Christmas in Weston-super-Mare is about so much more than twinkling lights and a trip to see Santa? Think hurtling down a toboggan slope beneath 10,000 sparkling lights, gliding across real ice, exploring a magical winter wonderland deep underground and watching more than 150 Volkswagen vehicles transform into a dazzling festive convoy.
And that’s just for starters. Imagine fiery street performances and runners dressed as Christmas puddings racing across the beach to pantomime mischief. It’s fair to say Weston and the surrounding North Somerset countryside are packed with festive surprises.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a festive escape with your favourite people or simply looking for something a little different this Christmas, it’s time to discover just how much fun the season can be on the Somerset coast.
Ready to make some unexpected Christmas memories? Let’s go!
Christmas fireshow and lights
Weston’s Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 14 November 2026 | Italian Gardens, Weston-super-Mare
Why wait until December for a little Christmas magic? Weston kicks off the festive season in spectacular style with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, bringing live music, a Christmas market, fiery performances and a parade through the town centre.
Expect plenty of atmosphere as the Italian Gardens come alive with entertainment throughout the afternoon. Look out for the spectacular Flame Oz performers, who’ll be taking to the streets on stilts before delivering a fire show that’s sure to warm up the crowd!
There’ll be live music from solo artists, the Rock Choir and Weston Brass, building up to the big moment when the Christmas lights are switched on. Then the celebrations continue with a lively parade down High Street, led by a marching band and featuring the Mayor and Flame Oz with dazzling LED poi.
And for a little extra Weston magic? Keep your eyes peeled for a real-life Weston beach donkey! Because what would Christmas in Weston be without one of its most distinctive local characters?
Make an afternoon and evening of it: Browse the Christmas market, soak up the festive atmosphere and stay for the big switch-on and parade.
Top Tip: After the lights switch on, head for the seafront and the always spectacular Fireworks At Sea show fireworks display.
Vee dubs christmas cruz
December 2026 | Route through Weston-super-Mare
Forget your ordinary Christmas lights display. How about more than 150 Volkswagen vans and cars, dressed from bumper to bumper in Christmas lights, rolling through Weston in one enormous festive convoy?
The Vee Dubs Christmas Cruz is a Christmas spectacle with a difference, transforming the town into a moving sea of colour, sparkle and festive cheer. Think illuminated Christmas trees, oversized Santas, dazzling decorations and enough twinkling lights to make Rudolph feel right at home.
What started as one couple’s wonderfully wacky idea in 2017 has grown into a major festive favourite, attracting thousands of spectators. Some vehicles sport as many as 35,000 lights, with owners putting hours of creativity and preparation into their spectacular displays.
Find a spot along the route, wave to the drivers and enjoy the festive soundtrack as the convoy makes its way from Queensway Retail Park in Worle, along the Boulevard and Weston’s seafront, before finishing at Gallagher Retail Park, near The Range.
And the feel-good factor doesn’t stop at the lights. The Cruz has raised more than £84,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital’s Grand Appeal over the years.
Once the convoy arrives, you may also get the chance to admire the vehicles up close, snap some festive photos and meet the people behind the displays.
Good to know: The parade usually finishes just before 6.30pm. Check Visit Weston’s What’s On calendar for the confirmed 2026 date, route and timings before travelling.
Our Tip: Catch the vans before they all go out at the Queensway Retail Park in Worle.
Twilight tobogganing
6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Mendip Activity Centre
Who needs snow when you can hurtle down a toboggan slope beneath a canopy of more than 10,000 sparkling lights?
Twilight Tobogganing is back at Mendip Activity Centre, bringing its much-loved hidden Lapland experience to Somerset for another festive season. It’s part winter adventure, part magical woodland escape and a whole lot of Christmas fun.
Hop aboard a Zibob toboggan and race down the illuminated slope as dancing lasers and festive tunes create a dazzling backdrop. Complete your descent and you can earn your very own Santa-approved Toboggan Licence!
But the adventure doesn’t end at the bottom of the hill. Follow a twinkling woodland trail to a hidden grotto beneath a whimsical canopy of trees, where the Mendip Elves have more festive magic in store.
Gather around a glowing log fire, toast marshmallows for gooey s’mores and warm your hands around a delicious hot chocolate. Then finish the evening with a sparkling festive photo opportunity, complete with dazzling sparklers.
With more than a decade of festive fun behind it, Twilight Tobogganing is a seasonal favourite, and popular dates can sell out quickly.
Our tip: Book ahead, especially if you’re planning to visit during a peak weekend or the school holidays.
Get your skates on at icescape
20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Puxton Park
Fancy swapping sandy toes for skating boots this Christmas? Icescape is bringing the magic of a real ice rink to Puxton Park, with a large undercover rink where families, friends and skaters of all ages can get their winter skating fix.
Whether you’re gliding gracefully across the ice or clinging to the sides and finding your feet, it’s a brilliant excuse to get everyone together for a festive outing.
And because the rink is undercover, you can enjoy the experience without leaving the fun entirely at the mercy of the British winter weather.
Our tip: Make a day of it by combining your skating session with the other attractions at Puxton Park. Check session times and booking details before you visit.
Christmas cracker fun run
Christmas Cracker 10K and Junior Cracker
Sunday 13 December 2026 | Weston-super-Mare Beach
Santas on the sand? Christmas puddings under the pier? Reindeer racing along the beach? It can only be the Christmas Cracker!
Now in its 38th year, this much-loved festive running event brings a colourful burst of Christmas cheer to Weston’s famous beach. Runners are encouraged to embrace the fancy dress, so expect a wonderfully festive spectacle as participants tackle the 10K course across the beach and tarmac.
Fancy joining in? The race welcomes runners aged 16 and over, whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit. Just remember: no tinsel!
Younger runners can get in on the action too, with the Junior Cracker offering children from Reception to Year 11 the chance to take on an approximately one-mile course entirely on the beach. Every junior finisher receives a medal.
Prefer to stay warm on the sidelines? Grab a spot by the beach and cheer on the runners. Fancy dress is very much part of the fun for spectators, too!
Christmas Cracker 10K
• Time: 11am
• Entry: £18 affiliated / £20 unaffiliated
• Minimum age: 16
• Where: Weston-super-Mare Beach, by the Grand Pier
• Entry: Advance booking required; no entries on the day
Junior Cracker
• Time: 10am
• Entry: £3
• Where: Weston-super-Mare Beach
• Bonus: A medal for every finisher
Entries close on 11 December 2026. Race HQ is at The Royal Hotel on Royal Parade, around a 20-minute walk from the beach start, so leave plenty of time to get into position.
Run it, cheer it on or simply enjoy the spectacle. This is Christmas with a healthy dose of seaside spirit!
oh yes, it is! It’s panto time
Aladdin at The Playhouse
Friday 4 – Thursday 31 December 2026 | The Playhouse
Ready to shout, sing, cheer and possibly get covered in toilet rolls? Weston’s Christmas pantomime is back, and this year it’s time to climb aboard the Magic Carpet for a spectacular adventure with Aladdin!
Starring Union J’s Jaymi Hensley as Aladdin, alongside panto favourites Mike Goble and Collette Stewart, with Paul Davies and Gareth Davies returning by popular demand, this festive favourite promises a generous helping of sparkle, silliness and show-stopping entertainment.
Join Aladdin, his hilarious brother Wishee Washee and the gloriously flamboyant Widow Twankey as they get caught up in a whirlwind of mischief, mayhem and mountains of laundry.
There’s a princess to win over, a wicked Abanazar to outwit and a magic lamp with the power to change everything. Add a Genie, a Magic Carpet, glittering costumes, big musical numbers and plenty of audience participation, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a proper Christmas panto.
Expect belly laughs, festive fun and the kind of family entertainment that has everyone joining in, whether they’re sitting in the front row or the back.
Oh yes, you will! Book your tickets and get ready for a magical trip to the theatre this Christmas.
A little piece of Lapland in Somerset
A winter wonderland
Selected dates from 21 November – 24 December 2026 | Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole’s much-loved ‘s Winter Wonderland is being reimagined on a whole new scale, promising an experience that’s three times as big, more immersive and packed with fresh festive surprises.
This year, the magic begins deep inside an enchanted forest. From there, you’ll climb aboard the brand-new Wookey Express for a spectacular 4D adventure through a snow-covered world, complete with immersive effects, motion and magical visuals.
The train can carry up to 24 passengers, including wheelchair users, making it a memorable part of the journey for the whole family.
And at the end of the adventure? Father Christmas awaits in his grotto, ready to greet the children before they head to his busy toy factory, where every child can choose a special gift included in the ticket price.
But don’t rush off just yet. There’s a whole festive world to discover, with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the famous caves, spectacular underground Christmas projections, a Christmas-themed circus show from Wookey Hole Circus School and a festive film in the 4D cinema.
When can you visit? The event runs on selected dates, with weekend dates from 21 November into mid-December and daily visits from 19–24 December. Check the official booking calendar for the exact dates available.
make this christmas one to remember
From a spectacular lights switch-on in the town centre to an illuminated convoy, festive beach racing, real ice skating and magical adventures with Father Christmas, Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding Somerset countryside offer plenty of ways to make the most of the season.
And this is just the beginning. There are Christmas markets to browse, smaller festive events to discover and plenty more reasons to get out and about.
Ready to fill your festive calendar? Explore our What’s On calendar for Christmas markets, seasonal activities and even more events happening across Weston-super-Mare.
