This year, The Bishop’s Palace in Wells will once again be celebrating the magic of the Christmas season over two weeks of festive fun!
From 8-23 December, the rooms of the medieval Palace building will each be adorned with decorations on a different theme, from medieval through Victorian to Nordic. The Entrance Hall will be warmed by a roaring fire, and seasonal greenery and foliage from the Palace Gardens will be used to create stunning adornments to complement the historic interiors.
For younger visitors, a ticket can be bought to visit Father and Mother Christmas who will be meeting children upstairs in their Grotto on 8, 14, 15,18, 21 and 22 December. Each child will get individual time with Father Christmas, and of course, a gift! Tickets for Father Christmas are almost sold out at the weekends, but some can still be purchased online. This year the Palace has added an extra date; Wednesday 18 December, which could suit pre-schoolers and those who prefer a quieter environment.
There will also be a Christmas-themed family trail which will take visitors through the Palace & Gardens, leading to a traditional nativity scene at the end. Family Christmas craft sessions will be taking place daily upstairs at the Palace, giving children the chance to create handmade decorations, perfect as a gift to granny or to adorn their own tree. Check the website for further details about timings.
In addition, on Saturday 14 and 21 December, Wells Theatre Company will be performing a costumed reading of Dickens atmospheric tale A Christmas Carol in the Undercroft of the Palace at 11am and 2pm. The shows will last around an hour and will involve costumed actors, musicians and carol singers bringing this timeless tale to life in a wholly unique way around the medieval pillars of the stunning ancient hall.
Each weekend there will be a selection of musical performances in the Chapel, based on Christmas themes and the café will be selling mulled wine and mince pies to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Entrance to Christmas at the Palace is included in standard admission, Father Christmas tickets are £10 per child and include admission for the child, and must be accompanied by a paying adult/member.
For more information and to book tickets, click here