Bristol Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bristol and surrounding areas
Bristol showcases Christmas 2025 with downtown Main Street and the historic Green shining in Christmas lights and hosting seasonal activities. Events like the Santa Express Train Ride and Lake Compounce Holiday Lights '25 offer festive events and family-friendly holiday attractions during the season. Visitors can enjoy Christmas markets, holiday concerts, and interactive activities that bring community spirit to life throughout the festive season.
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Christmas Markets
40 eventsLargest decorated Christmas Tree in the area
Christmas Lights
14 eventsOfficial lighting of a 40-foot holiday tree and Santa's fire truck arrival.
Christmas Shows
12 eventsGuest principal dancers from NYC Ballet and ABT with live orchestra.
Other Christmas Activities
31 eventsVisit with Santa Claus on a festive train ride.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Santa Express Train Ride
(Thomaston)
Visit with Santa Claus on a festive train ride.
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Connecticut Ballet's The Nutcracker
(Hartford)
Guest principal dancers from NYC Ballet and ABT with live orchestra.
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Light the Lights – Winter Festival
(Danbury)
Official lighting of a 40-foot holiday tree and Santa's fire truck arrival.
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A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas
(Hartford)
Hartford's beloved holiday tradition, a classic tale of redemption.
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Glow Hartford Holiday Light Festival & Market
(Hartford)
Interactive light gardens and Santa's Sleigh Adventure
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Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical
(New Haven)
Classic holiday film brought to life as a musical.
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Parties Near Bristol
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Bristol.
Annual Christmas Holiday Season Luncheon
Annual holiday luncheon by Welsh Society
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Bristol
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Bristol.
Operation Santa 2025
Community-driven holiday assistance program for local families.
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Bristol
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Also Near Bristol
Bristol Christmas FAQ
The biggest events include the Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate and the Luminate light walk at Ashton Court, both drawing large crowds for their immersive light displays and festive activities.
Bristol’s holiday traditions often center around its vibrant light festivals and community markets, blending historic charm with modern interactive light art and local artisan celebrations.
Neighborhoods near Old Down Estate and Ashton Court are known for their festive light displays, along with several local residential areas that host beloved neighborhood displays accessible to the public.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at the Illumination Trail Christmas Village, various artisan markets in the city center, and neighborhood craft fairs near Bristol throughout the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly options include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending free artisan markets, and enjoying public walking trails like parts of the Illumination Trail with free parking and festive atmospheres.
Family-friendly picks include the Festive Illumination Trail with its craft cabins and marshmallow toasting, the Luminate light walk with interactive displays, and neighborhood markets offering activities suitable for children.