Experience the magic of Christmas in one of England’s best-preserved medieval villages. The Dunster Winter Festival returns for 2025 with three days of festive entertainment, medieval celebrations, and family activities from December 5th-7th. From atmospheric candlelit processions and The Medieval Baebes concert to Santa’s grotto and knights in armor, this festival transforms historic Dunster into a winter wonderland.
Here’s your complete guide to every event, timing, and activity across the festival weekend – plus the best places to stay right in the heart of the action.
What is Dunster Winter Festival?
Dunster Winter Festival is the evolution of the beloved “Dunster by Candlelight“ event which ran for nearly 40 years before concluding in 2023. Organized by a dedicated community interest company formed by local traders, the festival celebrates Christmas in the stunning setting of medieval Dunster, raising vital funds for local charities and community projects.
Festival Dates 2025:
- Friday, December 5th – Evening events (6:30 PM onwards)
- Saturday, December 6th – All day activities (10 AM – 9 PM)
- Sunday, December 7th – All day activities (10 AM – late)
The charming medieval village, overlooked by the magnificent Dunster Castle, will be beautifully dressed for Christmas throughout the weekend.
Complete Event Schedule – Friday 5th December
Medieval Banquet at the Tithe Barn
Time: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Dunster Tithe Barn
Step back in time with a fabulous Medieval Banquet – the festival’s signature Friday night experience!
What’s Included:
- Traditional medieval feast provided by Reeves Restaurant of Dunster
- Licensed bar by Archer Events
- Live music and entertainment by Wessex Medieval Alliance
- Authentic medieval atmosphere
Dress Code: Come dressed in medieval costume – the more authentic, the better! This adds to the immersive festive atmosphere and makes for fantastic photos.
Booking: This is a ticketed event and must be booked in advance through the festival website. Book early as this popular event typically sells out.
Perfect For: Adults and families seeking a unique, immersive Christmas dining experience with historical entertainment.
Complete Event Schedule – Saturday 6th December
Saturday is the busiest festival day with activities running simultaneously across multiple venues throughout Dunster.
Tithe Barn Medieval Encampment
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Dunster Tithe Barn
The Wessex Medieval Alliance brings history to life with a full living history encampment:
Activities Include:
- Interactive medieval life demonstrations
- Talks about life as a child in the Middle Ages
- Fighting and weaponry displays
- Archery demonstrations
- HIGHLIGHT: Kids’ Battles at Noon – Your young knights can fight real knights in armor!
Refreshments:
- Hot drinks, savoury snacks, and cakes by Dunster’s Knit and Natter Group
- Licensed bar by Archer Events
Brian Hoggard’s Medieval Beliefs Talk
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Tithe Barn
“Hidden Charms and Witch Bottles” – A fascinating talk about medieval beliefs, superstitions, and customs by popular historian Brian Hoggard (returning after successful 2024 talk).
National Park Centre Activities
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Exmoor National Park Centre
Children’s Activities:
- Santa’s Grotto – Timed tickets to see Santa (book by calling 01643 707304 from November)
- Face painting
- Children’s activities brought to you by Homestart Minehead
- Collect your festive village treasure hunt form here
Memorial Hall
Open Throughout the Day
The Memorial Hall will be open and beautifully dressed for Christmas.
Yarn Market
Time: Throughout the Day
Location: Historic Yarn Market, High Street
Enjoy a rolling programme of music and performances in this iconic medieval structure at the heart of Dunster.
St George’s Church
Time: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM
Location: St George’s Church
Rolling programme of music including a special performance by Blooming Flutes Choir. The beautiful church provides a stunning atmospheric venue for festive music.
Dunster Castle
Open Throughout the Day
Location: Dunster Castle (National Trust)
The castle will be open and magnificently dressed for Christmas:
- Meet Rudolf on Green Court – Special reindeer experience for children
- Explore the castle’s festive decorations
- Spectacular views over the festival activities below
Castle Stables/Entrance
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Activity: Reindeer Services
Dunster Watermill
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Activity: Live milling demonstrations
Watch this historic working watermill in action – a fascinating glimpse into Dunster’s industrial heritage.
Trader Events Throughout Dunster
Festive shopping in the High Street, Church Street, West Street & The Steep. All cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops will be open, with most trading later than usual.
Special Events Include:
Ashleigh Bishop Fine Art
- Art exhibition throughout the day
The Stags Head
- 8:00 PM: Live folk music
Yarn Market Hotel – Full Day Programme:
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Full English Breakfast £10
- Mid-morning onwards: Teas, coffee, mulled wine, lemonade
- 12:00 Noon onwards: Lunchtime menu with background music by Simon the Harpist £20
- 12:00 Noon until sold: Hog Roast with stuffing and Dunster apple sauce £7
- 4:30 PM onwards: Evening menu with background music by Simon the Harpist from £20
Reservations: Phone 01643 821425 or email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
More trader events to be announced – check the festival website for updates.
Complete Event Schedule – Sunday 7th December
Sunday features the festival’s magical finale with the candlelit procession and The Medieval Baebes concert.
Tithe Barn Medieval Encampment
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Dunster Tithe Barn
The Wessex Medieval Alliance continues with living history displays:
Activities Include:
- Interactive medieval life demonstrations
- Talks about life as a child in the Middle Ages
- Fighting and weaponry displays
- Archery demonstrations
- Kids’ Battles at Noon – Your young knights can fight real knights in armor!
Refreshments:
- Hot drinks, savoury snacks, and cakes by Dunster’s Knit and Natter Group
- Licensed bar by Archer Events
Yarn Market
Time: 12:00 Noon – 3:30 PM
Location: Historic Yarn Market
Programme of music and performances including the popular West Somerset Brass Band.
St George’s Church – Sunday Service and Concert
11:00 AM – Sunday Service
2:30 PM – Concert by The Medieval Baebes (ticketed event)
THE GRAND FINALE: Torch-lit Procession
Time: 1:55 PM
Route: From the Yarn Market to St George’s Church
The festival’s spectacular finale – a magical candlelit procession through the medieval streets:
- Led by The Medieval Baebes
- Accompanied by the Wessex Medieval Alliance
- Hundreds of visitors carrying candles/torches
- Atmospheric walk through historic Dunster
- Concludes with The Medieval Baebes concert at St George’s Church
Tickets: Concert tickets available through the festival website – book early as this is expected to sell out.
Memorial Hall
Open Throughout the Day
Visit the Village Museum and the unique Doll Collection – one of the largest doll collections in England, started by Mrs Mollie Hardwick.
National Park Centre Activities
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Exmoor National Park Centre
Children’s Activities:
- Santa’s Grotto – Timed tickets to see Santa (book by calling 01643 707304 from November)
- Face painting
- Children’s activities brought to you by Homestart Minehead
- Collect your festive village treasure hunt form here
Dunster Castle
Open Throughout the Day
Location: Dunster Castle (National Trust)
The castle will be open and dressed for Christmas:
- Meet Rudolf on Green Court – Special reindeer experience
- Festive decorations throughout
- Stunning views over the village
Castle Stables/Entrance
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Activity: Reindeer Services
Dunster Watermill
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Activity: Live milling demonstrations
Trader Events Throughout Dunster
Festive shopping in the High Street, Church Street, West Street & The Steep. All cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops will be open and trading later than usual on Sunday.
Special Events Include:
Ashleigh Bishop Fine Art
- Art exhibition throughout the day
Yarn Market Hotel – Full Sunday Programme:
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Full English Breakfast £10
- Mid-morning onwards: Teas, coffee, mulled wine, lemonade
- 12:00 Noon until sold: Hog Roast with stuffing and Dunster apple sauce £7
- 12:00 Noon onwards: Sunday Roast with seasonal background music by Angela Morecroft £20
- 4:00 PM onwards: Sunday Evening Meals from £20
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Drinks reception and piano recital by award-winning young pianist River Peryer. Limited seating – £35 to include lunch before OR dinner after
Reservations: Phone 01643 821425 or email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
More trader events to be announced – check the festival website for updates.
Stay in Dunster – Holiday Cottages for the Dunster Winter Festival Weekend
Make the most of your festival visit by staying right in Dunster or within easy walking distance. Having local accommodation means you can enjoy all three days without driving concerns, participate in evening events, and soak up the medieval atmosphere.
Booking Tips:
- Book early – Dunster accommodations fill quickly for the festival weekend
- Saturday-to-Saturday bookings may be available
- Short breaks possible outside peak season
- Contact The Best of Exmoor team for personal recommendations: they know every cottage in their portfolio
What Else to Do in the Area?
Extend your festival visit and explore more of what Dunster and Exmoor have to offer:
In Dunster Village
Historic Attractions:
- Dunster Castle – 1,000-year-old castle with spectacular views (National Trust)
- Yarn Market – Medieval octagonal market building
- St George’s Church – Beautiful medieval church with fascinating history
- Dunster Museum and Doll Collection – Village history and unique doll collection
- Dunster Watermill – Working 18th-century watermill
Walks from Dunster:
- Conygar Tower – Short hill walk to folly with panoramic views
- Dunster Beach – 1 mile walk to beautiful shingle beach
- Giant’s Chair – Circular walk with prehistoric hill fort
- Bat’s Castle – Iron Age heritage site
- Dunster Deer Park – Historic parkland walks
Nearby Attractions (Within 10 Miles)
Coastal Towns:
- Minehead (1.5 miles) – Seaside town with harbour and promenade
- Porlock (5 miles) – Charming village with shops and walks
- Porlock Weir (6 miles) – Picturesque harbour village
Exmoor Highlights:
- Selworthy (3 miles) – Picture-perfect thatched village
- Dunkery Beacon (6 miles) – Exmoor’s highest point (1,704 feet)
- Horner Water (4 miles) – Beautiful wooded valley
- Webber’s Post (7 miles) – Spectacular viewpoint
History: From Candlelight to Winter Festival
For nearly 40 years, “Dunster by Candlelight” was a beloved Christmas tradition that drew thousands of visitors to the medieval village each December. Founded in 1986 by Hannah Bradshaw, the event grew from a small village celebration into one of Somerset’s premier Christmas attractions.
In 2023, after years of dedicated service, the original organizing committee announced the end of Dunster by Candlelight. The event had grown too large and complex to continue to be organized by the long-serving committee members.
However, local traders and community members rallied together, forming a community interest company to ensure the tradition would continue. The result was the Dunster Winter Festival – keeping beloved elements like atmospheric lighting, entertainment, and the magical village setting while adding new medieval-themed activities and making the event sustainable for future years.
The inaugural 2024 festival faced extreme challenges when Storm Darragh, one of the winter’s worst storms, forced the cancellation of most outdoor activities. Despite this, the community spirit shone through – The Medieval Baebes concert in St George’s Church went ahead as planned, and the festival still managed to raise funds for local causes.
For 2025, the festival has expanded to three days, added new attractions, and refined the programme based on 2024’s experiences. The dedication of the community ensures this cherished tradition continues for generations to come.
Make Your Festival Reservation
Essential Actions Before You Go:
- Book Accommodation NOW – Dunster and surrounding cottages fill quickly
- Purchase Tickets for ticketed events:
- Medieval Banquet (Friday)
- The Medieval Baebes Concert (Sunday)
- Book through: https://www.dunsterwinterfestival.co.uk/ticketed-events
- Reserve Santa’s Grotto – Call 01643 707304 from November for timed tickets
- Book Restaurant Tables – Yarn Market Hotel and other venues fill up fast:
- Call 01643 821425 or email hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
- Check Festival Updates – Follow on Facebook and Instagram for weather updates and programme changes
Festival Information:
- Website: https://www.dunsterwinterfestival.co.uk/
- Phone: Check website for contact details
- Social Media: Facebook and Instagram @winterfestivaldunster
Note: Events and times may be subject to change before the event. In the event of bad weather, events may need to be relocated, postponed or cancelled. Updates will be made available on Facebook and Instagram.
Final Tips for an Amazing Festival Weekend
The Dunster Winter Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Christmas magic in one of England’s most beautiful medieval villages. With three days of entertainment combining traditional Christmas activities with Dunster’s fascinating medieval heritage, the festival creates memories that last long after the decorations come down.
Whether you’re watching knights in armor, listening to The Medieval Baebes in candlelight, meeting Santa with excited children, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable village dressed for Christmas, the Dunster Winter Festival 2025 promises to be truly special.
Book your accommodation early, plan your visit, and prepare for a magical medieval Christmas celebration on Exmoor!
FAQ
1. Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Dunster Winter Festival?
Most activities are free, but you must book tickets for the Medieval Banquet (Friday), The Medieval Baebes Concert (Sunday 2:30 PM), and Santa’s Grotto by calling 01643 707304.
2. What time should I arrive, and where can I park?
Arrive before 11 AM on Saturday for parking, or stay locally and walk. Main car park at Dunster Steep (postcode TA24 6SH).
3. Is the Dunster Winter Festival suitable for young children?
Yes! Kids can visit Santa, fight knights in armour at noon, meet reindeer, and enjoy the magical torch-lit procession on Sunday.
4. What should I wear and bring to the festival?
Wear warm, waterproof layers and comfortable shoes. Bring a torch for Sunday’s procession, cash, and a camera.
5. What happens if there’s bad weather during the festival?
Most activities have indoor alternatives in the Tithe Barn, National Park Centre and St George’s Church. Check @winterfestivaldunster on Facebook for updates.