No matter how well-organised we are, there are always a million things to do at Christmas in Bristol that we somehow manage to miss. Every year we forget to buy at least one family member a present and are scrambling around shopping on Christmas Eve. That’s before we remember to even put up our decorations!
With so many festive activities happening in Bristol this Christmas to catch-up on, we cannot possibly stay on top of it all. From catching up on Christmas classics on TV to trying all the latest festive foods and drinks. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do this Christmas in Bristol so you don’t miss out.
1. Buy a real Christmas tree from a local farm
Before Christmas can truly start you have to buy a tree. If you are thinking of grabbing an artificial Christmas tree this year, we won’t judge. But nothing beat the sight and scent of the real thing. Especially if you’ve gone and picked one out yourself from one of the wonderful forests and garden centres near Bristol, like Frenchay Forestry and Ali & Joe’s.
Kickstart the festive spirit in your household with a family day-out deciding on the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you’re after a freshly-cut fir or a sustainable and locally sourced tree, check out our guide for best places to buy Christmas trees in Bristol.
2. Cosy up with a Christmas film
Once the tree is up, it’s time to wrap on the sofa and fall in love with our favourite Christmas films all over again. Take your pick of some of the newest Christmas film releases such as Spirited and Falling for Christmas, as well as Christmas classics such as Elf and Miracle On 34th Street.
There’s even a whole TV channel dedicated to Christmas to get you feeling festive. So get cosy on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate or something stronger because, baby it’s cold outside! Also, check out our guide to the Christmas films on Netflix here.
3. Glide into Christmas with style at one of these ice rinks near Bristol
We’ll be indulging on more than our fair share of mulled wine, mice pies and turkey slices this Christmas 2022 in Bristol. Some exercise is going to be needed. What better festive activity to burn some calories than ice skating?
We don’t expect anyone to become the next Torvill or Dean overnight. But getting out on the ice will be a world of fun. And if you get knocked down, to misquote Chumbawamba, just get up again. Some of these brilliant ice skating rinks around Bristol will be open all of Christmas too. Rejoice!
4. Hit up one of Bristol’s Christmas markets
Everyone knows about Bristol Christmas Market. It’s among the best Christmas markets in the country – brimming with dazzling lights, tasty festive treats, handmade gifts and plenty of activities. Christmas in Bristol cannot begin without it.
But it’s not the only festive market happening in Bristol in 2022. A trip to Bath Christmas Market is definitely worth your time – one of the most beautiful markets in the country – at this time of year. While some smaller, but no less worthy markets have popped up around the city. See here for the best Christmas markets in Birmingham.
5. Support Bristol’s independent businesses
You’ll find unique and perfect gifts for friends and family at St Nicks Market, who are hosting their Christmas themed market on Fridays in the lead up to the big day. But Bristol is full of independent businesses across the city.
Not only will you help in these difficult times, but you’ll definitely find something special for someone you love this Christmas. The Love Bristol Gift Card campaign is also a great way to support local independent businesses, while sorting out any tricky presents. Learn more here.
6. Head down to Vintage Winter Wonderland for some festive cheer
Here to add some magic alongside the Bristol Christmas Market, is a winter wonderland that makes for a cosy setting as well as bringing plenty of entertainment. Bristol’s Vintage Winter Wonderland features an après chalet-style bar, fairground rides, food stalls and plenty of festive cheer.
Taking over Millennium Square until January 2, the attraction will bring plenty of entertainment in the form of a helter skelter, dodgems and vintage funfair games with prizes up for grabs.
7. Wander through a wintery Westonbirt
Spectacular at anytime of year, Westonbirt Arboretum transforms into an enchanted forest this Christmas 2022. Take a walk though a breathtaking light trail, featuring interactive displays amongst its magnificent trees. Keep a keen eye-out for mischievous elves playing in the forest too. Learn more here.
8. Try one of Bristol’s best hot chocolates
Nothing is as cosy a hot chocolate at Christmas wandering Birmingham while we do our shopping. There’s plenty of places to pick up a hot drink to takeaway, or sit-in, in town serving super indulgent hot chocolates. From those stacked high with so many treats that they’re practically puddings, to the establishments that absolutely nail the classic-style hot choccy, our city has it all. Check out our guide here.9. Meet a real-life polar bear
Don’t worry, it’s not actually a real polar bear. Bjorn is a very convincing animatronic bear, however, at the Propyard for Winterland. Somewhere between “a petting zoo and a nature documentary,” get up close and personal with this no-so-wild animal. Bjorn’s show is an informal interactive experience, so you can stroke, pet and tickle him as much as you like.
That’s not all Winterland has on offer. Propyard has a giant 300 sq m ice skating rink with ice bumper cars this Christmas – meaning you safely bump into one another on the ice at last. While the Courtyard is hosting a winter market selling seasonal crafts and Isle of Trees will sell freshly cut Christmas trees in the carpark. To find out more head here.
10. Make your own mulled wine
Most recipes just require you to warm up red wine, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and a touch of sugar or honey to taste – and it’s as easy as popping it all in a saucepan together and simmering on low (with a pan cover) for just 15 minutes. If that doesn’t appeal to you, try these great places to buy mulled wine in Bristol.
11. Discover Bristol’s dazzling Christmas lights
12. Pup along to this festive dachshund cafe
The most adorable hangout spot for dogs is returns to Bath on December 11. The Pup Up Cafe is the paw-fect experience for dog owners and dog admirers alike. You’ll make plenty of new four-legged friends, maybe some two-legged ones too, with loads of festivities planned too. To learn more head here.