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Wells is lighting up for Christmas with a host of events to bring the community together. From the timeless magic of carols at Wells Cathedral to festive tribute nights and a silent disco, there's plenty to make your holidays merry and bright.

Here's everything you need to know about what's on in and around Wells this Christmas.

The fun begins on Friday, 20th December, with a magical evening of music at Christmas Zest in Ditcheat. Candlelight, mulled wine, and mezzo-soprano Louise Innes combine to create a heartwarming concert featuring Christmas favourites. Meanwhile, fans of disco, funk, and hip hop can head to Glastonbury for Huey Morgan's NYC Block Party, where the Fun Lovin' Criminals frontman promises a night of nostalgic tunes and good vibes.

Over at the Victoria Club in Street, karaoke enthusiasts can take the stage from 7pm to 11pm for a free evening of festive singalongs. This could be your chance to belt out All I Want For Christmas Is You—whether the audience wants you to, or not.

As the weekend arrives, Saturday, 21st December offers a mix of festive treats. The Hip City Classic Soul Christmas Special at Shepton Mallet's Art Bank will have you grooving to Motown and Northern Soul classics on original vinyl. Prefer a bit of 90s nostalgia? Wells hosts Let It Shine, a tribute to Take That, promising all the hits and plenty of singalongs. Don't forget to head out on Saturday for the beautiful Shepton Mallet Lantern Festival, which features a parade of handmade lanterns, made in all shapes, colours and sizes of willow and tissue paper. The parade starts in Collett Park at 5pm and then follows a Samba Band through the centre of town to the Market Place.

For those in need of a little calm amidst the festive chaos, the Gong and Sound Bath at Deeper Balance Studio offers an hour and a half of stress-busting sound therapy.

And if you're looking for a quintessential Christmas experience, Carols by Candlelight at Wells Cathedral is a must, with its stunning candlelit atmosphere providing the perfect setting for traditional carols.

The festive cheer continues into Sunday, 22nd December, with a unique event in Glastonbury. The Sacred Mistletoe Rite invites attendees to Cinnamon Lane Park to honour the mistletoe tradition. Bring a lantern and last year's mistletoe to join this one-of-a-kind celebration.

As Christmas Eve approaches, there's still plenty to enjoy. Studio24 in Wells will host a Silent Disco featuring 80s, 90s, and Christmas classics—headphones on, festive moves at the ready. And if karaoke is more your speed, the Victoria Club is once again opening its doors for another evening of free singalongs from 7pm to 11pm.

Christmas Eve offers plenty of opportunities for families to celebrate, with Crib Services at St. Andrew's Church, Compton Dundon, at 3pm, and at Street Parish Church and Holy Trinity Church, Walton, at 4:30pm. Midnight Christmas Communion will follow at Walton at 9:30pm and at Street Parish Church at 11:30pm.

On Christmas Day, enjoy a range of services, including Christmas Day Communion at St. Andrew's Church, Compton Dundon, at 10am, and an All-Age Christmas Celebration at the Mission Church in Street at 10:30am. The festivities continue into the New Year with a Benefice Communion Service at Street Parish Church on 29th December.

For Boxing Day, the Victoria Club returns with a Family Disco from 12pm to 6pm. It's the perfect opportunity to shake off the Christmas Day slump and get everyone moving again.

As 2024 draws to a close, New Year's Eve at the Victoria Club promises a fun night with the Illusion Disco starting at 8pm. Members get in free, and visitors can join the party for just £5.

Of course, the festive fun doesn't stop with individual events. Santa's Quiet Grotto at Dobbies Garden Centre in Shepton Mallet offers a sensory-friendly Santa experience throughout December, tailored for neurodiverse children. Meanwhile, the Festive Ice Rink at Clarks Village is open until 5th January, perfect for families or anyone who fancies gliding into the New Year.

If you're up for a festive adventure, don't miss Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland. With illuminated caves, Santa's grotto, and a special appearance from Paddington Bear starting on 27th December, it's a magical outing for all ages.

From carols to karaoke and everything in between, the area is brimming with festive cheer. Whether you're a music lover, a family looking for fun, or someone seeking a unique way to celebrate, there's no shortage of events to make this Christmas unforgettable.

Merry Christmas!