'Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight' at Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre

As part of this year's Christmas Adventures light trail, 'Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight', is being projected at Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre

Scroll down for some fun facts about the song and for our special #MerryBristmas fact to get you in a festive mood!

Location

The hotel on Lower Castle Street is in the heart of the shopping action, with Cabot Circus just next door. The uniquely designed, modern shopping centre is a haven for your high-street favourites and home to the West's flagship House of Fraser (spread over all three floors, it is an experience in itself!). Luxury shopping and all day-dining is available at the boutique Harvey Nichols store in Quakers Friars across the road. It’s not all shops though – try your hand at crazy golf, watch the latest film in the 13-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux or make a pit stop at one of the many restaurants. You’ll also spot a giant Santa Claus… 

Opposite sits the historic Castle Park. It offers a blend of past and present, from the remains of a great medieval castle to the nearby bustle of a modern city centre. The park is also a focus for many pieces of artwork, from creative seats and a carved stone throne to a unique water fountain. The ruins of St Peter's Church, which was heavily damaged during World War II, are unfortunately not open to the public but worth a visit, nonetheless. 

A short walk away, in the opposite direction, is fringe studio venue and thriving arts hub The Wardrobe Theatre. Showcasing the best theatre-makers, companies and artists from around the UK since 2011, this year’s Christmas show is Little Women In Black.  

Song fact

Along with "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Santa Baby was one of the first Christmas novelty songs. Christmas songs written at the time tended to be nostalgic looks at the holiday or kid's songs, but this one took a different approach.

First performed by Eartha Kitt and originally released in 1953, the song was quite raunchy and proved controversial for the time but has gone on to become incredibly popular. Various artists have performed their own versions over the years including Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Gwen Stefani. You'll find some of the versions on our Christmas Adventures Spotify playlist. 

Eartha Kitt had quite the list for Santa, including a sable, a light blue '54 convertible, a yacht, the deed to a platinum mine, a duplex, some Tiffany decorations and ring. If you've got a loved one to buy for this Christmas with a list as long as Eartha's then check out our Ultimate Bristol Christmas gift guide.

#MerryBristmas Fact 

This illumination is located close to Castle Park, where recently some Bansky-style graffiti appeared showing Christopher Walken, as his character 'Frank' from BBC One's The Outlaws which was set and filmed in Bristol and directed by Bristol-born Stephen Merchant.

In the final few minutes of the first series of The Outlaws, Christopher Walken’s character paints over one of Banksy’s signature rat stencils. In the artwork, Walken is shown wearing the bright orange tabard that will be familiar to all who have watched the BBC series about a group of people on a community payback scheme, but this one has ‘Banksy’ stencilled on it.

Read more about The Outlaws and the Bristol filming locations in our blog - The Visit Bristol Guide to The Outlaws.

Other Christmas Adventures illuminations nearby:

• 'Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow' at Quakers Friars Square, Cabot Circus
• 'It's the most wonderful time of the year' at the entrance to Cabot Circus, near H&M
• 'May your days be merry and bright' at WSP, Kings Orchard near Castle Park

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.

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