It’s time to get into the festive spirit and start planning your Christmas activities! All around the UK, cities and towns host joyful Christmas events to make the most of the festive season, and Bristol is one of the best.
From moving carol concerts to dazzling light trails, join CrossCountry as we dive into the best things to do in Bristol at Christmas.
Unforgettable Christmas Events in Bristol
Looking to make Christmas even better than last year? Bristol has a fabulous calendar of events to delight both visitors and locals. With celebrations and activities across the city, you can get into the spirit from the very first day of December.
Christmas Lights in Bristol
Each year, you can find stunning Christmas light displays all around Bristol city centre. In previous years, some of the best Christmas light displays in Bristol have been in Clifton Village and the Shopping Quarter – so keep an eye out for twinkly lights as you get your Christmas shopping done.
A little further from Bristol city centre, Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum awaits with beautifully illuminated walking trails and interactive displays. Adventure among the trees and experience the nature around you, come to life, from mycelium networks to firework trees. If you require a quieter experience without the usual accompanying soundtrack, there are some relaxed sessions available to book on the website.
Classic Christmas Songs Live in Concert
Over the years, Candlelight’s live classical music concerts have grown in popularity across the UK. Covering everything from movie soundtracks and chart hits to jazz and ballet, their string quartet concerts are made even more atmospheric through the mesmerising flicker of thousands of candles. Christmas is the perfect time to experience this spectacle.
In Bristol, you can enjoy several themed concerts with Candlelight throughout the festive season. Listen as your favourite Christmas movie tunes transform into angelic melodies and bask in the glowing candlelight as classic Christmas carols are reimagined by the Allegrezza String Quartet. Events are held at either St Nicholas Church or Bristol Cathedral – both are accessible by bus or on foot from Bristol Temple Meads.
Christmas Activities for Kids in Bristol
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year at any age, but it is extra special for children. Listening for the patter of reindeer hooves on the roof on Christmas Eve is a memory many of us cherish. If you’re hoping to recreate that magical feeling for your little ones, explore these enchanting festive activities for kids in Bristol.
Festive Pantomime at Bristol’s Theatres
Pantomime has long been a British Christmas tradition, with fun characters, classic storylines, and perhaps a sing-along or two. Bristol is a big city, so there are a few pantomime options to choose from. We recommend paying a visit to the Bristol Hippodrome for their annual production. Past performances have included Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Peter Pan, and Cinderella.
Alternatively, if you’re not into booing and hissing, the Bristol Old Vic always has a great lineup of festive shows. As the first publicly funded theatre outside London, the Old Vic has been delighting audiences for decades and is certainly one of the best theatres in the UK.
Twilight Tobogganing
Once again, the tobogganing slope at Mendip Activity Centre is being given a festive makeover this Christmas. Gather a group of up to eight friends or family members for a private session on the slope, complete with fairy lights, lasers, and a free Santa hat for everyone. Zip down the hill on your toboggan, then head to the hidden grotto to enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, non-alcoholic mulled wine, and glittering sparklers.
According to Mendip Activity Centre, twilight tobogganing spaces sell out every year, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!
Santa Claus Meet and Greets
A truly unique way to meet Santa Claus himself is to visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain, where the magic of Christmas takes to the seas. Be amazed by the breathtaking underwater-inspired light and sound installation, then congregate on the Promenade Deck to meet Old Father Christmas.
Rather than donning the familiar red and white suit with little black buttons, Old Father Christmas wears a holly wreath and a green robe trimmed with gold. This depiction is inspired by pre-Victorian versions of Father Christmas, when he was known more for spreading festive revelry than for delivering gifts.
You’ll get to listen to stories, sing shanties, and enjoy the merry atmosphere with a hot drink. The SS Great Britain also has a range of one-off events and workshops happening throughout the holiday season, so be sure to check what’s on.
Christmas Train Ride
Another extra special experience for little ones this season is the opportunity to meet Father Christmas on board a Christmas train on the Avon Valley Railway. Their Santa Specials throughout the Christmas season offer an unforgettable journey on a vintage train carriage, with Santa awaiting your family at the end of the ride!
Plus, as of 2025, you can now join Santa and his elves in the first-class carriage as part of the Premium Santa Experience. You’ll also get a luxurious hot chocolate and a sweet treat.
Catch a Train to Bristol for Christmas
You can travel to Bristol Temple Meads directly on the CrossCountry network, using a wide range of routes from local stations like Taunton and Weston-super-Mare or from further afield, like Manchester or York. Simply hop on board at your local CrossCountry station and travel to Bristol Temple Meads.
If you’re planning to visit Bristol at Christmas, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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