Immerse yourself in the festive spirit this winter with the plethora of Christmas things to do in Bristol. From fine dining on a luxury vintage train to visiting Santa, there’s something to keep everyone’s spirits merry. So, get ready to celebrate the season, as these family-friendly activities and memorable experiences, could make Christmas 2024 your most magical one yet.
Find the Perfect Christmas Tree
Picking the perfect tree is the first port of call for celebrating Christmas in Bristol at your City & Country home. There are several garden centres and tree nurseries in and around Bristol, with the closest to Factory No.1 being Bristol Christmas Trees on Dean Lane in Bedminster and Ali & Joe’s in Victoria Park. Once the tree is up, it’s time to prepare the rest of your home for Christmas.
Shopping at Bristol Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Bristol returns from 1st November – 23rd December, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland. Centred around a 30ft Christmas tree, the market’s characteristic wooden huts showcase small businesses offering a selection of unique gifts, handmade items and festive food and drink. Mulled wine anyone?
Westonbirt Arboretum
Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum is a highlight of Bristol’s festive calendar. This year, there’s a never-before-seen Christmas lights trail at The National Arboretum, which is home to over 2500 tree species. Over one million twinkling lights will illuminate the forest as seasonal music fills the air. There are also street food stalls, seasonal treats and an appearance from Santa, ensuring an enchanting experience for all ages.
Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience
From 16th November to 24th December, the historic Quakers Friary building at Cabot Circus will host an interactive festive experience with Bristol’s most famous duo, Wallace and Gromit. At Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Event, there’ll be photo opportunities, puzzles to solve and festive refreshments, as you help power up Wallace’s latest invention, the Christmas-O-Matic.
Avon Valley
Another venue offering festive fun for all the family is Avon Valley. Christmas at the Adventure and Wildlife Park is an annual highlight, with themed activities and entertainment shows. During the day, there are lots of things to do, from visiting Santa’s grotto, toy factory and post room, to riding the miniature railway and ice skating. By night, there’s a Christmas lights trail around the park, with illuminated play areas and captivating installations.
Tuck into Christmas Lunch on Britain’s Most Luxurious Train
This Christmas, why not hop aboard the Northern Belle? This luxury train experience involves tucking into seven-course lunch menu designed by Head Chef Matthew Green. Inspired by the golden age of rail travel, the Northern Belle is composed of 1930s Pullman carriages and has been voted one of the best train journey experiences in the world. Departing from Bristol Temple Meads station on Saturday 14th December, it’s a Christmas train ride from Bristol you’ll never forget.
Visit Father Christmas in Bristol
There are several opportunities to see Father Christmas in Bristol this year. Take little ones to Santa’s Grotto at Ashton Court Mansion between 16th December and 22nd December, experience The Flight Before Christmas at Cotswolds Airport from 23rd November to 24th December, or see Santa and The Very Hungry Polar Bear at Clearwell Caves between 30th November and 24th December, to name a few.
Vintage Winter Wonderland
Bristol’s Vintage Winter Wonderland returns to Millenium Square this Christmas. Throughout November and December, you can enjoy fairground rides, retro games and seasonal food and drink at this charming Harbourside attraction. Offering festive cheer and entertainment, it’s an event everyone in the family can enjoy.
Explore the festivities year after year with City & Country’s magical homes in Bristol.