Somerset Winter Wonderland to return 'bigger and better'

Somerset Winter Wonderland returns for its second year, once again at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, open from Friday, November 20 - Thursday, December 24 2026.

Previously open for just over a month, visitors were offered a variety of activities to get involved with at the Winter Wonderland, including a 150-year-old wooden Helter Skelter, an authentic Ice rink, an Après Ski Bar, coffee and hot chocolate bars, alcohol bars, Santa's Grotto, and traditional Christmas market crafts and food stalls - and much more.

This year's winter wonderland will have a few changes that organisers believe will be a hit after receiving feedback from last year's inaugural event.

There will be a bigger ice rink, more funfair rides for all ages, the après winter bar is moving indoors and more.

Organisers have also launched new 'Platinum Twinkle Tickets', which allow unlimited use of the funfair rides on the day of your visit for £12 per person.

A look at the authentic ice rink at Somerset Winter Wonderland 2025, which will be 'bigger' this year. (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

Santa's Grotto. (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

Advertised as the first-ever Winter Wonderland in Somerset last year, one of the three organisers, Francesca Stokes, said this "isn't your average Christmas event".

Francesca told the County Gazette: "Well, when you want a Winter Wonderland, you need some essentials.

"We've got a real ice rink, seasonal food, some rides, Santa's Grotto, a couple of stalls with more still coming in.

"We're really thankful that the County Ground is being used for the event, we're happy that they could see what we were dreaming of and they put their faith in us.

"The response we've had so far has been overwhelming; it is brilliant."

L-R; Manders, Danielle Danter, and Francesca D have helped bring Somerset Winter Wonderland to life. (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

Somerset Winter Wonderland was built and opened over the course of three weeks.

Jamie Cox, chief executive officer of Somerset Cricket Club, previously said: "The organisers have designed a real family event. We firmly believe people love our ground, but mainly in the summer, so let's see if we can expand that fun and be an even bigger part of the community at a different time of the year.

SCC CEO, Jamie Cox, is hoping this can be the start of many festive events at the County Ground. (Image: Harry Mockridge/Newsquest)

"We hope to be known as not just a cricket ground but also for other important community events."

Entry to the Cooper Associates County Ground for Somerset Winter Wonderland will be free of charge. Payment for fairground rides is via Twinkle Tokens, which can be purchased on the day.