Bristol Christmas lights 2021 switch-on events: Featuring Father Christmas, live reindeer and a Love Island contestant

It is still only the start of November, but the festivities have already started as people look forward to the Christmas season.

You know we’re getting close when you walk around the supermarket and spot decorations and mince pies on the shelves.

And anyone visiting Broadmead from last Friday will be under no illusion about what is coming up, with the Christmas market now in full swing.

Now all we need are Christmas lights to bring that extra bit of festive buzz in our city and town centres.

And from the end of this month lights will start coming on at these events in and around Bristol:

Cabot Circus, Bristol city centre

No formal switch-on event this year, unfortunately. But bosses say the centre’s lights will still be on during the festive season and there will be outdoor activities including a Winter Maze and daily snowfall displays.

Ashton Court - Light Up Bristol

Light Up Bristol is an illuminated walking trail around Ashton Court perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Suitable for families, this charming trail is open from November 19 - December 24 from 4.30 - 8.30pm with the trail taking 45 minutes to complete. There will be food and drink vendors serving tasty festive treats. Due to Covid-19, people will need to provide either proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test from the previous 24 hours.

Brislington - Light Switch On

Taking place in Sandy Park Road, Brislington on November 27, this Christmas lights switch-on event will take place from 2 - 5 pm with an afternoon full of events.

With a zumba flash mob, carol singing by a local primary school and stalls from local businesses this event is perfect for the family. The lights will be switched on at 4pm by Sher of Sher’s Sandwich Shop. The festivities will include an appearance from Lord Mayor of Bristol, Steve Smith.

Portishead - Light Switch On

On November 29, the people of Portishead will once again turn their lights on for Christmas. After a disappointing 2020 where the event was cancelled the organisers vow this will be their best year ever. The event, which takes place on High Street, starts at 6:15 pm with the lights switch on happening at 6:45. There will also be a special guest so make sure you’re on your best behaviour for him! In previous years their lights were finalists for a nationwide Christmas light competition and came 6th in the UK, so these lights are ones not to miss!

Weston-super-Mare

On November 27 at 5pm the Weston-super-Mare Christmas lights switch on at the Italian Gardens with a host of festive events. Town Mayor James Clayton will play host alongside Weston’s own Love Island contestant Jake Cornish. Joining them will be 15-year-old award-winning motivational speaker Nicholas Nikiforou. Alongside the Christmas lights switch on will be a two-day Festive Fayre with stalls from local artisans that will go from 10 am - 10 pm.

Westonbirt Arboretum - Enchanted Christmas

Help Father Christmas find his reindeer! Walk through the illuminated trees to find all of the reindeer and catch a glimpse of the jolly man himself. From November 26 - December 21 this family-friendly trail will be open from 4.30 - 8.20 pm. There will be local food carts selling festive favourites to quench your thirst and warm your cockles. Two Christmas villages will ensure that you have lots to do before or after the trail, with fairground rides at both. Children 3 and under get in for free while dogs are not permitted unless they are assistance dogs.

American Museum & Gardens, Bath - The Enchanted Garden of Light

This enchanting Christmas trail filled with illuminated light displays in the gardens of the American Museum is sure to delight. Sparkling reindeer, tunnels of light and more will be on display from December 9 - 31. Hot drinks, roasted chestnuts and other seasonal fare will help get you into the Christmas spirit. Tickets can be booked for time slots between 4.30pm - 8.30 pm with the trail taking approximately an hour to finish.