Create some new traditions this Christmas, with memorable days out and one-of-a-kind experiences in Bristol.
Watch stunning art displays in forests and historic ships, meet Santa on a ferry or steam train, explore caves lit by thousands of fairy lights, and see quirky twists on classic Christmas theatre shows. You can even dance underneath Concorde, or party on a pier over the sea!
Whatever takes your fancy, make it a festive break to remember. Everyone's welcome to our place this Christmas. #MerryBristmas
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 or hot air balloon baskets for private hire. There are plenty of other gift fairs and markets to enjoy around the city, including the Made in Bristol Gift Fair on selected weekends.
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!
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. Browse more Christmas events or check out our What's On page for even more ideas.
Try something new this Christmas by booking a festive show or experience via Yuup, from wreath making, whisky masterclasses and ceramic workshops to classes on making gingerbread houses, Christmas baubles, and even Christmas dinner!
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! Buy yours here
Christmas near Bristol
Just outside Bristol, you'll find a wealth of festive trails and fun days out, from festive circus shows at Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland, to a spectacular light trail at Westonbirt Arboretum and beautiful outdoor trails at Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park.
Bristol oozes atmosphere during the Christmas months, and with so much to see, do and shop, you'll be needing somewhere to stay.
Browse other city centre hotels and serviced apartments, or check out our accommodation pages and offers pages.
Get to Bristol by train this Christmas with GWR, with routes from locations across the UK. With their Long Weekender ticket, you can leave on a Friday or Saturday, return on a Monday and save over 50% compared to an Anytime Return, or book a GWR Family Ticket in advance for reduced fares.
If you are travelling in a group of between 3 and 9 adults, you can get a 1/3 off Standard Off-Peak tickets when travelling together with the GroupSave ticket. Don’t forget, Children aged 5-15 get a 50% discount on most tickets and under-5s travel free!
Once you're here, forget about the stresses of traffic and parking and hop on a First Bus instead - children under 16 can travel for free on buses across Bristol and the surrounding area throughout the Christmas school holidays. Plan your local journeys with TravelWest.
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
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best areas for Christmas shopping in Bristol?
You'll find a large selection of high street brands at Cabot Circus, as well as a range of well-known stores and independent shops in Broadmead, which also hosts Bristol Christmas Market throughout November and December. Clifton Village is also well worth a visit for its boutique shopping, as is Gloucester Road.
Which restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Bristol?
Many Bristol restaurants are open on Christmas Day and serving a traditional festive lunch, including Hort's Townhouse, Riverstation, San Carlo and Miller & Carter Steakhouse.
Which attractions in Bristol are open on Christmas Eve?
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and M Shed are both open but close early on Christmas Eve. Wake The Tiger is open until 6pm on Christmas Eve, Bristol Aquarium is open until 5pm, and Bristol Dockyards is open until 5pm, and Bristol on Ice is open until 9pm. Just outside the city, Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland is open on Christmas Eve, as are Cheddar Gorge & Caves and several festive light trails. Please check the relevant attraction websites for the latest updates.
Where are the Christmas lights in Bristol?
Some of the top locations to see Christmas illuminations are Park Street, Corn Street, Welsh Back and Narrow Quay.
Where is the best place to park in Central Bristol at Christmas?
Bristol's council-run car parks are all open over the Christmas period, including Trenchard Street long stay car park (for Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Beacon and St George's Bristol), The Grove (for Bristol Harbourside), and West End (for Clifton). Bristol's NCP car park in Broadmead will close early on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and will be closed all day on Christmas Day. Both Cabot Circus and The Galleries car parks will be closed on Christmas Day.
Is public transport still running in Bristol over Christmas?
Local bus services will be running but with a reduced service over the Christmas and New Year period, with no bus services on Christmas Day. Check the latest timetables on the First Bus website, or plan your journey with Travel West.
Great Western Railway services will be finishing earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, completing their journeys by 21:30. There will be no National Rail services on Christmas Day as usual Saturday 26 December. Normal service will resume from 27 December.
