SOMERSET Christmas market season has officially kicked off with a frenzy of festive joy at the Hestercombe House Christmas Market which took place from Friday, November 15-Sunday, November 17.

Thousands flocked to Hestercombe’s bustling annual Christmas Market, near Taunton, featuring festive stalls bursting with beautiful locally sourced gifts, treats and unique hand-crafted items made by local artisans, jewellers, bakers and creatives perfect to fill your stockings with.

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With the event showcasing a carefully curated mix of over 60 incredible South West based stallholders, a little bit of everything was on offer from doughnut flavoured beer from Quantock Brewery who partnered with the renown Dough Bros, intricate ornaments for your tree from Coco & Ned to delicious gluten free Christmas pudding mixes from Plum Duff and Stuff.

Visitors were truly spoiled for choice with their ticket not only providing full access to the award-winning local businesses stalls spread across the sprawling grounds, inside Hestercombe house and a gazebo adorned with Christmas lights sights and smells, but also the contemporary art gallery and second-hand bookstore.

Overall, the event was a roaring success with the masses flocking to get their Christmas fix including crumbly mince pies, creamy hot chocolate and homemade mulled wine.

“Hestercombe got me so into the festive spirit, I loved it,” a visitor spokesperson said. “It felt like being in the North Pole.”