Minehead Victorian Christmas returns on Friday 28th November 2025, transforming the town centre into a festive wonderland from 16:30 to 21:00. Preparations and event activities may cause some local disruptions, but we have worked hard to try minimise inconvenience for residents and visitors.

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Christmas ShoppingWe’ve teamed up with Minehead Together Business Association to make late-night shopping magical!
● Extended Hours: Local businesses will stay open later so you can shop at your leisure.● Festive Atmosphere: Stroll through beautifully lit streets and discover unique seasonal offerings.● Victorian Charm: Many shops will embrace the Victorian theme—why not join in with period-inspired attire?
Christmas Market StallsFor 2025, we’ve teamed up with Eat & Drink Arts Festival to bring you an incredible selection of stalls featuring the very best of West Somerset and beyond.
● West Somerset Produce Market: Open from early morning right through the festivities and will be brimming with fresh, seasonal delights.● Local Food & Drink: Indulge in homemade treats, artisan jams, festive bakes and warming drinks.● Arts & Crafts: Find one-of-a-kind gifts from talented local makers—perfect for Christmas presents.● Community Spirit: Charities and community groups will showcase their work, adding heart to the festivities.
Christmas Lights Switch-OnThe highlight of the evening—don’t miss it!
● Official Ceremony: Join us at 18:30 for the big moment at the Event Stage on Blenheim Road/Summerland Junction (near Holland & Barrett).● Lantern Parade: Create your own lantern at The Beach Hotel and join the magical procession! It begins at 18:00 outside Stones, led by the historic Sailor’s Hobby Horse, finishing at the stage—a captivating prelude to the lights. ● Live Performances: Enjoy music and entertainment from local choirs and community groups throughout the evening.● Festive Atmosphere: With street entertainment, delicious food, and late-night shopping, the town will be buzzing with Christmas cheer!

Minehead Victorian Christmas 2025 Event Programme

Your Event Programme is Here!
Curious about what’s happening and where? Want a handy printable version to keep in your pocket so you don’t miss a single festive moment?The full programme is ready—packed with Christmas cheer, magical highlights, and everything you need for an unforgettable evening!
See the image below or Click here to download and start planning your night!

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Affected Areas
The Parade (from Wellington Square/Floyds Corner Junction) to The bottom part of The Avenue (at Tregonwell Road/North Road) will be closed from 13:30 to 23:59 on the day of the event. 
If you live on the diversion route, you should have received a letter. Didn’t get one? Download it here
We’ve also delivered letters to:● Residents within the road closure area● Residents of Market House Lane (which will be access-only)

If you didn’t receive your letter, you can Download it here.
Important Access Notes
● There will be no access to The Parade or Avenue from any side streets● Holloway Street remains open for access only● Restricted vehicular access to Market House Lane with no access back onto The Parade. 
Diversion Routes
This year, the road closure will cover a slightly smaller area, beginning at the junction of North Road and Tregonwell Road at the lower end of The Avenue.
● Vehicles approaching from the seafront will be diverted via Glenmore Road before reaching the closure point.
● Traffic from Wellington Square will be redirected along Townsend, into Ponsford Road and Tregonwell Road, reconnecting with the lower section of The Avenue.
These adjustments will create shorter diversion routes and ensure that inbound buses can continue to serve Alcombe and the seafront. 
However, Ponsford Road in particular is expected to experience increased traffic.
To help keep these routes clear and safe, we kindly ask residents to avoid parking on Ponsford Road, Glenmore Road, and Tregonwell Road during the closure period. Free alternative parking options are available and have been outlined elsewhere.
This is a valued community event, and your cooperation in keeping diversion routes accessible is greatly appreciated.

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We’ve tried to collaborate closely with local bus operators to try and minimise service interruptions during the Minehead Victorian Christmas event. This year, we shortened the road closure footprint to try and keep services moving and reduce disruption.
However, restrictions caused by the new electric buses on Service 28/28A mean this was not possible. Please check the details below and plan ahead. We are extremely disappointed by this outcome and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.
If you plan to travel by bus to or from Minehead during the road closure hours of 13:00 & 23:59:● Check the updated routes and stops in advance.● Confirm the latest information before your journey, as event logistics can evolve. Bus Route Changes
Route 11 (Town Service – Taunton Minibuses) The first two journeys at 10:02 and 12:02 will operate as normalThe 14:02 and 16: 45 (From Minehead Hospital) has been CANCELLED Route 10 (Minehead - Porlock; Atwest) FROM 13:00
Outbound Stops Affected: The Avenue  
Nearest Alternative Stop: Minehead Railway Station and Townsend Road  
Inbound Stops Affected: The Parade & The Avenue 
 Route 198 (Minehead - Dulverton; AtWest) Stops Affected: The Parade & Bancks Street  
Nearest Alternative Stops: Minehead Railway Station and Alcombe only 
Route 15 (Bridgwater College - Minehead; Buses of Somerset) Affected Time: 18:08 (Inbound at Minehead Parade) 
Alternative Route: It is hoped the bus will still be able to service 18:04 Alcombe Bus shelter and will re-join its normal route stopping at Minehead Railway Station. Although this is still to be confirmed. 
Routes 28/28A (Minehead - Taunton; Buses of Somerset) IMPORTANT UPDATEFirst Bus has confirmed that due to the increased length and overhang of the new electric buses, they cannot safely use Glenmore Road and Tregonwell Road or turn at Minehead Station. Therefore, during the road closure, both inbound and outbound buses will only serve Butlins.
Diversion RouteInbound: From Ellicombe roundabout → Seward Way → McDonald’s roundabout → Butlins.Outbound: From Butlins → McDonald’s roundabout → Seward Way → A39 back on route.
Inbound Affected Times: 13:50, 14:30, 15:10,15:51,16:40, 17:24, 18:04,18:52,19:25,20:08,21:19, 22:15 (Due times at Minehead Parade) 
Outbound Affected Times: 13:07, 13:47, 14:27, 15:07, 15:47, 16:27, 17:15, 18:14, 19:14, 21:19, 22:34 (Due at Minehead Bancks Street)  SPS Services (Hinkley/Bridgwater Service) SPS Services have confirmed they will not be using the planned diversion route during the event.
New Start/End Point: All SPS buses will start and terminate at Seaward Way (near McDonald’s) for the entire duration of the road closure.
Plan Ahead: If you’re travelling by SPS, please allow extra time and check the temporary stop location before setting off.
For further enquiries SPS can be contacted on: 01278 393500

Taxi Services
Closed Taxi Rank Locations: The Parade (Outside Old Town Hall), The Avenue (Outside Iceland)
Temporary Taxi Rank: Bottom of Bancks Street (Behind Card Factory)
Relocation Timeframe: 13:00 – 23:59

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To help the event run smoothly, parking restrictions will be in place throughout Minehead Town Centre on Friday 28th November. 
Please note that from 13:30 until 23:59, parking will be completely prohibited within the road closure area, and the traffic enforcement team will be actively patrolling to ensure compliance.
But don’t worry—we’ve made it easy for you! Minehead Town Council is providing complimentary all-day parking at the following locations:
● Station Car Park● Alexandra Road Car Park● Summerland Road Car Park● North Road Car Park● Clanville Car Park

This free parking offer applies only on Friday 28th November, so you can enjoy the festivities without the stress of finding a space.
Download our Free Parking Poster for full details and you can also download this handy map of the car park locations. 

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Our heartfelt gratitude goes to:

● Core Highways
● St. Johns Ambulance
● Active Signs
● CJ Lynch & Sons
● Local Businesses
● Rotary Club of Minehead
● Somerset Council
● Community Volunteers & Performers
● Local Emergency Services
● Eagle Plant Minehead
● Jewsons Minehead

And everyone else who has already worked so hard to support the planning of this event. Your support makes this cherished community event possible.

Due to the nature of this event, information is likely to change regularly. Please check back for updates. 
Last Updated: 28/11/25
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