[CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED]
Christmas in Bristol, otherwise known as Bristmas, is a festive-fuelled schedule of Christmas markets, festive eats, outdoor cinema, festive activities and more. Here’s your complete guide to festive things to do in Bristol this Christmas, diaries at the ready…
Disclaimer: This guide follows the Visit Bristol #MerryBristmas campaign, where I was kindly gifted passes to the city’s festive events and activities. Since The Millennial Runaway is aimed at pretend adults (millennials), the events and activities featured in this guide are suggested with adults in mind. For child-friendly activities, please see more at Visit Bristol.
Quick links
- Animal Encounters
- For the Shopaholics
- For the Film Buffs
- All of the Lights
- Foodies
- For the Big Kids
- For the Party Starters
Animal Encounters
Christmas Deer Feeding at Ashton Court Estate
Enjoy an illuminating talk about the Ashton Court red deer by the experienced park rangers, with a glass of especially made mulled wine and a mince pie (included in the adult ticket price).
When: 17th – 19th December 2019
Where: Ashton Court Estate
Price: £10
Click here for more information
Bear Wood at Wild Place Project
If you go down to the woods today… be sure to introduce yourself to Wild Place Project’s sleuth of Brown Bears – Neo, Gemini, Albie and Nilas. The purpose-built compound allows you an up-close-and-personal look from the panorama glass viewpoint along the trail. Know an animal lover? An overnight stay in the luxury glamping site might just be the perfect gift!
Adult Price: From £9
Click here for more information
Winter Animal Adventure at Bristol Zoo
The cold never bothers the animals, as 89% of Bristol Zoo’s animals can be viewed undercover. From meerkats and lemurs to geckos and butterflies, the darker evenings are brightened with the twinkling trees and 3D animal lights.
When: 30th November to 23rd December 2019
Adult Price: From £11.40
Click here for more information
Noah’s Ark Farm
Have yourself a very eco Christmas, as Noah’s Ark Farm is going all out with their green efforts as the zoo will be decorated with recycled Christmas decorations made by staff members. From Christmas Carols to DIY nativities, winter wildlife trails and back by popular demand – Reindeer Feeding.
Adoptions, Encounters and Keeper Experiences are available to add to your Christmas list.
Did you know? They’re offering free entry to those in their ’80s throughout the whole of December.
When: Various dates throughout December
Adult Price: £15 (online)
Click here for more information
Winter Safari at Longleat
A giant Christmas Tree, the King Arthur Hereabouts exhibition, the festival of light and the House decorated for a glamorous 1920s Christmas party – you’re spoilt for choice at Longleat this Christmas in Bristol. But don’t forget to pay a visit to your favourite animals on a winter safari!
Advance booking is advised.
When: 9th November 2019 to 5th January 2020
Adult Price: From £30
Click here for more information
Longleat House. Image credit: Longleat
For the Shopaholics
Wow, Bristol has such an insane line up of Christmas Markets and Festive shopping events that it needed its own post! So you can find your guide to Christmas Markets in Bristol here.
For the Film Buffs
Harry Potter in the Clifton Cathedral, Die Hard and Wine Pairing or how about Elf in a beer garden? There are so many fabulous film showings happening this Christmas in Bristol that I had to give it its own post. Here’s where to find Bristol’s line-up of festive cinemas.
All of the Lights
Window Wanderland
Window Wanderland is a neighbourhood initiative to transform everyday streets into magical, outdoor galleries. You can peruse the windows in the BS9 postcode from 7th to 10th February 2020.
Click here for more information
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Voted Britain’s Favourite Christmas Light Display in 2018, Westonbirt are back for a whole new trail for 2019! Put a sparkle in your step as you discover woodland creatures, market stalls, a wonderland of light and magic and more.
When: Select dates from 2019
Where: Westonbirt Arboretum
Price: £15 (Adult)
Click here for more information
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
In support of Great Ormond Street Hospital, this Tudor castle is bringing J. M. Barrie’s timeless classic to life. Warm-up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate as you ogle at the twinkling light installations. Keep an eye out for Peter Pan and Wendy on the illuminated trail.
When: Select dates from 30th November to 30th December 2019
Where: Sudeley Castle
Price: £16.50 (Adult)
Click here for more information
Festival of Light at Longleat
Day, lantern lates and twilight tickets bring to life thrilling odyssey as myths and legends – extraordinary creatures, ancient deities, magnificent scenery and stunning structures. Don’t miss the giant Christmas Tree!
When: 9th November 2019 to 5th January 2020
Where: Longleat Safari Park
Price: From £22.45
Click here for more information
Submergence
Squidsoup has developed an immersive light installation in Millennium Square, Submergence is a large, immersive, walkthrough experience. The installation uses suspended light “to create feelings of presence and movement within a physical space.”
When: From 11th December 2019
Where: Millennium Square
Price: Free
Click here for more information
Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light. Image credit: Sudeley Castle
For the Indulgent Foodies
Prosecco Burgers, Ferrero Rocher Sourdough doughnuts and those Yorkshire pudding wraps – is your mouth watering yet? Festive Eats coming soon.
For Big Kids
BUMP Rollerdisco
Open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, this indoor rink is the perfect place to show off some hidden skills or relive your childhood on retro skates. Featuring a live DJ, bar and the chance to win prizes – booking is recommended for evening sessions that are anticipated to sell out.
When: 15th November 2019 to 5th January 2020
Where: Millennium Square
Adult Price: £10 including Skate Hire
Click here for more information
Bristol Insight & Illumination Tours
Get wrapped up under a blanket, nibble on a mince pie and enjoy a romantic illumination tour of the Clifton suspension bridge, Christmas displays and the many Chrismas trees with Bristol Insight’s twilight and illumination tours this December.
When: Whole of December at 18:00
Where: From Broad Quay (BS1 4DJ)
Adult Price: £15
Click here for more information
A Very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield
Travel back over 100 years with the Ghost of Christmas Past, for Christmas with the Gibbs Family. The halls will be decked, with music and merriment filling the house as you celebrator along with these Victorian characters. Choir concerts, Christmas carriage rides and various workshops are also available to book at Tyntesfiels Very Victorian Christmas. (Booking advised)
Tickets to the house are released weekly.
When: Saturday 23 November 2019 to Sunday 5 January 2020
Where: Tyntesfield
Price: From £16.50
Click here for more information
A very Victorian Christmas. Image credit: National Trust
For the Party Starters
Christmas at the Spiegeltent
Drag pageants, masquerade balls or a unique Christmas party destination. The Spiegeltent promises revelry and raucousness in a carnivalesque, luxurious venue. Think draped ceilings, rich mahogany and circus performers. It’s like starring in your own version of The Greatest Showman.
When: Various
Where: Waterfront Square
Price: From £9
Click here for more information
Live Music at Apres Ski Bar
Millennium Square’s cosy après-style pop up is back for another year! Sit back in a fur-lined lounger with a boozy hot chocolate, and enjoy live music performances every Thursday.
When: 15 November 2019 – 5 January 2020
Where: Millennium Square
Price: Free entry
Click here for more information
The Snowhouse Bar
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Broadmead are six luxury snow domes, with a transparent exterior for stargazing. The domes are free of charge before 5pm Monday to Thursday to rest your weary feet from shopping. From Friday to Sunday, the domes are pre-booked for £10 per person (based on six people) including a 90-minute reservation in a heated dome and a bottle of prosecco.
The Snow Bar is open until 22nd December with festive food and drink options available to purchase.
When: 22nd November to 22nd December 2019
Where: Quakers Friars
Price: Free except for VIP Snow Domes
Click here for more information
Christmas Street Party
Join your neighbours for an evening of live music, festive activities and late-night shopping on Gloucester Road, for this festive street party.
When: Thursday 5 December 2019
At: 17:00 – 20:00
Where: Gloucester Road
Price: Free
Click here for more information
Christmas Silent Disco
Three music channels, three hours and countless tunes! Dance the night away under the fairy lights with Christmas classics at this silent disco.
When: 7th and 21st December 2019
At: 20:00 – 23:00
Where: Tobacco Factory Garden
Price: Free!
Click here for more information
Know about an event you’d like to see added? Please get in touch!
