Christmas in Bristol includes the best gift ever for groups- A new coach park!

07/10/2011

Categories: Official press releases

Tourism officials in Bristol are excited to announce that group travel organisers can expect a great new purpose-built city centre coach park just in time for Christmas in Bristol. The coach park is open from Saturday, 29 October 2011 and is adjacent to the Cabot Circus shopping centre car park. The post code of the coach park is BS2 9AB.

Christmas in Bristol England

New coach park in Bristol

Bristol’s new coach park will be equipped with CCTV cameras and monitored around the clock by the Cabot Circus security team. Overnight parking is available and there is no cost for coaches. Cabot Circus will not implement a booking system initially but may take bookings in the future as awareness about the coach park grows.

The new coach park is not a drop-off point but coach drivers will find a convenient drop location for passengers 300 metres away on Bond Street North, opposite the new Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre BS1 3LE.

The new coach park is in an ideal location for those visiting Bristol for shopping and leisure, and is located at the end of the M32 which should mean less congestion as vehicles will be taken off the road before they reach the city centre. Group organisers can call Cabot Circus at 0117 952 9331 for more details or visit www.cabotcircus.com.

Bristol Christmas Markets

About Christmas in Bristol

Bristol will welcome a seasonal sprinkling of Christmas fairy dust with the announcement of The Bristol Hippodrome’s Christmas panto production of Peter Pan starring David Hasselhoff, along with a flurry of festive fun and frivolity called ‘Christmas in the City’.  

The Bristol Hippodrome’s Christmas panto production of Peter Pan starring David Hasselhoff is not the only sprinkling of fairy dust around the city. A short walk from The Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol’s city centre shopping area is gearing up for a Peter Pan-themed Santa’s Grotto at The Galleries shopping centre. Nearby at Cabot Circus, enhanced light displays will transform the adjacent shops, along with a Christmas skating rink and a special advent calendar launch with David Hasselhoff on 1st December.

Bristol will officially unveil its display of spectacular Christmas in the City cheer on Friday 11th November with the city’s Christmas lights switch-on at Cabot Circus which will welcome a breathtaking fire-themed show. Also in the city centre shopping area, visit traditional Christmas markets, a beautifully lit Christmas tree, and other colourful Christmas activities—all resulting in more festive sparkle than ever before for the South West's shopping capital. 

Top festive events and activities in Bristol

1. Bristol Christmas Markets

Bristol Christmas Markets

Bristol Christmas Markets

  • When:  10 November 2011 until 22 December 2011
  • Where:  City centre shopping area along Broadmead East and Broadmead West, BS1 3DS
  • What:  Set in a yuletide backdrop of the city centre shopping area, Bristol’s Christmas Markets will combine a high quality traditional German theme with a locally inspired market housed in quaint wooden chalet style stalls. Visitors can enjoy unique gift ideas, original hand crafts, decorative items, deliciously festive food and drink—all alongside a selection of the best locally sourced produce. The German Market will run from 10 November until 22 December, with the local market running from 9 until 20 December.
  • Times:  Times vary, see website listing for details

2. Christmas in the City lights switch-on

Bristol Christmas lights switch-on

Christmas lights switch-on fire and light show

  • When:  11 November 2011
  • Where:  Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3AU
  • What:  Join us at 6pm under the glass roof at Cabot Circus to see the Bristol City Centre Christmas lights switched on with a spectacular fire-themed show. Visitors will be treated for a dazzling performance by Cirque Bijou featuring acrobatics, fire, amazing dance routines and a human Catherine-wheel display before brand-new Christmas lights are switched on in the centre of Bristol for the first time.
  • Time:  6pm

3. Peter Pan Christmas Panto with David Hasselhoff

Christmas Bristol David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook

  • When:  10 December 2011 until 8 January 2012
  • Where:  The Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 4UZ
  • What:  Fly away on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement into the magical world of Neverland. Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys in their thrilling adventure to save Tinkerbell from the villainous Captain Hook, played by David Hasselhoff, and his crew of dastardly pirates. With stunning special effects (including amazing flying!) sumptuous costumes, superb sets and a good helping of fairy dust, Peter Pan is the perfect treat for the whole family.
  • Times:  Times vary, see website for details

4. David Hasselhoff Advent Calendar Launch

  • When:  1 December 2011
  • Where:  Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3AU
  • What:  Global mega-star David Hasselhoff is set to wow crowds in Bristol city centre on Thursday 1st December when he officially launches a giant advent calendar at 6pm in Cabot Circus. The Hoff, who stars as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at The Bristol Hippodrome, will be launching the advent calendar competition - which offers you the chance to win fantastic prizes every day until Saturday 24th December. Prizes include daily giveaways of family tickets to watch Peter Pan in January along with prizes from Bristol’s extensive range of attractions, hotels, city centre shops and restaurants.
  • Time:  5pm- Peter Pan character procession begins; 6pm- David Hasselhoff

5. Quakers Friars Christmas Skating Rink

Cabot Circus Skating Rink

Quakers Friars Skating Rink, Cabot Circus

  • When:  11 November until 8 January 2012
  • Where:  Quakers Friars at Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 1BZ
  • What:  Once again the skating rink in Quakers Friars at Cabot Circus will be a major attraction for all the family. Make the most of the wonderful winter season by wrapping up warm and having fun on the outdoor super-glide synthetic skating rink. Skate hire is available and the rink is open until the 8th of January so there’s plenty of time to get your skates on. Prices for a 45-minute session: Adults - £6.00; Children - £4.50; Adult Concession - £4.50; Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) - £18.00. The skating rink is suitable for children aged 3 years and over. They are provided with special bob skates. You can bring your own skates provided they are hockey skates and not ice skates. Each skating session lasts 45 minutes.
  • Times:  Monday to Friday – 12 noon to 8pm; Saturday – 10am to 8pm; Sunday – 10am to 5pm
  • Tickets: Tickets are available from the skating rink cabin in Quakers Friars. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://admiticket.com/event/cabotcircus. Tickets can be emailed or posted to your home. There is a 20% discount offered from the 14th November- 15th December (Mondays- Thursdays) if you book online.

6. Santa's Grotto at The Galleries Shopping Centre

Santa's Grotto The Galleries Bristol

Santa and his helpers at Santa's Grotto, The Galleries

  • When:  12 November 2011 until 24 December 2011
  • Where:  The Galleries shopping centre, 25 Union Gallery, Bristol, BS1 3XD
  • What:  The Bristol Hippodrome isn’t the only organisation with a Peter Pan-themed Christmas spectacular. The Galleries, in Bristol’s main city centre shopping area, will host a vibrant Peter Pan-themed Santa’s Grotto to complement the Hippodrome production. Meet Father Christmas here and enjoy the attractive, three-storey shopping centre, which is home to a further 100 stores. Santa’s Grotto will open 12 November and run until 24 December.
  • Times:  Times vary, see website for updates 

7. Coram Boy (a Bristol Old Vic production) 

  • When:  21 December 2011 until 30 December 2011
  • Where:  Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
  • What:  This Christmas, join Bristol Old Vic at Colston Hall for an epic tale of love, loss and reunion. Performed on Colston Hall’s magnificent stage, Coram Boy is a Christmas blockbuster that Bristol will never forget, brought to you by the team behind Swallows and Amazons and Treasure Island.
  • Time:  Times vary, see website for details 

8. Bristol's City Christmas Tree and Lights   (PDF file)

Bristol Christmas Markets

Christmas lights in the Bristol city centre shopping area

  • When:  11 November 2011 until early January 2012
  • Where:  The Centre Promenade, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
  • What:  Once again, Bristol’s city centre Christmas tree will be located near the cascade steps on The Centre Promenade in the city centre. This festive tree will complement Bristol’s other city Christmas lights. Christmas lights will be located along the route from the city centre shopping area through to The Bristol Hippodrome, including St Nicholas Market, The Centre Promenade, College Green, and Park Street.
  • Times:  From 6pm on 11 November 2011

9. Festive Fair at the Create Centre

  • When:  2 December 2011 and 3 December 2011
  • Where:  Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN
  • What:  For the best of Bristol's ethically sourced crafts, produce and seasonal delights.
  • Times:  4pm – 9pm, 2 December 2011 and 11am – 4pm, 3 December 2011 

10. Christmas at St Nicholas Market 

 St Nicholas Market

  • When:  1 December 2011 until 24 December 2011
  • Where:  St Nicholas Market, Corn Street and Wine Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
  • What:  Shoppers can peruse a range of markets on Corn Street and Wine Street alongside the historic indoor St Nicholas Market. The Christmas Street markets include the Nails Christmas Market, providing shoppers with the perfect opportunity to find something quirky and unique from the interesting range of stalls.
  • Times:  Trading hours will be extended between this period, starting at 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 

11. Made in Bristol Gift Fair 

  • When:  Saturday 10, Sunday 11 & Saturday 17 December
  • Where:  Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
  • What:  From limited edition prints, jewellery and ceramics to crafts and clothing, the Made in Bristol Fair at Colston Hall is just the place for Christmas shopping.
  • Times:  10am to 4pm, 10 and 17 December; and 10am to 2pm 11 December

More Christmas Favourites

Christmas in Bristol

Clifton Suspension Bridge

For a full list of Christmas activity, shopping information, travel offers and more, log on to www.VisitBristol.co.uk/Winter. Visitors can also contact Bristol’s tourist information centre on 0906 711 2191 (calls charged at 50p per minute plus network extras) or email ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk    

More about Christmas in Bristol

  

Group accommodation offers during the festive season:

  

Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel:

  • Experience a wonderful mix of traditional and modern Bristol at this exquisite hotel, conveniently located next to the fantastic Cabot Circus shopping centre in the heart of Bristol’s main Christmas shopping area. The hotel has on-site parking and is ideally situated near the city’s main Christmas attractions, restaurants and bars.

    Group Rates From: £45 BB/£50 DBB per person, based on double occupancy (subject to availability). When enquiring please quote ‘Destination Group 2011’. Contact the booking office on 0117 929 4281 or uk.southwest.sales.office@marriotthotels.com.

www.BristolMarriottCityCentre.co.uk   

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel:

  • The Hotel occupies a fabulous location right next to Bristol Cathedral and the Harbourside. The hotel is a two-minute walk to The Bristol Hippodrome where David Hasselhoff will appear in the Christmas production of Peter Pan and is only five minutes to the city centre shopping district at Cabot Circus.

    Group Rates From:  £45 BB/£50 DBB per person, based on double occupancy (subject to availability). When enquiring please quote Destination Group 2011. Contact the booking office on 0117 929 4281 or email uk.southwest.sales.office@marriotthotels.com.

www.BristolMarriottRoyal.co.uk

Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel & Spa:

  • Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel is located in the city centre near the Harbourside. It is an ideal base for either Christmas shopping in Cabot Circus which has nearly 500 stores including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser or a stroll around St Nicholas Market with its numerous and interesting  stalls to find that  unique Christmas gift. The contemporary hotel offers a restaurant and bar, a fitness suite and pool, which are complimentary for all guests, and a separate beauty spa offering 14 treatment rooms. Onsite coach parking is available.

    Group Rates From: £32 BB/45 DBB (subject to availability). Contact Sarah Holland on 0117 968 9867 or email h6698-re@accor.com.

www.mercure.com   

The Grand by Thistle, Bristol:

  • Located on Broad Street in Bristol city centre, The Grand Hotel truly lives up to its name. Dating from Victorian times, our newly-refurbished hotel blends classic period charm with the very best in contemporary comforts. The hotel is only a short walk from St Nicholas Market, the Harbourside and Bristol Hippodrome and has its own on-site leisure club and car park.

    Group Rates From: £30.00 BB/£35.00 DBB (subject to availability). Contact reservations on 0871 376 9042.

www.thistle.co.uk 

Mint Hotel Bristol:

  • An ideal location for Christmas shopping or a city break, the award-winning 4-star Mint hotel is located centrally, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Temple Meads Train station, 20 minutes from Bristol International airport and in easy access from all main motorway networks. Offering 167 state of the art bedrooms, 2 AA rosette City Cafe Restaurant, bar and lounge with on-site parking, the hotel is set up to meet the needs of any leisure visitor looking to explore Bristol city centre and the beautiful surrounding areas including historic Bath.

    Group Rates from: £35.00pppn BB/£42.00 pppn DBB (subject to availability). Contact Gemma Douglas on 0117 925 1001 or email gemma.douglas@minthotel.com.

www.minthotel.com/bristol 

Radisson Blu Bristol:

  • Located at the centre of this year festivities, the Radisson Blu can accommodate with all your Christmas wishes. If you need to do that last minute Christmas shopping, we have Cabot Circus within walking distance. Or if you want to celebrate Christmas more traditionally then we have everything else right at your feet. The hotel is located only a short distance from the harbour side where you can celebrate Christmas into the night.

    Group Rates From: £44.50 B&B/£50.00 DBB (subject to availability). Contact Catalina Vilche on 0117 9458506 or email info.bristol@radissonblu.com

www.Radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-bristol   

Holiday Inn Bristol City Centre Hotel:

  • Enjoy the stay at the newest hotel in Bristol, next to Cabot Circus shopping centre and all main city attractions. Unique hotel experience combined with Christmas shopping full of festive activities will make your Christmas special this year. The hotel offers parking for the guests.

    Group Rates From: 60££ BB/70££ DBB (subject to availability). Contact Brendan Carlton on 0117 924 5000 or email reservations@hibristolcity.co.uk

www.hibristolcity.co.uk

 Christmas Map Bristol

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