Festive Experiences and Events
Evolution Drone Light Show: Bristol at Seat Unique Stadium – NEW event
20 and 21 December
See the Bristol sky come alive with 500 drones lighting up in a cinematic and theatrical aerial show, telling the story of time, space and evolution. This new, narrated drone light show is set to a spellbinding original soundtrack and brought to life by the team behind this year’s Eurovision and London New Year’s Eve drone shows, Celestial. A festive fun fair and food village will also be on site for this spectacular new event at Seat Unique Stadium, just off the hugely popular Gloucester Road in Bristol.
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Various dates from 24 November – 23 December
Set in the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum, this breath-taking light trail features interactive displays where you can witness the wonder, hilarity, and general commotion from the playful elves in the ancient and beautiful forest. Relaxed sessions available for visitors who have sensory needs. Assistance dogs are welcome at all times.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/enchanted-christmas-at-westonbirt-arboretum-p2331833
Victorian Christmas Weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
2-3 December and 9-10 December.
The hugely popular Victorian Christmas weekends are back at Brunel's SS Great Britain this December, with Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes and the dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with falling snow and carol singers and actors from Ragged Victorians living history group.
Bristol Christmas Market
3 November – 23 December
Located in the very heart of Bristol City Centre, Bristol Christmas Market will have over 40 unique stalls selling seasonal treats, crafts and one-off gifts, as well as the popular Jäger Barn Bar and the private, cosy igloo pods and ski gondolas all under the sparkling Christmas lights. New this year at Bristol Christmas Market is an impressive 15-metre tall Big Wheel; decorated with festive lights and ornaments, the Ferris wheel ride will offer stunning views over the market and the perfect way to soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-christmas-market-p31891
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
25 November - 1 January
See the iconic Wookey Hole caves decked out with over 100,000 lights transforming them into an enchanting underground adventure land. Visit Santa’s North Pole grotto where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present, watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show inspired by the Grinch story, or enjoy a Christmas film in the 4D cinema.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/winter-wonderland-at-wookey-hole-caves-p3386553
The Festival of Light at Longleat
11 November – 7 January
Immerse yourself in the most magical Christmas story of all as The Festival of Light returns to Longleat this year with show-stopping scenes from treasured tales including C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as Cinderella; Peter Pan; The Wizard of Oz; Winnie the Pooh and many more. Featuring more life-size lanterns than ever, the much-loved 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree, the iconic winter Safari, Santa Train and fountain display, with a phenomenal light show illuminating Longleat House.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-longleat-2023-p2617183
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
4 November – 3 January
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre is so popular, it will now available all day this year. The toboggan slope is decked out with 10,000 fairy lights, coloured flood lights and lasers, as well as festive music and a snow machine to make this a magical experience for all. After the session, walk through the illuminated ancient woodland to find a campfire where visitors can toast marshmallows, make s’mores and light sparklers.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/twilight-tobogganing-at-mendip-activity-centre-p3386533
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
24 November – 30 December
Now in its 8th year, the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle (located around an hour north of Bristol) is inviting visitors to discover the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in their immersive light trail. Discover the Light Wave on the Mulberry Lawn, the flickering Fire Flowers of the Queen’s garden and the columns of light in front of the Castle, and gaze at the sparkling water features and the Harlequin trees. This after-dark experience features light beams, lanterns, festive food, spiced mulled drinks and warming hot chocolate.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/spectacle-of-light-at-sudeley-castle-and-gardens-p2703633
Christmas experiences at Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park National Trust
20 November – 7 January
Both Tyntesfield and Dyrham Park National trust properties are a short distance from Bristol and have many Christmas events and activities on this season. At Tyntesfield, there is the Victorian Christmas with a reindeer trail, a festive horse and carriage ride, Christmas card lino printing workshops and wreath-making workshops. At Dyrham Park, there will be a giant wreath (perfect for a photo op), children’s trail, poetry trail, choir performances and Christmas food and shopping.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-bristols-national-trust-properties-p3388663
Undersea Grotto at Bristol Aquarium
16 December – 1 January
Bristol Aquarium is putting on its first grotto where children can meet Charlie the Clownfish and get a gift this Christmas. Extra activities (included in the ticket price) will also be on offer and the aquarium will be transformed for the holidays to bring in the festivities.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/undersea-grotto-at-bristol-aquarium-p3413243
Festive theatre in Bristol
Bristol Old Vic Theatre presents Arabian Nights
23 November – 6 January
From writer Sonali Bhattacharyya (Chasing Hares, Young Vic) and director Blanche McIntyre (All's Well That Ends Well, RSC) comes Arabian Nights, at Bristol Old Vic Theatre. A performance for modern time featuring a daring heroine, stunning songs and a timeless story of wonder and hope to captivate audiences in this historic theatre, this Christmas.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-old-vic-presents-arabian-nights-p3390853
Peter Pan at Bristol Hippodrome
2-31 December
Much-loved British actor and TV detective David Suchet plays the iconic role of Captain Hook in this year’s pantomime at Bristol Hippodrome. Expect stunning special effects, spectacular sets and barrel-loads of laughter in this production of Peter Pan in a Neverland like none other.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan-at-the-bristol-hippodrome-p3224823
Into the Woods at Redgrave Theatre
28 November – 7 December
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School are bringing Stephen Sondheim’s timeless masterpiece to life at Redgrave Theatre in Clifton this Christmas. Featuring a host of familiar fairy tale characters, this spellbinding musical will enchant you this festive season.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/into-the-woods-at-redgrave-theatre-p3358343
Oliver Twist at Tobacco Factory Theatre
1 December – 21 January
This glorious reimagining of Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist is the first production for the company with Tobacco Factory Theatre’s new Artistic Director Heidi Vaughan at the helm. Promising a brighter interpretation of the classic tale, there are also dates with British Sign Language performances, relaxed performances, audio described performances and a socially distanced show as well, to ensure a welcoming environment for all.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/oliver-twist-at-the-tobacco-factory-theatre-p3379053
The Good, the Bad & The Coyote Ugly – Christmas 2023 at The Wardrobe Theatre
24 November – 20 January
If you’d rather madness, mayhem and mere hilarity than your traditional festive panto or show, then you can’t miss this year’s production from the masters who brought us MDH: Puppets Do A Movie, Rocky Shock Horror and more. The Good, the Bad & The Coyote Ugly is a brand-new alternative comedy mash at The Wardrobe Theatre, tucked away through the back corridors of The Old Market Assembly.
Family-friendly Santa experiences
Santa’s Enchanted Woodland at Bristol Zoo Project
2 December – 23 December
Step into the charming woodland to find a traditional green-robed Father Christmas and his forest friends, Deer Darlington and Squirrel Nutkins at Bristol Zoo Project’s cosy tipi where they’ll be sharing festive folklore and fables. The free, drop-in story sessions with Father Christmas run on weekends in the lead-up to Christmas, starting on 2 December and then every day from 16 to 23 December (admission to Bristol Zoo Project applies).
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/festive-woodland-at-bristol-zoo-project-p3401093
Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway
Weekends 25 November – 17 December, then daily 19-24 December
Enjoy a 50-minute steam train ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Bristol, with Santa on board to bring festive cheer and mince pies. Meet Santa again at Bitton train station where children will receive a present and families can have photographs taken with Santa himself.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/santa-specials-at-the-avon-valley-railway-p2198223
Breakfast with Santa at WWT Slimbridge
Weekends between 9 – 23 December
Meet Santa and receive a gift from him at his wetland grotto this Christmas at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, when you will also receive a full English breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen. The wetland wonderlands will have Christmas-themed activities dotted around the centre too for a full, festive day out.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/breakfast-with-santa-at-wwt-slimbridge-p3387903
Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court
Weekends and selected weekdays from 1-23 December
Much more than a usual grotto, Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion is a magical experience held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house, with city views from its grounds. With professional actors in the historic mansion, Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight children in this magical experience, topped off with a gift from Santa, too.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-father-christmas-experience-at-ashton-court-mansion-p2564003
Christmas at Avon Valley
1 December – 1 January
From The Santa Show featuring mischief and mince pies, to Santa’s Cabin where you can get your ‘golden ticket’ to take to Santa’s Toy Factory, The Rudolph Show, Mrs Calus’ Gingerbread Parlor where you can decorate your own festive treats, to The Magical Forest trail with magical elf specs to see the forest come alive, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park has a jam-packed Christmas experience for the family.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-avon-valley-country-park-p3388443
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