentials alongside local art and crafts make this the perfect destination if you want to keep it local this Christmas. For those of you who like Christmas delights from across the world you can find everything here, from panettone, panforte, baklava and stolen, to marron glaci@, glaci@ fruits, cantucci and biscotti.

Open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm every Sunday with ample parking, the Trading Post Farm Shop is a destination not to be missed this Christmas.

Lopenhead, Nr South Petherton TA1 3 5JH

Tel: 01460 241666 

Web: tradingpostfarmshop.co.uk