12 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. 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.
Image - Bristol Christmas Market
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 25 – 26 November and 9 – 10 December with over 200 local creatives showcasing their artisan products.
Image - Bristol Pop-up shop in The Galleries
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 Malborough Street, as well as along the harbourside on Welshback, 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 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.
Image - Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt
You can also see the iconic Wookey Hole Caves decked out with over 100,000 lights for their Winter Wonderland, 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.
Image - Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Shining bright until January, The Festival of Light brings C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as Cinderella; Peter Pan; The Wizard of Oz and may more to life. Featuring more life-size lanterns than ever, the much-loved 15 metre Enchanted Christmas Tree, the iconic winter safari, Santa train and fountain display set against the historic backdrop of Longleat House.
Image - Longleat Festival of Light, credit: Lloyd Winters
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 160 businesses across the city, from artisan shops to restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
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 selected weekends.
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. There’s even a chance to meet Old Father Christmas as you’ve probably never seen him before – dressed in green, Victorian style.
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!
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.
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.
Image - Newark Park National Trust
7. 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!
Image - Wapping Wharf. Credit Jon Craig
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 Côte Brasserie in Quakers Friars.
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.
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.
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, and Roman-style pizzas at Pizza on the Park, while expertly crafted cocktails await at speakeasy Hyde & Co. 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.
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.
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 a workshop where you can create your own aerospace-themed festive decorations.
Image - Aerospace Bristol
14. Create memories with a festive experience
Give the gift of unique and fun Bristol experiences. We'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.
Yuup is your go-to place for one-off local experiences, from pottery making and dance classes to foraging walks. See some of their Christmas experience highlights here.
Image - Yuup
15. Get your skates on
Take a festive trip to one of Bristol's local ice rinks at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park and Icescape at the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare.
16. Discover merry marine activities at Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium is celebrating Christmas by offering a range of festive activities - wander round the aquarium before enjoying a hot chocolate and taking a snap with their Christmas tree. Make sure to take a peek inside the Undersea Grotto to get a gift from Charlie the Clownfish.
Image - Bristol Aquarium, credit: James Beck
17. Find unique indie gifts at St Nicholas Market
The oldest market in the city 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.
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 fancy festive afternoon teas at Harvey Nichols, to Pieminister’s scrumptious seasonal pies awaits.
Image - Harvey Nichols afternoon tea
19. Catch a show at the Christmas Spiegeltent
Bristol's pop-up Christmas venue is boasting another line-up of festive entertainment throughout December, from baby disko to children's entertainment, live music, cabaret and more.
Image - The Christmas Spiegeltent
20. Grab a ticket for festive theatre
Theatre fans are in for a treat this Christmas in Bristol. Head to Bristol Hippodrome for pantomime, or Bristol Old Vic for other festive productions.
Image - Bristol Hippodrome
21. Watch some Santa-tainment at Cribbs
From 1 December until Christmas Eve, Santa and his happy huddle of festive elves will be running free story sessions to songs and TV shows at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. You will also be able to follow a Mog-themed interactive Christmas trail around the shops.
Image - The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
22. Meet Father Christmas
There are plenty of opportunities to meet Santa face to face this Christmas, whether it's in his grotto, on a steam train or on a ferry in the harbour!
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.
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.
Image - Clifton BID
