WHAT’S ON THIS CHRISTMAS IN AND AROUND BRISTOL?
Welcome to my giant round-up of fabulous festive things to do with the family this Christmas in Bristol and nearby. Whether you’re after ice skating rinks, magical light trails, special festive shows or a Christmas market in Bristol, you’ll find them all here.
The Christmas guide has been freshly updated for 2022 and is jam-packed with fun things to do and places to visit during the festive season.
Some events continue into January 2023, so remember to bookmark this page if you’re looking for fun things to do in and around Bristol during the Christmas school holidays too!
As there’s so much to do this Christmas, I’ve included a table of contents to make it quick and easy to click straight to the section you need. Enjoy the guide!
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAILS IN BRISTOL AND NEARBY
AVON VALLEY PARK: CHRISTMAS NIGHTS LIGHT TRAIL
WHEN: Various Dates until 31st December 2022
WHERE: Avon Valley Wildlife & Adventure Park
ADDRESS: Pixash Lane, Keynsham, BRISTOL BS31 1TP
Follow and interact with Avon Valley’s Christmas Nights Light Trail, where the lake and trees create a spectacular backdrop for this year’s illuminations.
With stunning light installations and play areas creatively lit up, the family-focused light trail is fun for all ages to enjoy.
The Elf Express Miniature Steam Train is ready to take you on a festive ride and if you’re feeling brave you could knock at the door of The Grinch’s House.
See Dinosaur Valley and its animatronic inhabitants brought to life at night.
And if your children still have energy to burn, they could bust some moves at the Play Barn Disco Party.
Other events at Avon Valley this Christmas:
Avon Valley Christmas Experience
This December visit Avon Valley for a full day of festive, family fun in a Christmas experience like no other in the South West.
Festive Funfair
The Festive Family Fun Fair is back at Avon Valley this Christmas with fun and thrill rides for the whole family to enjoy.
Avon Valley Ice Skating with nighttime lighting effects and apres ski bar.
There’s plenty of free car parking on-site or the X39 bus drops you a 10-minute walk from the park.
For more information or to book, visit Avon Valley Christmas website.
OLD DOWN ESTATE: ILLUMINATION TRAIL
WHEN: 19th November 2022 to 2nd January 2023
WHERE: Old Down Estate
ADDRESS: Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG
Old Down Estate is putting on its Magical Christmas Illumination Trail for the first time this year.
Father Christmas’s elves have been busy sprinkling fairy dust around the park and decorating the trees with glimmering lights for Christmas.
Follow an enchanting route through the fairy garden to the front of the manor house and immerse yourself in the country park’s magical experience.
FOOD AND DRINK
A selection of food will be available from the Barn Café, so you could treat yourself to a hot chocolate and cream or mulled wine after completing the trail.
ACCESSIBILITY AT OLD DOWN COUNTRY PARK
The trail is accessible for prams and pushchairs.
There’s limited access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
DOGS AT OLD DOWN COUNTRY PARK
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads
BOOKING OLD DOWN COUNTRY PARK’S ILLUMINATION TRAIL
For more information or to book, click here.
WOOKEY HOLE: WINTER WONDERLAND
WHEN: Selected dates from 26 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
WHERE: Wookey Hole Caves, BA5 1BB
This year Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland might be just the thing to get you into the Christmas spirit. Tickets include a day out at Wookey Hole, along with some special Christmas events.
- Wookey Hole caves have been illuminated with over 100,000 lights, transforming them into an enchanting underground land.
- There’s an Elf on the Shelf inspired Christmas circus show at the Wookey Hole Theatre.
- A Christmas film will be showing in the 4D cinema.
- Children visiting Santa’s North Pole grotto before Christmas can meet Father Christmas and take home a present from Santa and the Elves.
All the usual Wookey Hole attractions will be open during Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole and the whole park promises to be full of Christmas cheer.
For more information or to book, click here.
LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
WHEN: Selected dates from 5 November 2022 – 8 January 2023
WHERE: Longleat
ADDRESS: Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
This Christmas at Longleat, the Festival of Light brings to life the stories of Roald Dahl with a Lantern Festival set within over 30 acres of landscaped grounds. Each lantern scene depicts key moments from the iconic books, including The BFG, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Matilda and Fantastic Mr Fox.
The 2022 Longleat Light Festival promises to be the most spectacular to date with over 800 lanterns, some more than 25 metres tall.
In addition to Longleat Festival of Lights, the all-in-one ticket includes a Santa train and their 15-metre Enchanted Christmas Tree show.
You can also enjoy access to animal and adventure attractions, including the Winter Safari Drive-through, Jungle Kingdom, Jungle Cruise and Longleat Hedge Maze.
For more information on Longleat at Christmas or to book tickets, click here.
AMERICAN MUSEUM: ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT
WHEN: 1st to 31st Dec 2022
WHERE: The American Museum & Gardens
ADDRESS: Claverton Manor, Bath, BA2 7BD
Visit the American Museum & Gardens this Christmas to see a trail of illuminations and lighting displays which bathe the house and grounds in colour.
Children can collect a lantern at the start to carry along the route which features tunnels of light and new light installations.
ACCESSIBILITY AT THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHT
The American Museum’s light trail is step-free, so is suitable for pushchairs.
DOGS AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM LIGHT TRAIL
Dogs on leads are welcome to join the fun!
For more information or to book tickets for the Enchanted Garden of Light, click here.
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CHRISTMAS ICE SKATING IN BRISTOL & NEARBY
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE SKATING AT CRIBBS
16 November – 2 January 2023
Cribbs Causeway’s outdoor ice rink returns for 2022 and it’s set to be the most magical yet! Feel the crisp winter wind on your face as you swirl around the rink.
The Mall’s ice skating rink is in the heart of Winter Wonderland, surrounded by magical snow-topped Christmas trees!
Skating sessions last 30 minutes. Ticket prices include skate hire. Seal skating aids are available to hire for those under 10.
The festive ice rink at Cribbs Causeway’s Winter Wonderland is surrounded by snow-topped Christmas trees.
Skating sessions last 30 minutes and cost £12.50 for adults and £10.50 for children up to 16.
Seal skating aids are available to hire for children under the age of 10 years old and cost £5 (subject to availability.)
TODDLER SKATING SESSIONS
Until 9th December, there are also special weekday toddler sessions where under-fives can use the ice rink for just £5 a ticket and their grown-up can accompany them for free. Seal skating aids are also free to use for these sessions. Tickets to the toddler skate sessions are available in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.
Paddington will also be making an appearance at Winter Wonderland for the toddler mornings.
SKATING AT AVON VALLEY WILDLIFE PARK
26 November – 1 January 2023
This sparkling venue with an atmospheric backdrop is suitable for the youngest beginner through to seasoned skaters. Spin into the night with special lighting effects.
Skating sessions are 45 minutes and start on the hour. Skate aids are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Viewing is free for spectators.
Apres-skate at the bar and enjoy a festive feast or seasonal treats while you soak up the atmosphere.
SEN sessions are available on Wednesday 14 December at 10 am & Wednesday 21 December
Free on-site car parking.
Best-value tickets available are in advance online.
WINTERLAND SKATING & ICE BUMPER CARS AT PROPYARD
5th Nov to 31st January 2023
This festive season, Propyard is transforming its studio into an indoor ice-skating rink.
The Christmassy attraction will feature ice skating, ice bumper cars and ice training dolphins for nervous/smaller skaters.
The friendly polar bear Bjorn will be making special appearances throughout the festive season.
Ticket price includes skate hire. Ice-training dolphins are available for nervous/smaller skaters.
Pre-booked tickets and walk-ups are available for Ice Skating and Ice Bumper Cars.
The new Apres Skate Bar will be serving special hot chocolate, winter-warming drinks and cocktails.
SKATE WITH SANTA AT PLANET ICE BRISTOL
Skate with Santa and festive ice skating sessions are available on selected dates this festive holiday at Planet Ice.
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas classics, while you skate!
BATH ON ICE
Bath on Ice is a hidden winter wonderland in the centre of Bath. The ice rink, with atmospheric lights and wintery music, is open for its 10th year. It’s the perfect place to practise your skating and show off some moves.
Seasonal drinks are on offer at Moguls Alpine Bar.
ICE SKATING AT CLARKS VILLAGE – NEW!
Clarks Village ice rink is open for the first time ever, until 2nd January! Outdoor and undercover, the custom-built ice rink features real ice and offers plenty of fun for guests of all ages, whatever the weather.
They’ll also be running quiet sessions, in addition to parent and toddler sessions for wobbly starters. Penguin and seal skating aids will be available for little ones, as well as bob skates to help guests stay steady.
Clarks Village is also offering exclusive shopping discounts for ice skaters!
For full details on festive skating rinks around Bristol, with addresses and links to book skating sessions, read this next:
Where to go Ice Skating: Bristol and Nearby this Christmas
THINGS TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS IN BRISTOL & NEARBY
SAIL WITH SANTA ON A BRISTOL FERRY BOAT
Bristol Ferry Boats, Bristol
Hunt for Santa at Bristol Harbour on selected dates during December 2022
Join Bristol Ferry’s elves on the hunt for Santa!
Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all the little ones and sail around the harbour with you!
The Sail with Santa experience includes:
- a gift for each child
- festive snacks and sherry for the grown-ups
- a photo opportunity with Santa
- a 45-minute trip around the harbour
Babies up to 12 months old travel free (no gift included).
You can find out more information and book tickets here.
A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS AT CHARLES WESLEY’S HOUSE
4 Charles Street, Bristol
Tours can be booked for selected dates from 7th to 17th December 2022
Find out how a Georgian Christmas was celebrated in the 18th Century home of Charles Wesley, the prolific hymn-writer who wrote one of the best-known Christmas carols of all time, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’.
Join one of the festive tours this December and you’ll see how Charles Wesley and his family prepared for Christmas in 1769.
Enjoy carols, and floral displays and find out how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th century. Spoiler alert: don’t expect fairy lights or sparkly tinsel!
Finish with a mince pie and a sing-along in the family music room.
Charles Wesley’s house is only open to the public on select occasions so this is a rare chance to gain access to the historic building.
MERRY FISHMAS – CHRISTMAS AT BRISTOL AQUARIUM
Bristol Aquarium
17th Dec 22 to 3rd Jan 2023
There’s a fun-packed program of festive-themed events and activities taking place at Bristol Aquarium over the Christmas Holidays.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of events ranging from Fishmas dinner for the residents in the Amazing Amazon tank, to a Christmas bauble-making competition, and 12 days of Christmas advent trail!
Younger visitors can also have their photographs taken with Charlie the Clownfish during a daily meet and greet by the Christmas Tree.
Swim on down to Bristol Aquarium for some fishy festive fun!
SANTA SPECIAL STEAM TRAIN RIDES AT AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, Bristol
Selected dates to 24th December 2022
Enjoy a festive ride on a steam train with a festive snack, a visit from Father Christmas and a present for children.
During the fifty-minute train ride, you can enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again and all good boys and girls will receive a present from him too! There will also be a chance for your group to take photographs and create special festive memories.
This year, the present for children over one will be a bespoke Avon Valley Railway Santa-themed plush ‘bear’, with something else suitable for younger visitors.
The festive Christmas donkeys will be returning and you’ll be able to see these on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, Bristol
Selected dates to 24th December 2022
Book a trip onboard a steam-hauled festive train and enjoy breakfast in the first-class dining carriage.
During the 1.5-hour “Breakfast with Santa” experience, Santa will make a fleeting visit to the carriage and say hello to all the children. (Breakfast with Santa tickets DO NOT include a visit to Santa’s Grotto at the station.)
The journey includes travel both ways from Bitton Station. Firstly towards the station at Oldland Common and then back south to Avon Riverside Station before returning to Bitton.
AVON VALLEY ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE PARK CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Avon Valley Days run until 24th December
Avon Valley Nights run until 31st December
Ice skating until January 2023
Avon Valley is putting on special Christmas Experience days which include a theatrical show and many themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy.
Included in the day:
- Santa’s Sleigh Surprise Show
- Santa’s Toy Shop
- A Recipe for Rudolph Show
- Reindeer Food Making
- Mrs Claus Kitchen
- The Magical Forest
- Santa’s Post Room
- Elf Hunt
- Polar Express Miniature Steam Train
- Candy Socks Sweet Shop
- The Grinch’s House
- Play Barn Disco
- Photo Opportunities
- Park Attractions
You’ll need to book your time-specific ‘Santa’s Sleigh Surprise Show’ but you’re free to enjoy the rest of the festive fun from 9.30 am.
Click here for more info and to book tickets to Avon Valley’s Christmas experience.
WINTER WONDERLAND WITH PADDINGTON ™ AT CRIBBS CHRISTMAS
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
Paddington returns to Cribbs Causeway for 2022
CRIBBS CAUSEWAY OUTDOOR ICE SKATING –
The festive ice rink at Cribbs Causeway’s Winter Wonderland is surrounded by snow-topped Christmas trees.
Skating sessions last 30 minutes and cost £12.50 for adults and £10.50 for children up to 16.
Seal skating aids are available to hire for children under the age of 10 years old and cost £5 (subject to availability.)
TODDLER ICE SKATING AT CRIBBS
Until 9th December, there are also special weekday toddler sessions where under-fives can use the ice rink for just £5 a ticket and their grown-up can accompany them for free. Seal skating aids are also free to use for these sessions. Tickets to the toddler skate sessions are available in advance or on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.
Paddington will also be making an appearance at Winter Wonderland for the toddler mornings.
SANTA’S MARVELLOUS MARMALADE ADVENTURE GROTTO
From 5th December, the grotto will be open from 11 am.
Come and meet Santa and his Marmalade Maker Elves, help them to add an extra sprinkling of magic to their recipe, load the enormous Christmas stocking with gifts, and marvel at Alba the giant owl.
The Christmas experience takes around 20 minutes, including your time with Father Christmas. Included in the experience is a gift for all children of a Marmalade-themed plush toy and an Honorary Marmalade Adventurers’ Certificate with Santa’s official stamp of approval.
Babes in arms can attend for free as part of a sibling group but will not receive a gift from Santa. If the baby is the only child in the group they will need a ticket.
Santa’s Marvellous Marmalade Adventure grotto does not include a meeting with Paddington but Paddington will be at Winter Wonderland throughout the festive season, so all visitors have the chance to catch a glimpse of him.
There are regular meet and greet sessions running throughout the day at Paddington’s Storytelling area with walk-up availability.
Tickets to Winter Wonderland at Cribbs Causeway are available in advance, or on the day on a first come first served basis.
TWILIGHT TOBOGGANING AT MENDIP ACTIVITY CENTRE
WHEN: Various dates throughout November & December 2022
WHERE: Mendip Activity & Snowsport Centre
ADDRESS: Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ
The tobogganing slope at Mendip Activity Centre has been decked out with 10,000 fairy lights, coloured flood lights and lasers. Festive music, a snow machine and Santa hats promise to make this a magical experience.
After your Twilight Tobogganing session, you’ll head along a magical illuminated path to an enchanted clearing in the ancient woodland.
You’ll sit under our giant canopies, around your own camp fire where you’ll roast marshmallows, make s’mores and light sparklers. Hot chocolate will be waiting for you too! All this in is included in the Twilight package.
For more information and to book tickets Twilight Toboganning, click here.
SS GREAT BRITAIN VICTORIAN WEEKENDS & CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY OPENING
WHEN: Victorian Weekends: 3 – 4 & 10 – 11 Dec
WHEN: Christmas Holiday Opening: 26th Dec to 2nd Jan 2023
WHERE: Brunel’s SS Great Britain
ADRESS: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY
The hugely popular Victorian Christmas weekends are back at Brunel’s SS Great Britain this December, with old Father Christmas in his green robes and the dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with falling snow.
Join Brunel’s SS Great Britain this December to celebrate a very festive Victorian Christmas, with guests from the Ragged Victorians living history group. There’ll also be a visit from a special Father Christmas to the site!
The SS Great Britain will also be open over the Christmas holidays on Tuesday to Sunday from 26th December to 2nd Jan 2023 when visitors can explore its usual attractions: two museums, historic dockyard, dry dock and Brunel’s great ship.
For more information or to book tickets to SS Great Britain, click here.
CHRISTMAS AT NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM, WRAXALL
Wraxall, North Somerset
1st to 21st December 2022
Clevedon Road, Wraxall, BS48 1PG
Visit Noah’s Ark this Christmas for festive fun, carols and nativities.
Guests can meet the zoo’s festive friends, learn about the reindeer herd, explore the ‘Wonky’ Christmas Tree corner and discover more about Christmas traditions.
WONKY CHRISTMAS TREES
Have a wander through the decorated “Wonky Christmas Trees Corner”, the ones which aren’t ‘perfect’ enough to be sold. Create some sweet music and snap a cute photo in the prettily lit photo-frame archway, surrounded by the festive scene. When we visited, the family next to me said how much Grandma and Grandpa were going to love the Christmassy pic they took of their little ones in here!
MEET THE REINDEER
Learn all about the reindeer at their daily talk and maybe even feed them.
NOAH’S ARK NATIVITIES
There will be a special home educators nativity on Wednesday 14th December.
There’s also a family nativity on Saturday 17th December where you can come dressed up as your favourite nativity character or borrow some of their props when you arrive.
OVER 70S GO FREE THIS CHRISTMAS AT NOAH’S ARK
Noah’s Ark encourages guests to reach out to elderly relatives and neighbours again for 2022 with their special “over 70s go free” offer throughout the event period. Share the festivities with your loved ones and make sure nobody is lonely this Christmas. A special £5 carer ticket is available for those accompanying over 70’s with accessibility needs.
You could also enjoy a festive traditional or vegan vegetarian lunch at the Food Barn with free entry to the park included in the cost.
Un-wonky Christmas Trees will be available to buy at the Farm Shop!
For more information or to book tickets to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, click here.
CHRISTMAS AT TYNTESFIELD NATIONAL TRUST
Wraxall, North Somerset
Christmas decorations 3 December 2022 to 2 January 2023
Get into the festive spirit by stepping back into a traditional Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield with handmade decorations and a large Christmas tree outside the house.
From Thursdays to Mondays, the house will be home to the Gibbs family dressed in their Victorian finery, with a ‘wild’ twist. Look out for all the animal decorations that celebrate the biodiversity that Tyntesfield has across the estate. Room guides in Victorian costume will be on hand, sharing facts about life in a Victorian country house at Christmas, the history of the National Trust and wildlife on the estate.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be dedicated quiet days in the house, where visitors can choose to enjoy a gentler setting, with all the decorations present but without actors.
Events and activities at Tyntesfield for Christmas 2022 include:-
- Christmas wreath making
- Lino printing hand-made Christmas cards
- Christmas Concerts in the Chapel
- Christmas shopping in the Tyntesfield Shop
For more information or to book tickets to Tyntesfield, click here.
BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKETS
These days a good number of Christmas markets appear in and around around Bristol during the festive season. They’re a great place to visit if you’re looking for a unique local gift or hand-crafted decoration. Even if you’re not shopping, you can just wander through, admire the lights, soak up the atmosphere and get into the Christmas spirit!
Food and drink play a big part in the Bristol market scene, with pop-up bars and seasonal food stalls tempting you in with the smells of bratwurst, churros and mulled wine!
So where can you find the best Christmas markets in Bristol?
BRISTOL’S CHRISTMAS MARKET: BROADMEAD
WHEN: 4 Nov – 23 Dec from 10 am to 10 pm
WHERE: Bristol Christmas Market, Broadmead, Bristol
In the centre of Broadmead, Bristol Christmas Market features 40 stalls selling seasonal treats, crafts and one-off gifts.
There’s a wide range of food on offer, from curries and bratwurst to churros and crepes.
The popular Jäger Barn Bar is full to the brim with festive cheer. If you’re feeling fancy, you could listen to some live music while enjoying a drink or two in your own heated igloo pod or ski gondola.
While you’re there, you might like to snap a memory in one of Bristol City Centre’s festive selfie spots!
THE VINTAGE WINTER WONDERLAND IN MILLENNIUM SQUARE
WHEN: 10 Nov 22 – 2 Jan 23
WHERE: Millenium Square, Bristol BS1 5DB
Head to Millenium Square on Bristol harbourside for a Winter Wonderland Festive featuring Santa’s Grotto, food stalls, a fairground and the Après Bar.
The Vintage Winter Wonderland is open daily right up until January, except for Christmas Day.
SANTA’S GROTTO AT MILLENIUM SQUARE
Visit Santa and his elves in his Grotto at the heart of the Vintage Winter Wonderland. No need to book.
FOOD & DRINK AT VINTAGE WINTER WONDERLAND
Sweet and savoury bites, from German sausages and Yorkshire pudding wraps to crepes and churros are on offer at the food stalls.
Head to the Après Bar for an al fresco drink afterwards. Grab a mulled wine and a blanket to keep you warm!
WINTER WONDERLAND FAIRGROUND
This year you could take a ride on Bristol’s big ferris wheel or drive around in a dodgem. There are also traditional fairground stalls and smaller rides for little ones.
BRISTOL THEATRE CHRISTMAS SHOWS
CINDERELLA AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME
WHEN: 4 Dec – 31 Dec 2022
WHERE: Bristol Hippodrome
ADDRESS: St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming.
Craig Revel Horwood leads the cast as the Wicked Stepmother, alongside Bristol’s favourite panto comic Andy Ford as Buttons, musical theatre and cabaret star Alison Jiear as the Fairy Godmother with Daniel Norford as Dandini and Lauren Hampton as Cinderella.
Tickets* for Cinderella start from £13
Want to know more about the panto? Read my previous review of Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome
CINDERELLA ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT BRISTOL HIPPODROME
Audio Described & Signed Performance – Thursday 29 December 2022 at 7 pm
For more information or to book tickets to the Cinderella pantomime, click here*.
THE NUTCRACKER AT BRISTOL OLD VIC
WHEN: 24 November – 7 January 2023
WHERE: Bristol Old Vic
ADDRESS: King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED
The Nutcracker is a brand-new production for Christmas 2022 by Bristol Old Vic. My friend and I were invited along to the press evening.
On a Christmas Eve unlike any other, Claire receives a magical gift…
Transported to a fantastical kingdom where toys come to life, nutcrackers can talk and just about anything feels possible, Claire soon discovers that it’s not just mice lurking beneath the floorboard.
This wild and theatrical adventure includes showstopping dance numbers and costumes you have to see to believe. The story is dramatic enough to have you on the edge of your seat, in fact, I found it a tad scary at times!
The longest continuously running theatre in the UK, the historic ‘Old Vic’ is small enough to feel more intimate than larger venues like The Bristol Hippodrome. That said, I was surprised at how large the stage was, once its full extent was revealed.
I was particularly impressed by the set and by the muscial performances in Nutcracker.
I don’t recall ever seeing a show at Bristol Old Vic before but I enjoyed the atmosphere of this 250 year old venue so much that I’ve already bought tickets to see another show here in 2023.
NUTCRACKER ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
- Socially Distanced, mandatory mask-wearing performance – Wednesday 14th December at 7 pm and Thursday 5th January at 2 pm
- BSL Signed performance – Saturday 17th December at 2 pm
- Captioned performance – Thursday 29th December at 7 pm
- Relaxed performance – Friday 30th December at 2 pm
- Audio Described performance – Saturday 7th January at 2 pm
For more information or to book tickets to the Old Vic, click here.
BELLE AND SEBASTIEN AT BRISTOL OLD VIC
WHEN: 2 Dec 2022 – 8 Jan 2023
WHERE: Bristol Old Vic, King Street, BRISTOL, BS1 4ED
Join Belle and Sebastian as these mischievous, playful and kindred spirits adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. A classic family tale reimagined by Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic, perfect for young families.
ALADDIN AT REDGRAVE THEATRE
WHEN: Various Dates 10th – 31st Dec 2022
WHERE: Redgrave Theatre
ADDRESS: Percival Rd, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3LE
PHONE NUMBER: 0117 315 7608
With spectacular scenery, spellbinding special effects, lots of audience participation and, of course, a thrilling carpet ride, ALADDIN promises to be the biggest pantomime ever staged at the Redgrave Theatre that will keep the whole family entertained.
Running time: 2 hours including an interval
ALADDIN ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT REDGRAVE THEATRE
Signed performance – 19 Dec at 6pm
Relaxed show – 28 Dec at 11am
For more information or to book tickets to Aladdin at The Redgrave, click here.
THE SNOW QUEEN AT TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES
WHEN: 1st Dec – 15th Jan 2023
WHERE: Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol
Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the icy, wicked clutches of The Snow Queen.
Running Time: 2hrs 15 mins (including interval)
SNOW QUEEN ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES AT TOBACCO FACTORY
BSL Signed perfomances – 13th & 14th December
Relaxed performance – 5th & 6th January
Socially distanced and masked performances – Various dates during December and January
More about Tobacco Factory Access
For more information or to book tickets to Snow Queen at Tobacco Factory, click here.
MDH: PUPPETS DO A MOVIE AT THE WARDROBE THEATRE
The Wardrobe Theatre, 25 West Street, Bristol, BS2 0DF
25 Nov 2022 – 22 Jan 2023
MDH: Puppets Do A Movie at The Wardrobe Theatre
One of The Wardrobe Theatre’s most popular Christmas shows is back for 2022 and is a perfect alternative theatrical production this season. MDH: Puppets Do A Movie is an anarchic, absurd, adult-only dark comedy mash-up, featuring a German terrorist, his mob of terrifying furry accomplices and a talking pig!
For more information or to book tickets, click here.
SHOWS AT THE SPIEGELTENT THIS CHRISTMAS
The Christmas Spiegeltent, Waterfront Square, Bristol, BS15LL
Tel: 0117 287 2484
Various dates in December
The unique Spiegeltent venue is holding a selection of family-friendly entertainment, including baby discos, junior raves, family cabarets and Christmas shows this festive season.
Junior Jungle Family Rave
Saturday 3rd December, 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Family Cabaret Show and Disco
Saturday 10th December, 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Sunday Social with Laid Blak
Sunday 11th December, 12:30 pm until 6 pm
Baby Disko
Saturday 17th December, 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Features music, dancing, silliness, face painting, bubble blowing, dressing up and fun games. Recommended for 0 to 5-year-olds but everyone is welcome.
Kid Carpet and The Noisy Animals (Noisy Nativity) Christmas show
Sunday 18th and Monday 19th & 20th December
The Noisy Animals are returning with their anarchic Christmas classic this December 2022.
Gorilla, Badger, Hedgehog and Bear are running the show so it’s brimful of nonsense Xmas business: jungle beats, golden eagles, David Bowie, Action Man etc.
The traditional Christmas story gets a radical remix with big-beat songs, wonky carols, live special effects, puppetry and animation. They’ve had a dance contest, they’ve been to space, they’ve been in a Volcano, and now it’s time for rock bedlam in Bethlehem.
The Spiegeltent Christmas Show
Monday 19th December and Tuesday 20th December, 7 pm until 10 pm
Click for more info and to book tickets.
BRISTOL CAROL CONCERTS AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES
BRISTOL CATHEDRAL ADVENT & CHRISTMAS EVENTS
WHEN: Various dates until 25th December 2022
WHERE: Bristol Cathedral
ADDRESS: College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ
Bristol Cathedral’s Christmas and Advent programme runs throughout December, right up to Christmas Day. Popular family Christmas celebrations include a family carol service and blessing of the crib, shoppers’ carols and toddlers’ carols by candlelight.
Carols by Candlelight
- Friday 16th December 2022 at 7:30 pm
- Saturday 17th December 2022 at 7:30 pm
Family Carol Service and Blessing of the Crib
A family-orientated retelling of the Christmas story featuring Charlie the Donkey.
- Sunday 18th December at 3:30 pm
Shoppers’ Carols
A short service of carols and festive music to break up the busy Christmas shopping.
- Tuesday 20th December 2022 at 5:15 pm
Toddlers’ Carols
An informal 45-minute carol service for babies, toddlers and preschool children.
- Wednesday 21st December 2022 at 10:00 am
- Wednesday 21st December 2022 at 2:00 pm
Christmas Festival Eucharist
Celebrate Christmas morning at the Cathedral
- Sunday 25th December at 10 am
Click through to read more about family events throughout the year at Bristol Cathedral.
Click here for more information about What’s on at Bristol Cathedral.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT JOHN WESLEY’S NEW ROOM
WHEN: Various dates during December 2022
WHERE: The New Room
ADDRESS: 36 The Horsefair, Bristol, BS1 3JE
Carolling & Crumpets – 8th Dec
Lunchtime Carols – 14th December
Carols by Candlelight – 14th December
Join in with traditional carols in John Wesley’s 18th Century candle-lit chapel
Messy Nativity Carol Service – 20th December
Christmas specials available in the cafe throughout December
More info on Christmas events at John Wesley’s The New Room here
DON’T MISS A THING!
Well, that’s all for now, but I keep adding family-friendly Christmas events in and around Bristol, so do bookmark this post and join my mailing list if you’d like to hear more.
I’ll be sharing on social too, so please make sure you’re following me there too if you’d like timely updates.
PIN THINGS TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS IN & NEAR BRISTOL
If you have updates or information about other local Christmas events or you’d like to be involved in one of our features, then please comment below or send me an email.
Thank you to our Christmas in Bristol and North Somerset Sponsor
Many thanks, once again, to my husband’s independent accountancy practice, Coben Associates, for kindly sponsoring this year’s guide to Things to do this Christmas in Bristol and Nearby.
If you need help with your accounts or would like a free consultation, click the logo below for Coben’s contact details.
Thanks also to Visit Bristol and to many of the attractions included for your support in producing this year’s festive guide.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2023!
#MerryBristmas
DISCLOSURE: We have been hosted by some of the attractions featured for review purposes. All opinions are my/our own and I retain full editorial control of all content on this site.
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