39 ways to spend Christmas in Bristol in 2024

The chilly weather is certainly making us feel festive here, and on that note, Visit Bristol has rounded-up 39 ways to spend Christmas in the city this year, which we're excited to share with you over the coming days.

As well as bustling markets, beautiful light trails and incredible theatre and events for all, there’s Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience and a completely new take on the classic festive story, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – this time lit up by drones and narrated by Matt Lucas.

Today we're looking at a whole host of fabulous FESTIVE EVENTS!

A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show - NEW
19-21 December 2024

See Charles Dickens’ festive story A Christmas Carol like you never have before in this animated drone light show at Seat Unique Stadium, just off the famous independent high street, Gloucester Road in Bristol. The magical and heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge will be brought to life in this creative imagination of the timeless classic, all by the futuristic magic of drones, and narrated by Matt Lucas! Food stalls with festive favourites, as well as DJs bringing music and cheer before and after the show, will help make this an unforgettable night.

https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/a-christmas-carol-drone-light-show-at-seat-unique-stadium/337994301/

 
Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience - NEW
16 November – 24 December

With Bristol-based Aardman’s feature film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl coming to our screens this Christmas on BBC in the UK and Netflix globally, Bristol’s Cabot Circus is proud to host a brand new immersive – and festive – adventure. Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience is packed with invention where you step into Wallace’s workshop to help him save Christmas with his latest gadget, the ‘Christmas-O-Matic'! Next door is the Cracking Christmas Cafe (no need to purchase a ticket for the experience, the café is open to all, including dogs, of course) where cheese sandwiches, cake, tea and puppuccinos will be served.

https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/wallace-%26-gromit%3a-a-cracking-christmas-experience-at-the-friary-building/360100301/

 
Bristol Christmas Village – NEW
5 December – 3 January (closed Christmas Day)

New for Bristol this year is Bristol Christmas Village in Castle Park. With classic rides like a Waltzer and Dodgems, as well as a Rollahub, a balloon ride carousel, Bungee Trampolines plus traditional games like, Curling, Elf on the Shelf, Hook a Duck, Bottle Ring Candy Cane and Husky, there is festive fun aplenty for all to enjoy, even a VR Sleigh Ride!

https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-christmas-village-in-castle-park/362580301/

 
Find the Flock at Bristol Zoo Project - NEW
9 November – 12 January

Find twelve ewe-nique sculptures at locations across Bristol Zoo Project for a baa-rilliant festive adventure. In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer Wild in Art, each super-sized sculpture, standing at 160cm tall, has been individually designed by artists from across Bristol and beyond.

https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/find-the-flock-at-bristol-zoo-project/358356301/


Victorian Weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain
7-8 December

The hugely popular Victorian Christmas weekend is 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.  

https://visitbristol.co.uk/event/victorian-christmas-weekend-at-brunels-ss-great-britain/236254301/


Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
23 November – 24 December

Enjoy three magical Christmas experiences at Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole. Explore enchanting caves lit by 100,000 lights, visit Santa's North Pole Grotto for a special gift, and enjoy a Grinch-inspired Christmas circus show in the Wookey Hole Theatre.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Luxmuralis: In the Beginning at Bristol Cathedral
25-29 November

Join Bristol Cathedral for a dazzling journey of light and sound as the Cathedral architecture turns into a virtual canvas this Christmas.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE
 

Christmas at Aerospace Bristol
1-23 December

Visit the Christmas Planetarium (see winter constellations and planets, and uncover the mystery of the Star of Bethlehem), explore Aerospace Bristol’s delightful Christmas Workshop and sing your favourite Carols under the last Concorde to fly at Aerospace Bristol.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Retro-mega-mas at Wake The Tiger - NEW
9 November – 5 January

RETRO-MEGA-MAS is a nostalgic, surreal holiday celebration blending classic Christmas memories with creative twists. Explore retro installations like giant Rubik's Cubes, Mr. Frosty slushies, and singing retro-bots. Enjoy playful scenes, from floating sweets to teddy-filled trolleys, and get 20% off by booking two days ahead.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE
 

Christmas at We the Curious
21 December – 5 January

As well as the 200 intriguing things to do and explore across We the Curious science centre, you can also add a 3D Planetarium show and escape into the beauty of the winter night sky in the ‘Story of Stars 3D’ (age 6+). For younger ones there is a 2D space adventure show, complete with a friendly alien!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Christmas at Westonbirt
29 November – 1 December, 6-8 December, 12-15 December, 18-31 December

Westonbirt has partnered with the award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim to bring a light trail never before seen at Westonbirt, exploring trees from around the world in a new light.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Festival of Light: Journey Through Time at Longleat
9 November – 5 February

Turn back the clock and travel the world at The Festival of Light this Christmas where you can explore immersive and interactive lanterns from Ice Age, Vikings, Ancient dynasties and monarchs.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
8 November – 5 January

The ever-popular Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre is back where you can hire out the whole slope for you and your friends and family to enjoy a festive adventure.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
22 November – 30 December

Explore this magical illuminated trail around the spellbinding grounds of Sudeley Castle, where you can meet iconic characters from the well-loved fairytale, The Sleeping Beauty.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Reindeer Trail at Tyntesfield National Trust
17 -23 December, 26-31 December

Help Father Christmas track down his 9 (wooden) reindeer who have escaped the Tyntesfield stables and are dotted around the estate.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Christmas at Dyrham Park National Trust
21 November – 23 December, 26 December – 5 January

Explore Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park this winter, from Tudor times to the 1980s. Plus performances from choirs and wreath making experiences are on offer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Fishmas Families at Bristol Aquarium
21 December – 5 January

Meet Charlie the Christmas Clownfish (Santa’s underwater representative) this Christmas and write a ‘fishmas’ letter to Santa too at Bristol Aquarium.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Christmas at Cheddar
16 November – 24 December

Deep underground, a magical transformation has taken place in Gough’s Cave at Cheddar Gorge and Caves this winter. Over various and limited dates you can explore The Elves’ South West Workshop and Father Christmas’ Grotto Experience.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park
24 November and 7 -24 December

Wander through this family friendly immersive experience of sparkling installations and mesmerising lights, surrounding you with magic and cheer.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Christmas at Spiegeltent
28 November – 21 December

Glitter, glamour and spine-tingling artistry awaits at the festivities at Christmas at Spiegeltent this year. From family raves, Bridgerton in concert by candlelight, to Dark Side of the Moon and cabaret – there is lots to cater for all tastes.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE


Treefest at St Mary Redcliffe Church - FREE
5-8 December

See this festive display of decorated Christmas trees in the splendid gothic church of St Mary Redcliffe, showcasing Bristol’s diverse and creative community.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Brunelf the Scout Elf

Brunelf the Scout Elf is back for 2024, and will be appearing at locations across Bristol from 22nd November - 24th December! Snap an 'elfie' with the Scout Elf at one of the locations and tag @bristolbid and @redcliffeandtemplebid, using the hashtag #Bristolelfontheshelf, to be in with the chance of winning a £500 Love Bristol Gift Card!

 
Vintage Winter Wonderland
10 November – 2 January

With fairground rides and street food stalls, Vintage Winter Wonderland is a sight to behold on Millenium Sqaure by the Harbourside. Why not go up in the big wheel to see it from above for a magical, festive vista!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 
Christmas experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, including ice skating
30 November – 23 December

Marvel at the Christmas Nights Light Trail, get your skates on and try the Festive Ice Skating, or meet Santa in the flesh at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park this Christmas.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE