16 min readChristmas markets, winter wonderlands, enchanting light trails, festive events and experiences, not to mention the magnificent theatre productions – Bristol is brimming with exciting things to do this Christmas.
Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. Here's our round-up of what’s on this season to get you into the #MerryBristmas spirit!
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.
1. Explore Bristol's Christmas markets
There's nothing quite so merry as savouring the street food, meeting the makers and soaking up the atmosphere of a festive market.
We’ve rounded up some of the best on offer this year, including Bristol Christmas Market (open until 23 December) in Broadmead. Browse over 40 stalls selling seasonal treats, crafts and one-off gifts, as well as the popular Jäger Barn Bar and the private, cosy ski gondolas.
New this year are the hot air balloons, where 6 - 8 people can enjoy festive food and drink in their own private hot air balloon basket. You can enjoy live music at the Jäger Barn Bar from Thursday to Sunday evenings, while little ones can enjoy the fairground rides, festive selfie spots and VR Sledge Ride.
Bristol Christmas Village also returns from 28 November - 27 December, with food and drink stalls, a rollahub, fairground rides and games.
Image - Bristol Christmas Market
The oldest market in the city, St Nicholas Market is buzzing with festive cheer in the lead up to Christmas, open every day until Christmas Eve. Work your way through the warren of stalls and shops inside the market, selling fashion, accessories, books, records and food.
Bristol Pop-Up Shop at the Galleries (until 24 December) is back at The Galleries with gifts from 75 local makers, artists and designers. Bristol Beacon is hosting the Made in Bristol Gift Fair on 22 and 29 November, and 14 December, with over 200 local creatives showcasing their artisan products. In South Bristol, the Tobacco Factory Christmas Markets will run every Sunday throughout the festive period, with 65+ stalls to explore.
There is also a bumper weekend for gift fairs from 6 - 7 December, with events at Underfall Yard, Sparks Bristol and Arnos Vale Cemetery. More markets are being announced all the time, so keep checking our Christmas Markets page for the latest updates!
Image - Made in Bristol Gift Fair - credit Jo Hounsome Photography
2. Find a festive light trail
Start off your Christmas light spotting in the city centre by seeing the latest installations on Park Street, as well as along the harbourside on Welsh Back and King Street.
See the iconic Wookey Hole Caves decked out with over 100,000 lights for their Winter Wonderland (until 1 January), transforming them into an enchanting underground adventure land. Visit Santa’s North Pole grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present, watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show, or enjoy a Christmas film in the 4D cinema.
Other light trails include the breath-taking light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum (until 31 December), Longleat's Festival of Light (until 11 January), Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate (until 28 December), Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens (until 30 December), and Luminate Winter Trail at Ashton Court Estate (until 28 December).
Image - Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
3. Shop local with the Love Bristol Gift Card
Whether you're looking for the perfect Bristol-themed gift or want a flexible way to shop locally, The Love Bristol Gift Card is just the thing! Available to buy online as either a physical or digital card, the cards can be used at over 180 businesses across the city, from artisan shops to restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Throughout the festive period, every Love Bristol Gift Card purchased from from 18 November - 24 December will be entered into a '12 Days of Bristmas' prize draw, so in addition to the balance you have to spend on your card, you could also win exclusive experiences at some of Bristol’s most iconic venues, from backstage access to a live show at Bristol Beacon to a private tour with Bristol Ferry, plus many more exciting prizes!
Image - Love Bristol Gift Card
4. Experience some Christmas magic at Tyntesfield
Step into a fairytale at National Trust Tyntesfield, where the house has been decked out with an imaginative spin on traditional Christmas decor. Once you've been greeted by the towering beanstalk in the hall, see if you can find the Mad Hatter’s tea party in the library, or a magical wardrobe that leads to a winter wonderland. You'll find more fairytale-inspired decorations in the grounds outside, plus themed trails and craft workshops for all ages.
Image - Festive courtyard at Tyntesfield
5. Go on a 'festive voyage' at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Get a feel of what Christmas was like in the 19th century when this historic ship first set sail, with hot chocolate, mince pies, roving musicians, and sea shanties. There’s even a chance to meet Old Father Christmas as you’ve probably never seen him before – dressed in green, Victorian style. New for 2025 is Beneath the Waves, a light and sound installation in the dry dock, reimagining the SS Great Britain's voyages across the sea.
Image - SS Great Britain, credit Adam Gasson
6. Go on a wintry wander
Make the most of any crisp wintry days and explore Bristol's parks and gardens on a scenic winter walk. Or why not take a stroll around the Harbourside, and take in some iconic Bristol sights, namely Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Banksy’s Girl with the Pierced Eardrum, Underfall Yard, and the colourful houses of Redcliffe and Cliftonwood.
Bristol is also within easy reach of some beautiful countryside, so maybe blow away the cobwebs with a stroll through the Mendip Hills, or along the beach in Weston-super-Mare?
Image - Redcliffe in the snow
7. Choose from 200 intriguing things to do at We The Curious
There's something for all ages to enjoy at We The Curious this winter. Watch the science-meets-panto show Fairytale SOS, learn what makes chilli spicy, make your own hot chocolate and watch a show in the UK's only 3D planetarium. There's even a special astronomy show for little ones, 'What Santa Sees'.
Image - We The Curious. Credit Lisa Whiting
8. Hit the shops at Cabot Circus
Find high street shops galore as well as a giant Father Christmas under the huge shell-shaped glass roof of Cabot Circus. The new three-storey Marks & Spencer store, Harvey Nichols, Hotel Chocolat, and Pandora are just a handful of the stores that are ideal for gift shoppers. When dinner time arrives, there’s a host of much-loved chain restaurants to choose from, such as Wingstop, The Real Greek, Five Guys, Six by Nico, and Côte Brasserie.
If you're looking for some fun after you've done your Christmas shopping, play a round of mini golf at Treetop Golf, or have a go at bowling or tech darts at King Pins. This year, you can also visit the Santa O'Clock Christmas Grotto, where children are invited to help the elves fix the Wishmas Clock, enjoy festive colouring, and meet Santa.
Image - Cabot Circus
10. Get merry on King Street
With its cobbles, historic buildings and twinkly festive lights, King Street looks pretty as a Christmas card at this time of year. Admire the lights in between stops at the many watering holes along the 17th century street – from urban pub and microbrewery King Street Brew House, to the storied Llandoger Trow, to legendary jazz venue The Old Duke. Make sure you pop into former rock 'n' roll venue and all-day dining destination The Granary, with its own late-night cocktail bar in the cellars below: The Granary Club.
Image - The Granary Club
10. Meet the animals and Santa at Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol Zoo Project is open every day in December, except Christmas Day, so there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a wintry visit to these awesome animal attractions. Watch the daily animal festive feeds, visit the Elves’ Post Office and write a letter to Santa, and get some festive photos in a giant snowglobe or on Santa's sledge. Solve the riddles to find the giant presents dotted around the grounds in the Big Gift Hunt, with plenty of prizes to be won!
Image - Bristol Zoo Project
11. Eat, drink, shop on Park Street
Christmas shopping is made easy on Park Street, with a choice of indie boutiques, much-loved high street brands, and vintage and retro shops. Stop off at Averys Wine Merchants on nearby Culver Street to stock up on festive fizz, and browse pre-loved clothes and accessories at The Vintage Thrift Store.
All shopped out? Make a beeline for the bars and restaurants of Park Street instead. Choose from Japanese noodles and nibbles at Yakinori, or Roman-style pizzas at Pizza on the Park. If you've got a sweet tooth, head to the award-winning Swoon for indulgent hot chocolate and gelato sundaes.
Follow up dinner with a concert at St George’s Bristol. Whether you fancy a rousing folk show or traditional carols, they have festive performances lined up throughout the month, including Spirit of Christmas (13 December), Handel's Messiah (18 December), Festive Fiesta (20 December), and Children's Christmas Carnival (21 December).
Image - St George's Bristol Handel's Messiah
12. Grab a ticket for festive theatre
Theatre fans are in for a treat this Christmas in Bristol. In the mood for pantomime? Get a ticket to Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome or Sleeping Beauty at The Redgrave Theatre. Or watch Bristol comedy legend Jayde Adams in Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic.
Other festive shows include Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale at Tobacco Factory Theatres and Moolin Scrouge at The Wardrobe Theatre. Bristol's pop-up Christmas venue, The Spiegeltent, is boasting another line-up of festive entertainment throughout December, from Baby Disko to live music, cabaret, and more.
Image - Bristol Hippodrome
13. Book a Christmas getaway
Whether it's a pre-Christmas shopping trip, a night out at the theatre or a new year spa break, add an extra day or two and treat yourself to a stay at one of Bristol's fabulous hotels, B&Bs, or apartments. As well as city centre accommodation in the middle of all the festive action, we also have a range of countryside manor hotels and rooms in cosy pubs if you're looking for a more relaxing, rural getaway.
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro is a great option for a luxurious stay in the heart of the city, with its own award-winning restaurant. Its sister hotel, Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin, offers stylish rooms, some with a stunning view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Be within easy reach of the harbourside and shops at Novotel Bristol Centre, or Beech House and Alison Court have apartments in the quieter neighbourhood of Clifton, home to numerous independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Image - Hotel du Vin Bistro
14. Create memories with a festive workshop
Give the gift of unique and fun Bristol experiences. Yuup is your go-to place for one-off local experiences, from pottery making and dance classes to foraging walks. They've got a huge range of experiences for you to choose from across the city, whether the person you're treating is outdoorsy, a foodie, or loves getting crafty.
You can also do a festive stencil workshop, make your own terrarium with Fancy Plants, or craft your own Christmas wreath!
- Find more gift ideas in our Ultimate Bristol Christmas gift guide
Image - Yuup
15. Enter the SPROUTERverse at Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger always goes the extra mile with its festive decorations, and this Christmas, they're sprout-tastic! See if you can correctly guess the number of sprouts hidden around the various rooms, from sprouts in a giant Ferris wheel to carol singing sprouts (with songs recorded by a local Bristol choir).
Image - Wake The Tiger
16. Wish on a starfish at Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium is open every day except for Christmas Day. See more than 40 naturally-themed displays with species including rays, seahorses, puffer fish, turtles and piranhas. Make sure to say hello to Charlie the Clownfish, who will be popping out at 11am every day to pass on letters to Father Christmas.
Image - Bristol Aquarium, credit: James Beck
17. Slide into the festive spirit with Twilight Tobogganing
Mendip Activity Centre's spectacular, award-winning Twilight Tobogganing experience is back again, and is suitable for groups of up to eight people and designed for families with children aged 4+. Your booking includes half an hour exclusive use of the slope, eight toboggans, festive music, and a snow machine, followed by hot chocolate, s'mores, and sparklers around a woodland campfire to warm up afterwards!
Image credit: Twilight Tobogganning at Mendip Activity Centre
18. Eat, drink and be merry at Bristol’s bars and restaurants
Seek out cosy pubs for winter, plan festive get-togethers at the city’s finest cocktail bars, and eat your way through Christmassy menus and seasonal dishes at the scores of restaurants. Everything from festive afternoon tea, to breakfast with Santa's naughty elves awaits.
Tuck into the festive feasting menu at Mowgli on Corn Street, book in for a bottomless brunch, or take a look at the Christmas dining options at Bristol's top restaurants and venues.
Image - Mowgli
19. Meet Father Christmas
There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa face to face this Christmas, whether it's in his grotto at St Nicholas Market, Cabot Circus, The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, or Old Down Country Park.
You can also see the man in red appearing at festive events at Avon Valley Adventure Park, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Puxton Park, Ashton Court, and more. He's even making guest appearances on a steam train and on a ferry in the harbour!
Image - Father Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure Park
20. Spend a supersonic day at Aerospace Bristol
Aerospace Bristol celebrates Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements and is also home to the last Concorde ever to fly, which you’re free to step aboard. The museum is hosting a range of festive activities, including crafty workshops throughout December.
Image - Aerospace Bristol
21. Enjoy the thrill of live sport
Football or rugby fan? Book yourself a ticket for a match at one of Bristol’s sports stadiums, where the cheers roar as loud as ever in December.
At Ashton Gate Stadium, you can catch Bristol City FC (AKA The Robins – a fittingly festive nickname) or Bristol Bears rugby team, or just off Gloucester Road, you can watch Bristol Rovers FC, with all playing fixtures throughout the festive period:
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Wed 10 Dec - Bristol City FC vs Leicester City
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Sat 13 Dec - Bristol Rovers FC vs Swindon Town
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Sun 14 Dec - Bristol Bears RFC vs Section Paloise
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Sat 20 Dec - Bristol City FC vs Middlesbrough
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Fri 26 Dec - Bristol Rovers FC vs Bromley
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Sat 27 Dec - Bristol Bears RFC vs Newcastle
Did you also know that Bristol has its own ice hockey team? Bristol Pitbulls have fixtures on 22 and 29 November at Planet Ice in Cribbs Causeway.
Bristol is hosting some of the matches for the Cricket World Cup in 2026 - some tickets are still available if you're looking for a great present for a sports fan!
Image - Bristol City FC at Ashton Gate Stadium
22. Discover the story of Bristol at M Shed
Discover the story of story of Bristol and its people at harbourside museum M Shed – even lifelong locals can learn something new about their city. Entry is free!
Don’t rush off without exploring Wapping Wharf, just behind the museum. Grab a bite to eat at the restaurants of CARGO, such as Seven Lucky Gods or Lapin. Enjoy craft beer and proper pub classics at Junction in between gift shopping at the likes of Bookhaus, The Cheese Connection and Fig.1. You can also book a food tour of Wapping Wharf with Food Tours of Bristol (gift vouchers are available if you're looking for a great foodie gift!).
Image - M Shed
23. Take a pew for sacred celebrations
Attend one of the Christmas services and concerts at Bristol’s stunning Cathedral. Sing your favourite carols at the Family Carol Service and meet Charlie the Donkey or, share the wonder of Navity at Toddlers' Carols. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take visitors on a journey from God's creation to the manger in Bethlehem.
St Mary Redcliffe will also be hosting Christmas services and events throughout December. Enjoy the family-friendly services ‘Christingle’ and ‘Crib service’ and listen to a performance by the band of the Salvation Army. Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe will also be hosting Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services.
Image - Bristol Cathedral Choir, credit A Campbell
24. Admire Clifton’s magnificent Christmas tree
All of Clifton Village glitters at Christmas time thanks to a covering of dazzling lights, but shiniest of all is the magnificent Christmas tree standing at the centre of the Mall Gardens. Make sure you stop to admire it in between shopping in the suburb’s fantastic independent shops in Clifton Arcade, Boyce's Avenue and around Princess Victoria Street. There's always an impressive festive display inside and out at The Ivy Clifton Brasserie too!
If you need to refuel between shops, stop into Bar 44 for tapas and sherry, Nutmeg for award-winning Indian dishes, KIBOU for sushi platters and Coppa Club for hearty plates.
Image - Clifton Christmas Tree
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