Christmas in Bristol

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 the start of November, featuring numerous stalls of crafts, food and gifts, plus the Jäger barn bar and Ski Gondolas for private hire.

Warm up by heading to one of Bristol's top indoor attractions,  and 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 spectacular 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. Book a room in the perfectly-located Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, stretch out in stylish serviced apartments, 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.  

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 

Our top festive picks

Festive guides

Find out everything there is to know about what's on in Bristol this Christmas, from markets and light trails through to gift guides and more!

Great days out near Bristol

Day trips

If you're spending a few days in Bristol, why not explore some of the beautiful scenery and historic locations nearby?

Browse upcoming festive events

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