Discover the best holiday events in Bristol with our detailed guide. Whether you call Bristol home or are just passing through, this guide unlocks the city's seasonal secrets.
Kick off your festive season at the Bristol Christmas Market, where charming chalets offer unique gifts and delicious treats. Experience the magic with ice skating and enchanting light displays at Winter Wonderland at The Mall. And Christmas at Stourhead is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its stunning illuminations set against the backdrop of historic gardens. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Bristol
- Bristol Christmas Market
- Winter Wonderland at The Mall
- Bristol's St Nicholas Market
- Bristol Zoo Gardens' Christmas Event
- Bristol Aquarium Christmas Experience
- Christmas Fair at Ashton Court Mansion
Bristol Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bristol Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Fusion of German and British holiday traditions
Description:
Bristol Christmas Market blends German and British holiday traditions in the heart of the city. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering handcrafted gifts and local delicacies. Visitors can savor authentic Glühwein while exploring the market's diverse offerings. The event pays homage to Bristol's historic maritime connections, featuring nautical-themed decorations. Stroll through the market to discover unique treasures and experience the harmonious blend of two distinct cultures celebrating the season together.
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Winter Wonderland at The Mall
What to Expect:
Indoor winter-themed shopping experience
Description:
The Mall in Bristol transforms into a cozy winter retreat, bringing the charm of the season indoors. Shoppers can browse festively decorated stores while enjoying the warmth and comfort of the mall's interior. A towering Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece, adorned with twinkling lights. You'll find exclusive holiday deals and promotions throughout the shops. The Mall's winter transformation harkens back to the grand department store displays of the early 20th century, reimagined for modern shoppers.
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Bristol's St Nicholas Market
What to Expect:
Year-round market with special holiday offerings
Description:
Bristol's St Nicholas Market, a bustling year-round destination, elevates its charm during the holiday season. The historic market, dating back to 1743, introduces special holiday stalls alongside its regular vendors. Visitors can sample seasonal treats unique to Bristol while exploring the market's Georgian architecture. Artisans showcase their craft, offering one-of-a-kind gifts with local flair. The market's festive atmosphere captures the essence of a traditional English Christmas celebration.
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Christmas Fair at Ashton Court Mansion
What to Expect:
Artisan Christmas fair in a historic mansion
Description:
Ashton Court Mansion hosts a Christmas Fair that showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople. The grand rooms of this historic house provide an elegant backdrop for the fair's stalls and displays. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts and participate in hands-on workshops. The event highlights the mansion's long history as a center of Bristol's cultural life, with some craft techniques dating back centuries. Explore the mansion's grounds to discover outdoor art installations inspired by the holiday season.
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Christmas Fair at Ashton Court Mansion
Bristol Other Holiday Activities
Bristol Zoo Gardens' Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration focused on wildlife conservation
Description:
Bristol Zoo Gardens' Christmas Event combines holiday cheer with wildlife conservation education. The zoo's pathways sparkle with eco-friendly light displays that highlight different animal habitats. Visitors can participate in special animal feeding sessions with a holiday twist. The event emphasizes the zoo's commitment to conservation, showcasing how the holiday season impacts wildlife around the world. Bristol Zoo Gardens, founded in 1835, continues its legacy of education and conservation through this unique holiday celebration.
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Bristol Zoo Gardens' Christmas Event
Bristol Aquarium Christmas Experience
What to Expect:
Underwater-themed Christmas celebration
Description:
Bristol Aquarium's Christmas Experience plunges visitors into an aquatic holiday world. The aquarium's tanks feature specially designed underwater Christmas scenes, complete with submerged trees and marine-safe decorations. Visitors can watch as divers in Santa suits feed the fish, creating a unique spectacle. Learn about how marine ecosystems adapt to winter conditions through special talks and demonstrations. This event combines holiday cheer with marine conservation education, reflecting Bristol's maritime heritage and commitment to ocean preservation.
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Bristol Aquarium Christmas Experience
Nearby Events
Christmas at Stourhead (Warminster)
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through historic gardens
Description:
Stourhead's 18th-century landscape garden comes alive with a dazzling illuminated trail. Visitors meander through the grounds, encountering stunning light installations that accentuate the garden's natural beauty. The air fills with the scent of mulled wine as you explore. Along the way, discover interactive light features that respond to touch or movement. Stourhead's rich history as one of England's finest landscape gardens adds depth to this contemporary light experience.
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Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On (Keynsham)
What to Expect:
Community-led lantern parade
Description:
Keynsham's Lantern Parade illuminates the town with a procession of handmade lanterns created by local residents. The parade culminates in the grand switching on of the town's Christmas lights. Spectators line the streets, cheering as the parade passes by. You can join a lantern-making workshop prior to the event to participate in this community tradition. The parade reflects Keynsham's strong community spirit, bringing together residents of all ages to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
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Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On
Bath Christmas Market (Bath)
What to Expect:
Market set against backdrop of Roman and Georgian architecture
Description:
Bath Christmas Market unfolds amidst the city's stunning Roman and Georgian architecture. Over 150 chalets line the historic streets, offering locally made gifts and seasonal delicacies. The aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air as you explore. Visitors can enjoy carol performances in front of Bath Abbey, adding to the atmospheric experience. The market celebrates Bath's rich history, with many vendors drawing inspiration from the city's Roman and Georgian heritage.
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Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (Tetbury)
What to Expect:
Illuminated trail through a world-renowned tree collection
Description:
Westonbirt Arboretum's Enchanted Christmas transforms the forest into a luminous wonderland. Visitors follow a carefully curated trail through the arboretum's diverse tree collection, each species uniquely illuminated to showcase its natural beauty. Along the path, encounter interactive sound and light installations that bring the forest to life. You can warm up with a hot chocolate while learning about the arboretum's conservation efforts. This event highlights Westonbirt's status as one of the most important plant collections in the world.
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Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Festival of Light at Longleat (Warminster)
What to Expect:
Combination of lantern displays and safari park experience
Description:
Longleat's Festival of Light merges the excitement of a safari park with the allure of intricate lantern displays. Enormous illuminated sculptures depicting various themes and stories dot the landscape. Visitors can drive through the safari park to see animals in their winter habitats before exploring the lantern trail on foot. The event draws inspiration from the estate's rich history, with some displays featuring historical figures and events associated with Longleat House.
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Clevedon's Christmas Lights Switch-On (Clevedon)
What to Expect:
Seaside town Christmas celebration
Description:
Clevedon's Christmas Lights Switch-On event brings holiday cheer to this charming seaside town. The Victorian pier serves as a backdrop for the illumination ceremony, creating a unique coastal Christmas atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local choirs performing carols along the promenade. You'll find pop-up stalls offering seasonal treats and crafts from local artisans. This event celebrates Clevedon's maritime heritage, incorporating nautical themes into the holiday decorations and activities.
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Clevedon's Christmas Lights Switch-On
Cheddar Gorge Winter Wonderland (Cheddar)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration in a natural limestone gorge
Description:
Cheddar Gorge Winter Wonderland transforms England's largest gorge into a spectacular holiday destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs provide a stunning natural backdrop for festive light displays. Visitors can explore illuminated caves, discovering underground Christmas scenes. Enjoy a guided tour that combines geological information with holiday folklore. This unique event highlights the natural beauty of Cheddar Gorge while celebrating its significance in British history and culture.
Website:
Cheddar Gorge Winter Wonderland
Tyntesfield Christmas Events (Wraxall)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas at a historic estate
Description:
Tyntesfield's Christmas Events transport visitors to a Victorian-era celebration at this magnificent Gothic Revival house. The estate's rooms are adorned with period-appropriate decorations, showcasing how the Gibbs family might have celebrated Christmas in the 19th century. Visitors can participate in traditional Victorian parlor games and crafts. The event features live performances of carols and readings from classic Christmas literature. Tyntesfield's rich history as a family home for four generations comes alive through these authentic holiday experiences.
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Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park (Keynsham)
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed adventure park and wildlife encounters
Description:
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park offers a unique blend of holiday fun and animal encounters. The park's resident animals receive special Christmas-themed enrichment activities, which visitors can observe and learn about. Families can embark on a festive treasure hunt throughout the park, solving clues related to both Christmas and wildlife. You'll have the opportunity to meet and feed some of the park's friendlier residents. This event showcases the park's commitment to both education and conservation, while providing a fun-filled holiday experience.
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Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Lacock Abbey Christmas Celebration (Chippenham)
What to Expect:
Medieval-inspired Christmas celebration at a historic abbey
Description:
Lacock Abbey's Christmas Celebration transports visitors to a medieval holiday feast. The abbey, founded in 1229, comes alive with period-appropriate decorations and reenactors in historical costumes. Visitors can sample traditional medieval holiday dishes and participate in ancient Yuletide games. The celebration includes demonstrations of crafts and skills from the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into Christmas past. This event provides a unique opportunity to experience the holiday season as it might have been celebrated centuries ago in this historic setting.
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Lacock Abbey Christmas Celebration
The Mendip Christmas Experience (Shepton Mallet)
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration in a rural Somerset setting
Description:
The Mendip Christmas Experience brings holiday cheer to the heart of rural Somerset. Set against the backdrop of the Mendip Hills, this event celebrates the region's agricultural heritage with a festive twist. Visitors can participate in traditional rural crafts with a holiday theme, such as wreath-making using locally sourced materials. The air fills with the aroma of mulled cider made from local apples. You'll have the opportunity to meet farm animals dressed in their holiday best. This event showcases the unique character of Somerset's countryside during the winter season.
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The Mendip Christmas Experience