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Christmas in Bristol 2023 – 38 festive events, markets and activities

The lights are twinkling in the trees, the baubles are up and the Bristol Christmas Markets are in full swing. Yes, Christmas in Bristol is well and truly here!

During the holiday season, I’m happy to feel festive in Bristol at Christmas, exploring all that my home town has to offer. Here are top Bristol Christmas events worth experiencing this holiday season.

Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Christmas in Bristol

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Christmas Markets in Bristol

Christmas markets? You may have visited them in Germany, but did you know we have plenty in Bristol too?

1. Bristol Christmas Market

While walking through the Bristol Christmas Market in the Broadmead shopping area, I was definitely feeling the festive spirit.

At the centre of it all there’s the Jäger Barn, where the shoppers of Bristol were having a drink in the bubble igloos and ski gondolas, amid the Christmas baubles and wooden carved figures of giants, elves and reindeer. New for this year is the 15 metre high big wheel offering stunning views over the Christmas Market.

Christmas Market in Broadmead Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Christmas Market in Broadmead Bristol
Bristol Christmas Market - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Christmas Market – Christmas in Bristol

The wooden chalets selling food and gifts stretch up towards the Cabot Circus shopping centre and there are stalls selling local crafts at the Broadmead end. This year the market stalls are open 3 November – 23 December 10am-7pm and the food stalls 10am – 10pm.

You may also enjoy: Visiting the Christmas Market in Bath

Bristol Christmas Market - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Christmas Market – Christmas in Bristol

But that’s not all – there are plenty more seasonal markets around Bristol for you to enjoy.

2. St Nicholas Market

The indoor St Nick’s Market is a great place to stock on unique gifts from Bristol’s indie traders. The indoor market will open Monday – Saturday 9.30 – 5pm with additional Sunday opening 10am – 5pm from 14 November until Christmas Eve. In the run up to Christmas, the outdoor markets along Corn Street will also take on a festive flavour.

St Nicholas Market Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
St Nicholas Market Christmas in Bristol

3. Corn Street Christmas Market

For the best of Bristol food, vintage and gifts, the Christmas outdoor markets on Corn Street will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 10 December, then daily until Christmas eve. In addition the regular street food markets run Tuesday and Friday 11am – 2.30pm and the Farmer’s Market runs each Wednesday 9.30am – 2.30pm. More info: St Nicholas Market website

Discover free things to do in Bristol – 20 things to do that won’t cost you a penny

Corn Street Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Corn Street Christmas in Bristol

4. Millennium Square – vintage winter wonderland

There’s a vintage winter wonderland with carousels and family friendly fairground rides in Millennium Square, near the harbour side.

The food stalls in Millennium Square sell everything from German Bratwurst and Cheesy Krakauer to Vegan street eats and hot Belgian waffles, so you won’t be going hungry!

While the kids are having fun on the rides, the adults can enjoy the ski themed Après Bar. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, with blankets to keep away the chills and live music on Thursdays and DJs at the weekend.

Millenium Square - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Milennium Square – Christmas in Bristol
Pero's Bridge Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Pero’s Bridge Christmas in Bristol

5. Finzel’s Reach – food markets and elf fun

In the run up to Christmas, the Finzel’s Reach Market is the place to try local street food, with markets on Wednesdays and Fridays offering a huge range of street food over the lunchtime period (11am – 2pm). Feast on globally inspired street food inspired by Sri Lanka, Asia and BBQ, or stock up for your Christmas table with local beers and ciders as well as artisan sausages and cheeses.

Finzel's Reach - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Finzel’s Reach – Christmas in Bristol

6. Elf on the shelf in Bristol

Around Finzel’s Reach, also look out for the 15 ft Elf on the Shelf who will be playing hide and seek on buildings in this neighbourhood throughout December. Clues about where you can find Elf on the Shelf will be posted on the @RedcliffeandTempleBID social channels.

More Outdoor Christmas Markets in Bristol

Bearpit Festive Market – In the pedestrianised Bearpit at the bottom of Stokes Croft, there will be 50 stalls including local producers and makers, with live music.

Broadmead Christmas Market in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Broadmead Christmas Market in Bristol

Christmas shopping in Bristol

For shoppers working their way through the Christmas shopping list, the central Bristol shopping centres of Cabot Circus and Broadmead will have most of your needs covered.

Explore 10 cool things to do around Bristol Harbour

Cabot Circus - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Cabot Circus – Christmas in Bristol

7. Christmas shopping in Clifton Village

For atmosphere, you can’t beat Clifton Village, where the elegant Georgian townhouses and stylish boutiques make a charming atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to shop for that party frock or pair of sparkly heels.

The Ivy Clifton Bristol Christmas Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
The Ivy Clifton Bristol Christmas 2023

The Christmas lights are up and the 50 ft Christmas tree towers impressively over the Mall Gardens, with tempting Christmas displays in all the shop windows. Clifton is full of bars, cafes and restaurants, so it’s a great choice to meet friends for brunch or a festive drink.

Among my favourite places to get into the Christmas spirit are The Ivy with their festive set menu, Forest and the Flowers running wreath making sessions, East Village Vegan Cafe to brunch while you shop and The Dirty Bird for festive cocktails.

The Clifton Observatory is hosting wreath making workshops, brunch with Santa and carol singing on the rooftop terrace. More info: DiscoverClifton.co.uk

Christmas Tree The Mall Gardens Clifton Bristol
Christmas Tree The Mall Gardens Clifton Bristol

8. Christmas Steps Arts Quarter

If you’re looking for something a bit more arty in the centre of Bristol, explore the area around the aptly named Christmas Steps, where the Christmas lights have been turned on and you can get a flavour of medieval Bristol.

The steps once led down to Bristol’s Harbourside where merchants ships from around the world unloaded their cargo onto the quayside and into sugar warehouses, like the one that is now Hotel du Vin.

Christmas Steps - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Christmas Steps – Christmas in Bristol

Now the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is full of small independent businesses on the steps and Colston Street at the top, and it’s worth continuing up the steps to Perry Road for the art galleries and other creative businesses there.

At dusk capture those Dickensian vibes with a photo looking down from the top of the steps, then treat yourself to a gooey cake from Ahh Toots at the bottom.

More info: ChristmasStepsArtsQuarter.co.uk

The Guild - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
The Guild – Christmas in Bristol

I also enjoy shopping on Park Street, where there’s a winning mix of upscale high street brands and independents. My favourites are local institution Bristol Guild for arty gifts and Diana Porter, if you want to splash out on unique and hand made contemporary jewellery.

You may also enjoy: Bristol Gifts: 50 gifts that say you love Bristol!

9. Christmas Craft Markets in Bristol

To find original gifts that are unique and often made in Bristol, visit one of the many craft markets around Bristol in the run up to Christmas. For a detailed list of what’s on when see our calendar listing at the end of the article.

Bristol Beacon Fair- Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Beacon Fair- Christmas in Bristol

Bristol Beacon Made in Bristol Gift Fair – Saturdays and Sundays 25 & 26 Nov 10am – 5pm also 9 & 10 Dec 10am – 4pm. Five floors of gifts by Bristol artists and makers.

Bristol Pop up Shop in The Galleries (On the Ground Floor opposite Boswells Cafe) – Daily until 24 December – a huge range of gifts from 100 of Bristol’s finest designers and makers.

St Nicholas Market – Open daily – an indoor market in the city’s old Corn Exchange with the largest collection of independent retailers in the city.

Wiper & True Christmas Markets – Winter Maker’s Market at The Tap Room in Old Market 17 December 12-6pm and Christmas Night Market at The Barrel Store St Werburghs Thursday 7 December 4 – 9.30pm – the markets showcase local makers and food producers, washed down with real ale from the brewery and tap room.

Prior Shop Sustainable Design Fair – Meet the Makers sustainable markets in Quakers Friars on Saturday 9 December 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10 December 11am – 5pm featuring locally made products and artworks.

Estate of the Arts Winter Fair – Maker’s stalls among the artists studios in Bedminster on 9 and 10 December 12-5pm, with hot food and live music.

Future Leap Festive Market – Sustainable Pop-up Christmas market at 1-3 Gloucester Rd on 2-3 December and 9-10 December 10am – 5pm.

Better Christmas Market – In the undercroft at St Mary Redcliffe, as part of the Treefest event, an arts and crafts market is being held 7-10 December, with carols, workshops, food and mulled wine.

Bristol Beacon Market - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Beacon Market – Christmas in Bristol

Foodie ways to get festive in Bristol

10. Sweet treats at Christmas

It seems that minced pies and mulled wine are everywhere and now is the time to savour them, before the Christmas flavours are swept away with the diet books and clean eating of January. Look out for seasonal flavours, like gingerbread and gorgeous gelato cakes at my favourite gelataria Swoon on College Green, or indulge in a warming hot chocolate at Mrs Potts on Park Street.

Swoon Gelato - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Swoon Gelato – Christmas in Bristol

11. Festive Pies in Bristol

For something that will warm away the winter chill, Bristolians love to head for Pieminister who have several branches around the city, serving their award winning pies. Find their two restaurants on Broad Quay or on Stokes Croft, with the Festive Christmas pie flavours available from mid November. There’s also a food stall at St Nicholas Market, where you can buy the pies to take away, or eat at their tables in the market.

Read about 20 fun things to do in Bristol with your friends

Festive pies from Pieminster Bristol Photo Pieminster
Festive pies from Pieminster Bristol Photo Pieminster

My favourite pies are the incredibly tasty Deer Santa, with venison, bacon and red wine. My other choices included Mistlemoo (steak and port), The Cracker (turkey and cranberry) or Christingle (veggie parsnips, chestnut and cheese). If you’re eating Vegan, they have you covered with The Good Elf, with vegan “turkey”, cranberry and port.

Klosterhaus- Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Christmas drinks in Bristol

12. Christmas cocktails in Bristol

For a cheeky post shopping drink, head to Dirty Martini. At this stylish cocktail bar on Corn Street the Happy Hour Martinis and selected cocktails are half price. They have some fun Christmas cocktails too. Choose from the Christmas Martini with cranberry juice and orange bitters, Santa’s punch, with rum and pomegranate or The Snowman, with creme de cacao and gingerbread syrup.

Dirty Martini - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Dirty Martini – Christmas in Bristol

13. Stock up on the Cider at Christmas

No self respecting West County Household would be without their cider at Christmas. You can order in from the Bristol Cider Shop for a drink on Christmas afternoon in front of the telly. They have a cider advent calendar (shipment from 1 November), cider tasting kit and plenty of other gifts for cider lovers. Everything can be delivered in the UK and gift subscriptions are also available.

Bristol Cider Shop Photo_ Bristol Cider Shop
Bristol Cider Shop Photo: Bristol Cider Shop

Check out things to do in Bristol Old City – what to see and where to eat

Also look out for the pop-up shop from 6 O’clock Gin in Quaker Friars, where you can buy the excellent locally produced gin in the blue glass bottles as well as cans, mixers and gin related gifts.

Bristol 6 O Clock Gin - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol 6 O Clock Gin – Christmas in Bristol

Christmas Light shows in Bristol

14. Evolution Drone Light Show

The Evolution Drone Light Show, is a spectacular show with 500 drones lighting up the Bristol sky in a theatrical display that tells the story of time, space and evolution. It’s taking place at the Seat Unique Stadium off the top end of the Gloucester Road on 19 and 20 December – book tickets here. The event is family friendly, with a festive funfair and refreshment stalls.

Evolution Light Show Bristol
Evolution Light Show Bristol

15. Lumosphere light trail

In and around the stables of the Leigh Court Estate, Lumosphere is an outdoor illumination walk for all ages. The interactive art installations use light, video, sound and water, with 10 different themed sensory areas to explore. Book your tickets here – the trail runs from 10-17 December with pre-bookable slots from late afternoon onwards. Food and drink stalls are available in the stable courtyard and the trail takes around 45-60 minutes.

Lumosphere Leigh Court Bristol
Lumosphere Leigh Court Bristol

16. More Light Trails near Bristol

Other Christmas light trails within an hour’s drive of central Bristol include:

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park – A family focussed Christmas Nights Light Trail around the park with the illuminated backdrop of lakes and trees. There are many other family activities including a Santa show, Reindeer shed and Elf Express miniature train. Dates from 1 – 31 December.

Old Down Estate Illumination Trail – The Starry Night trail guides you around Old Down Estate, with music, colour and interactive areas along the way. Dates from 26 November – 24 December.

Westonbirt Arboretum – Enchanted Christmas light trail with sparkling lights, festive sounds and illuminations in the forest. Dates from 24 November – 23 December.

Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas Photo_ Johnny Hathaway
Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas Photo Johnny Hathaway

Longleat Festival of light – This light trail brings Roald Dahl’s stories to life, with 800 lanterns against the historic backdrop of Longleat House. Dates from 11 November until 7 January.

Sudeley castle Spectacle of Light – An illuminated trail around the beautiful castle grounds, with a chance to meet characters from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Dates from 24 November – 30 December.

Christmas in Bristol with the family

17. SS Great Britain Victorian Christmas

There’s always plenty to see and do on Bristol’s leading visitor attraction. It’s a great choice to keep the family entertained over the school holidays or as a treat for the grandchildren.

Look out for the Victorian Christmas weekends on 2/3 and 9/10 December. The dockside will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland with Victorian characters and falling snow.

There will be Christmas carol singing, warming mince pies and you can meet Old Father Christmas, dressed in his traditional green robes. More info: SS Great Britain Website

SS Great Britain Victorian Christmas
SS Great Britain Victorian Christmas

18. Winterland at Propyard

Over the Christmas period, Winterland returns to Propyard, with an 80s themed ski-lodge, roller disco and retro games. Under 18s are welcome up to 8pm, when the event turns into an adults only venue with DJs on some nights.

Bookable slots are available from late afternoon into the evening, for the roller disco and ski lodge tables, where the menu includes Alpine inspired comfort food – think fondue, hot dogs and Savoie sausage baguettes. Try your hand at Crazy Boules or retro arcade games from the 80s and 90s. More info: Propyard

Propyard Roller Disco Bristol
Propyard Roller Disco Bristol

19. Christmas at Bristol Aquarium

The aquarium in Millennium Square is always a popular day out. View 40 displays of tropical fish and those from our shores. Check out the underwater tunnel and Urban Jungles with terrapins and freshwater fish.

During the school holidays look out for the Undersea Grotto (16 December – 1 January), where children can meet Charlie the clownfish to receive a gift and pass a message on to Santa Claus. There’s a winter trail around the Aquarium and some festive family crafting activities. More info: Bristolaquarium.co.uk

20. More Bristol family activities

M-Shed – This free museum on the harbour side, is a great place to visit with the family over the Christmas holidays. It features personal stories and objects that highlight Bristol’s past and present. More info: M-shed website

We the Curious (formerly At Bristol) – For the Christmas season, check their website for activities at Bristol’s hands on science centre.  More info: Wethecurious.org

A Theatrical Christmas in Bristol

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to the panto or Christmas show. Preferably with lots of cheesy Bristol jokes that likely only us locals will understand. In Bristol there are numerous entertaining and thought provoking theatrical shows, including some that are suitable for younger children.

Bristol Old Vic - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Old Vic – Christmas in Bristol

21. Christmas shows at Bristol Old Vic

For 2023 Bristol Old Vic staged Arabian Nights over the Christmas period from 23 November to 6 January. It’s the story of a strong-willed girl called Scheherazade (Schere for short) who plans to liberate the people of the kingdom from a tyrannical king, through the power of storytelling. Each night she tells the king a different tale, taking care to end on a cliffhanger, so that she won’t get thrown into the palace dungeons.

We enjoyed the use of life sized puppets, including the magical horse who transports us into the land of make believe and the serpent who the king dreams he will fight. King Murad is played as a comical narcissist, who is marvellously mean and stuck in a 1980s disco diva time-warp. But the real heroines are the two sisters Schere and Dina, who rally the people of the realm to rise up against the king’s injustice.

Don’t go expecting a traditional panto – but instead you’ll get drama, rousing songs, puppetry and great acting as well as a little bit of audience participation. In keeping with the mood of the moment, Arabian Nights offers strong themes of community, love overcoming evil and light in the darkness of troubled times.

Arabian Nights Bristol Old Vic
Arabian Nights Bristol Old Vic 2023

Also at Bristol Old Vic in their Weston Studio for 2023, but aimed at younger audiences, is Four Seasons. With puppetry, dance and clowning fun, the magical gardeners tend to the flora and fauna as icy winter turns to spring. (Production now finished)

Four Seasons at Bristol Old Vic
Four Seasons at Bristol Old Vic

The bar and foyer of Bristol Old Vic cleverly fuses the old and modern parts of the theatre, creating a great space to meet friends for a pre-performance drink and a pie from Pieminster.

Bristol Old Vic - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Old Vic – Christmas in Bristol

22. More Bristol theatre experiences

The Hippodrome’s Christmas shows are always worth seeing. Their 2023 panto of Peter Pan featured some well known TV and comic personalities. Join Peter Pan, Wendy, Tink and the Lost Boys in this high flying and swashbuckling trip to Neverland. (Production now finished)

Bristol Hippodrome Peter Pan 2023
Bristol Hippodrome Peter Pan 2023

Tobacco Factory Theatre offers Oliver Twist, an adaptation of Dickens’ famous tale. The classic story will come alive in riotous fashion as Oliver escapes the workhouse to join the outrageous escapades of Fagin and co. From 1 December 2023 – 21 January 2024

Also at the Tobacco Factory for 2023 is The Selfish Giant, a touching children’s story about a grumpy giant who lives in a walled garden. With puppetry, enchanting music and powerful storytelling it’s a tale of how friendship can melt the iciest winter. 14 December to 6 January in the Spielman Theatre.

Rapunzel Redgrave Theatre Bristol
Rapunzel Redgrave Theatre Bristol

The Redgrave Theatre in Clifton Village is running the pantomime Rapunzel, a tangled tale of a girl with big hair who longs for adventure outside her tower. Expect audience participation, sing-alongs, jokes and flying special effects. (Production now finished)

The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market is running BS2 Santa, a charming Christmas entertainment for children aged 2+ and all the family. Meet Santa and his sidekick Sven the Reindeer handler, with music, sleigh bells and plenty of Christmas spirit. (Production now finished)

A musical Christmas in Bristol

23. St Georges Bristol Christmas concerts

We always try to fit in a visit to St George’s Brandon Hill for one of their concerts in the week before Christmas, from the community choirs where we often have a friend performing. The choirs are pleasingly colour coordinated, often looking as if they’ve chosen all the colours from the Quality Sweets tin.

The music is a mixture of reworked pop favourites, carols and foot-tapping Christmas oldies. There are some comic moments and high jinks thrown in, usually led by choirmaster David Ogden. This Christmas look out for Exultate Singers, City of Bristol Choir, Carol and Choral concerts and more in December.

City of Bristol Choir Christmas Spectacular Photo St Georges
City of Bristol Choir Christmas Spectacular Photo St Georges

24. Bristol Beacon Christmas events

Following their refurbishment Bristol Beacon reopened in December 2023. Although most events start in 2024, there are a few Christmas themed performances in December, including performances of The Snowman, Bristol Choral Society: The Messiah and Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Christmas Kitchen Disco. Check the website for details of seasonal performances and markets.

On Bristol’s harbourside you can also find Christmas at the Spiegeltent with live music, cabaret, Christmas parties and kids discos.

Christmas in Bristol with the animals

Away in a manger and all that! Animals are a big part of the Christmas story so a visit to some of Bristol’s animal attractions at Christmas seems quite appropriate.

25. Christmas at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm just outside Bristol have plenty of Christmas activities in December. Dress up as your favourite nativity character, come for Christmas lunches or meet the reindeer that reside at the zoo.

Wonky Christmas trees are on sale in the Farm shop and festive treats can be found in the Food Barn. There’s an impressive amount of space for the animals around the zoo as well as the range of activities in the play areas and animal experiences.

Bristol Christmas Events - Bristol Zoo
Sheep at Noahs Ark Farm

The zoo houses two African elephants, with a daily elephant keeper talk at 1.30 pm, when Janu and M’changa come inside to try their favourite snack.

You can also see giraffe, rhino, lions and tigers at the zoo as well as plenty of smaller domestic and farm animals. You’ll have chances to feed, pet and stroke them (not Khan the tiger of course).

Bristol Christmas Events - Elephant at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm
Elephant at Noahs Ark Zoo Farm

26. Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Bristol Zoo Project – Bristol Zoo has closed its Clifton site, and moved to the Wild Place site is on the edge of Bristol. They offer wildlife discovery and outdoor adventures with seasonal themed trails and play areas. Bristol Zoo Project is home to lemur, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, and eland. Check the website for details of self-led trails, animal talks and a winter walking safari.

27. Bristol City Farms for free family activities

If you’d like to take the kids to the farm over the Christmas holidays St Werburgh’s City farm is open daily 9am-4pm (free) and there’s a winter fair Saturday 2 December. Windmill Hill City Farm is open daily 9am-4pm (free) and has the Windmill Hill Market on Saturday 2 December.

A spiritual Christmas in Bristol

There’s plenty of fun and celebration at Christmas, but in our household we try not to forget the spiritual part of the holiday. We like to go to Midnight Mass with our extended family and fit in a carol service during Advent.

Bristol Cathedral Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Cathedral

28. Bristol Cathedral Christmas Events

Bristol Cathedral – The beautiful cathedral on College Green is even more special during Advent when there are Advent services on all the Sundays in December. Throughout December the cathedral holds carol services including Carols by Candlelight, Shoppers’ Carols and a Festival of 9 lessons and carols in December, as well as the Christmas eve and Christmas day Eucharistic services of Christmas.

Also check out Christ Church Clifton for Christmas Carol concerts, nativity and communion services.

29. John Wesley’s New Rooms

John Wesley’s New Rooms are a hidden treasure in the centre of Bristol’s Broadmead area. The Grade 1 listed building is the oldest Methodist preaching house, founded by the preacher John Wesley. Wesley, together with his brother Charles, started the Methodist Christian movement in the 18th century.

In the rooms above the chapel, the old preacher’s lodgings have been transformed into a fascinating museum about the life of John Wesley in Bristol and the times he lived through, including the abolition of slavery.

John Wesley New Rooms Museum Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
John Wesley New Rooms Museum Bristol

Christmas activities at the John Wesley New Rooms include lunchtime carols at 1pm on 13 Dec and a Christmas craft drop-in session for families on 19 December 10am-3pm.

At the Charles Wesley House nearby there are bookable Christmas tours available on selected dates between 6 and 16 December at 11.30pm. The tours feature the house where Charles Wesley lived and wrote many of his famous hymns like “Hark the herald angels sing”.

30. St Mary Redcliffe

Most churches in Bristol will have Christmas Carol services as well as the Christmas religious services, so check what’s on at your local church. At St Mary Redcliffe, activities include a family Christingle Service on 10 Dec and Salvation Army Carol service on 20 Dec.

Christmas gifts and festive treats from Bristol

We Bristolians love to support our independent businesses. There is so much creative stuff going on around the city that there’s really no need to look elsewhere.

31. For the nightlife lover in Bristol

Your West Country lad-or-lass-about-town will enjoy enjoy a night out in Bristol with the Love Bristol Gift Card. Created by 3 of the city’s BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) you can purchase the gift card online and both e-cards and physical cards are available. Spend the gift card at over 160 different food, drink, shopping, accommodation and attraction venues around Bristol City Centre.

Love Bristol gift card - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Love Bristol gift card – Christmas in Bristol

These are perfect to fund a great day or night out in Bristol and Gift Cards are available from £25. My favourite places to spend the gift card include Mrs Potts Chocolate Shop, Spicer + Cole, The Old Vic, Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, but there are many more.

32. For the person who has everything in Bristol

Yuup is the place to find unusual local experiences that are ideal for gifting. This is perfect for those who don’t need more “stuff” in their life but would appreciate a fun activity they can enjoy together.

You can purchase a Yuup gift card so they can choose their experience later, with anything from foodie workshops, crafts or health and wellbeing. There are lots of festive pre-Christmas activities too, such as wreath making, Christmas card printing or chocolate workshops.

Wreath making with Yuup Photo Yuup
Wreath making with Yuup Photo: Yuup

33. For chocaholics in Bristol

Zara’s chocolates are made in South Bristol and are an essential stop for high quality, hand made chocolates that make a perfect gift for the discerning chocaholic.

Everything is made small scale in the shop’s open kitchen with selection boxes and chocolate bars. There’s unique Christmas themed treats, such as baubles and chocolate lollies to add to the stocking fillers. Pop into their shop on North Street or order for home delivery. They also offer gift vouchers and run chocolate workshops and events.

Zara's Chocolates Bristol Photo Zara's chocolates
Zara’s Chocolates Bristol Photo Zara’s chocolates

If you are shopping in north Bristol, I also love the selection or bars and bonbons at Bar Chocolat in Clifton Village. This is a fine place to stop for a hot chocolate while shopping in the pretty and atmospheric Georgian village.

34. For the lady in your life

Treat the lovely lady in your life who’s been slaving over a hot turkey, to a little bit of me-time after Christmas, with a voucher for a spa day.

One of my favourite spas is The Lido, tucked away in the back streets of Clifton Village. This Victorian outdoor pool has been restored, with the addition of a spa, steam rooms, sauna and bar/restaurant. This makes it one of the most atmospheric spa settings in Bristol.

The pool is heated to 22-25 degrees celsius, making it suitable for swimming year round. There’s steam rooms, hot tub and sauna to warm up for that bracing hot-cold-hot Nordic spa experience. Their swim and dine experiences are especially popular, with a couple of hours in the pool and spa followed by a bite to eat in the poolside restaurant.

The Lido by Night Photo The Lido
The Lido by Night

35. For a different view of Bristol

For a different perspective on Bristol, a balloon flight offers a bit of adventure without breaking into a sweat. It can be enjoyed in the spring when the weather gets warmer.

Both Bristol Balloons and Bailey Balloons offer flights or gift vouchers from £169. If you want to get a feel of what it’s like to drift over Bristol in a balloon, read my article about the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

Balloons at Bristol Balloon Fiesta Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Balloons at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

36. For the Bristol Christmas tree

No Bristolian Christmas tree is complete without a Bristol Blue Glass bauble or ornament. You can find their shop on High Street near St Nicholas Market, visit their studio on the Bath Road near Arnos Vale or buy online.

Bristol Blue Glass - Christmas in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Bristol Blue Glass – Christmas in Bristol

37. Charity giving at Christmas

While it’s lovely to celebrate Christmas with gifts for our loved ones, I also try to make some charity donations at this time of year. Bristol suffers from a big issue of homelessness and if you’re out and about in the centre you’ll probably observe this.

However you can help spread good cheer, through the instant payment donation points you can see around Bristol city centre. Whenever you’re out shopping and see one, consider making a donation. It helps local charities make Christmas a better time for those who, like baby Jesus on that first Christmas, don’t have a place to go.

Charity Giving at Christmas Photo Heatheronhertravels.com
Charity Giving at Christmas

To donate online, my favourite local Bristol charities supporting the homeless over Christmas are Caring in Bristol, St Mungo’s Bristol and The Salvation Army.

Also follow the work on instagram of Natacha @thebeautyofcaring_cic who provides beauty treatments in Bristol for vulnerable men and women. You can contact her to support her work via instagram.

38. Christmas Events around Bristol

While most of the things I’ve mentioned are within the central area of Bristol, there are some other fun Christmas activities that are just outside Bristol. Some of the best light trails and Christmas activities include:

Westonbirt Arboretum – Enchanted Christmas light trail with sparkling lights, festive sounds and illuminations in the forest. Dates from 24 November – 23 December.

Tyntesfield – This National Trust house is decorated in Victorian Winter fashion. There are carol concerts in the chapel and craft making sessions. Open daily in Dec except 24 / 25 Dec.

Tyntesfield Christmas Photo_ Steve Hayward
Tyntesfield Christmas

Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland – The caves are decked with over 100,000 lights, with a Santa’s grotto and Christmas theme theatre show. There are selected dates from 25 November until 1 January.

Longleat Festival of light – This light trail brings Roald Dahl’s stories to life, with 800 lanterns against the historic backdrop of Longleat House. Dates from 11 November until 7 January.

Mendip Activity Centre – The toboggan slope is decked out with fairy lights, coloured flood lights and a snow machine, with twilight tobogganing from 3 November until 2 January.

Christmas at Stourhead – The National Trust estate is lit up with festive illuminations, with sparkling tunnels, giant baubles and trees lit up in jewel like colours. Dates from 1 – 31 December.

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park – A family focussed Christmas Nights Light Trail around the park with the illuminated backdrop of lakes and trees. There are many other family activities including a Santa show, Reindeer shed and Elf Express miniature train. Dates from 1 – 31 December.

Sudeley castle Spectacle of Light – An illuminated trail around the beautiful castle grounds, with a chance to meet characters from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Dates from 24 November – 30 December.

Old Down Estate Illumination Trail – The Starry Night trail guides you around Old Down Estate, with music, colour and interactive areas along the way. Dates from 26 November – 24 December.

Where to stay in Bristol for your festive break

There’s still time to book a cheeky weekend in Bristol to get into the Christmas spirit, eat some great food and shop for unusual and thoughtful gifts. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bristol, read on for my recommendations;

Best budget accommodation with character in Bristol

If you want stylish accommodation that won’t break the bank, these are the places we recommend for best value, with rooms typically £100 – £120.

Brooks Guest House (Old City) – A boutique guest house in St Nicholas Market with cosy, contemporary rooms, centrally located in the heart of the Old City. Excellent value for stylish guest house accommodation.

Brooks Guest House

Stay at the Brooks Guest House – a small boutique hotel in the heart of Bristol Old City

Rodney Hotel (Clifton Village) – The hotel is in a mellow stone Georgian building, in the heart of picturesque Clifton Village. The rooms can be small and the decor a little dated, but this is reflected in the price, and you can’t beat the location.

Rodney Hotel Bristol

Stay at the Rodney Hotel – centrally-located in the historic village of Clifton

Beech House (Clifton) – If you prefer the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, Beech House is an excellent choice. It’s within walking distance of both the city centre and Clifton Village. The decor is stylish and contemporary and there are a choice of small apartments, with the studios offering good value for money.

Beech House

Stay at the Beech House – stylish boutique apartments conveniently located in Clifton

Best Hotels for friends in Bristol

If you are visiting Bristol with a group of friends, these hotels offer stylish accommodation with plenty of facilities and room options. With plenty of rooms to fill, these hotels operate variable pricing so check different dates for the best rates.

The Bristol (Harbour side) – The perfect harbourside location with a 1960’s modernist facade and boutique-style rooms that overlook the waterfront. Ideal for both weekend and business travellers.

Bristol Hotel

Stay in the heart of Bristol at the stylish Bristol Hotel

Clayton Hotel (Old City) – a modern, contemporary hotel with 255 rooms, behind the facade of the historic Everard’s print works. Located in the heart of Bristol’s Old City.

Clayton Hotel Bristol City

Stay in an old print works in the heart of Bristol’s Old City at Clayton Hotel Bristol City

Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel (Old City) – This grand Victorian hotel with 186 rooms has been renovated in contemporary style, decorated with artworks from the city’s street art scene.

Best luxury hotels in Bristol

If you are travelling as a couple and want to treat yourself, these are the places we recommend for a touch of luxury and individual service.

Artist Residence (City Centre) – Located minutes from the city centre in a historic Georgian square. Rooms are individually designed in eclectic, boutique style and full of artworks.

Artist Residence hotel

Stay at the boutique Artist Residence hotel located in an old boot factory in the heart of the city

Harbour Hotel and Spa (Old City) – a luxurious hotel and spa, that was formed out of two iconic bank properties in the heart of Bristol’s Old City. The decor is quirky and contemporary, there’s an excellent seafood restaurant in The Jetty. An underground spa features some of the old safe doors in what was formerly the bank vaults.

Read my review of Bristol Harbour Hotel

The Harbour Hotel in Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

Stay at the boutique Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa in the heart of Bristol Old City

Read my review of the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

The Avon Gorge Hotel (Clifton Village) – Overlooking Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, in Clifton Village, this historic hotel has been renovated in contemporary style.

Bristol's historic Avon Gorge Hotel

Stay at Bristol’s historic Avon Gorge Hotel overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Or, check out more hotels in Bristol to plan your pre-Christmas break.

More information on visiting Bristol

For lots of information on visiting Bristol check out the official tourism website of Visit Bristol.

Need a guide book for Bristol? We recommend The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset.

The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset

Need a guide book for Bristol? We recommend The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset

Read Next

Explore the free things to do in Bristol – 20 things to do that won’t cost you a penny

Free things to do Bristol Photo Heatheronhertravels.com

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Thanks to Visit Bristol for hosting* some of the activities mentioned in Bristol

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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ken Miller

Thursday 12th of December 2019

Oh it looks amazing, may be we can make a plan for Bristol. This Christmas we are here in Edinburgh

Hels

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

@Heather,

I haven't travelled anywhere since Covid started, but let me add that Clifton Village was always elegant. If I been born to money and class, I would have certainly bought one of the very attractive Georgian townhouses. Hels Art and Architecture, mainly

Heather Cowper

Friday 13th of December 2019

@Ken I'm sure Edinburgh will be very festive too!

Julie Dunne

Friday 1st of December 2017

Great review EXCEPT for the promotion of a creationist zoo! That really doesn't fit with the Bristol vibe of an intelligent, forward thinking city!

Heather Cowper

Friday 1st of December 2017

@Julie Thanks for sharing your views. In Bristol we support diversity and tolerance - I don't share the creationist perspective, but when I visited I found that you can take or leave the information about it and other than that I think the zoo is a great family day out so well worth considering if you are looking for things to do over the Christmas holidays. It's just one of the many varied options I've suggested that are available in Bristol and each person can make their own decision to visit.

Carolyn

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

Gosh, it looks like there is so much to do in Bristol at Christmas time that you'd need all of December to try everything! When thinking of Christmas markets in the U.K. I've always only thought of London so it's great to know that Bristol has a good offering, too.

Heather Cowper

Thursday 30th of November 2017

@Carolyn There's plenty to do in Bristol and the city is feeling really festive right now.

Jane Batt

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

Excellent round up Heather. If I didn’t already live in this area I’d definitely fancy a festive visit after reading this!

Heather Cowper

Thursday 30th of November 2017

@Jane Well the festivities are for us locals too!

Explore With Ed

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

Love Christmas in Bristol - I remember making a beeline through St Nicholas market for a Pieminister before they opened up elsewhere.

Heather Cowper

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

@Ed Yes, Pieminster used to be just Stokes Croft, now they are everywhere - good on them