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
Christmas with a twist
Bristol is bursting with quirky things to do over the festive period:
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!
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, from the Bristol Pop-Up Shop in The Galleries to the Made in Bristol Gift Fair on selected weekends.
You can enjoy more festive food and drink at Bristol's top restaurants, warm up with Mowgli's Christmas feasting menu, or browse the latest festive menus and special offers.
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!
Tuck into festive afternoon teas on a steam train at Avon Valley Railway, laugh along at mash-up musical comedy Moulin Scrooge, or watch a spectacular show in the skies inspired by nature in WILD: The Drone Light Show. You can even create Christmas-themed graffiti stencils in a workshop with Where The Wall!
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
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!
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.
Book a room in the rustic Hotel du Vin, close to Bristol Shopping Quarter and Bristol Christmas Market, stay within easy reach of the harbour and Temple Meads Station at Novotel Bristol Centre, or stretch out in a stylish apartment at Beech House in Clifton.
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.
Once you're here, forget about the stresses of traffic and parking and hop on a First Bus instead!
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
