8 min readHe's making a list, he's checking it twice; he's gonna find out who's naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming to Bristol. Here are all the places you can meet the jolly old man in red (or green)…#MerryBristmas!
Jump on board First Bus to explore festive events across the city, and if you're coming from out of town, find out why you should experience Bristol by train with GWR.
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge & Caves (selected dates 15 November - 24 December)
Father Christmas will be stopping off at Gough’s Cave on select dates throughout the festive period to ensure everything is running smoothly at the elves' secret workshop. Anyone with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket can explore Father Christmas' South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave, and families can also pre-book a separate ticket for a Father Christmas Grotto session on selected dates.
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole (selected dates 22 November – 24 December)
Experience the magnificent caves of Wookey Hole illuminated with over 100,000 fairy lights. You can visit Santa in his Grotto and receive a present from his elves, watch a Christmas circus show and see a Christmas film in the 4D cinema.
Image - Wookey Hole
Avon Winterland (23 November)
As well as Santa's Grotto, this community event will also feature horse rides, horse simulator sessions, arts and crafts activities and market stalls.
Santa Specials on the Avon Valley Railway (selected dates 23 November - 24 December)
Nibble mince pies or festive biscuits from Santa’s helpers as you pass through beautiful Avon Valley countryside during an hour-long journey in a vintage train carriage on the Avon Valley Railway. Santa will be waiting with presents upon your return to Bitton station in the form of a reindeer-themed plush toy, and the Christmas donkeys will also be returning again!
Image - Avon Valley Railway
Christmas Grotto at St Nick's Market (28 November - 24 December)
Meet Father Christmas in his new grotto in St Nicholas Market in the heart of the city, where children can also get a gift from the big man in red. St Nick's Christmas Market will be open every day in the six weeks leading up to Christmas, offering a range of gifts from some of Bristol's best independent makers and traders.
Santa O'Clock at Cabot Circus (28 November - 24 December)
A fun new experience at Cabot Circus, children can help Pendleton the Clockmaker, Tockington the Elf, and Tickety-Twoo the snowy owl to save Christmas and fix the Christmas Wishmas Clock! There will also be a chance to meet Santa for a photo and take home a cuddly reindeer gift.
Image - Cabot Circus
Meet Santa at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm (29 November - 21 December)
Step into Santa Claus's cosy library on selected dates at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm to share festive wishes, hear a Christmas story, and capture a photo before taking home a special gift.
Meet Father Christmas at Newark Park (selected dates 29 November - 14 December)
Father Christmas will be stopping off at National Trust property Newark Park on weekends in December, book a visit to his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room for a chat and a small gift.
Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure Park (29 November - 24 December)
Included in the price of your ticket to Avon Valley, you can visit Santa in his beautifully decorated wooden cabin, where you can get a photo taken, and collect a 'golden ticket' to take to the toy factory! There's also the chance to get up close with his reindeer, meet Mrs Claus and help her decorate some gingerbread cookies. Don't forget to send a letter to Santa with the Avon Valley SMS (Santa Messaging Service)! While you're there, wander around the Magical Forest, meet the Grinch in his cabin, and ride the Polar Express miniature train. There are also the usual activities such as the playbarn, adventure play and farm animals to meet.
Image - Avon Valley Adventure Park
Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion (3 – 23 December)
Professional actors will lead you on an interactive experience through the Victorian manor house at Ashton Court Estate, starting in the Great Hall and ending with a meet and greet with Father Christmas.
Magical Christmas Adventure at Puxton Park (selected dates 6 - 24 December)
Explore Puxton Park's winter wonderland, where you can wander through a Snowy Christmas Tree Village, visit the Wish Granting Tree, make your own festive treasure at Elves' Workshop, and enjoy tasty treats at Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread Kitchen. Santa will also be in his grotto, ready to meet children and invite them to choose a special gift. There's also the option to book in for Supper with Santa on evenings throughout December.
A Festive Voyage at Brunel's SS Great Britain (selected dates from 6 - 23 December)
Step into a very festive Victorian Christmas at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, where you can meet a cast of historic characters, including ‘Old Father Christmas’ in Victorian green robes. Stop him for a story about the era’s Christmas traditions or ask why he’s green! There will also be festive music in the dockyard throughout the season, with traditional carols, sea shanties and festive pop favourites. You can also venture into the dry dock to enjoy the new light and sound installation Beneath the Waves.
Image - Brunel's SS Great Britain, credit Adam Gasson
Santa's Brunch at Clifton Observatory (selected dates 6 - 21 December)
Join Santa and his Elves for a brunch buffet at Clifton Observatory, with Mimosas for the adults and hot chocolate for the children. You can also explore the Camera Obscura and Giants Cave, and complete the Elf Hunt!
Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Pier (selected dates 6 - 15 December)
Step inside the new Enchanted Elevator and take a trip to Santa's Grotto at Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier, a quarter of a mile out to sea! You can expect a warm welcome from Santa, followed by some story time and a photo to take home with you, as well as a special gift! If you're looking for an alternative festive experience, there's a Grinch Grotto Takeover on selected weekends, or you can bring your dogs along to the Santa Paws Grotto on 5 December!
Image - Santa at The Grand Pier
Santa Sunday Lunch at Cadbury House Hotel (7 December)
Head to DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House to the south of the city for a three-course festive feast, a DJ and dancing, and a special visit from Santa.
Breakfast with Santa at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre (13, 14, 20 - 23 December)
Meet Santa and receive a gift in his grotto, before enjoying a full English breakfast in Slimbridge Wetland Centre's Kingfisher Kitchen, which will be decked out for the holidays. You can then spend the full day out in Slimbridge's wetland wonderlands, take part in some Christmas crafts and even send a letter to the North Pole in the Slimbridge post office.
Santa & Sven at The Wardrobe Theatre (13 - 14 December)
This improvised show, aimed at ages 2+, is now in its 6th year at The Wardrobe Theatre on Old Market, with audience interaction encouraged. Expect music, sleigh bells, laughter and a few surprises!
Image - Santa & Sven
Santa Sunday Lunch at De Vere Tortworth Court (14, 21 December)
Tuck into a three-course festive lunch at Tortworth Court with tea, coffee and mince pies before meeting Santa, who will have a gift for every child.
Meet Santa in Cribbs Causeway (18 - 24 December)
Meet Santa at John Lewis in Cribbs Causeway, where children can share their festive wishes before receiving a special LEGO™ set to take home.
Visit Santa at Old Down Country Park (20 - 24 December)
Meet Santa in his beautifully decorated Grotto at Old Down Country Park, which you can visit for free! The grotto will be in Pets Corner, where you can also feed some of the animals. All children will receive a present, and there's a chance to pose for a family photograph with Santa. There's then the option to have Breakfast with Santa in their cosy barn. Purchase a ticket to visit the country park and meet the animals, or visit their festive illuminations in the evenings.
Image - Old Down Country Park
Brailsford Christmas Lights (24 December)
Come and see Father Christmas from 4-6pm before he sets off on his busy schedule. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the festive lights show with the snow machine.
More ways to have a #MerryBristmas:
