50 unmissable Christmas events in Bristol and beyond

Last updated on June 27, 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 2024 Bristol Christmas events in the city and the surrounding South West of England…

Best light trails and shows in and around Bristol

A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show

19-21 December

Following on from the success of last year’s Evolution drone show, the Celestial team are returning this year with a new show based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The animated show will tell the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge all through the power of drones. Food stalls with festive favourites, plus DJs will be there before and after the show, making it a fully festive night.

Like last year, the show will be held at the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in Bristol for three nights only from 19-21 December.

Christmas at Stourhead

29 November – 1 January

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 9 November to 5 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 2024, the theme is a “Journey through time”.

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 29 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 funfair at the end.

Christmas Nights Light Trail at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Various dates from 6 December – 31 December

A now annual Christmas Night Light Trail through the grounds of the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park. Added bonuses include the opportunity to ride on the Elf Express Miniature Steam Train. You could also pair it with a trip to the park’s ice rink (tickets sold separately) or make a whole day of it by doing the Christmas Experience too.

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

Various dates from 22 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 23 November – 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

24 November and 7-24 December

Old Down Estate is doing another illumination trail for 2024. It takes you through the estates’ beautiful grounds, including the fairy garden, ending in front of the manor house.

Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens

21 November – 30 December

The magnificent Hestercombe Gardens celebrate the festive season in style with many events, including their Illuminate light trail. It’s about an hour from Bristol in Taunton.

More light trails near Bristol

A few more to choose from near Bristol are:

On weekends from 22 November to 31 December: Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park (1 hour from Bristol)

Best Christmas experiences in Bristol and the South West

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience

16 November – 24 December 

This is an exciting new event for 2024, created to celebrate Aardman’s new feature film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The immersive, festive adventure allows guests to 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. 

Tickets start from £9. Buy tickets here.

Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

30 November – 23 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 and a Grinch show. Plus you can also explore all the usual Avon Valley attractions and rides.

Tickets start from £40 per person. Buy tickets here. Note that you have to buy separate tickets if you want to go to the ice rink and/or light trail too.

Retro-Mega-Mas at Wake The Tiger

Wake the Tiger is getting a festive makeover this Christmas. The Retro-Mega-Mas blends nostalgic Christmas memories with surreal, creative twists. Get transported through decades of Christmas traditions, reimagined in unexpected and imaginative ways.

See toy cars queuing to enter, giant hanging Quality Street, rooms filled with giant Rubik’s Cubes, and the return of Mr. Frosty. Plus there are also singing retro-bots that serenade guests with acapella renditions of holiday classics.

Christmas at Dyrham Park

21 November – 5 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 Weekend at Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

7-8 December  

The popular Victorian Christmas weekend at Brunel’s SS Great Britain feature Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes, and the dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with falling snow and carol singers.

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre 

8 November – 5 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. 

Find the Flock at Bristol Zoo Project

9-12 January

Join an exciting family art trail and find twelve unique Aardman sheep sculptures at locations across the zoo. It’s free for visitors and a fun addition to a normal trip to the zoo.

Breakfast with Santa at WWT Slimbridge 

14-15 and 21-23 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.

Spot Brunelf the Scout Elf

After a successful debut in 2023, Brunelf the Scout Elf is back for 2024, and will be appearing at locations across Bristol from 22 November – 24 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

This fairground and small market in Millenium 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 fairgorund games are especially expensive and the prizes are plastic tatt, so it doesn’t feel like money well spent. The market in Broadmead feels much more festive. I’m not going to this Millenium 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

23-24 and 30 November, 6-8, 13-15 and every day from 20 to 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 last 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 3 to 23 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 23 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

1 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!

Frome Independent

1 December 2024 (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

28 November – 15 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

23 November, 7 and 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

10 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.

Finzels Reach Christmas Market 

Fridays from 2-16 December 

The usual Finzels Reach market is getting a Christmas glow-up in December. Go for festive guest stalls.

Ice skating in Bristol and beyond

Festive Outdoor Ice Skating at Avon Valley

Various dates from 30 November to 5 January

Skate rink and apres-skate bar at the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park. There’s also a light trail and fun fair. Book tickets here.

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

Goldilocks and the Three Bears (7 December – 15 January)

The Hippodrome pantomime is always one of the highlights of the festive season in Bristol, and this year it’s Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The show will feature Brian Conley and Brenda Edwards.

Book your tickets here.

Wardrobe Theatre

Santa and Sven (8 December)

“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.

The Snow Baby (20-30 December)

“A magical children’s Christmas show with beautiful puppetry, imaginative storytelling and original music that will give you goosebumps from Soap Soup Theatre, for ages 3-8 and their families” Book your tickets here.

Notting Hell: The Greatest Love Story in the Underworld (5 December – 11 January) 

“Christmas 2024 with The Wardrobe Theatre – a fast, smart and devilishly funny new mash-up parody from the makers of The Good, The Bad & The Coyote Ugly, MDH: Puppets Do A Movie, Little Women In Black and many more!”

Book tickets.

Redgrave Theatre

Treasure Island (23-29 Nov)

“Yo-ho-ho, matey! Hoist the mainsail as we depart from Bristol for a daring adventure with young Jim Hawkins against legendary pirate Long John Silver. Will Jim outwit the rascal crew and uncover the island’s mysterious secrets before it’s too late? Bristol Old Vic Theatre School reimagines the epic swashbuckling tale for families this Christmas.” Book your tickets here.

Jack and the Beanstalk (13 Dec – 5 Jan)

“Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer our hero Jack on his magical journey to Cloudland as he battles to save his best friend Daisy the Cow! As always there’ll be spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes, amazing special effects and lots of audience participation.”

“With a fabulous cast and the biggest Giant in Pantoland it won’t cost you a bag of magic beans but it will be FE-FI-FO-FUN for everyone.”

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

Bristol Old Vic

The Little Mermaid (5 December – 11 January)

“Dive into a magical underwater kingdom this Christmas with Bristol Old Vic’s bold and breathtaking re-imagining of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale about love, hope, and how no one is too small to change the world.” Book your tickets here.

Little Red & other winter tales (6 December – 12 January)

“This Christmas, join Little Red in the deep dark woods for music, adventure and overcoming the monsters. A re-telling of the classic tales Little Red Riding Hood, The Red Shoes and The Little Match Girl, this is a story of absent parents, dance-offs and finding the heart of Christmas.” Book your tickets here.

Tobacco Factory Theatres

Hansel and Gretel (28 November – 12 January)

“In the middle of the cold, dark forest, Hansel and Gretel are lost and hungry. As they sit, shivering, they glimpse a tiny cottage through the trees and across the woods… a cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows a clear, crystalised sugary glaze. But what’s inside?” Book your tickets here.

Christmas at the Spiegeltent

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 Dark Side of the Moon will fill the air. Some of Bristol’s biggest 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:

1 December: The Muppet Christmas Carol

16 December: The Grinch Stole Christmas

19 & 20 December: It’s a Wonderful Life

22 December: Elf

22 December: The Snowman

22 December: Polar Express

22 December: Home Alone

22 December: The Nightmare Before Christmas

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: Christmas Decoration Workshops, Christmas Biscuit Decorating Masterclass or Christmas Calligraphy workshop. 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 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.

29 and 30 Nov and 1,6,7 and 8 Dec: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Treats at Sprouts of Bristol, £60

2 December: Make a Christmas Macramé Wreath at L’Étoile Studio – Art & Gallery, £35.

28 Nov, and 5 & 10 Dec: Christmas wreath workshop at The Flower Shop on Gloucester Road, £65

Where to see Santa in Bristol and nearby

Here are few places where you can see Santa in Bristol and beyond in 2022.

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

28 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!).

Sail with Santa

Go on a 45-minute trip around the harbour with the Bristol Ferry searching for Santa. Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all the little ones and sail around the harbour with you! 

Old Down Country Park

20-24 December

Visit Sanat 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!), family photograph with Santa and Country Park entry for the whole day. Book here.

Santa’s Grotto on the Grand Pier

Weekends from 23 November – 15 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 16 Nov – 23 December

As part of a Christmas trip to Cheddar Gorge, you can book to see 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. Her are a few Christmas light switch-on events in Bristol and beyond…

20 November: Clifton Village

28 November: Clevedon

29 November: Puxton Park (30 mins from Bristol)

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 18-24 December: Breakfast with Santa at Brewers Fayre Lewins Mead and Brewers Fayre, The Wessex Flyer. Book your 60 minute slot between 9-11:30am. Starts at £9.99 per child.

6-23 December: Supper with Santa at Puxton Park

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

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

Festive Afternoon Tea DeVere Tortworth Court

Throughout December: Savor a festive afternoon tea in the 1853 Restaurant at De Vere Tortworth Court, where you can enjoy breathtaking views across the South Gloucestershire countryside.

More Bristol Christmas events?

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