Create your new Christmas tradition in Bristol. From the famous Christmas markets, to breathtaking Christmas light trails, ice skating and spectacular festive theatre shows, Bristol is brimming with exciting events this Christmas.
Children under 16 can travel for free across on buses across Bristol and the surrounding area throughout the Christmas school holidays. Plan your journey with TravelWest or First Bus.
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!
Get into the festive spirit at the Bristol Christmas Market, where you’ll find traditional wooden chalets, artisan gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious seasonal food.
Head to Bristol on Ice in the Harbourside Amphitheatre for a huge ice rink, as well as food stalls, fairground rides, bars and live music.
Wander through our miles of Christmas markets, with stalls and pop-ups spread across the city centre and beyond. Sip on mulled wine, enjoy live music, and soak up the joyful atmosphere.
Discover some of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in and around Bristol this winter.
Brand new for 2026, Wild Lights at Bristol Zoo Project is a new winter lights trail with surprises at every turn, or head to Seat Unique Stadium for the impressive new drone show for 2026: Sky Kingdom, which will see hundreds of illuminated drones take to the skies, creating giant dragons, soaring kingdoms and magical fantasy worlds.
Explore the Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole, with caves illuminated by 100,000 fairy lights, or head to Westonbirt Arboretum to stroll through their illuminated light trail, featuring a series of dazzling new illuminated artworks among the trees.
The legendary Festival of Light is back at Longleat from November to January, featuring large-scale lanterns and enchanting scenes. You can also see breathtaking festive Christmas lights and seasonal displays perfect for families at Old Down Country Park, Avon Valley Adventure Park and Sudeley Castle.
There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas events in Bristol than with an evening at the theatre surrounded by glitter, laughter, and holiday spirit.
Classic pantomimes and dazzling productions bring laughter and magic to audiences of all ages. Book a ticket to Sleeping Beauty at Bristol Hippodrome, or Dick Whittington at The Redgrave Theatre.
Enjoy more traditional tales in A Christmas Carol at Tobacco Factory Theatres or Cinderella: A Fairytale at Bristol Old Vic. You'll also find a range of family shows, cabaret and live music at The Spiegeltent throughout the holiday season.
Don't forget to check what's coming up at Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe for their Advent and Christmas programmes, from carol concerts to nativity processions.
Plan your perfect Christmas in Bristol
Looking for more ideas to fill the Christmas holidays? Take a look at our list of family-friendly things to do in and around Bristol.
Discover more inspiration, festive ideas, and blogs on our Christmas in Bristol page.
