If you’d like to add a touch of the spiritual to your Christmas celebrations, we’ve put together a list of the most enchanting and sacred spaces around Bristol.

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral is an extraordinary building filled with secrets of Bristol’s past. Christmas is a busy time for the Cathedral with many wonderful, festive events, services and concerts taking place, including their much anticipated Carols by Candlelight service (13 & 14 December), Shoppers' Carols (17 December), Family Carol Service (22 December) and The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Bristol Cathedral (23 & 24 December). 

Bristol Cathedral on Christmas Day with choir - Credit Bristol Cathedral
Image - Bristol Cathedral on Christmas Day

St Mary Redcliffe Church

One of the most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in the country, St Mary Redcliffe has kept a watchful eye over Bristol for some 800 years. Head to ‘the fairest… parish church in England’ (according to Queen Elizabeth I) for family carols, Christingle, midnight mass and Treefest, where you can see over 100 decorated trees.

The exterior of St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol
Image - St Mary Redcliffe Church

St George's Bristol

Standing proud in a leafy setting beneath Cabot Tower, is one of the country’s finest concert halls. A decommissioned church, St George’s Bristol will once again be hosting very special festive performances, including Carols by Candlelight (16 December), Christmas Spectacular (19 December), Festive Fiesta (22 December) and Handel's Messiah (23 December). 

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

St James Priory

Get into the spirit of Christmas in Bristol’s oldest building, St James Priory. A haven of serenity and peace in the heart of the city for all visitors.

Interior of St James Priory in central Bristol - credit Visit West
Image - St James Priory

John Wesley’s New Room

John Wesley’s Chapel ‘The New Room’, is the oldest Methodist building in the world and the foundation of the early Methodist movement. They'll be welcoming in the season of good will with various events, including Carols by Candelight and Lunchtime Carols. 

Charles Wesley at The New Room in central Bristol - credit Visit West
Image - The New Room

St John on the Wall

Ever wondered what was behind that little door on Nelson Street? Built into the city walls in the 14th century, this city church stands proud and tall with its ancient city gate and prominent spire, the last remaining section of the original medieval wall. There's also an atmospheric medieval crypt to explore. 

Read more: