Christmas at The Bishop's Palace is typically a festive occasion for all the family and this year is no exception.

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.

Outside visitors can explore the magical inner gardens of the Bishop’s Palace illuminated with festive decorations and Christmas Illuminations which were so popular last year. And for younger visitors, Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting and meeting children once again in the Palace itself.

Christmas Illuminations:

The Christmas Illuminations can be enjoyed only for our special late openings which are:  3^rd December (Member’s Only), 5^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th and 19^th December.

The Illuminations will begin at 3.30pm on the above evenings and last entry time will be 6.30pm with the inner gardens open until 7.00pm.

Please note that the outer gardens will close at 4.00pm for health and safety reasons.

Access to the Christmas Illuminations is included with any valid admission to the Bishop’s Palace (including The People's Ticket).

"A Christmas Carol" Theatre:

And for theatre lovers, get into the festive spirit with the classic Dickensian tale "A Christmas Carol" which will be performed by Wells Theatre Company on Saturday 11th and Sunday 19th December. 

Performances at 11am, 12.30pm and 3pm.  All performances are included with any general admission ticket. Places are given on a first come first served basis.

Admission: access to the Christmas Illuminations and theatre is included with any valid admission to the Bishop’s Palace (including The People's Ticket). 

Father and Mother Christmas Visits:

Father and Mother Christmas are so excited to meet all the wonderful children from Wells and beyond again this year!   

Each visiting child requires a ticket for their visit to Father Christmas which will include entry to the Palace and the Gardens for that day as well as a gift.  All accompanying adults require a valid admission ticket for the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens.   

Tickets are currently sold out for this year.

Images credit: Freya Steel Photography and Gemma Hicks Photography