Festive lights, funky nights and sacred rites: Somerset’s week of Christmas chaos
By Laura Linham 18th Dec 2025
By Laura Linham 18th Dec 2025
What's On in Shepton Mallet is brought to you by the Bath & West Showground — home to the biggest events in Somerset — and La Bella Italian Restaurant.
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Let's be honest: nobody really knows what day it is between now and New Year's. But fear not – the good people of Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet and Wells have decided to fill that seasonal black hole with soul nights, sacred mistletoe rites, carol services and the odd ghost story. Here's your festive what's on, one mulled wine at a time.
FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER
Wells starts the weekend as it means to go on – with some spine-tingling storytelling at the Mistletoe Bough in Town Hall. It's a ghost story, it's a candlelit history lesson, it's a mince-pie moment. Get spooked and seasonal all at once.
Meanwhile, Carols by Candlelight begins its three-night run at Wells Cathedral, featuring an actual sea of candles, actual choirs, and probably a few thousand smartphones held aloft to prove you were there.

SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER
If you thought Saturday would offer a lie-in, think again. Glastonbury's cramming in more Christmas than your nan's pudding.
First up, Christmas Storytime at Baltonsborough's St Dunstan's Church Rooms offers traditional tales, improvised nonsense, and a magic show, all in aid of a crumbling wall. BYO blanket. Cushions optional but encouraged.
Just down the road, the legendary Glastonbury Brass Christmas Concert brings some seasonal brass to St John's Church, with the added bonus of a bar, raffle and guest singer Harriet Cameron – which frankly sounds like a better offer than most office parties.
Elsewhere in town, it's time to fix your broken toaster and your spirit at the Glastonbury Repair Café. Household items welcome, provided they're clean. Volunteers will attempt to mend your tech, your kettle, and possibly your faith in humanity. Cake included.
Over in Shepton Mallet, Hip City Classic Soul Christmas Party hits The Art Bank from 7pm. Expect Motown, Northern Soul, and more Santa-worthy grooves than you can shake a tinsel-covered hip at.
Also on Saturday 20 December, Shepton's getting lit (in the literal sense) with a festive Lantern Parade kicking off at 5pm from the Band Stand.

SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER
If you see fairy-lit tractors rolling through your village, don't panic – it's just the Wells and Glastonbury YFC Illuminated Tractor Run lighting up the countryside for charity. The convoy starts at Worthy Farm at 4.30pm and parades through Shepton, Wells and Glastonbury like a rural conga line with headlights. Wrap up, wave, but don't get too close – these are not tractors to mess with.
In Shepton, it's a double whammy at St Peter and St Paul's. The Carol Service serves up mulled wine, mince pies and classic Christmas readings, while over at St Paul's School, the Journey of the Magi dance performance kicks off at 6.30pm. Think nativity meets tap shoes.

MONDAY 22 DECEMBER
Back in Baltonsborough, things take a Dickensian turn with the Costumed Reading of A Christmas Carol – complete with sweet treats and ghostly vibes. Get there early if you want the good biscuits.
Also that day, Glastonbury gets weird in the best possible way with the Sacred Mistletoe Rite at Cinnamon Lane Park. Starts at 3.30pm. Bring last year's mistletoe, bring a lantern, maybe bring a mate who won't ask too many questions. All welcome.

TUESDAY 24 DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS EVE)
Over at Bridie's Farm in Glastonbury, the tree-planting continues from 10am to 4pm. They're offering soup, sustainability, and surprisingly wholesome vibes. Sign up if you want lunch.
In Shepton, the church is going full festive with two services: the Nativity Service in the afternoon – costumes encouraged – and the candlelit Midnight Communion later on. Dress warmly and try not to nap in the pews.

WEDNESDAY 25 DECEMBER (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Congratulations. You made it to Christmas. If you're still vertical by 10am, the Family Communion at St Peter and St Paul's in Shepton welcomes all ages, with carols, readings, drama and holy communion. Bonus points if you show up in reindeer antlers.
Glastonbury's much-loved Christmas Day lunch is still on — but the traditional town hall meal is off the menu this year. Instead, two alternative venues will open their doors on 25 December:
- St Benedict's Church will run its regular Thursday gathering in the Festival Hall atrium
- The Methodist Church will host a bring-a-dish celebration from 2 pm to 6pm with open mic acts and festive refreshments

SATURDAY 27 DECEMBER
Lost track of time? Excellent. The Loft Lounge in Street is throwing its "What Day Is It?" party – the ultimate post-Christmas, pre-New Year knees-up for those who've forgotten their own postcode. Dinner starts at 6pm, the disco cranks up at 9.30pm, and the only requirement is that you stay up past ten.

WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER (NEW YEAR'S EVE)
Finally, ye brave souls of Wells, if you fancy dancing your way into 2026, head to The Sheppey Soul Shack. DJ Lath returns for seven hours of soul, funk, ska and something called Latin boogaloo. £5 entry, free prosecco before 10pm, and zero tolerance for boring playlists.
Want to add your own event to the list?
Nub your event for free here:
Glastonbury and Street: https://glastonbury.nub.news/nub-it/whats-on-create
Wells: https://wells.nub.news/nub-it/whats-on-create
Shepton Mallet: https://sheptonmallet.nub.news/nub-it/whats-on-create
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