Christmas Illuminations

at Bishop's Palace
Wells Available from Tue 1 Dec to Sun 3 Jan

Visit on weekdays for best price tickets!

Valid from Mon to Thurs at 5pm & 6pm

Spend Christmas at The Bishop's Palace with Christmas Illuminations tickets & see Wells sparkle after dark

Ready for a Christmas light trail with a historic twist? This December, The Bishop's Palace transforms into The Illuminated Palace, bringing The Twelve Days of Christmas to life with spectacular lights, music and festive installations.

  • Follow a magical Twelve Days of Christmas trail through the Palace and gardens
  • Spot everything from golden rings and milk maids to the Palace's very own swans-a-swimming
  • Step inside the medieval Palace as the illuminated trail heads indoors for 2026
  • See historic rooms decorated with dried flowers gathered from the Palace's own gardens
  • Enjoy beautiful classical music as you explore the illuminated trail
  • Hear live local choirs and musicians on selected peak evenings
  • Warm up with mulled wine, mince pies, festive hot chocolate and seasonal treats available to purchase

Whether you're planning a festive family outing, date night or Christmas catch-up with friends, The Illuminated Palace gives you a completely different way to experience The Bishop's Palace after dark.

Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace 2026

  • Dates: 1st December 2026 – 3rd January 2027, excluding 24th, 25th, 26th & 31st December
  • Theme: The Twelve Days of Christmas
  • Suitable For: All ages
  • Duration: Most visitors spend around 1 hour exploring, but you can stay until the event closes
  • Location: The Bishop's Palace & Gardens, Wells, Somerset
  • Off-Peak: 5pm & 6pm entry slots | Site closes at 7pm
  • Peak: 5pm, 6pm & 7pm entry slots | Site closes at 8pm

See The Twelve Days of Christmas brought to life with displays, lights & music

Once the sun goes down, follow the trail through the historic gardens as The Twelve Days of Christmas appear in lights around you. Expect golden rings, milk maids and, rather fittingly for The Bishop's Palace, plenty of swans-a-swimming.

New for 2026, the Illuminations continue inside the medieval Palace. Wander through historic rooms filled with illuminated installations and decorations created with dried flowers gathered from the Palace's own 14-acre gardens.

  • Light Trail: Follow illuminated installations inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas
  • Inside the Palace: New for 2026, the Christmas trail continues through the medieval Palace rooms
  • Christmas Decorations: See dried flowers from the Palace gardens used to decorate the historic interiors
  • Classical Music: Enjoy atmospheric music throughout your journey around the Palace and gardens
  • Live Music: Hear local choirs and musicians performing on selected peak evenings
  • Photo Opportunities: Stop for festive photos among colourful installations, projections and lights

Festive food & drink at The Illuminated Palace

No Christmas lights evening is complete without something warm in your hands. The Horsebox and Apple Store in the East Garden serve seasonal drinks and festive treats, including the Palace's signature festive hot chocolate.

On peak evenings, you can also head into the medieval Undercroft for mulled wine, mince pies and other warming treats. Festive Afternoon Teas are available between 4pm and 6pm on peak Illuminations dates and must be booked separately.

Book Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace and wrap up warm for a festive evening of lights, music and Twelve Days of Christmas magic in Wells.

Location

The Bishop's Palace and Gardens

The Bishop's Palace,
Wells,
Somerset,
BA5 2PD
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How to find us

The Bishop's Palace & Gardens is located off Market Place in Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD.

  • By car: Wells is reached via the A371 and A39. For sat nav use BA5 2RE, then continue on foot beneath the Bishop's Eye towards the Gatehouse. Standard visitor parking is available in nearby Wells city centre car parks.
  • By train: Castle Cary is the nearest railway station, around 9 miles from Wells. Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa are both around 21 miles away and have onward bus connections to Wells.
  • By bus: First Bus services 29, 77, 126, 173/4, 375, 376, 377 and X75 stop or pass through Wells. Alight at Wells Bus Station or Wells Market Place.
  • By foot: The Bishop's Palace is in the centre of Wells, next to Wells Cathedral. From Market Place, walk through the Bishop's Eye and follow the path towards the Gatehouse and Portcullis.
Facilities
  • Accessible toilet facilities.
  • Toilets beside the Ticket Office and inside the Palace.
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift to the Palace First Floor.
  • Most of the route is step-free.
  • Wheelchairs and mobility scooters welcomed.
  • Limited pre-bookable accessible parking.
  • Benches and rest areas around the route.
  • Food and drink outlets.
  • Palace bar in the Undercroft on peak evenings.
  • Assistance dogs welcome.
More Info
Is Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Most of the Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace route is step-free and suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Some historic paths can be uneven, sloping or covered with loose gravel, and there is a lift inside the Palace providing access to the First Floor.

Does Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace offer carer tickets? If so, how do I book a carer ticket?

Yes. Visitors who require assistance may be eligible for a complimentary Essential Companion ticket for Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace. Email [email protected] with proof of eligibility to apply.

What age is Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace suitable for?

Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace is designed for visitors of all ages, making it suitable for families, couples and groups of friends.

Is there food and drink at Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace?

Yes. The Horsebox and Apple Store serve festive treats and seasonal drinks. On peak evenings, the Undercroft also serves mulled wine, mince pies and warming treats.

How long does Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace take?

Most visitors spend around one hour exploring Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace. Once you arrive, you can explore at your own pace and stay until the event closes.

Do I need to book Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace as popular dates and time slots can sell out.

Can I take my dog to Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace?

Dogs are welcome in the gardens during Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace, but pet dogs cannot enter the Palace building. Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the event.

Is there parking at Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace?

General parking for Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace is available in Wells city centre. Limited Blue Badge parking is available on site and must be booked in advance by emailing [email protected].

What do Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace tickets include?

Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace tickets include admission to the after-dark Twelve Days of Christmas experience through the gardens and medieval Palace, with illuminated installations and recorded music. Selected peak dates also feature live music.

Are these the cheapest tickets for Christmas Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

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