Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. #MerryBristmas
The days may get shorter, but now the streets of Bristol shimmer with twinkly spidery webs of fairy lights, infusing the dark nights with a touch of magic. If you're heading to the city this December, we've got a festive events calendar as well as a list of winter walks, gift ideas and more. Scroll down for more festive inspiration!
Festive events
Try something new this Christmas by booking a festive show or experience via Yuup, from weath making, Christmas truffle workshops and Santa hat knitting, to spectacular light shows!
Bristol Christmas Market is back in the city from 4 November - 23 December, featuring 35 stalls of crafts, food and gifts, plus the Jäger barn bar, The Candy Factory escape room, Christmas Express kids' train ride and Ski Gondolas for private hire.
Warm up by heading to one of Bristol's top indoor attractions, whether you choose to explore the interactive displays or see a 3D planetarium show at We The Curious, experience a RETRO-MEGA-MAS at Wake the Tiger, watch a stunning light show at Bristol Cathedral, or join Wallace and Gromit on a Christmas mission at the Friary Building at Quakers Friars!
Don't forget to explore some of Bristol’s sacred buildings, which are at their most impressive during the Christmas period and which host a variety of carol concerts and impressive events in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Just outside Bristol, you'll find a wealth of festive trails and fun days out, from Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre, to festive circus shows and a Christmas grotto at Wookey Hole, as well as a brand-new light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum and beautiful outdoor trails at Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park.
Christmas shopping
Coming to Bristol for some Christmas shopping? We've rounded up the city's best options, from gift fairs and markets to independent shops.
Shop at over 180 businesses with the Love Bristol Gift Card, from independents to well-known brands - it's the perfect stocking filler gift!
Book a festive break
Bristol oozes atmosphere during the Christmas months and with so much to see, do and shop, you'll be needing somewhere to stay. Stretch out in the stylish Beech House or Alison Court apartments in Clifton, book a room in the perfectly-located Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, or browse other city centre hotels to be close to the shops and markets. Check out our accommodation pages and offers pages and book yourself a merry little festive break.
If you're travelling around Bristol this Christmas, take the bus around the city for just £2 Single, £3.80 Return or £6 for unlimited all-day travel.
Come and say hello to us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok and show us how you're enjoying a Proper Bristol Christmas using the hashtag #MerryBristmas
