Christmas 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. Make your merry way around 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 35 stalls selling seasonal treats, crafts and one-off gifts, as well as the popular Jäger Barn Bar and the private, cosy igloo pods and ski gondolas. This year also sees the return of The Candy Factory escape room and the Ferris Wheel, plus the new Christmas Express kids' train ride.

Bristol Christmas Market in Broadmead, Bristol - credit Visit West
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. Outside, the Christmas market stalls offer handmade crafts as well as delicious street food to fuel your shopping mission.

Bristol Pop-Up Shop at the Galleries (until 24 December) is back at The Galleries with gifts from over 80 local makers, artists and designers. Bristol Beacon is hosting the Made in Bristol Gift Fair on 7 and 14 December with over 200 local creatives showcasing their artisan products.

Made in Bristol Gift Fair - credit Jo Hounsome Photography
Image - Made in Bristol Gift Fair - credit Jo Hounsome Photography

2. Explore the light trails

Start off your Christmas light spotting in the city centre, by seeing the latest installations on Park Street, Park Row and Marlborough Street, as well as along the harbourside on Welsh Back, Narrow Quay and King Street. New for this year you'll also find Christmas lights adorning Victoria Street and Temple Gardens.

The breath-taking Enchanted Christmas light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum (until 31 December) features interactive displays where you can witness the wonder, hilarity, and general commotion from the playful elves in the forest. Relaxed sessions are also available.

Neon Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum by Culture Creative  - credit Sony Music
Image - Neon Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum. Credit Sony Music

You can also 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 inspired by the Grinch, or enjoy a Christmas film in the 4D cinema. There's even a new Christmas circus show to enjoy!

Other light trails include Longleat's The Festival of Light (until 5 January), Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate (until 24 December), Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens (until 30 December), Christmas Garden Illuminations at The Bishop's Palace & Gardens (until 30 December), and Christmas Night Lights at Avon Valley Adventure Park (until 31 December).

Christmas lights in Wookey Hole near Bristol - credit Wookey Hole
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 and Night Out Gift Card are 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.

Hand holding a Love Bristol Gift Card shopping voucher in Park Street, central Bristol - credit Bristol BIDs
Image - Love Bristol Gift Card, Park Street credit: Bristol BID

4. Step into a Victorian Christmas at Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Did you know Brunel’s historic ship first set sail in 1843, the same year A Christmas Carol was published? See how festivities on board would have looked at that time during the SS Great Britain’s Victorian Christmas Weekends on the weekend of 7 and 8 December. You can also book a delicious two-course festive lunch in the First Class Dining Saloon on Sunday 8 December.

The ship will be brought to life with seasonal sights, smells and sounds from the time, with a cast of 19th century characters to interact with, plus Victorian party games, carol singing and guaranteed snow! There’s even a chance to meet Old Father Christmas as you’ve probably never seen him before – dressed in green, Victorian style.

Father Christmas at Brunel's SS Great Britain - credit Adam Gasson
Image - SS Great Britain, credit Adam Gasson

5. Find the giant Elf on the Shelf®

Take part in a larger-than-life game of hide and seek across the city centre! Until Sunday 24 December, an enormous 15 ft tall Elf on the Shelf® will appear atop several of the city’s buildings - keep an eye out for clues for the latest location on our social media (or Redcliffe & Temple BID’s Instagram and Facebook) throughout the month.

A giant inflated elf sat on a bridge - Credit Plaster
Image - The Elf on the Shelf ®

6. Go on a wintry wander 

Make the most of any crisp wintry days with a good stretch of the legs, whether you choose to explore Bristol's parks and gardens, or National Trust properties near the city. Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park near Bristol are full of warmth and sparkle this Christmas, with everything from craft workshops and family trails to winter lights and visits from Father Christmas.

Or why not take a stroll around the Harbourside, which looks especially picturesque when there’s a chill in the air. A walk here will take you past some iconic Bristol sights, namely Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Banksy’s Girl with the Pierced Eardrum and Underfall Yard. If the colourful houses in the distance capture your attention, make your way up to Cliftonwood for a closer look.

Newark Park in winter sunlight  -credit Cara Laver National Trust
Image - Newark Park National Trust
 

7. Explore over 200 intriguing things to do at We The Curious

There's something for all ages to enjoy at We The Curious this winter. Make some noise in new Studio show 'Good Vibrations', watch a 3D planetarium show, or get experimental with colour-in cooking at the 'Rainbow Restaurant'.

We The Curious planetarium - credit Lee Pullen
Image - We The Curious planetarium. Credit Lee Pullen

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 three-storey Harvey Nichols, Hotel Chocolat, Yankee Candle 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 Piccolino, The Real Greek, Five Guys, and Côte Brasserie in Quakers Friars.

2 women shopping at night - Credit Destination Bristol
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 new all-day dining destination The Granary, with its own late night cocktail bar in the cellars below: The Granary Club.

People dining at The Granary - credit The Granary
Image - The Granary

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. 

Red panda at Bristol Zoo Project - Credit Katie Horrocks  @kh_zoo_photography
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 make time to explore products from talented designers in the Guild, an independent department store and gallery. 

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 Carols by Candlelight (16 December), Christmas Spectacular (19 December), and Children's Christmas Carnival (22 December).

Concert at St George's concert hall in Bristol - credit St George's
Image - St George's Bristol Handel's Messiah

12. 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 both playing fixtures throughout the festive period. Did you also know that Bristol has its own ice hockey team? Bristol Pitbulls have fixtures on 8 and 14 December at Planet Ice in Cribbs Causeway.

Bristol City football players during a match between Bristol City and Fulham at Ashton Gate Stadium in South Bristol - credit JMP Photography
Image - Bristol Rovers

13. 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. The attraction will also host The Christmas Planetarium on 7, 8, 14 and 15 December, and Christmas carols under Concorde on Sunday 15 December.

A father and son in front of the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot supersonic airliner at Aerospace Bristol - credit Adam Gasson
Image - Aerospace Bristol

14. Create memories with a festive experience 

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.

Highlights this year include a reimagining of A Christmas Carol in a magnificent drone show (19 - 21 December), a  macramé tree decorations workshop (15 December), a festive pottery tea-light-holder making workshop (17 December), wreath making (1 & 12 December) and a Christmas truffle making class (8 & 14 December). See some of their Christmas experience highlights here.

Wreathmaking class - credit Yuup
Image - Yuup

15. Get your skates on 

Take a festive trip to one of Bristol's local ice rinks at Avon Valley Adventure Park and Icescape at the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare.

Two women on ice rink at Avon Valley - Credit Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Image - Avon Valley Adventure Park

16. Discover merry marine activities at Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium is celebrating Fishmas Families from 21 December until 5 January, where you can follow their trail of fascinating fish facts all throughout the aquarium, on the subject of the special bonds that aquatic animals form within, and beyond, their species. 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.

Charlie the Christmas Clownfish at Bristol Aquarium - credit James Beck
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 campire to warm up afterwards!

  • Looking for more outdoor fun? Try the Holiday Club at Mojo Active, with activiies including archery, zorbing, Laser Combat and Ninja Warrior!

Twilight Toboganning at Mendip Activity Centre - credit Mendip Activity Centre
Image credit: St Nicholas Market, Chris Bahn

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 afternoon tea with the Grinch, to Pieminister’s scrumptious seasonal pies awaits.

Several bars and restaurants are also running festive bottomless brunch, including Bristol Old Vic, Flight Club and Radisson Blu, or you can enjoy a fancy festive afternoon tea or set menu at Harvey Nichols, No.4 Clifton Village, Berwick Lodge, Aztec Hotel & Spa and many more.

Festive afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols, Bristol - credit Harvey Nichols
Image - Harvey Nichols afternoon tea

19. Discover the story of Bristol at M Shed

Discover the story of story of Bristol and its people at harbourside museum M Shed – even life-long 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. Enjoy craft beer and proper pub classics at Junction in between gift shopping at the likes of Bookhaus and Fig.1. Prepare an epic Christmas cheeseboard with help from The Bristol Cheesemonger too!

Wapping Wharf Christmas Lights  - credit Jon Craig Photos
Image - Wapping Wharf

20. 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 Goldilocks and The Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome or Jack and the Beanstalk at The Redgrave Theatre. Other festive shows include Hansel & Gretel at Tobacco Factory Theatres, The Little Mermaid and Little Red (& other winter tales) at Bristol Old Vic, This Is Your Festive Musical at Bristol Improv Theatre, and The Snow Baby 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 children's entertainment, live music, cabaret and more.

Audience overlooking the stage at Bristol Hippodrome - credit Freia Turland
Image - Bristol Hippodrome

21.  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 hotelsB&Bs or apartments.

As well as city centre accommodation in the middle of all the festive action such as the four-star Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, we also have a range of countryside manor hotels and rooms in cosy pubs if you're looking for a more relaxing getaway.

Exterior of the Mercure Bristol Grand at night on Broad Street, Bristol Old City - credit Mercure Bristol Grand
Image - Mercure Bristol Grand

22. Meet Father Christmas

There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa face to face this Christmas, whether it's in his grotto at The Wave, The Grand Pier, Wookey Hole or Cheddar Gorge.

You can also see the man in red appearing at festive events at Avon Valley, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Ashton Court, The Mall in Cribbs Causeway and more. He's even making guest appearances on a steam train and on a ferry in the harbour! 

Santas Grotto at Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare - credit The Grand Pier
Image - Santa at The Grand Pier

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 Toddler 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.

Bristol Cathedral alter with Christmas trees and candles  - Credit Bristol Cathedral
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. Book a stay at Beech House or Alison Court to stretch out in your own apartment, or enjoy a free breakfast and late check out at Berkeley Suites, or a 10% discount on stays when you book more than a week in advance at The Rodney Hotel.

Christmas Tree in Clifton Village, Bristol - credit Clifton BID
Image - Clifton BID 

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