Unbelievably, the Christmas season is already upon us! You won’t be short of things to do this month with this blog on the best events in Bristol this December.
Winterland at Propyard: On now until 4th January 2023
Propyard is bringing sugar, spice and everything ice to the city with its ‘Winterland’ extravaganza. You can expect an indoor ice rink, ice bumper cars, and pop-up visits from a ‘real life’ animatronic polar bear; Bjorn. Propyard really is a must-visit if you’re wanting to get into the Christmas spirit early this year. To find out more about the attractions, visit their website.
Victorian Christmas Weekends at The SSGB: 3rd-4th and 10th-11th December 2022
Join the team at the SS Great Britain this December for the return of their Victorian Christmas Weekends! Step back in time to encounter a host of characters, and discover the dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas greenery and even falling snow. For more information on their extended opening hours and to book tickets, head to the website.
The Bristol Palestine Film Festival: 2nd – 11th December 2023
The Bristol Palestine Film Festival 2022 takes place from 2-11 December across six venues in the city. This year’s festival will feature a comedy show for the first time in its 11-year history, alongside 8 feature-length films and 2 shorts nights, showcasing a range of contemporary stories and experiences from Palestine and the region. To find out more and book your tickets, head to their website.
Broadmead Christmas Market: 4th November – 23rd December 2022
A Bristol Christmas staple, it’s the Broadmead Christmas Market, located in the heart of the city centre, the market is home to over 40 unique stalls selling seasonal delights, crafts and unique gifts. There will also be a wide range of delicious food available! For more information on timings and what’s available, take a look at their website.
The Festival of Light at Longleat: 5th November 2022 – 8th January 2023
Running until January, the Longleat Festival of Light really is something to behold! This year will come to you as ‘The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl’, and promises a magical journey that will excite everyone! To find out more and book your tickets, head to their website.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at MShed: 19th November 2022—29th May 2023
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is back at M Shed with a brand new set of images capturing the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Celebrating its 58th year, this exhibition is a must-see for any nature, wildlife and photography enthusiasts. To book tickets and check opening times, take a look at their website.
Christmas at the National Trust: Throughout December 2022
This Christmas, a day out with the National Trust near Bristol will involve decorations and Christmas trees galore, lots of opportunities to meet Father Christmas, plus winter walks and warming refreshments. Running at various times throughout the festive period, we recommend checking out Visit Bristol’s run-down on Christmas with the National Trust, here.
Enchanted Garden of light at the American museum: 1st – 31st December 2022
Featuring new displays, routes, and family-friendly start times, this Christmas there is an enchanting trail of illuminations at the American Museum & Gardens. Visitors will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spectacular light displays across the house, gardens and woodland! For more information and to book, take a look at their website.
The Snow Queen at Tobacco Factory Theatres: 1st December 2022 – 15th January 2023
A magical folk tale bursting at the seams with rich acoustic music and brought to life by a multi-talented cast, The Snow Queen is full of heart, courage and a lot of laughter. For this festive experience, Tobacco Factory Theatres have partnered once more with the award-winning New International Encounter and Cambridge Junction. For tickets and information on special performances, visit their website.
Belle and Sebastien at Bristol Old Vic: 2nd December 2022 – 8th January 2023
A classic family tale, reimagined by two of the South West's strongest co-producing partners, Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic. Enjoy this story of love and friendship, set against the backdrop of snowy mountains and stormy relationships. Also on at Bristol Old Vic this season is festive classic The Nutcracker, ending on January 7th. For tickets and showtimes, take a look at their website.
Christmas at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park: On now until 1st January 2023
Christmas is well underway at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, from the festive light show that uses its lake and trees to create a spectacular backdrop, the playbarn open for a festive disco, and a Christmas Fair. There is also ice skating, Santa's Sleigh Surprise Show and more. To see what’s on offer and book tickets, visit their website.
Cinderella at The Bristol Hippodrome: 4th-31st December 2022
Starring Craig Revel Horwood, and packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients. The Bristol Hippodrome audiences can expect Cinderella features, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. To book tickets, which start at just £13, head to their tickets page here.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair: 3rd-4th and 10th-11th December 2022
If you’re looking for a unique, hand-crafted Bristol gift, you’re sure to find it at the Made in Bristol Gift Fair. This year the Bristol Beacon is home to 200 stalls showcasing the finest designers, ceramists, illustrators, knitters, woodworkers, jewellers and artists from across the region. Find out more about opening times and stallholders on the Made in Bristol website.
Ashton Court Father Christmas Experience: 1st-23rd December 2022
A fun interactive experience with professional actors in the historic Ashton Court Mansion. Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight the children. The Father Christmas Experience is at Ashton Court Mansion every weekend and selected weekdays from the 1st – 23rd of December. For more details and to book tickets, head to their website.
Stay with Clifton Hotels this Christmas, Bristol’s favourite independent hotel group.
To find out about the best Christmas markets in the Bristol area this year, read our blog here. As always, for more information on all of the events happening in Bristol this season, take a look at Visit Bristol.
Have you got your New Year’s Eve plans yet? Why not party the night and indeed the year away at Racks or the Square Club? Or if you’re looking for something a little quieter this season, why not enjoy a festive afternoon tea at No. 4 Clifton Village.