WHAT’S ON THIS CHRISTMAS IN BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMERSET?
Welcome to my 2021 guide to festive things to do with the family and places to visit this Christmas and New Year in Bristol and North Somerset.
I’m glad to have been able to put a guide together this year however please continue to exercise suitable caution and check with venues before travelling, particularly in view of the ongoing Covid 19 situation.
Some of these events continue into January 2022 so there are things to do throughout the Christmas holidays too!
CHRISTMAS IN BRISTOL
WE THE CURIOUS
Millennium Square, Bristol
Festive attractions include the “This Can Change”, young people’s photographic exhibition, Fairytale SOS family show, winter stargazing 3D planetarium show as well as many regular exhibits.
SAIL WITH SANTA
Bristol Ferry Boats, Bristol
Join a Santa’s grotto trip on selected dates until 24th December 2021
‘Sail with Santa’ grotto, winter trips and Christmas parties.
JOHN WESLEY’S NEW ROOM
The New Room
December 2021
Lunchtime Carols – 1pm, 15th December
Carols by Candlelight – 5pm, 15th December
Join in with traditional carols in John Wesley’s 18th Century candle-lit chapel
Family crafts angel making – 10am-1pm, 21st December
Messy Nativity Carol Service – 2pm, 21st December
Christmas specials available in the cafe throughout December
A GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS AT CHARLES WESLEY’S HOUSE
Charles Wesley’s Home
Selected dates throughout December
Find out how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th Century with a festive tour of the home of Charles Wesley – the 18th-century hymn-writer who wrote ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ – various dates in December.
BRISTOL CATHEDRAL
College Green
Advent and Christmas events until 25th December 2021
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 17th December 2021 at 7:30 pm
- Saturday 18th December 2021 at 7:30 pm
Muddy Christingle Trail
- Saturday 18th December 2021 at 12:00 am
Family Carol Service and Blessing of the Crib
A family orientated retelling of the Christmas story featuring Charlie the Donkey.
- Sunday 19th December 2021 at 3:30 pm
Shoppers’ Carols
A short service of carols and festive music to break up the busy Christmas shopping.
- Tuesday 21st December 2021 at 5:15 pm
Toddlers’ Carols
A 45 minute carol service for babies, toddlers and pre-school children.
- Wednesday 22nd December 2021 at 10:00 am
- Wednesday 22nd December 2021 at 2:00 pm
Click through to read more about family events throughout the year at Bristol Cathedral.
CHRISTMAS AT BRISTOL AQUARIUM
Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium is hosting a Christmas Coral campaign for 2021 This includes additional Christmas themed talks and feeds such as a Naughty & Nice talk, a chance for kids to engage in a Christmas Reef Making, a Coral skeleton box, a fact file trail of treasure chests and a meeting with Charlie the Clownfish mascot.
Bristol Aquarium is also giving away a free gift every day to a random visitor as part of their Advent calendar giveaway.
CHRISTMAS AT THE SPIEGELTENT
Waterfront Square
Until 31st December 2021
A selection of entertainment including baby discos, junior raves, family cabarets and Christmas shows are being held at this unique Bristol venue for the season.
SANTA SPECIAL STEAM TRAIN RIDES AT AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton, Bristol
Selected dates to 24th December 2021
Enjoy a festive ride on a steam train with a festive snack, a visit from Father Christmas and a present for the children.
JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Avon Valley Days run until 24th December
Avon Valley nights run until 31st December
Ice skating until January 2022
Avon Valley Christmas features an enchanted village, a post-room where you can send your letter to Santa, the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train, the Snowy Forest, resident reindeer, (Donner, Blitzen & Vixen) as well as the Grinch!
There are also Christmas illuminations and ice-skating.
CRIBBS CHRISTMAS WITH PADDINGTON ™
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
Paddington is taking centre stage at Cribbs Causeway’s brand-new festive experience, ‘Cribbs’ Christmas With Paddington’.
With lively and charming characters to meet along the way, enchanting interactive scenes and plenty of special photo opportunities, it’s suitable for all ages.
Alongside the grotto, the newly opened ice rink, Planet Ice, offers a festive outing for the whole family.
CHRISTMAS IN SOMERSET
CHRISTMAS AT NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM, WRAXALL
Wraxall, North Somerset
Until 19th December 2021
Get ready for Christmas at Noah’s Ark with music, Nativities and a fun winter wildlife trail.
Guests can meet the zoo’s festive friends, learn about the reindeer, discover more about Christmas traditions and journey through a walkthrough of decorated twinkly lit trees with musical surprises to delight all ages!
Noah’s Ark encourages guests to reach out to elderly relatives and neighbours with a special “over 70s go free” offer throughout the event period.
CHRISTMAS AT TYNTESFIELD NATIONAL TRUST
Wraxall, North Somerset
Christmas decorations until 2nd January 2022
Get into the Christmas spirit by stepping back into a traditional Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield.
Events and activities at Tyntesfield include:-
- Percy the park-keeper’s winter trail
- Reindeer making with the Somerset Bodgers
- Christmas wreath making
- Lino printing hand-made Christmas cards
- Christmas Concerts in the Chapel
- Festive Food and Craft Market
- Christmas shopping in the Tyntesfield Shop
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 our Christmas in Bristol and North Somerset Guide. If you need help with your accounts or would like a free consultation, click the logo below for Coben’s contact details.
Email me on jane @ practicallyperfectmums.co.uk if you’d like to be involved in one of our features.
If you have any other information or updates about local Christmas events, then please comment below or email me on the address above.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2021!
#MerryBristmas
DISCLOSURE: We have previously been offered entry to some of the places featured in exchange for inclusion in this guide.