Plan your visit to the Dunster Winter Festival 2025 with this complete guide covering every event, venue and must-see highlight across the three-day celebration. From medieval displays and festive music to Dunster Castle at Christmas and family activities across the village, this guide will help you enjoy the festival like a local.
Dunster Winter Festival
Dunster Winter Festival
Dunster Winter Festival
Dunster Winter Festival
✨ Friday 5 December – Opening Night
The festival begins on Friday evening as Dunster’s medieval streets come alive with sparkling lights, late-night shopping and a warm, festive atmosphere. Full timings are still to be released, but visitors can expect:
- The first switch-on of Dunster’s winter lights
- Atmospheric High Street views toward the castle
- Open shops, cafés and pubs
- Early entertainment and music
- Seasonal food and drink stalls
Local tip: Arrive around dusk to experience the transition from daylight to candle-lit village – one of the most magical moments of the entire weekend.
🎄 Saturday 6 December – Full Festival Day
Saturday is the busiest and most activity-packed day of the Dunster Winter Festival, offering something for families, history lovers and anyone exploring the village.
🏹 Tithe Barn – 11am–5pm
- Wessex Medieval Alliance encampment
- Child knight training
- Archery and battle displays
- Medieval crafts
- Hot drinks, cakes and savoury snacks from the Knit & Natter Group
- Licensed bar
🎅 National Park Centre – 10am–5pm
- Santa’s Grotto (timed tickets)
- Face painting
- Children’s festive activities
- Village treasure hunt sheets available
- Hosted by Home-Start West Somerset
🎶 St George’s Church – 12pm–5pm
- Live music performances throughout the afternoon
- Including the Blooming Flutes Choir
A peaceful, beautiful setting for festive music.
🏰 Dunster Castle – 11am–4pm
- The castle open and decorated for Christmas
- Meet Rudolf on Green Court
- Explore the grounds in crisp winter colour
Perfect for photographs and a quiet break from the busy village.
🛍️ Village Streets – All Day
High Street • West Street • Church Street • The Steep
- Independent shops open all day
- Seasonal food stalls
- Festive gifts, crafts and winter treats
- Cafés and pubs offering extended hours
🍻 Evening Event – Stags Head (8pm)
- Live folk music
- A cosy, classic Dunster evening to end the day
Photo tip: Capture the Yarn Market at twilight – fairy lights, cobbles and the castle silhouette make an unforgettable shot.
🎉 Sunday 7 December – Final Festival Day
Sunday brings a full programme with a calmer pace – perfect for exploring, relaxing, and enjoying Dunster’s festive atmosphere before the weekend draws to a close.
🏹 Tithe Barn – 11am–5pm
- Wessex Medieval Alliance living-history encampment
- Child Knight Battle at 12pm
- Archery and weapons demonstrations
- Medieval crafts
- Hot drinks, savoury bites and cakes
- Licensed bar
- Hosted by the local Knit & Natter Group
🎶 Yarn Market – 12pm–3:30pm
- Live music and festive performances
- Featuring the West Somerset Brass Band
A central hub of Sunday’s entertainment.
⛪ St George’s Church
- 11am: Sunday Service
- 1:55pm: Torch-lit procession from the Yarn Market to St George’s Church, led by The Medieval Baebes and the Wessex Medieval Alliance
- 2:30pm: Performance by The Medieval Baebes inside the church
This is one of the most atmospheric moments of the entire festival.
🧒 National Park Centre – 10am–5pm
- Santa’s Grotto
- Face painting
- Children’s festive activities
- Village treasure hunt sheets
- Hosted by Home-Start Minehead
🏰 Dunster Castle – 11am–4pm
- Christmas at the Castle
- Meet Rudolf on Green Court
- Watermill demonstrations (11am–2:30pm)
A fantastic mix of history, nature and festive magic.
🛍️ Shops & Food – All Day
- Boutique shops open throughout the village
- Hot drinks, street food and festive stalls
- Hog roast and seasonal menu at the Yarn Market Hotel
- Cafés and pubs open later than usual
Sunday is perfect for Christmas shopping or a warm roast lunch.
🍽️ Where to Eat During the Festival
- Yarn Market Hotel – Breakfast, hog roast, mulled wine, evening meals
- Village cafés – Hot chocolate, pastries, lunches
- Pubs – Cosy fires and hearty winter food
- Street stalls – Mince pies, festive snacks and warm treats
🏨 Staying in Dunster
📸 Best Photo Spots
- Yarn Market at twilight
- High Street looking toward the castle
- St George’s Church
- Conygar Tower viewpoint
- Gallox Bridge in winter light
- Dunster Castle lit for Christmas
🧣 Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for parking
- Wear warm layers – Somerset evenings get crisp
- Comfortable shoes recommended (cobbles!)
- Keep some cash for small stalls
- Mobile signal can be patchy
- Book Saturday meals in advance
🎁 Final Thoughts
The Dunster Winter Festival 2025 brings together history, music, tradition and festive magic in one of England’s most beautiful villages. Whether you’re here for the medieval displays, Christmassy atmosphere, gift shopping or family activities, you’ll find something special around every corner.
Enjoy the lights, explore the castle, support local shops – and make this December weekend truly unforgettable.
Recent Comments