Bristol Christmas 2024: 38 festive events in and around Bristol this year to get in the spirit

Christmas is less than a month away and Bristol is packed with festive events for all tastes and ages.

From film festivals to concerts, Christmas and trails and immersive experiences, we compiled some of the best events happening in and around Bristol this month.

Here are 38 events in and near Bristol to get you in the festive spirit:

Christmas at Aerospace Bristol

The Christmas Planetarium will be held on December 7, 8, 14 and 15. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the magic of the cosmos with the Dome Club Planetarium, featuring the Christmas Star show with a live planetarium presentation and The Holy Star 360° film. There will also be a free Concord Church Carol Service on December 15 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm with festive crafts for children, and festive treats such as mince pies and mulled wine available for purchase from the museum café. Aerospace Bristol’s Christmas Workshop will also return from December 1 to 23. Guests can hop aboard a real Bristol Freighter for an imaginary flight to the North Pole and send their Christmas wish list straight to Santa.

Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

There will be a theatrical show, many themed activities, and entertainment areas to enjoy starting November 30. The Santa Show will be on selected days (booking required) as well as Santa's Cabin, where kids can receive a 'golden ticket' and Santa's Toy Factory where every child with a golden ticket can choose their own gift. New to this year is the Grinch Show. There will also be craft workshops at Mrs Claus' Gingerbread Parlour, the Magical Forest, Santa's Post Room, The Elf Express, a miniature railway with all the festive feels, and photo opportunities. The outdoor ice skating ice rink will also return from November 30 to January 5 and the Christmas Nights Light Trail on selected days in December.

Find The Flock at Bristol Zoo Project

12 unique Shaun the Sheep sculptures will be scattered across Bristol Zoo Project as part of an exciting festive sculpture trail. The 1.6m sculptures were produced in collaboration with Aardman and global art producer Wild in Art and have been individually designed by artists from across the South West and beyond. Two sculptures - Jungle Baa-nanza and Panda-monium - have been designed exclusively for Bristol Zoo Project and take inspiration from the new Central African Forest habitat, which is currently under construction, and the zoo’s Endangered male red panda, Neora. Other featured sculptures include Jessica Perrin’s Seasons Bleatings, Simon Randall’s Ginger and Megan Smith-Evans’ Santa Shaun. The sculpture trail is available until January 12 and is included with general admission.

Santa Specials at the Avon Valley Railway

Embark on a fifty-minute train ride with Santa on selected days in December. Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll 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 (a bespoke Avon Valley Railway reindeer-themed plush toy) from him too! There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories. The festive Christmas donkeys will be returning once again and you’ll be able to see these on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/49czL1o

Retro-Mega-Mas at Wake The Tiger

Until January 6, Wake the Tiger will be filled with decades of Christmas memories, combining retro charm with mind-bending surrealism as part of Retro-Mega-Mas. Step into a world of vibrant nostalgia where iconic Christmas moments from the past are reimagined in unexpected ways. The experience will include a diverse array of sentimental installations, such as toy cars queuing to enter the attraction, a room filled with giant Rubik’s Cubes and a quirky invasion of the 1980s favourite slushy maker, Mr. Frosty. One of the major attractions at RETRO-MEGA-MAS will be the inclusion of robots created by artist Giles Walker. These retro-bots will entertain visitors with acapella performances of holiday classics, such as Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Run Run Rudolph.

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience at The Friary Building

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience has taken over the Friary Building in Quakers Friars. The 30-minute experience sees visitors help Wallace save Christmas by fixing his latest gadget, the Christmas-O-Matic. The experience also includes a café, run by Bristol Loaf, with a selection of delicious Wallace & Gromit-themed treats available. Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience runs until December 24, with tickets available at: https://fave.co/49aK8mx

Undercover Winter Ice Rink at Icescape Tropicana

The UK's largest undercover winter ice rink has returned to Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare until January 7. Skaters are advised to arrive 20 minutes before their session to ensure their skates are fitted correctly. Skate hire is included in the ticket price. There is no minimum age but children under eight must have an adult ticket holder skating with them on the ice. And children under 12 must have a responsible adult watching on from the spectating area. There is no entrance fee to spectate. There is a viewing platform at the end of the ice rink for spectators. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4gucpaj

Christmas Twilight Trips with All Aboard Watersports

Experience Bristol differently and be driven around the Harbour by Father Christmas for a Twilight Tour of Bristol’s historic docks in a large power boat decorated with fairy lights and driven by Father Christmas if you wish. The tour lasts an hour, and takes place on December 2, 3, 12, 13, 18 and 19 between 3.30pm and 5pm and can be booked at https://fave.co/4fMjN0w

Treefest at St Mary Redcliffe Church

Treefest will be returning to St Mary Redcliffe Church from December 5 to 8. Expect a wonderful festive music programme as well as a festive market in the Undercroft with around 20 stalls, workshops and even Santa popping by to say hi. There will also be a range of trees decorated by local people, businesses, charities, community groups and other organisations.

Christmas Great Gatsby Party Night at The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare

Enter the world of The Great Gatsby this year, as the glamour of the roaring twenties comes to Weston-super-Mare! Expect a night full of elegance and entertainment, with a delicious 3-course meal, casino games and dazzling performances on December 6, 7, 13, 14 or 20. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3OS4Tdz

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Brunel's SS Great Britain

Unlock the stories of Christmases past, meet Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes and mingle with the ‘great unwashed’ as the Ragged Victorians fill the dockyard of SS Great Britain. There will also be Victorian party games and opportunities to sing carols with passengers in First Class. For those who love crafting, there will be opportunities to colour in a Victorian Christmas card or create a sailor’s charm Christmas tree decoration. The historic dockyard will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with beautiful greenery, guaranteed snow, and heart-warming traditional carols performed by a variety of local bands and choirs.

Santa's Brunch at Clifton Observatory

On selected dates in December, Santa and his Elves will be bringing festive cheer, scrumptious food, and gifts to Clifton Observatory's private event space. Enjoy a delectable brunch spread of bacon and eggs, a selection of fresh fruit, and stacks of waffles and pancakes with an array of toppings for you to mix and match. Juice, chocolate milk, hot chocolates, teas and coffee will be available along with festively indulgent mimosas for grownups. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4fVmT2A

Christmas Games Night at Bristol Improv Theatre

Enjoy an evening of Christmas-themed Games Night at Bristol Improv Theatre. Inspired by popular improvisation activities, the evening will be packed with festive games and exciting challenges designed to spark the holiday spirit as teams compete against each other. Players will dive into a variety of reindeer games, from solving intriguing riddles and guessing games to acting out murder mystery charades—perfect for those with a competitive streak and a love for holiday cheer! Throughout the night, the evening's hilarious “ho-ho-hosts” will award points for the most inventive, spirited, and delightfully outrageous performances. Tickets can be booked athttps://fave.co/3VfpjAE

A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show at Seat Unique Stadium

Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life in the night sky for a captivating new 45-minute animated drone light show display, narrated by Matt Lucas on December 19 and 20. Enjoy magic in the sky, festive favourites in the food village and a world-class stadium experience where every seat is a front-row view of the world’s biggest stage – the sky. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3VeUXhN

Ice Ice Baby: Winter Family Dance Party at Bristol Beacon

Come round off the year and celebrate the holiday season with a festive family dance party on December 20! Two artists will take you on an imaginative music and movement journey through a winter wonderland, where you'll meet arctic animals, talking snow-people and ice queens and kings! There will be props, lights and festive fun galore. There will also be a quiet space for children who need time out or have additional sensory needs. The event is targeted at children aged 3-8 but will also be fun for all the family! Winter fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4iqSZ83

Popkids Christmas Wonderland at The Fleece

Enjoy a fully hosted 90-minute show on December 15 with resident Popkids Party Host who will take you through the event including meeting the special guest, teaching party dances and playing fun games that the whole family can enjoy. Prizes will be awarded during the games so make sure that you give maximum effort! Previous Special guests include Pikachu, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Bluey, Rapunzel, Elsa, Ariel, Moana and many more. There will also be a face painter and glitter tattoo artist, a tuck shop and Popkids merchandise subject to availability. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4idXbHP

Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate

The illuminations trail will return from December 7 to 24. Embark on a magical sensory experience illuminating the beauty of the Country Park and Estate and wander through a mesmerizing world of sparkling installations and dazzling lights. Explore the festive village and indulge in s’mores, hot chocolate and mulled wine, and finish the evening with a comforting crumble. There will also be seasonal crafts for children and friendly animals that will greet guests. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3B1zIcn

Christmas Theatre Events around Bristol

The Gingerbread Boy at The Redgrave Theatre

Deep in Fairy-tale Forest lives a remarkable boy made entirely of gingerbread! His lonely world is changed forever when Blake, a young lad from a nearby village, stumbles upon his incredible cookie cottage. Together, the two boys embark on a madcap journey of discovery. And it's Christmas Eve too ... another surprise visitor is on his way! The play will be on between December 1 and 3 and tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3ZfjAvW

Hansel & Gretel at Tobacco Factory Theatres

In the middle of the cold, dark forest, Hansel and Gretel are lost and hungry. As they sit, shivering, they glimpse a tiny cottage through the trees and across the woods… a cottage, unlike anything you've ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows a clear, crystalised sugary glaze. But what's inside? There will be audio-described performances on January 3 at 7pm and January 4 at 2pm, BSL performances on December 12 at 7pm and December 13 at 1pm and a relaxed performance on January 5 at 7pm. Performances will take place until January 12 and tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3Zgelfg

Panto of the Opera at the Old Fire Station

Can Christine and Raoul, with the help of their friends, solve the mystery of the fiendish panto 'ghost'? Or will the mysterious Phantom of the Pantomime work his wicked will and reign supreme? Panto of the Opera will run at The Station from November 27 to 30. Tickets cost £10.46 (plus £1.46 booking fee) per child or carer ticket and £16.96 (plus £1.96 booking fee) per general admission ticket and can be booked at https://fave.co/48Ojob6

Goldilocks and The Three Bears at Bristol Hippodrome

Goldilocks and the Three Bears is coming to Bristol Hippodrome from December 7 to January 5. Complete with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, and hair-raising stunts and a cast starring iconic comedian and TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley as the show lead, Lucy Conley as Goldilocks, X Factor semi-finalist and Loose Woman Brenda Edwards as circus singer Candy Floss, David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, Phil Corbitt as The Evil Ringmaster, Phil Hitcock as the Magician, The Timbuktu Tumblers as a circus act from Zippo's Circus and Emily Law, Joshua Lay, and Charlotte Pourret as the Three Bears. Tickets start at £13 and can be bought at https://fave.co/48Tp4AY

The Little Mermaid at Bristol Old Vic

The Little Mermaid might be different to the other sea creatures, but they’re her family and these waters are her home. So when the sea starts to get warmer - the kelp wilting, the coral fading - she realises she has to act. The mermaid vows to protect their home and it seems a caring young man trying to restore the coral reef is just the person to help. But how much is she willing to sacrifice to find answers on land? Can the Sea Witch really be trusted to help? And what oily monsters lurk in the deep? Dive into a magical underwater kingdom this Christmas and discover how no one is too small to make a big difference between December 5 and January 11. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/41hMbDc

Christmas Music events around Bristol

Rock The Tots: Christmas at The Wardrobe Theatre

Enjoy a live music gig for babies, toddlers, little ones and their grown-ups on December 5. Expect puppets, comical characters, bubbles, Christmas Cheer and wonderful, familiar Christmas tunes, played live. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4eShFmQ

Christmas Carols by Candlelight at John Wesley's New Room

Enjoy an evening of festive cheer as John Wesley's New Room welcome everyone to gather for traditional Christmas carols in the atmospheric surroundings of the 18th-century candlelit chapel on December 11. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/49fsaPR

The Snowman LIVE with Filton Concert Brass at St Michaels Centre

Get in the Christmas spirit with this magical family screening of the wonderful short movie 'The Snowman' with Bristol's leading Championship brass band performing the beautiful soundtrack live in the spacious Auditorium at St Michaels Centre in Bristol on December 14. The band will also be performing traditional carols and Christmassy songs in the first half to really get you in the festive mood. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4gcNyr4

We spend a lot of time curating the BristolWorld newsletter. We’d really appreciate it if you signed up

Children's Christmas Carnival at St George's Bristol

Bristol Ensemble will bring festive fun for all the family to St George’s Bristol with their annual Children’s Christmas Carnival, featuring music from Howard Blake’s enchanting tale The Snowman, under the direction of Roger Huckle on December 22. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4gaCwTu

Bryn's Christmas at Beacon Hall

Enjoy a festive evening of song and celebration with world-renowned Welsh baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, famous for his rich voice and dynamic performances. With special guest soprano Pumeza Matshikiza and accompanied by the acclaimed Welsh National Opera Orchestra, expect magical seasonal music, beloved Christmas carols and traditional Welsh songs on December 20. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3ZtWpPK

Festive Family Screenings with Bristol Film Festival

Enjoy a wide range of films throughout the Bristol Film Festival. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/3COn8xA

• Muppet Christmas Carol will be playing on December 1 at The Mount Without
• WALL-E at the Planetarium on December 6
• Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone at Clifton College Chapel on December 13
• The Iron Giant at the Planetarium on December 13
• Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets at Clifton College Chapel on December 14
• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace at The Planetarium on December 14. Tickets can be booked at https://www.bristolfilmfestival.com/family
• The Polar Express - Christmas Film Screening at Armada House on December 22
• The Snowman/ The Snowman & The Snowdog - Christmas Film Screening at Armada House on December 22

Almondsbury Christmas Grotto

Explore a series of enchanting passages and chambers, guided by playful elves, all leading to Santa's secret workshop every weekend in December and on December 23 and 24. Pass through the Naughty or Nice scanner and settle down for a cosy story time with the cheeky elves before meeting Santa and receiving a gift. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/4g98ijI

Santa's Grotto at The Grand Pier

Enjoy a magical adventure to Santa's Grotto this Christmas, where you can meet the great man himself and some of his trusty elves! During your visit, Santa will warmly welcome you, offering a wonderful moment of story time, a photo to cherish forever, as well as a special gift for everyone on December 7 and 14. Tickets can be booked at https://fave.co/49etYIT

Avon Winterland at The Avon Centre

On December 1, Avon Winterland will combine horse and festive activities. There will be indoor horse and pony rides, Shetland pony sessions, horse simulator sessions, a Santa's grotto, arts and crafts workshops, a café and stalls.