The dazzling Christmas lights of Bristol are twinkling away, brightening up those dark winter nights.
Even though Saint Nick is still a little way from donning his finest furs and the city is stuck in Tier Three for now, Christmas is coming, and Bristol is just itching to put on a show. A sparkling array of Christmas lights have burst into colour all over the city. From the bottom of Park Street, to the middle of Broadmead Shopping Centre, and all the way to the top of Clifton Suspension Bridge – Bristol boasts some of the best Christmas lights in the UK. Take a tour of these beauties if you can’t wait for that sweet hit of festive cheer!
1. Bristol ADVENTures
For the first 24 days of December, in locations around the city centre, a new Christmas light projection will be revealed at dusk each day. Head over to Bristol City Centre BID’s Instagram feed to see what’s already lit up and read about where they are. So far, you’ll find light projections at St George’s, Cabot Circus, Park Row, Queen Square, King Street, Millennium Square, Bristol Harbourside and Broadmead. The anticipation in the lead up to Christmas Day is real! Ooo, where could the 24th one possibly be?
2. Bristol Shopping Quarter
Although we’ve had a month of retail businesses closed and edging closer to the big day, why not slow down on the Christmas shopping and take the time this year to really notice the amazing Christmas lights and displays all around Bristol Shopping Quarter? Funded by Broadmead Bristol BID and stretching throughout Broadmead and The Horsefair, take a wander through and grab a few Christmas presents while you are there. Then head onwards to Cabot Circus where their quirky Christmas lights will be sparking some joy. Plus, you can’t miss the big Santa!
3. Bristol City Centre
Marvel at the beautiful Christmas lights extending throughout Bristol City Centre from Queen’s Road and Park Street, Old City and King Street, a display of more than a mile of festive lighting. Funded solely by Bristol City Centre BID, the lights will be twinkling everyday from 11am – 11pm in the leadup to Christmas. So spend time exploring the lights and spread a little joy by supporting local businesses that are open and operating safely.
4. Clifton Village
Clifton Village is magical at Christmas and this year, amongst the Christmas lights, the special guest star will be Florence the NHS Christmas Tree of Thanks. Florence is a 50ft Nordman Fir Christmas Tree in The Mall Gardens. It will be decorated with your NHS Stars. BID Clifton Village in association with Tony Miles (Smiley Miley Events) are asking people to buy a star for Florence to say thank you to the NHS staff in Bristol, and you’ll also be put into a draw to win prizes from the wonderful businesses in Clifton, from vintage champagne to dinner for four. Find out how and where to purchase the stars here.
5. Portishead High Street
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Portishead Christmas lights are some of the best local Christmas lights in the South West. They extend throughout the High Street from Whitecott Stores to Waitrose and feature around 8,000 bulbs. Each year volunteers from this coastal Somerset town spend their time making sure the lights get better and better and in 2020, despite a drop in funding, the lights are still going up to bring some festive cheer and goodwill to all. With no light switch-on event this year, the team are asking for support through their Just Giving page so if you do go along and enjoy the lights then you can support them here.
6. Brailsford Christmas Lights
Each year the Brailsford family from Brentry in Bristol put on the most incredible Christmas light display. The display has grown and grown and now raises thousands of pounds for local children’s charities each year. This display is so bright it’s enough to rival Rudolph guiding Santa’s sleigh, and probably a Christmas convoy. This year the Christmas Lights display will be going ahead and the organisers have taken the necessary precautions and following government guidelines to ensure they provide a secure place for you to see Brailsford Lights. Please maintain all social distancing rules when visiting this year and please use the hand sanitiser provided near the collection boxes. Head here for all the information about the Brailsford lights including how to find them.
7. Almondsbury Christmas Light Display
Another local family that bring festive cheer with their annual Christmas lights are Graham and Sue from Almondsbury. Their gloriously festive house will be lighting up this year to raise money for local charities. Like the Brailsford Lights, please maintain all social distancing rules when visiting this year, use the hand sanitiser and wear a face mask where possible. At busy periods people will be asked to limit their time viewing the lights to a maximum of 10 minutes, plus there will be a one-way system. The Lights at Cope Park should be easy to spot once you’re there! For more information visit the Almonsbury Christmas Light Display page.
8. Christmas Displays in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
Due to lockdown and the impact of coronavirus, Bristol and South Gloucestershire locals are putting on extra special shows this year for Christmas. The Christmas Displays group has put together a map of the amazing Christmas displays whether it is a window display, outdoor display, decorations, lights and trails in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas. Head over and take a look.
[Featured Image: Bristol City Centre BID]