Taunton Town Council is helping bring the town to life this Christmas, with sparkling lights, free festive parking, live entertainment and plenty of reasons to visit the town centre.
From soaking up the atmosphere of the lights and tree, to enjoying live performances and picking up presents from local shops, there will be lots of ways for residents and visitors to enjoy the festive season in Taunton.
Christmas Tree and Lights
Taunton’s Christmas tree is due to arrive on 16 November, ready for the festive season and the switch-on event at Winterfest the following weekend.
Our magnificent reindeer return for another year to sit alongside the tree, with the usual array of lights throughout the town centre. This year, we are going bigger and better, extending our wonderful Christmas lights even further, bringing extra festive sparkle to East Reach, Station Road and Bridge Street.
Winterfest and Christmas Lights Switch-On – Sunday 22 November
Christmas celebrations get underway with Taunton Winterfest on Sunday 22 November, from 10am to 8pm, with the Christmas Market, festive food and drink, live entertainment, fairground rides and not forgetting the much-loved Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm. Apple FM will be hosting the main stage & introducing the entertainment throughout the day, whilst broadcasting the event live on 97.3fm, online and through their app from 10am until the close at 8pm
Organised by independent event organisers Unique Events and Ben De-Vey’s Family Funfairs and sponsored by Taunton Town Council, Winterfest will bring festive activity and entertainment to the town centre throughout the day.
This year, the Christmas lights will be switched on by members of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service alongside the Mayor of Taunton, celebrating the people who help keep our communities safe.
Public toilets and the multi storey will remain open
Free Festive Parking
To make it easier to visit the town centre and support local businesses, Taunton Town Council is offering free all-day parking on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December in participating town centre car parks.
Usual parking terms and conditions will still apply, including any short-stay and long stay restrictions. Whirligig Lane car park is not included in the offer on Saturday 12 December as EAT Festival will be taking place in the town centre, limiting access.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Somerset Council car parks and parking information before travelling.
Festive Entertainment Around Town
The town centre will be filled with festive sounds on the last four Saturdays before Christmas: 28 November, 5 December, 12 December and 19 December.
Taunton Town Council is supporting a programme of street entertainment, with musicians, performers and other talented acts bringing seasonal cheer to the streets. Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of the performances and where to find them.
The programme is weather dependent, so some performances may need to change or be cancelled.
Local musicians are also welcome to busk in Taunton town centre during the festive season. No licence is required, with guidance is available on the Taunton Town Council website.
Late-Night Shopping and Extended Toilet Opening
Planning to visit Taunton for late-night Christmas shopping? Many shops open for late-night Christmas shopping every Thursday throughout December, giving visitors more time to enjoy the town centre. To make this experience more comfortable, our public toilets at Canon Street Car Park, Paul Street and Castle Green will remain open until 9pm on Thursdays in December.
Carols Around the Bandstand
A much-loved Taunton Christmas tradition returns to Vivary Park on Monday 7 December at 6.30pm, with Carols Around the Bandstand.
Bring your family and friends, wrap up warm and join the community for an evening of festive singing. More details about this year’s event will be shared nearer the time.
The Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Bev Fernandes, said:
“Christmas is a wonderful time to come together as a community, and we’re pleased to be supporting a range of activities to help people enjoy our town.
With festive lights, music, our wonderful tree and opportunities to shop locally, Taunton has plenty to offer this Christmas. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors into town to celebrate the season and support the independent businesses that make Taunton special.”
For regular updates and more information, make sure to follow @TauntonTownCouncil on Facebook and Instagram
