Winter Wonderland in Bristol
With the Christmas festivities fast approaching, it won't be long before our favourite Christmas carols are playing everywhere we go. The streets and shops undergo their Christmas transformation and so return to that familiar hive of activity that we all know and love at this time of year.
The Christmas season is always a great time to get together with friends and family, a chance to spend some quality time together soaking up the atmosphere on offer at great places like Winter Wonderland in Bristol, as these events are only around for a limited period of time.
What is West Country Games?
West Country Games embraces all the stereotypes of the West Country in one great day out, comprising of 9 totally hilarious games suitable for all sorts of groups.
If you have an upcoming, Stag do, Hen Weekend, Birthday Party or Team Building Day, then why not give us a try?
Bristol Winter Wonderland Events Guide
Most major cities will host a Winter Wonderland and offer a wide range of festive events aimed at catering for all types of groups, so whether your looking to spend a special time with family or have fun with friends there is usually something to suit everyone.
Knowing what events are on in your local area, is a great way to plan a fantastic day out and ensure you and your group make the most of what Bristol Winter Wonderland has to offer, allowing you to select the activities that best suit your group
Clifton Christmas Lights Switch on - Mall Gardens
For a great start to Bristol Winter Wonderland events, the Clifton light switch-on makes an early start to the festive celebrations.
This year, the organisers are keeping the VIP secret until the day so you won't know until you see them pressing the button to light up the 50ft Christmas tree and Christmas street lights in and around the Mall Gardens. This fantastic setting is surrounded by iconic Clifton Townhouses and looks stunning when its all lit up.
Check out the independent traders in Clifton Village that will be open for late night shopping and make a start on that Christmas list!
Christmas Carols start at 6pm and there are plenty of places selling steaming cups of mulled wine, hot chocolate to wash down your first mince pie of the season.
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Wednesday 20th November 2024 - 6:30 pm
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The Mall Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BH
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Free
Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience
This year sees the beloved local heroes, Wallace and Gromit come to the Friary in Bristol's shopping district. Stroll down to Cabot Circus and straight into Wallace's workshop.
Help power up the Christmas-O-Matic, solve puzzles and light the Christmas tree. This is definitely an experience for all the family and a great one ahead of the screening of the new Wallace and Gromit movie coming out over the festive period!
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16th November - 24th December 2024
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The Friary Building, Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol, BS1 3DF
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From £7.50, Under 2s free
Bristol Christmas Market - Broadmead
In the heart of Bristol City Centre and home to over 50 unique stalls, Bristol Market is perfect for seeking out that special Christmas gift.
A diverse array of traders selling seasonal delights is only a part of what is on offer, with entertainment, Santa and his reindeer, live music in the Jager Barn Bar, igloos, and gondolas (booking required) it's more like an extension of Bristol Winter Wonderland.
All of this sits beneath glittering Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and festive decorations, so if you are looking to feel the festive spirit and soak up the Bristol Winter Wonderland atmosphere this is a good place to visit.
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1st November - 23rd December 2024
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Bristol Shopping Quarter 69 Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DX
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Free!
Victorian Christmas Weekends - Brunel's SS Great Britain
A great opportunity to step back in time and experience a festive life at sea, jump aboard the SS Great Britain and discover a whole collection of characters including Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes.
Enjoy seasonal carols, warm mince pies and play Victorian party games. You can also choose to make a decoration for the Christmas tree or create a Victorian Christmas card.
With extended opening hours to 5:30pm, you can arrive after 4pm to experience an illuminated lamp-lit dockyard, complete with music and falling snow.
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7th - 8th December 2024
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Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
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From £22.00 per adult
Festival of Lights - Longleat
Longleat is the host of the UK's original lantern festival and this year the theme is Journey Through Time.
Journey right from Jurassic times to marvel at giant dinosaurs past Prehistoric sabretooth tigers, all the way past the Great Pyramids of Ancient Egypt, The Colosseum of Rome and mighty Kings and Queens.
Enjoy hundreds of lights all set over 30 acres of Capability Brown's landscaped gardens, 15 metres of enchanted Christmas trees, and Santa's train, plus much much more.
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9th November 2024 - 5th January 2025
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Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
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From £27.95 per adult
The Nut Cracker - Bristol Hippodrome
There is no better time to go to the theatre than Christmas, so a trip to the Bristol Hippodrome is just perfect.
Follow in the footsteps of many Bristolians before you who have been coming to the Hippodrome to be enchanted by shows for over 100 years.
There could be no more show more festive than the Nutcracker and the Varna International Ballet certainly puts on an incredible performance.
Full of magic and surprise, music and dance, allow yourself to be transported to a fantastic kingdom where anything can happen.
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8th January 2025
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Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine's Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
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From £15pp
The Invisible Circus Presents: Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps
If you're looking for something a little different, take a wonder to the beautiful, historic street of Christmas Steps.
For one day only, the incredible Invisible Circus will be performing scenes from Christmas days gone by. Stroll up the lamplit street and become immersed in tales of the past performed by costumed actors.
The Invisible Circus is infamous in Bristol for its amazing shows and immersive performances so make sure you don't miss this absolute gem!
While you're there, why not take part a spot of Christmas shopping at the beautiful independent shops that line the street?
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Saturday 7th December 2024
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Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS
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Free
Made in Bristol Christmas Fair at Bristol Beacon
For its 16th year, Bristol Beacon throws open the doors of its iconic building, for three fantastic weekends of shopping with a local difference.
With over 200 stalls spread over 6 floors, finding that bespoke gift will not be a problem here, Bristol's finest designers come together and create a wonderful buzz for shoppers to enjoy at their leisure.
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(23rd November, 7th December, 14th December 2024
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Bristol Beacon, Bristol, BS1 5AR
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See website for more info
Planning Your Winter Wonderland Trip
With so many fantastic events on offer as part of Bristol Winter Wonderland, this article is only really the tip of the snowman! The important thing at this time of year is not just about the gifts, it's more important to spend quality time with people doing the things you enjoy.
Making memories together and showing people how much they mean to you is priceless and can cost as little as a coffee.
