It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Bristol, but there are more than just festivities to enjoy in Bristol this month. So hit play on the Xmas playlist, fish out the New Year’s Eve fireworks, and have a jolly ol’ time with our guide to the best things to do in Bristol this December.
Hit up Bristol Christmas Market
It’s not a complete December without a trip to Bristol Christmas Market. Sprawling over Broadmead, there are over 40+ festive stalls selling gifts, festive treats, unique crafts, and more, alongside the Jäger Barn Bar and Bar Glissè, which serve mulled wine and festive drinks. You will also find a Christmas Ferris wheel, special visits from Santa, and private ski gondolas.
What could elevate a classical concert performed by candlelight—Christmas, of course, what else? Head to the historic Temple of Peace in Cardiff this December, where a live string quartet, surrounded by the soft glow of hundreds of candles, let timeless holiday melodies fill the room in an evening made for the season.
Visit ‘the UK’s number one light trail’
Luminate returns to Ashton Court this Christmas. Taking visitors on a reimagined illuminated journey, with a new route and installations, discover “the UK’s number one light trail.” With more than 120,000 lights, enjoy hands-on play, light tunnels and mirror balls, a beautiful soundtrack, and the Christmas Corner—where you can post your letter to Lapland!
Step aboard the virtual maiden voyage of Titanic: A Voyage Through Time and dive 2.4 miles deep to the wreckage, before stepping back in time to experience what life was like aboard one of history’s most legendary vessels. Wander its lavish dining halls, walk the iconic Grand Staircase, stroll the deck, and uncover the personal stories of the passengers on board. This extraordinary VR experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about one of history’s most infamous tragedies.
Celebrate Bristol’s independent artists, designers and makers
More than 200 independent artists, designers and makers will take over Bristol Beacon this December, celebrating gifts designed, made and sold by real people. Taking over the Lantern Hall and Bridgehouse, Made in Bristol Gift Fair is offering a one-stop alternative to the high street. Shoppers can browse ceramics, jewellery, original art and prints, textiles, homeware, candles, craft kits, Christmas decorations and stocking fillers, while meeting the people behind the products and discovering the skills, processes and stories behind their work.
Look up — the night sky will be transformed by hundreds of choreographed drones. One of the most magical December sights coming to Bristol is the return of the Sky Kingdom drone light show, where hundreds of drones create dragon-shaped displays. This family-friendly, cinematic outdoor spectacle comes with accessibility features and choreographed visuals set to a powerful soundtrack.
Witness Longleat’s glow-up with The Festival of Light
Longleat’s legendary Festival of Light returns with more life-size lanterns than ever before. Just an hour from Bristol, step into the glow of more than 1,000 spectacular lanterns along a breathtaking 2.5km trail through worlds of myth, magic and adventure. Explore the lost city of Atlantis, wander beneath a life-sized blue whale and encounter mighty gods, dragons, giants and magical creatures as legendary tales come to life in lights.
Catch a biker gang of Santas in Bristol
Santa’s On A Bike will see hundreds of Santas, snowmen, elves and reindeer riding festive-decorated bikes and booming out Christmas songs. Motorcyclists from across the South West will be meeting at Winterbourne Academy on Saturday, December 6. Santa’s On A Bike will then set off at 12:30pm, where it will head off towards Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice. The almost two-hour route will head down such popular locations as Gloucester Road, Park Street, and Cumberland Basin.
Make your dreams come true at the pantomime
What is December without a visit to the panto? This year, Bristol Hippodrome is taking on Sleeping Beauty, packed with magic, music, comedy and enchanting special effects. Starring Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Carabosse and Bristol’s own Joe Sims as the Henchman, this is not to be missed.
Visit the brand-new Christmas festival on the Harbourside
Christmas is coming to Bristol’s Harbourside in a big way this year, with a brand new winter festival bringing ice skating, towering rides, tipi bars, live music, festive food and mulled drinks. Bristol On Ice will take over the Amphitheatre, situated next to the well-established Bristol Spiegeltent. Creating a new, free-entry, Christmas destination where visitors can skate by the waterfront, take in views across the city from a 65-metre Star Flyer and head into the tipis for drinks, food and live music.
