Sacred Bristol at Christmas

Inevitably, around this time of year, people are inundated with Christmas adverts, helpfully suggesting how to splurge plenty of cash in their stores. Often it’s easy to forget the meaning behind Christmas and the festival that existed before commercialism took it under its wing and flew with it, shifting the focus away from that tiny swaddled babe in a Bethlehem manger and onto that jolly, bearded fellow.

If you’d like to add a touch of the spiritual to your Christmas celebrations, we’ve put together a list of the most enchanting and unique, sacred spaces around Bristol.

Get your fa la la la las at the ready!

Photo credit, A Campbell, Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral is an extraordinary building filled with secrets of Bristol’s past (if you’ve seen Wolf Hall, the Cathedral appeared in every episode - even doubling as Westminster Abbey for Anne Boleyn’s coronation).

Christmas is a busy time for the Cathedral with many wonderful, festive events, services and concerts taking place including their much anticipated Carols by Candlelight service - click here to see a full list. 

Arnos Vale Cemetery

This verdant 45-acre Victorian cemetery is a beautiful place for a frosty morning walk, followed by a warming cup of coffee at their onsite cafe. There's plenty going on after dark, too, such as performances of a gothic interpretation of A Christmas Carol.

Photo credit, Arnos Vale Cemetery 

Church of St Thomas the Martyr, Redcliffe

This historic church on St Thomas Street, with its tower dating back to the 14th century, remains a wonderful place to reflect, be calm and escape the madness of the festive period. 

St George's Bristol

Standing proud in a leafy setting beneath Cabot Tower, is one of the country’s finest concert halls. A decommissioned church, St George’s Bristol will once again be hosting very special festive performances, including their Christmas Spectacular, The Spirit of Christmas and Handel's Messiah. Also be sure to check out St George's full list of Christmassy events including lots of great local choir performances and Bristol Ensemble's Festive Fiesta.

St Mary Redcliffe Church

One of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in the country, St Mary Redcliffe has kept a watchful eye over Bristol for some 800 years. Head to ‘the fairest… parish church in England’ (according to Queen Elizabeth I) for family carols, Christingle, midnight mass, lunchtime carols plus Treefest where you can see over 100 decorated trees. Click here for a list of Christmas services.

Photo credit, St Mary Redcliffe Church - The winning entry from last year's Treefest 

St James Priory

Get into the spirit of Christmas in Bristol’s oldest building, St James Priory. A haven of serenity and peace in the heart of the city for all visitors.

John Wesley’s Chapel, The New Room 

John Wesley’s Chapel ‘The New Room’, is the oldest Methodist building in the world and the foundation of the early Methodist movement. They'll be welcoming in the season of good will with various events, including Carols by Candelight and Lunchtime Carols. See here for details. 

Photo credit A Campbell, Bristol Cathedral

St John on the Wall

Ever wondered what was behind that little door on Nelson Street? Built into the city walls in the 14th century, this city church stands proud and tall with its ancient city gate and prominent spire, the last remaining section of the original medieval wall. There's also an atmospheric medieval crypt to explore. 

Find out more about Places of Worship in Bristol here.

Read more:

• Christmas in Bristol
• Places of Worship in Bristol