Things to do this Christmas in Bristol and North Somerset 2018

WHAT’S ON THIS CHRISTMAS IN BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMERSET 2018?

WATCH A CHRISTMAS FILM OUTDOORS!

Times and screenings TBC

APRES BAR

While you’re there, why not pop into Aprés Bar next door to the skating rink where the grown ups can enjoy a selection of draught beers, mulled wine and hot cider in the container bar this winter. Seating is outside but heaters, rugs and fairy lights make it feel festive and seriously snug.

Have a look at SS Great Britain website for other forthcoming events.

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL

Visit Bristol Cathedral and choose from its full Christmas and Advent programme. Christmas celebrations include:-

• Sunday 2nd December 2018 at 6:00 pm – Advent Procession
• Friday 14th & Saturday 15th December 2018 at 7:30 pm – Carols by Candlelight
• Sunday 16th December 2018 at 3:30 pm – Carol Service and Blessing of the Crib
• Tuesday 18th December 2018 at 5:15 pm – Shoppers Carols
• Wednesday 19th December 2018 at 10:00 am – Toddler Carols 

Don’t worry if you can’t make one of these special dates as families are always welcome and can visit free 365 days a year! Click through to read more about Bristol Cathedral.

FESTIVE GELATO AT SWOON

For a special family treat, you could walk across College Green to visit to Swoon and enjoy one of their festive flavoured, award-winning gelati which they make from scratch.

Want to know more about gelato? Watch our behind-the-scenes video at Swoon for an insight into how to make gelato.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2018

BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET, BROADMEAD

Until 23rd December

While you’re doing your Christmas shopping, why not browse around Bristol’s markets for some unique gifts?

We had a wander around Bristol Shopping Quarter Market in Broadmead and spotted little treasures like hand-made Christmas decorations and these Bristol blue glass baubles.

There’s plenty of street food on offer and as we browsed, the tempting aromas of griddled German sausages and warm donuts vied for our attention. A street performer juggling fire offered colourful casual entertainment and the giant Christmas tree in front of the entrance to Cabot Circus shopping centre completed the scene.

JÄGERBARN BAR

While you’re there, warm up with a mulled wine at the German Christmas themed Jägerbarn Bar in the middle of Broadmead.

CHRISTMAS AT ST NICHOLAS MARKET

In the heart of the old City of Bristol, St Nicholas traditional indoor and outdoor markets are open right up until Christmas offering gifts, records, handmade crafts and street food.

HARBOURSIDE CHRISTMAS MARKET

The covered walkway outside the Watershed is home to Bristol’s Harbourside Christmas Market which offers an independent alternative to high street shopping. The Christmas market is now open 11am until 5pm every weekend until December 16th offering everything from artisan chocolates to hand crafted wallets from some of Bristol’s most creative small businesses.

Feeling peckish? Then head to the new street food square outside the Hippodrome and sample world food served up with seasonal ingredients from the south-west or sip on a warming spiced Somerset cider!

CHRISTMAS IN NORTH SOMERSET 2018

GREEN CHRISTMAS AT NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM, WRAXALL

Until 22nd December

Last Christmas at Noah’s Ark we were invited to spend a day at the extensive rural site: We had a fabulous time enjoying the variety of animals from meerkats to tigers, hours of fresh air and talking to the knowledgeable staff who seemed to be able to answer every question an inquisitive nine year old could throw at them! In addition to the normal activities, this is what was on offer during our Christmas visit.

• Follow the lights and complete the trail around the zoo on your mission to find St Nick and claim a delicious reward! The trail, lit with hundreds of Christmas lights, finishes in the N-Shed where St Nick is hiding. (Entry to the History and Mystery tour and illuminated trail is included in the day ticket price.)
  
• See the elephants working out ways to eat the Christmas trees which are suspended from the rafters above them. The zoo looks at forms of enrichment for the animals so seasonal props like these Christmas trees can help to keep the elephants stimulated.
• Find the Christmas trees decorated by the keepers and join in with the fun while helping them raise money for charity. Emma and Julie from the African department were telling me about the work of their chosen charity, The Giraffe Conservation Foundation. As well as a collection box, they’re coming up with creative ways to raise money such as charging £1 to let the public feed the giraffes which will go towards helping giraffes which are endangered in the wild through habitat loss as well as being hunted for meat, clothing and jewellery.

Noah’s Ark are committed to protecting the local environment and teaching the next generation how to care for the natural world and become more sustainable.

This Christmas they’re going Green to show that Christmas needn’t cost the Earth. The zoo will be decorated with elaborate recycled Christmas decorations. The animals will be joining in too as the keepers will continue to make special recycled animal enrichment. All the while you’ll be guided around the zoo by the energy efficient Christmas light trail.

TYNTESFIELD NATIONAL TRUST, WRAXALL
A Very Victorian Christmas

Until 22nd December

Get Christmas off to a magical start by stepping back into a Christmas past at Tyntesfield with an immersive Victorian experience.

With stockings full of festive family fun, storytelling, dancing and games, soak up the atmosphere as the family and their servants prepare for the festivities.

• Christmas Concerts in the Chapel
• Festive Food and Craft Market
• Christmas shopping in the Cow Barn Shop

LONGLEAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, WILTSHIRE

Until 1st January 2019

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