5 min readGrab a warm coat and a woolly hat and head out to experience a little bit of Christmas magic with a twinkly festive light walk in and around Bristol.
Remember to tag us in your photos and videos on Instagram and TikTok, and include #MerryBristmas in your posts!
Jump on board First Bus to explore festive events, markets, restaurants and more across the city this Christmas, and if you're coming from out of town, experience Bristol by train with GWR.
Take a wander through the streets of Bristol
There are lots of pretty lights on the streets of Bristol which are free to go and see.
Redcliffe & Temple
See the lights along Victoria Street and Portwall Lane, pop into Temple Gardens, formerly used by the Knights Templar. During the day, over the festive period you may also have the chance to meet a very special elf… The Elf on the Shelf®, Isambard Kingdom Brunelf who will be moving to new, top secret locations across the city throughout December.
Image - Bristol City Centre BID, The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elf®
Bristol City Centre
Wander along Bristol Harbourside – see the new winter lights along Narrow Quay and Welshback – which look great against the reflection from the Bristol Harbourside. See fairy lights on College Green and Balwin Street. Walk uphill to admire the lights on Park Street, Park Row and Malborough Street and also capture stunning views of the city.
Image - Christmas lights on Narrow Quay. Credit: Bristol City Centre BID
Walk around the Old City and spot the Chandelier style cross streetlights on Corn Street.
Image - Lights on Corn Street. Credit: Bristol City Centre BID
Head across the cobbles on King Street and spot the lights there, before cosying up at the pubs and restaurants nearby.
To complete your Christmas light trail of the city centre, explore the stalls at the Bristol Christmas Market, and spot the festive lights and winter tree lights in Broadmead.
Image - Bristol Christmas Market
Clifton Village
Clifton Village is magical at Christmas, especially the magnificent Christmas Tree in The Mall Gardens. Take a stroll around the pretty streets, make the most of late-night shopping, then stop into one of the local bars or restaurants to warm up afterwards. Clifton Village light switch on will be happening at The Mall Gardens on 8 November from 6pm.
Image: Clifton Village at Christmas
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (selected evenings between 24 November - 23 December)
Discover the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum in a whole new light along this wonderous illuminated trail throughout December. See the trees lit up as you wander through the glades and take in the spectacular sights. Relaxed sessions are on 25 November and Saturday 2 December.
Image: Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole (selected dates between 25 November - 1 January)
See the famous Wookey Hole Caves draped in twinkly Christmas lights for a magical underground adventure. Wander through the caves (home to the legendary Witch of Wookey), meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift from Santa's elves in the Wookey Hole Toy Factory. There are plenty of other festivities to enjoy, such as the Christmas Circus Show.
Image - Wookey Hole
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens (selected dates from 25 November - 30 December)
Head to the stunning Sudeley Castle & Gardens for their dazzling illuminated trail, this year’s trail will have a wonderful Wizard of Oz theme. Discover the light wave and flickering fire flowers of the Queens’ Garden, sparkling water features, light beams, lanterns and much more.
Tuck into hot food and delicious doughnuts, and sip on warming mulled wine and hot chocolates whilst you wander around the grounds.
Image: Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Christmas Nights at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park (selected dates throughout December)
Using their lake and trees as a wonderful backdrop, Avon Valley has collaborated with an award-winning lighting specialist to create their Christmas light trail.
Part of their Christmas Nights celebrations, you can also make the most of festive photo opportunities in the Enchanted Village, ride the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train and fill up on festive food and drink.
Image - Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Evolution Drone Light Show (19 - 21 December)
Watch the sky above Bristol light up with a 3D show created by 500 drones in this brand-new experience, never seen before in the city.#
Portishead High Street Christmas Lights (from 27 November)
Portishead Christmas lights are some of the best local Christmas lights in the West. They extend throughout the High Street, which is full of local and independent shops, and feature around 8,000 bulbs. Each year, volunteers from the coastal Somerset town spend their time making sure the lights get better and better. This year, the big switch-on is set for 27 November from 6:15pm.
Brailsford Christmas Lights (1 December - 2 January)
Each year, the Brailsford family of Brentry in North Bristol put on the most incredible Christmas light display. The display has grown over the years and now raises thousands of pounds for local children’s charities each year.
More ways to have a #MerryBristmas:
