50+ unmissable Christmas events in Bristol – Updated for 2025

Last updated on November 13, 2025

A guide to the best of Christmas in Bristol and beyond…

The festive season can be a bit like Marmite, and I’m definitely on the lovers’ side. Mulled wine, the scent of cinnamon and fairy lights galore are among my favourite things. And I embrace all the events and activities that Christmastime delivers.

We’re lucky in Bristol and the South West that there are all sorts of Christmas events, from light shows to pantomimes to festive craft classes.

So here’s a round-up of the best 2025 Bristol Christmas events in the city and the surrounding South West of England…

Best light trails and shows in and around Bristol

WILD: The Drone Light Show

20-21 December

Following on from the success of the Evolution drone show and the one based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the Celestial team are returning this year with WILD. You will enjoy seeing the animal kingdom in this animated light show. Food stalls with festive favourites, plus DJs, will be there before and after the show, making it a fully festive night.

The show will be held at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol for two nights only from 20-21 December.

Christmas at Stourhead

28 November – 31 December

The lights at Christmas at Stourhead, a National Trust property, are completely magical, with gorgeous light installations designed by creatives and set to atmospheric music on a trail around the impressive gardens. We go every year as part of a special UK Christmas break. Book tickets here.

Festival of Light at Longleat

Selected dates from 8 November to 11 January

Longleat also makes for a fantastic Christmas family day out. Their annual Festival of Light includes a display of incredible lanterns set on a trail around the grounds and an iconic Winter Safari! In 2025, the theme is British icons with Wallace & Gromit and friends.

Plus, they also have a Santa Train where a miniature train takes you on a journey to ‘Lapland’ to meet the big guy himself. You book the train separately, and tickets sell out super quickly (weekend tickets tend to go within hours of going on sale). It’s easier to get a ticket for just the festival.

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Selected evenings from 28 November – 31 December

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt is a light trail through the already beautiful arboretum. The trees are illuminated, and characters take you on a narrated journey through the woodland. There’s also a market and a funfair at the end.

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

Various dates from 21 November – 30 December

The Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light in the Cotswolds is one of the southwest’s most impressive light shows, set against the backdrop of the castle ruins. Grab a mulled wine or an indulgent hot chocolate to warm you along the way. 

Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole

Weekends from 22 November – 20 December, daily from 20 – 24 December

Wookey Hole’s caves are transformed into a twinkling wonderland grotto during the festive season. Thousands of fairy lights brighten the caves, there’s a Christmas show at the Wookey Hole Theatre, and you can also meet Santa.

Old Down Estate Illumination Trail

6 December – 28 December

Old Down Estate is doing another illumination trail for 2025. It takes you through the estate’s beautiful grounds, including the fairy garden, ending in front of the manor house.

Beneath the Waves: A Festive Light & Sound Experience

27 November – 4 January

Beneath the Waves, a light and sound installation by the renowned Squidsoup, transforms the historic dry dock beneath the SS Great Britain into a glowing underwater world. Hundreds of suspended orbs trace the ship’s voyage from icy northern seas to sunlit tropical waters, while waves of colour, sound, and drifting voices evoke life beneath the surface. Immersive and dreamlike, it captures the wonder of maritime exploration and the spirit of adventure that carried the SS Great Britain across the world.

Merry and Wild: Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

29 November – 4 January

The Bristol Zoo Project has set up a beautiful festive trail where families can find giant presents, solve riddles and learn more about animals and their special treats. Complete the Big Gift Hunt to win prizes, visit Santa’s Post Office and enjoy a magical day with the little ones.

Luminate Winter Light Trail at Ashton Court

28 November – 28 December

Ashton Court will have its first-ever light trail this holiday season. Wander through its beautiful gardens and parkland, see 15 light displays, and enjoy interacting along the way. With the cold weather, you might also want to warm up with mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and other Christmas treats.

Christmas at We the Curious

20 November – 5 January

We the Curious has a complete festive program with many activities for all ages. Watch the science-meets-panto show Fairytale SOS, discover what makes chilli spicy, create your own hot chocolate and watch a show in the UK’s only 3D planetarium. The little ones won’t want to miss the special astronomy show: ‘What Santa Sees’.

Best Christmas experiences in Bristol and the South West

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre 

12 November – 4 January 

The toboggan slope is given a festive makeover with 10,000 fairy lights, coloured flood lights and lasers, as well as festive music and a snow machine! After the session, walk through the illuminated ancient woodland to find a campfire where you can toast marshmallows, make s’mores and light sparklers. This is one of our absolute favouirte Christmas activities in Bristol.

Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Various dates from 29 November – 24 December

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is hosting a whole Christmas Experience this year, which includes all sorts of fun festive events. There’s a Christmas village with interactive experiences, including Santa’s toy shop (where every child gets a gift), Santa’s post room where you can write to Santa, the chance to make reindeer food in the Reindeer Kitchen, and plenty more.

There’s also a miniature ‘Elf Express’ train to ride on, a magical forest to explore, meet-the-Grinch, and a Christmas show. Plus, you can also explore all the usual Avon Valley attractions and rides.

Note that this year Avon Valley is taking a break from doing its Christmas lights show and ice skating.

Tickets start from £26 per person. Buy tickets here.

The Last Sprouts at Wake The Tiger

15 November – 5 January

Wake the Tiger is getting a festive makeover this Christmas. The Retro-Mega-Mas blends nostalgic Christmas memories with creative twists. This year’s show tells a feel-good story brought to life through pre-loved materials and upcycled creations.

The real message behind the story is the inequality and how some people can’t even get sprouts for their Christmas. And this year, they are partnering with FareShare South West, a charity that aims to tackle hunger and food waste in the region.

Christmas at Dyrham Park

21 November – 4 January

Christmas at Dyrham Park is celebrating Christmas through the eras, from Tudor times right up until the 20th century. The whole place will be decked in Christmas decorations, including a giant wreath, children’s trail, poetry trail, choir performances and Christmas food and shopping. 

Christmas Reindeer Trail at Tyntesfield

2 December – 2 January 

Head to Tyntesfield for a fun reindeer trail through the grounds. They also have some workshops on offer, including Christmas card lino printing workshops and wreath-making workshops.

Victorian Christmas Weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

6-7, 13-14, 20-23 Dec

The popular Victorian Christmas weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain feature Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes, and the dockyard is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with falling snow and carol singers. This year, you can also enjoy the Beneath the Waves sound and light installation (see the light show section above).

Merry and Wild: The Big Gift Hunt

9-12 January

Christmas isn’t just for people, it’s for the animals too! Join The Wild Project’s festive trail to find the giant presents across the zoo, solve the riddles and match them to the animals. Discover what special treats the animals have been given, from festive snacks to enrichment surprises.

Breakfast with Santa at WWT Slimbridge 

13-14 and 20-23 December

Meet Santa and receive a gift at his wetland grotto at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. You’ll also get 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.

A Christmas Grotto: Santa O’clock at Cabot Circus

28 November – 24 December

Step into a world where Christmas runs on time, thanks to the elves who take care of the magical clocks. However, when the Christmas Wishmas Clock suddenly stops working, families are invited to fix it. Join the elves to restart the clock, meet Santa, enjoy the festive atmosphere and take home a cuddly reindeer.

Vintage Winter Wonderland

This fairground and small market in Millennium Square is returning for another year. To be honest, it’s not my favourite as there’s not much there and it tends to be pretty expensive. The fairground games are especially expensive, and the prizes are plastic tat, so it doesn’t feel like money well spent. The market in Broadmead feels much more festive. I’m not going to this Millennium Square one this year, so tell me if it’s changed!

More Christmas experiences near Bristol

A few more to consider are: Christmas at Cattle Country, Elf Academy at Farrington’s Farm and the Winter Glow in Malvern.

Best Santa trains in Bristol and the South West

As well as the Santa trains below, there are also rides at Longleat (see listing for the light show) and Avon Valley Adventure Park (see Christmas experience above).

Avon Valley Railway

Various dates from 29 November – 24 December

The Avon Valley Railway does a Santa Special where visitors get to ride on the historic steam train and then meet Santa. The train ride lasts 50 minutes and everyone gets a festive biscuit or mince pie for the journey.

Santa passes through the carriages to say hello. And then at the end, you can meet him, get a present and have a photo as a family group. There are festive donkeys and fake snow at the station, which were the highlights for our kids! Buy tickets here.

Perrygrove Railway

Selected dates from 7 to 24 December

The Perrygrove Railway is super cute at any time of year, and at Christmas they have a twilight train ride where you get to meet Santa at the end. During the day, you can also see a ‘Down the Chimney’ theatre show where Santa comes down the chimney or listen to Mrs.Claus’ storytime.

Other activities at the Perrygrove Railway include miniature tractor rides, a treetop adventure, and indoor and outdoor playgrounds (note that the woods, treehouses and tFoxy Hollow play area will be closed at night during the twilight train rides).

Dean Forest Railway

Selected dates from 29 November to 24 December

The Dean Forest Railway is another chance to ride on a steam train and visit Santa and his elves. The journey is 1 hour 20 minutes and you can also add on a festive afternoon tea if you like. There are two stops along the way and all children aged 2+ get a present. Book tickets here.

Best Christmas markets in Bristol and the South West

Bristol Christmas Market

7 November – 23 December

Broadmead’s annual Bristol Christmas Market with over 40 classic German-style wooden stands, selling everything from jewellery to sauces to Christmas crafts. There’s also a Christmas-themed bar and some kids’ fairground rides, and a festive escape room!

Bristol Christmas Village

28 November – 27 December

If you’re looking for free entry and festive fun, the Bristol Christmas Village has plenty of rides, games, a Rollahub, food, bars and an escape room. Enjoy its classic attractions, traditional games like Elf on the Shelf, and seasonal cheer at Castle Park.

Frome Independent

7 December 2025 (always the first Sunday of the month)

The Frome Independent Market is particularly wonderful in December when mulled wine spice fills the air and everyone is high on Christmas spirit. It’s also an excellent place for Christmas gift shopping. See our guide to the best shops in Frome, the best Frome restaurants and things to do in Frome.

Bath Christmas Market

27 November – 14 December

Bath Christmas Market is known as one of the UK’s most magical Christmas markets, and as such, it’s nearly always super busy, especially at the weekends. Many will be put off by the crowds, but it does still retain an air of festive magic.

There are over 150 stalls set among the picturesque streets of Bath and it’s a lovely place to do some Christmas shopping.

Made in Bristol Gift Fair

Saturday 22 and 29 November, 14 December

The Made in Bristol Gift Fair brings together around 200 designer-makers from in and around Bristol. It’s held in the foyer of the Bristol Beacon on three weekends, and always has loads of excellent gifts and fun, festive atmosphere.

Christmas Craft Fair at Lost and Found

16 November

There will be more than 20 stalls selling festive, local crafts at the Lost and Found Christmas Craft Fair. Mulled wine and gin on sale too.

Ice skating in Bristol and beyond

Bath on ice

15 November – 5 January

Bath hosts an annual ice rink in Royal Victoria Park, complete with a cosy bar serving seasonal drinks. It’s also right next to the popular adventure golf course, which will be decorated for Christmas.

More ice skating near Bristol

Other places near Bristol that have Christmas ice skating include: Icescape at Tropicana (undercover skate rink in Weston) The Clarks Village Ice Rink, Warwick Castle (also included in my guide to the best UK Christmas breaks), and the Winter Glow in Malvern. The ice rink in Cheltenham will also be back in 2024.

Theatre and music shows at Christmas in Bristol

Bristol has a strong theatre culture and there are plenty of Christmas shows, plays and pantomimes in Bristol. Here’s the 2024 programme of Bristol Christmas shows.

Hippodrome

Jack and the Beanstalk (6 December – 4 January)

The Hippodrome pantomime is always one of the highlights of the festive season in Bristol, and this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk. The show will feature Will Young and Charlie Brooks.

Book your tickets here.

Wardrobe Theatre

Moulin Scrooge (21 Nov-17 Jan)

“This Christmas with The Wardrobe Theatre and Front Room Theatre: A brand new belly-laughing, belly-dancing, mash-up musical comedy for adults with big Dickens energy!” Book your tickets here.

Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals: Jack & The Beanstalk (Sort Of) – (18 Dec-4 Jan)

“Family theatre and rock star legend Kid Carpet is back with a totally brand new show this Christmas! A lo-fi, hi-tech, big-beat bonkers panto stuffed with songs, silliness and surprise grannies – for ages 3-10 and their families.” Book your tickets here.

Santa & Sven (13-14 Dec)

“Come and see Santa and Sven in this enchanting, interactive show – perfect Christmas entertainment for ages 2+ and all the family” Book your tickets here.

SCRAPS: Christmas Leftovers (15 Dec)

“It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid – Mia Macleod and Daisy Kennedy (SCRAPS) present an all round chaotic Christmas time full of tasty sketches, dance and lip sync” Book tickets here.

Redgrave Theatre

A Christmas Carol (25-29 Nov)

“Bah, humbugs! Bristol Old Vic Theatre School returns to the Redgrave Theatre with a theatrical feast.” Book your tickets here.

Sleeping Beauty (5 Dec – 4 Jan)

The Redgrave Pantomime is one of our favourite festive events – really good for younger kids, especially. Book your tickets now.

Bristol Old Vic

Treasure Island (4 December – 10 January)

“Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale is brought to life as a brand-new musical by Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary (the writing duo behind West End hits The Great British Bake Off Musical and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾). Directed by Paul Foster (Curtains; A Little Night Music), Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure is a story of friendship, hope and reaching for dreams just beyond the horizon.” Book your tickets here.

Antartica (5 December – 10 January)

“This Christmas, our Studio is once again transformed into a wintry wonderland for our younger audiences to enjoy, as the incomparably brilliant Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (Four Seasons, Hibernation, CBeebies’ The Nutcracker) whisk you away on an unforgettable journey full of clowning, puppets and plenty of snowy surprises.” Book your tickets here.

Tobacco Factory Theatres

Rapunzel (27 November – 17 January)

“This Christmas, experience the enchantment of Tobacco Factory Theatres’ spellbinding and inventively playful take on a beloved Brothers Grimm fairytale. Featuring unforgettable original music, captivating characters, and wonderfully wild invention, this show has been created by the talented team behind past family favourites such as Cinderella: A Fairy Tale, The Borrowers, and Oliver Twist. ” Book your tickets here.

Christmas at the Spiegeltent

27 November – 21 December

Over Christmas, the Spiegeltent is hosting all sorts of fun Christmas events and performances, including family-friendly cabaret, discos, and parties.

The celebrations also feature candlelit orchestral evenings, where everything from Bridgerton to Ibiza Classics will fill the air. Some of Bristol’s best DJs, producers, and promoters will also be joining to celebrate the season in grand style.

Christmas movies at the Bristol Museum

As part of the Bristol Film Festival, there will be screenings of Christmas movies at the Bristol Museum, including:

3 December: The Sound of Music

13 December: The Snowman/The Snowman and the Snowdog

13 December: Muppet Christmas Carol

13 December: The Holdovers

14 December: Elf

14 December: Love Actually

23 December: Nightmare Before Christmas

23 December: Home Alone

Christmas craft workshops in Bristol and the South West

Bristol is a creative city and there are plenty of ways to get involved with craft and makers workshops at Christmas.

Yuup workshops

Say Yuup has lots of Christmas activities on offer, including: Make a Snowman Mug, Christmas Biscuit Decorating Masterclass or Italian Christmas Cooking Experience. See more on Yuup.

Creative Space

The Creative Space in Southville has a cool stained glass decoration making workshop this year as well as a foiled feather one too. See the full list of dates and availability here.

Wreath making workshops

One of the most popular festive activities is wreath making, so I’ve compiled a list of a few options below. I try to do one of these each year and love spending a festive morning or afternoon, drinking mulled wine and creating something beautiful.

Yupp has a whole selection here.

13 Dec: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Treats at Sprouts of Bristol, £48-68

2, 4, 6, 9, 16 Dec: Christmas wreath workshop at The Flower Shop on Gloucester Road, £65

Where to see Santa in Bristol and nearby

Here are a few places where you can see Santa in Bristol and beyond in 2025.

Santa Trains

You can see the big man at any of the Santa trains mentioned above, including the ‘Down-the-chimney’ show at Perrygrove Railway.

Father Christmas experience at Ashton Court Estate

3 November – 23 December

Ashton Court Estate holds an annual Father Christmas experience where professional actors help to create a magical experience in the old Victorian house (Santa arrives rather spectacularly!).

Old Down Country Park

20-24 December

Visit Santa at his grotto at the lovely Old Down Country Park. The ticket includes meeting Santa in his magically decorated Grotto, a present from Santa (children only!), a family photograph with Santa and Country Park entry for the whole day. You can also book a breakfast with Santa experience. Book here.

Santa’s Grotto on the Grand Pier

Weekends from 6-24 December

Visit Santa on Weston’s Pier. Santa’s playful naughty elf might make an appearance during your visit, adding a touch of excitement to the experience! You also get to step inside the Enchanted Elevator and take a trip to Santa’s Grotto in style!

Cheddar Gorge

Selected dates 15 Nov – 24 December

As part of a Christmas trip to Cheddar Gorge, you can book to see Santa in a special grotto too.

Christmas light switch-on events in Bristol

It’s pretty magical seeing the lights come on to mark the start of the festive season. Here are a few Christmas light switch-on events in Bristol and beyond…

12 November: Clifton Village

27 November: SS Great Britain

6 December: Clevedon

6 December: Sandy Park Road

Festive family meals in Bristol

There are some cool Christmas-themed food events in and around Bristol at Christmas. Here are some to consider…

Every Saturday and Sunday in December plus every day from 22-24 December: Breakfast with Santa at Brewers Fayre Lewins Mead and Brewers Fayre, The Wessex Flyer. Book your 60-minute slot between 9-11:30 am. Starts at £9.99 per child.

7-24 December (selected dates): Breakfast with Santa at all Hungry Horse pubs

7-24 December (selected dates): Breakfast with Santa at Harvester pubs

13 December: Festive Afternoon Tea DeVere Tortworth Court. Savour a festive afternoon tea in the 1853 Restaurant at De Vere Tortworth Court, where you can enjoy breathtaking views across the South Gloucestershire countryside. We did this last year and it was a beautiful way to spend the afternoon.

More Bristol Christmas events?

Let me know if you have anything else to add to the list!