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.
BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Joe Sims will be switching on the Christmas lights in the Mall Gardens situated in the centre of Clifton. This fantastic setting is surrounded by iconic Clifton Townhouses and looks stunning when its all lit up.
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 8th November 2023 - 6:30 pm
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The Mall Gardens, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BH
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Free
Mog's Christmas Trail - the Mall
This year sees the beloved Mog from Judith Kerr's famous stories come to Cribbs. pick up a map and follow the interactive trail around the Mall. Collect stamps at each station and marvel at the way Mog's story is brought to life with a touch of Christmas magic!
Of course, Santa will be making an appearance too and you can catch him and the elves for story time on weekday mornings. They will also be entertaining everyone over the weekends parading through The Mall and playing games. Catch them dancing around the Christmas tree and join in the elves for a game of crimbo limbo!
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1st - 24th December 2023
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The Mall at Cribbs Causeway Bristol BS34 5DG
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See website below for full pricelist
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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3rd November - 23rd December 2023
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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.
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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2nd - 3rd & 9th - 10th December 2023
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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 it returns with scenes from treasured tales such as Cinderella and Winnie the Pooh.
Marvel at Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, spot Dorothy's red shoes in the Wizard of Oz and clap your hands to make Tinkerbell appear.
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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11th November 2023 - 7th January 2024
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Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW
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From £24.95 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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5th January 2024
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Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine's Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
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From £13pp
The Invisible Circus Presents: The Fairytale of Bristol -Loco Club
If you're looking for something a little different for a great bunch of people, then this could be the answer! A Christmas party like no other.
For minimum groups of 6 up to whole venue hire for 200, the Invisible Circus welcomes guests to its underground speakeasy for a dinner with a difference.
Watch the mystery unfold during your 3-course meal and follow every twist with a martini in hand. Who did do it!?
Enjoy this 1920s themed immersive experience with larger-than-life characters, a circus performance, and a chance to end the night on the dance floor. The Inviisble Circus really do offer a fabulous Christmas party so make sure you book on quickly!
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30h November, 1st, 6th-8th, 12th-16th December 2023
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The Loco Klub, Clock Tower Yard, Near Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol, BS1 6QH
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From £72.50pp
Made in Bristol Gift Fair at Bristol Beacon
For its 15th year, Bristol Beacon throws open the doors of its iconic building, for 2 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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(25th - 26th November 2023) (9th - 10th December 2023)
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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.
