'Fa La La La La, La La La La' at St George's

Location

St George’s Bristol is one of the country's finest concert halls, based in the city’s West End. The venue boasts superb acoustics and a unique atmosphere that attracts the world's best artists for all kinds of music, including the best in classical, chamber, world, folk, blues and jazz, and spoken word.

Take a look at all the amazing future events planned on their website. It's a fantastic way to support this incredible venue and celebrate the world of music too!

Song fact

The melody for Deck the Halls goes way back to the 16th century when it was a secular Welsh winter song. The seasonal lyrics all about preparing for Christmas and having a merry time were added in 1862 by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant. They feature 12 ‘Fa La La La La, La La La Las’, making a grand total of 96 'Las' in the song! We have these lyrics to thank for making the phrase ‘Tis the season’ popular.  

Like many other traditional songs, Deck the Halls is royalty-free. That’s made it a go-to tune for festive films and TV soundtracks, featuring in everything from the Big Bang Theory to The Nightmare Before Christmas and, as you see above, Little Women.  

We've used Spotify to put together a Bristol ADVENTures playlist for you, the perfect accompaniment to the trail. Each song contains lyrics found illuminated in the city centre, in the order that they were switched on. You might discover a version you haven't heard before or reminisce listening to some old favourites.

#MerryBristmas Fact of the day

'Deck the Halls' was a somewhat forgettable 2006 film starring Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick. As a UNESCO City of Film and favourite filming location for producers, Bristol has been the backdrop to some top festive film and TV. Among the most memorable is Del Boy and Rodney’s Batman and Robin capers in the 1996 Only Fools and Horses Christmas special, which was shot in Broadmead. Areas of Bristol also doubled as London for the 2015 New Year’s Day episode of Sherlock, ‘The Abominable Bride’. 

The 2020 Doctor Who Christmas special was filmed in Bristol too, with some of the action even captured on the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. It's not the first the Doctor has been in Bristol, as filming for multiple episodes including the 2012 and 2015 festive specials took place here. 

For family-friendly animation made in Bristol, check out the Christmas offerings from Academy Award-winning studio Aardman Animation. Including Robin Robin, a 30 minute special, produced by Aardman for Netflix for 2021, Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas on BBC One and Netflix this December. Also don't miss Arthur Christmas, which follows Santa’s son on a mission with ‘Grandsanta’ to get a present they misplaced to its rightful owner.  

Though not filmed here, The Bishop’s Wife stars Cary Grant, who was born and raised in Bristol (check out these facts on his Bristol connections). It’s a classic festive rom-com about a suave angel, played by Grant, who comes to Earth to help a Bishop solve his problems.   

That should give you some inspiration for what to watch this month!  

Other Christmas Adventures illuminations nearby:

• Bring us some figgy pudding at Waitrose, Queens Road
• Driving home for Christmas at the corner of Park Row and Woodland Road.
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing at Bristol Beacon

Please make sure that you adhere to government covid-safety guidance when visiting the Christmas Adventures illuminations. 

- Find out more about all the Christmas Adventures illuminations throughout Bristol city centre

- Find out what else is going on this Christmas in Bristol

- Listen to the Spotify playlist

The project is part of Bristol City Centre BID’s #LoveBristol campaign which promotes the recovery of the city, bringing together 100s of businesses to help create the festive trail. New to this year is the partnership with Redcliffe and Temple BID, adding many new and iconic locations to the attraction.

DISCOVER WHAT'S NEARBY