Where better to start your new Christmas tradition than in Bristol - the rebellious city with a big heart, where everybody’s welcome. From relaxing in a floating sauna on the Harbourside to stepping into the SPROUTER-verse at Wake the Tiger, singing along with Bristol’s own Jayde Adams at the Bristol Old Vic, or dancing to Ibiza classics performed by an orchestra at the Spiegeltent - Bristol brings a fun twist to every festive experience this season. Discover the magic of a truly #MerryBristmas!
Festive events
Festival of Light: British Icons with Wallace and Gromit at Longleat
8 November – 11 January
Discover British Icons at The Festival of Light with Wallace & Gromit and friends. See beloved characters from Bristol-based Aardman animations, iconic landmarks, and native wildlife reimagined as stunning lanterns in a festive, family-friendly celebration of British culture and adventure.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/the-festival-of-light%3a-british-icons-at-longleat/261718301/
Skuna Sauna Bristol – NEW EVENT
21 November – 14 December
Experience Skuna Boats’ new floating sauna on Bristol’s harbourside, offering docked or cruising sessions with eco-powered heat, cold plunges, local refreshments and DJ music. Relax, recharge and enjoy a unique winter wellness escape supporting health, community and connection.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/skuna-sauna-bristol/384743301/
The Last Sprouts – The SPROUTER-verse at Wake the Tiger – NEW EVENT
From 17 November
For an alternative Christmas experience, head to Wake the Tiger – the UK’s largest immersive art experience. This Christmas, watch out for the sprouts! They have taken over the Outer-verse area of Wake the Tiger and yes, it’s called Spr-Outer-verse, The Last Sprouts. Wake The Tiger has pledged £10,000 in match funding to double public donations during FareShare’s Big Give campaign, helping tackle food waste and hunger across the region.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/listing/wake-the-tiger/309833301/
Luminate Winter Light Trail at Ashton Court – NEW EVENT
28 November – 28 December
Luminate presents its first-ever light trail at Ashton Court this December. Wander 1.3km through gardens and parkland, explore over 15 dazzling displays, enjoy interactive moments, and warm up with toasted marshmallows, mulled wine, and festive treats.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/luminate-winter-light-trail-at-ashton-court/373694301/
Christmas at The Speigeltent
27 November – 21 December
Experience high-energy entertainment at The Spiegeltent Bristol this festive season with circus, cabaret, magic, live music and dancing, plus unforgettable parties. Featuring events such as Symphonica orchestra: Ibiza Classics and Bridgerton vol 2: Candlelight concert, expect fine food, dazzling performances and a vibrant, unmissable atmosphere.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-at-the-spiegeltent/319540301/
A Christmas Grotto: Santa O’clock at Cabot Circus – NEW EVENT
28 November – 24 December
Step into Santa O'clock, a magical adventure where time keeps Christmas alive. Join Pendleton the clock maker, Tockington the elf, and Tickety-Twoo the snowy owl to restart the Wishmas Clock, meet Santa for a photo, enjoy festive fun, and take home a cuddly reindeer.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/a-christmas-grotto%3a-santa-oclock-at-cabot-circus/383912301/
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light – King Arthur theme
21 November – 30 December
Embark on an illuminated King Arthur themed adventure through Sudeley Castle’s magical grounds. Meet Merlin, Arthur, and Guinevere, seek Excalibur, enjoy festive food and drinks, and celebrate ten years of enchanting after-dark storytelling.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/spectacle-of-light-at-sudeley-castle-%26-gardens/270363301/
Beer and Carols at Bristol Cathedral
18 December
Bristol Cathedral is hosting an evening of joyful carols led by The Cathedral Choir and St Nicholas band on College Green, just outside the Cathedral. Celebrate Christmas music, community and cheer with beer and warm seasonal drinks at this festive sing-along.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/beer-%26-carols-at-bristol-cathedral/384569301/
Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park
6-8, 12-24 and 27-28 December
Experience on of Bristol’s best light trail as Old Down’s Illumination Trail returns for its 4th dazzling year. Enjoy glowing walkways, festive treats, creative fun, and a brand-new route filled with magic, warmth, and Christmas cheer.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/festive-illumination-trail-at-old-down-country-park/380535301/
WILD: The Drone Light show at Seat Unique Stadium
20-23 December
Watch the night sky come alive at WILD, a breathtaking new immersive drone light show at Bristol’s Seat Unique Stadium. Experience 600 drones painting wild worlds in light and sound - a dazzling celebration of nature’s beauty.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/wild%3a-the-drone-light-show-at-seat-unique-stadium/381011301/
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
22-23 and 29-30 November, 6-7, 13-14 and 20-24 December
Experience Christmas magic at Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland. Meet Santa, explore the underground light spectacle in the caves, enjoy a festive circus show, and access all park attractions for a full day of family fun and unforgettable memories.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/winter-wonderland-at-wookey-hole/319992301/
Experience Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure Park
29 November – 24 December
Meet Stardust the reindeer and friends, visit Santa’s Cabin and Toy Shop, decorate cookies, explore a magical forest, ride the Polar Express, and enjoy three theatrical holiday shows at Avon Valley’s Christmastown.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-experience-at-avon-valley-adventure-park/378765301/
Christmas at Tyntesfield
1 December – 4 January
Step into a festive fairytale at Tyntesfield this Christmas. Explore enchanting decorations inspired by classic tales, enjoy festive concerts, craft workshops, Christmas trails, and discover gifts and treats in the charming on-site shop.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-at-tyntesfield/232639301/
Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park
21 November – 23 December, 26 December – 4 January
Explore festive decorations from five eras – from Tudor times right through to the start of the millennium in 2000. Enjoy children’s and adult trails, choir performances, a giant wreath, and wreath-making workshops.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-through-the-ages-at-dyrham-park/380043301/
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
7 November – 4 January
Experience a magical festive adventure with Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip’s hidden Lapland. Enjoy private tobogganing, a sparkling woodland grotto, campfires, s’mores, hot chocolate, and festive lights.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/twilight-tobogganing-at-mendip-activity-centre/338653301/
Bristol Christmas Village
28 November – 27 December
Bristol Christmas Village offers free entry and festive fun for all ages, with rides, games, a Rollahub, curling, food, bars and an escape room. Enjoy classic attractions, family activities and seasonal cheer in Castle Park.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-christmas-village-in-castle-park/362580301/
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves
15 November – 24 December
Visit Father Christmas’ South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave, meet elves, enjoy stories and gifts, and explore six family attractions including caves, museum, and cliff-top views at Cheddar Gorge and Caves this Christmas.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-at-cheddar-gorge-%26-caves/382379301/
Beneath the Waves: A Festive Light & sound Experience at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
27 November – 4 January
Experience Beneath The Waves at the historic dry dock, an immersive light and sound installation by Squidsoup. Wander beneath the SS Great Britain as glowing orbs, colour, and sound trace a mesmerizing maritime journey from icy seas to golden shores.
Christmas at We the Curious
20 November – 5 January
Watch the science-meets-panto show Fairytale SOS, learn what makes chilli spicy, make your own hot chocolate and watch a show in the UK's only 3D planetarium at We the Curious this winter. There's even a special astronomy show for little ones, 'What Santa Sees'.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-holidays-at-we-the-curious/331345301/
Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project
29 November – 4 January
Follow the festive trail at Bristol Zoo Project to find giant presents, solve riddles and discover animals’ special treats. Complete the Big Gift Hunt to win prizes, enjoy festive feeds, visit Santa’s Post Office and capture magical photo moments.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/merry-and-wild%3a-christmas-at-bristol-zoo-project/337349301/
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
28-30 November, 4-7, 10-14, 17-24 and 26-31 December
Experience Westonbirt’s magical after-dark Christmas trail. Wander through illuminated arboretum displays, including new laser lights, fireworks trees, and wicker animals. Enjoy festive rides, seasonal treats, and meet Father Christmas along this dazzling family-friendly trail.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/christmas-at-westonbirt-arboretum/233183301/
Christmas Markets and shopping
Bristol Christmas Market
7 November – 23 December
Bristol’s Christmas Market offers over 40 stalls, festive entertainment, and visits from Santa. Enjoy drinks and live music in the Jäger Barn or Bar Glissè, or relax in private ski gondolas or a cosy hot air balloon basket.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-christmas-market/3189101/
Cabot Circus
All season
As Bristol’s main shopping centre welcomes a new flagship Marks and Spencer store, Cabot Circus is welcoming shoppers for high street stores, designer labels and unique gifts from Bristol makers too.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair
22 and 29 November and 14 December
The much-loved Made in Bristol Gift Fair returns to Bristol Beacon this Christmas, with its carefully curated selection of the best in the south west’s community of independent designers and makers.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/made-in-bristol-gift-fair-at-bristol-beacon/300948301/
Theatre in Bristol
Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure starring Jayde Adams
4 December – 10 January
Bristol comedy legend Jayde Adams is starring in this year’s festive show at Bristol Old Vic Theatre – the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world! Join Jim Hawkins on a high-seas adventure in Treasure Island, featuring ghostly foes, daring swordfights, and hidden treasure. With a lively crew, catchy songs, and pirate peril, this thrilling voyage is perfect for all ages this Christmas.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/treasure-island-at-bristol-old-vic/280530301/
Jack and the Beanstalk at Bristol Hippodrome
6 December – 4 January
Join Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk, a magical pantomime full of laughs, music, magic beans, and audience fun. Starring Will Young in his panto debut, alongside Charlie Brooks, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Andy Ford, and more.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk-at-bristol-hippodrome/367360301/
Sleeping Beauty at The Redgrave Theatre
5-7, 12-14, 19-24, 26 December – 4 January
Polka Dot Pantomimes presents Sleeping Beauty at the Redgrave Theatre. This magical adventure has princesses, princes, dragons, and hilarious heroes, featuring dazzling songs, dance, costumes, scenery, and promises to be spectacular festive fun for all ages.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/sleeping-beauty-at-the-redgrave-theatre/370535301/
Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale at The Tobacco Factory Theatres
27 November – 17 January
This Christmas, join Tobacco Factory Theatres for Rapunzel, a magical, playful retelling of the classic fairytale. With original music, captivating characters, and wild invention, follow Rapunzel’s journey of adventure, freedom, and discovering her own voice.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/rapunzel%3a-a-hairy-tale-at-the-tobacco-factory-theatres/375853301/
Moulin Scrooge at The Wardrobe Theatre
21 November – 17 January
Experience Moulin Scrooge at The Wardrobe Theatre, a raucous, adult-only Christmas comedy musical. Join glitzy showgirls, a giant elephant, and a can-can Scrooge as hilarity and holiday chaos collide in this flamboyant festive mash-up.
https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/moulin-scrooge-at-the-wardrobe-theatre/302150301/
Where to see Santa in Bristol
Despite this being his busiest time of the year getting Christmas prepared in the North Pole, there are many places you can visit Santa in the flesh in and around Bristol in the run-up to the big day!
Go on a festive steam train ride and see Father Christmas at the Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway (weekends from 23 November – 24 December) or have a magical feast and dance the night away at the Supper with Santa at Puxton Park event (weekends through December). There’s an enchanted elevator at this year’s Santa’s Grotto at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare (6,7, 13, 14, 20-24 December), and you can take your pooch to Santa Paws Grotto at The Grand Pier too! Or visit The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion (3-23 December) where Father Christmas makes his entrance at the Great Hall – gifts for children and their grown-up included!
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