As Christmas approaches, Bristol becomes invigorated with festive cheer and Christmas spirit. Whether you’re looking for cosy winter activities, sparkling light trails, atmospheric concerts, or full-on festive fun, the city and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the very best ways to celebrate Christmas in and around the city.
1. Bristol and Bath Christmas Market
I remember heading down to the Bristol Christmas market as a first-year and being mesmerised by the dazzling lights, tempting food, and the gorgeous gifts. With over 40 stalls selling crafts and seasonal delicacies, it’s difficult not to be amazed by the festive market. This year, you can book a Ski Gondola or a Hot Air Balloon for a more intimate and unique winter experience. Your Hot Air Balloon booking could also include cheese fondues, charcuterie boards, sourdough melts, and cheese boards.
The Bath Christmas Market is only a 15-minute train journey away from Bristol Temple Meads and is home to amazing stalls. Wander through the historic, gorgeous backdrop of Bath’s streets and enjoy the independent boutiques, mulled wine, and homemade gifts.
2. Moulin Scrooge
If you crave some theatrical and musical fun, the Wardrobe Theatre and Front Room Theatre are offering an adult-only, comedy show! Set in a nightclub-com-bordello with tassels and showgirls, this Dickens reimagining features glitz, cabaret, and flamboyant showbiz. The musical comedy follows the greedy miser, Ebby Scrooge, who learns the true meaning of Christmas when spooky ghosts haunt him. So head down to the Wardrobe Theatre for belly-dancing and belly-laughing fun!
3. Bristol Christmas Village
Bristol Castle Park has been transformed into a lively, festive wonderland this winter. From Christmas Escape rooms to a Rollahub and VR sleigh ride, the Village is a vibrant hub of Christmas cheer. There’s also a 20% student discount on Rollahub sessions every Wednesday and Thursday! After a night of festive food and traditional fairground rides like Dodgems and Waltzers, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful Christmas trees and the light show on the walls of St. Peter’s church.
4. Beneath the Waves – Brunel’s SS Great Britain
This magical and immersive experience takes place in the historic dry dock under Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Hundreds of glowing orbs and sounds of crashing waves and bustling crowds imitate the ship’s journey through icy waters and ocean shores. The light and sound installation evokes distant lands and seafaring journeys, allowing you to connect with maritime history this festive season.
5. Christmas through the Ages
If you’re a history buff, you will love this historical experience at Dyrham Park. The house will be decorated with Christmas decorations from five different periods, including a new 1999/new millennium retro room. You can also wander through a 270-acre site on a deer or festive trail for a more active experience. There will also be a tea room with mince pies, cakes, and hot and cold drinks, so you can warm yourself up during your trip back to the past.
6. Ice skating
Whether you’re a confident skater or can only wobble across the rink, ice-skating is a great winter activity, especially when paired with a hot chocolate afterwards! Located in Cribbs Causeway, Planet Ice offers a fun and inclusive environment for skaters of all skill levels. Glide beneath dazzling lights and catchy beats in their disco skating sessions! Perfect for all ages and experience levels, it offers a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
7. Illumination Trail
Head down to the Old Down Country Park for a spectacular and enchanting light trail. You’ll walk along glowing paths and past sparkling installations before heading into their Christmas Village, where you can toast marshmallows over fire pits, create gifts in their Crafty Cabin, and browse festive market stalls. They even have a famous apple crumble with cream or custard, which you can enjoy with mulled wine or hot chocolate!
8. Wreathmaking
For a hands-on craft experience and the opportunity to spice up your Christmas décor, try a Christmas wreath-making workshop at Clifton Observatory. Led by a professional florist, Peonivy Floral Design, you can make a stunning wreath for you to proudly display at home. The two-hour session also includes a mince pie and a hot drink, creating a cosy, creative atmosphere perfect for easing into the festive spirit.
9. Candlelight concert
Set in the ambient and scenic Bristol Cathedral, there are several candlelight and illuminated concerts to get you in the festive mood. Their Illuminated Concert has singers and a live band to perform classic Christmas songs such as ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘White Christmas’. The Movies by Candlelight concert by London Concertante, and the Christmas at the Movies concert feature heart-warming covers of timeless films, including ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Elf’.
10. Home Alone and Orchestra
One of my favourite events are the film and orchestra collaborations, where a screening of a film is accompanied by a live performance of the music score. This year, the Bristol Beacon is hosting a Home Alone: Orchestra & Choir, where the classic film is joined by the nostalgic and charming music. The WNO Chorus and Orchestra will create a cosy and mesmerising atmosphere as you laugh along to the holiday favourite.
11. Christmas in the Caves
For something a little different, visit the Redcliffe Caves for an immersive Christmas experience. Travel through glimmering cave tunnels with elves to Santa’s grotto. You’ll meet Santa and Floki, the Polar Bear, and be given an eco-friendly gift for every attendee. You can also visit the Elf Workshop and get hands-on with different festive crafts.
12. Twilight Tobogganing
Just outside Bristol, Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre is a highlight for families and thrill-seekers. You can book a private session on a floodlit toboggan slope, racing down on Zibob sledges under fairy lights, lasers, and even artificial snow. After you receive your Santa-approved Toboggan License, wander down the woodland trail to a hidden grotto to toast marshmallows and enjoy delicious hot chocolate.
13. Bristol Film Festival screenings
For a cosy evening, Bristol Film Festival hosts vintage movie screenings, and, if they’re held at Averys Wine Cellars, are often paired with wine tasting. Picture classic Christmas films or retro favourites, like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Die Hard’, and ‘Last Christmas’, paired with a glass of wine or mulled cider, so you can sit back and revel in the festive joy.
With so many festive events to explore, Bristol truly shines during the Christmas season. So wrap up warm, grab a hot drink from one of these amazing cafes, and dive into the festive magic that Bristol has to offer this Christmas.
Hi, I’m Kirstie! I’m a BA English student at the University of Bristol, with a passion for creative writing. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and playing the flute.
