Christmas & Winter Guide for Families in Bristol and Bath 2024!
Find the best Christmas and Winter family events and activities to help you plan a magical Christmas in Bristol! Click the links below to jump to different types of events and activities. Follow us on Instagram if you would like ideas for more things to do in Bristol with kids throughout the year @bristolfamilyblog
Click to jump to:
✨ Light Trails & Illuminations
🎅 Santa’s Grottos
🎅 Christmas Days Out & Events
🎄 Free Christmas Activities
❄️ Other Events
⛸️ Ice Skating
🛍️ Christmas Markets & Fairs
🎄 Christmas Crafts & Creative
🎭 Theatre
🎉 Christmas Parties
❄️ Winter Walks & Sledging
🎄 Christmas Trees
🎅 Christmas Experiences Further Away
Light Trails & Illuminations
Brighten up your winter nights with an illuminated trail or light show. This makes for a lovely winter family tradition! See the Map for Illumination Locations
The Festival of Light at Longleat
This year’s theme is Journey Through Time and features some beautiful lanterns. On 9 Nov – 5 Jan. See Our Reel from our visit! Book tickets
Christmas at Westonbirt
New illuminated trail for 2024 Christmas at Westonbirt 29 Nov – 31 Dec Book Tickets
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show
A Christmas Carol Drone Light Show at Seat Unique Stadium (Cricket Stadium BS7) 19 – 21 Dec. Book Tickets
Christmas at Stourhead
Christmas at Stourhead, Wiltshire 29 Nov – 1 Jan Book Tickets
Luxmuralis at Bristol Cathedral
Luxmuralis In The Beginning Indoor Light Show at Bristol Cathedral 25 – 29 Nov Book Tickets
Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park
Festive Illumination Trail. 24 Nov – 24 Dec ⭐SEN Book Tickets
Christmas Nights Light Trail at Avon Valley
Christmas Nights Light Trail 6 – 31 Dec Book Tickets
Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens
Illuminate at Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton. 21 Nov – 30 Dec Book Tickets
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle with The Sleeping Beauty theme. 22 Nov – 30 Dec Book Tickets
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park
Enchanted Light Trail at Cotswold Farm Park 22 Nov – 31 Dec. Now dog friendly! Book tickets
Christmas at Bute Park
Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff 22 Nov – 31 Dec Book Tickets
The Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
The Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden near Stroud. 30 Nov – 4 Jan Book Tickets
Bishops Palace, Wells
Christmas Garden Illuminations at The Bishop’s Palace, Wells 6 – 30 Dec Book Tickets
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Santa’s Grottos
Santa’s Grotto and Father Christmas experiences where meeting the big man is the main event:
Ashton Court The Father Christmas Experience 16 – 22 Dec. More info & booking
Cotswold Airport The Flight Before Christmas – Meet Father Christmas on a Jumbo Jet! 23 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking ⭐SEN Sessions
Clearwell Caves The Very Hungry Polar Bear Santa experience and story trail through the caves 30 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking
Avon Valley Railway Santa Specials Train Ride or Breakfast With Santa experience 23 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking
John Lewis Cribbs Causeway Santa’s Story Time with festive craft 6 – 24 Dec More info & booking ⭐SEN Sessions
Ocean Adventurers Magical Mystical Christmas Experience in Cheddar 29 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking ⭐SEN Session
Little Town Adventurers Christmas Wonderland 20-24 Dec More info & booking
Puxton Park Supper With Santa – buffet, ice-cream, disco and party fun with santa, access to soft-play barn. 6 – 23 Dec Book here
Willsbridge Mill Father Christmas Check for details
Somerset Reindeer Ranch Magical Christmas Experience 30 Nov – 23 Dec More info & booking
Cadbury Garden Centre Santas Grotto and Breakfast with Santa 1 – 24 Dec More info & booking
Bristol Ferry Sail with Santa 7 – 23 Dec More info & booking
Ashton Court Miniature Railway Santa Special 8 Dec SOLD OUT. Tickets go on sale in July.
Lyde Green Community Centre Story Time with Santa 23 Nov More info & booking
Almondsbury Garden Centre Christmas Grotto Experience 30 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking ⭐SEN Sessions
The Ashton Breakfast With Santa 7, 14 & 21 Dec More info & booking
Santa & Sven Interactive Santa show age 2+. 26 Nov Zion Bristol, 1 Dec The Theatre Shop Clevedon, 3 Dec Front Room Theatre Weston, 7 Dec Rondo Theatre, 8 Dec Wardrobe Theatre, 22-23 Dec Hen & Chicken. More info & booking
Newton Farm Shop Farmer Christmas 14 & 21 Dec More info & booking
West Somerset Railway Santa Express from Bishops Lydeard. Dates between 1-24 Dec More info & booking
Clifton Observatory Santa’s Brunch 8, 15, 22 & 23 Dec More info & booking
Old Down Country Park Breakfast with Santa & Visit Santa 20-24 Dec More info & booking
Father Christmas in Bath Milsom Place 28 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking
Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock Storytime with Santa and Breakfast with Santa. 2 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking
Bath City Farm Meet Farmer Christmas 30 Nov More info & booking
Stourhead Create cosy Christmas crafts, gallop with hobby-reindeer and snuggle up for a festive story with Father Christmas in his magical grotto. 30 Nov – 23 Dec More info & booking
Golden Valley Farm Shop & Cafe Santa’s Grotto 6 – 24 Dec More info & booking
Slimbridge Breakfast with Santa 14 – 23 Dec More info & booking
Poplars Farm Cafe Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 20-23 Dec More info & booking
Boing Inns Court Santa Visits 16-20 Dec More info & booking
The Granary Breakfast with Santa & Elves 8 Dec More info & booking
Tortworth Court Santa Sunday Lunches 15 & 22 Dec More info & booking
Grand Pier Santa’s Grotto 23 Nov – 24 Dec and Grinch Grotto Takeover 14, 15 & 21 Dec More info & booking
Tesco Invite only this year – if you frequently shop at Callington Road or Eastgate Tescos and subscribe to their marketing you might have an email from them with an invite! You can also try emailing as I know a few people have been given codes this way info@tescochristmasgrotto.com
Zion Bristol Santa Visit at Christmas Market 7 Dec More info & booking
Emersons Green Village Hall Santa’s Grotto 30 Nov and Afternoon Tea with Santa 22 Dec More info & booking
Chaos Inflatable Park Christmas at Chaos 21-24 Dec More info & booking
Newark Park Santa’s Grotto 30 Nov – 15 Dec More info & booking
Tyntesfield No formal event but you may spot Father Christmas Check for updates
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Christmas Days Out & Events
Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience at Cabot Circus
Solve festive puzzles, share cheesy jokes, light up the tree and help power up the Christmas-O-Matic, immersing yourselves in this family, festive adventure. 16 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking
Shaun the Sheep Find The Flock at Bristol Zoo Project
Shaun the Sheep Festive Sculpture Trail 9 Nov – 12 Jan with 12 sculptures around the zoo! Festive Woodland Experience Details TBC More info & booking
The Festival of Light at Longleat
The spectacular Festival of Light is on until 5 Jan (see our reel!) and this years theme is ‘Journey Through Time’. See the Longleat House Light Show and Christmas Tree Shows. The popular Santa Train is running daily until 24 Dec pre-booking essential. Winter Drive Through Safaris are running, as well as Festive House Tours. All day or evening tickets are available More info & booking
Christmas Experience at Avon Valley
Avon Valley’s Christmas Experience has lots of activities including The Santa Show, Santa’s Cabin, Toy Factory, The Grinch Show, Mrs Claus’ Gingerbread Parlour, The Magical Forest, Santa’s Post Room, The Elf Express and more! 30 Nov – 24 Dec More info & booking Separate tickets required for the Christmas Nights Light Trail in the evening.
Christmas Experience at Cattle Country
Cattle Country’s Christmas Experience includes meeting Father Christmas, day out at the farm park (animals, soft play, play areas), Elves’ workshop, Story Time, The Post Room and More! 7 – 23 Dec More info & booking ⭐SEN Session 19 Dec
Christmas at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Christmas at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 30 Nov – 22 Dec. Step into Santa’s Library, Storytime with Santa, Christmas Markets 30 Nov & 1 Dec, Brass Band 1 Dec, Christmas Tree Shop, Nativity for Home Educators 17 Dec and by Cluedo Club 30 Nov. More info & booking
Christmas on the Farm at Cotswold Farm Park
Christmas Experience and Illuminated Light Trail. Lots of activities including gingerbread decorating, teddy bear workshop and all the usual farm park fun. 22 Nov – 23 Dec More info & booking
Perrygrove Railway
Down the Chimney Shows (daytime event) 14 – 24 Dec and The Christmas Story Train (evening event) 8 – 23 Dec More info & booking
Christmas at Stourhead
National Trust Estate for a Winter Walk. Christmas events include Storytime with Father Christmas 30 Nov – 23 Dec, and Christmas at Stourhead Illuminated Trail 29 Nov – 1 Jan More info & booking
The Panto Train at West Somerset Railway
New for 2024! Cinderella theatrical panto train experience from Bishops Lydeard to Williton. More info & booking
Victorian Christmas Weekend at SS Great Britain
Victorian Christmas Weekend 7-8 Dec. Meet Father Christmas in traditional green robes, crafts and winter wonderland in the dockyard! Line-up of choirs and bands. More info & booking
Helicopter Museum Christmas Fun Day
Christmas Fun Day at the Helicopter Museum with Helicopter Grotto 8 Dec More info
Christmas on the Farm at Palette and Pasture
Christmas on the Farm at Palette and Pasture ice cream parlour. Meet Santa, Farm Animals, Reindeer Food Making and Plant a Magical Candy Cane 7 – 22 Dec More info & booking
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Winter Wonderland 23 Nov – 24 Dec. 100,000 lights in the caves, santa’s grotto, Christmas show, circus show and more! More info & booking Plus Paddington event for Twixmas!
Magical Christmas Experience at Puxton Park
Magical Christmas Experience at Puxton Park includes meeting Santa, a Snowy Christmas Tree Village with Magical Wish Granting Tree, Gingerbread Decorating with Mrs Claus, and Bauble Making in the Elves Workshop More info & booking
Christmas Launch at Old Down Country Park
Christmas Launch at Old Down Country Park 24 Nov. Christmas Parade with mascots, Bubble Show, Balloon Modelling, Adam Allsortz and more. 1km Santa Fun Run More info & booking
Elfcapades at Over Farm Countryside Adventure
Elfcapades at Countryside Adventure. The elves have set up a mystery trail where you have to explore the farm, meet the animals, and discover the letters that lead to an exciting present at the elves’ workshop. More info & booking
Fairfield Animal Centre
Visit Santa as part of an Animal Park visit select dates in Dec More info & booking
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge Christmas at Cheddar 16 Nov – 23 Dec. Grotto experience and caves to explore More info & booking
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe Gardens Father Christmas 30 Nov – 24 Dec and Illuminate 21 Nov – 30 Dec More info & booking
Lacock National Trust
Lacock National Trust Toddler Time and Storytime with Mother Christmas various dates pre-booking required, and Community Christmas Tree Festival 23 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking
American Museum & Gardens
Festive trail opening 12 Nov, Festive Weekends 30 Nov – 1 Dec, 7–8 Dec, 14–15 Dec & 21–22 Dec with creative activities, Christmas storytelling, face painting select days
Aerospace Bristol’s Christmas Workshop & Planetarium
- Aerospace Bristol’s Christmas Workshop 1 – 23 Dec. Christmas Workshop, set within the historic Conservation Hangar. Hop aboard a real Bristol Freighter for an imaginary flight to the North Pole and send your Christmas wish list straight to Santa! Concorde Carol Service 15 Dec. Museum entry required. See also Planetarium 7, 8, 14 & 15 Dec More info & booking
- The Christmas Star and The Holy Star Planetarium Shows 7, 8, 14 & 15 Dec More info & booking See also Christmas Workshop & Carol Service
Tyntesfield National Trust
Tyntesfield Reindeer Trail 17-31 Dec. Free with entry More info
Christmas at Dyrham Park National Trust
Christmas at Dyrham Park 21 Nov – 5 Jan. The house will be dressed in the style of different eras, from Tudor times right up until the 20th century. Reindeer discovery trail for families. Choirs singing on select dates More info
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre
Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre with campfire, toast marshmallows, sparklers and hot chocolate! Age 4+ 8 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking
12 Days of Christmas at Prior Park National Trust
See the 12 days of Christmas come to life around the gardens at Prior Park 30 Nov – 5 Jan More info
Arnos Vale Cemetery
- Stomping Story – A Stick Man 14 Dec
- Natural Winter Craft Workshop 14 Dec
- Den Building Workshop 15 Dec
- Dome Club Planetarium Christmas Special 20-22 Dec
Retro-mega-mas at Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger will transform over the festive period. Retro-mega-mas will transport you through decades of Christmas memories, combining retro charm with mind-bending surrealism. 9 Nov – 6 Jan More info & booking
Christmas at Haynes Motor Museum
Festive elves trail through the museum 1 Dec – 5 Jan More info & booking
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Free Christmas Activities
Stickman Christmas Trail & Santa Storytelling Cribbs Causeway From 29 Nov. Santa Storytelling Times: Weekday Mornings: 10.00 – 13.00 (10.00 – 17.00 from the 16th December) Saturdays: 10.00 – 17.00 Sundays: 11.00 – 17.00. Drop-in, no booking required! More info
Original Santa Float
Amazing Santa Float raising money for charity. All routes are weather dependent so check socials for updates and detailed route maps. Dates and routes for 2024:
30th Nov – Allington farm shop (Chippenham)
1st Dec – Chipping Sodbury/Ladden Gardens
4th Dec – Marshfield/Colerne
5th Dec – Patchway
6th Dec – Pucklechurch/Wick
7th Dec – Whitchurch/Keynsham
12th Dec – Acton turville/Badminton/Burton farm shop
13th Dec – Staple hill/Mangotsfield/Downend
14th Dec – Hanham/Kingswood
17th Dec – Thornbury
18th Dec – Yate
20th Dec – Oldland common/Longwell green
21st Dec – Bradley Stoke
22nd Dec – Horton tractor run (Morning) – Emerson’s green /Lyde green (Evening)
24th Dec – Bristol Downs
Visit Garden Centre Christmas Displays Cadbury Garden Centre and Whitehall Garden Centres Whitchurch or Lacock have amazing displays which are great free entertainment! On display now.
Elf on a Shelf Trail Clifton Village 23 Nov – 21 Dec More info
Family Festive Fun at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery 3 – 24 Dec. Free drop-in activities including Christmas Wishing Tree, send a letter to santa. Special event days 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 Dec ‘Dance with Doris’ silent disco (£5 per headset) and free storytime. More info & booking for silent disco
Christmas Light Switch Ons:
- Clifton Village 20 Nov More info
- SS Great Britain 26 Nov More info
- Puxton Park Grand Christmas Light Switch On 29 Nov 4-7pm. Pre-booking required £6pp More info & booking
- Check your local high street
Visit Decorated Houses A nice family tradition to start might be letting your children stay up “late”, get them in PJs, take a thermos of hot chocolate and drive around your neighbourhood to see decorated houses! Notable houses are Winterbourne Wonderland with over 100,000 lights and raises money for charity from 24 Nov; and Boscombe Crescent in Downend looks very special, also raising money for charity.
Free National Trust Days Out Claim a free family pass to use this winter valid until 15 December. Check T&Cs Get Yours Here If this link no longer works it may mean these may have all been claimed. I will always share these on Instagram stories when available.
Museum Explorers at MShed for under 4s 18 Nov & 2 Dec More info & booking
Bath Lights The Night Musical tour of Bath lit by handmade lanterns and giant animal puppets 23 Nov 5-6pm More info Tickets required for celebration in the abbey following this
Brilliant Bristol Family Event at MShed 23 Nov More info & booking
Science in action: Animal senses at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery 23-24 Nov More info & booking
Santas on a Bike 2024 7 Dec Charity ride to the children’s hospice at Charlton Farm via Bristol city centre. Free but raising money for charity More info
Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps by The Invisible Circus 7 Dec 2-6.30pm. Live immersive re-enactments of true historic tales, with an Invisible Circus infused theatrical twist, performed by characters you will come across at different spots up and down Bristol’s iconic Christmas Steps.
Toddlers’ Carols at Bristol Cathedral 18 Dec 9:30-10 & 11-11:30 More info
Other Free Days Out See our post with lots of free and cheap days out in Bristol for more ideas!
See also Christmas Markets, Christmas Walks and Sledging Spots!
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Other Events
Letters to Santa & Christmas Wish Tree at Redcatch Community Garden 17 Nov More info & booking
Stargazing at Failand Observatory “Experience an exciting tour of the night sky guided by friendly astronomers from the Bristol Astronomical Society. Observe the Moon, planets and fascinating deep space objects through their telescopes at their wonderful observatory.” For ages 8+. Dates 21, 23 & 25 Nov 7.30-9.30pm Pre-booking required. When I was a leader at Brownies, I arranged for our group to visit here and it was fantastic! More info & booking
Festive Gert Posh Afternoon Tea at Farrington’s Farm 25 Nov – 31 Dec More info & booking
Festive Family Fun Weekend at Lacock Garden Centre 30 Nov & 1 Dec More info & booking
Avon Winterland The Avon Centre 1 Dec More info & booking
Naughty Elf Hunt at Poplars Farm Cafe 3-23 Dec More info & booking
AstroTots Christmas Planetarium Windmill Hill City Farm. 6 Dec Ages 0-6 More info & booking
Bristol Film Festival Screenings in the Planetarium at We The Curious: Wall-E 6 Dec, The Iron Giant 13 Dec, Star Wars The Phantom Menace 14 Dec. Other films for adults More info & booking
Owl Prowl at The Community Farm 7 Dec More info & booking
Maddy’s Nativity Farm Weekend Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock 7 & 8 Dec More info
Carols in the Barn at Winterbourne Medieval Barn 7 & 8 Dec More info & booking
Santas on the Run Festive 2k Fun Run at Charlton Farm, North Somerset on Sun 8 Dec. It is a charity event raising money for the South West Children’s Hospice. For all ages. More info & booking
Star Gazing Party with Explorer Dome at Conservation Education Centre, former Bristol Zoo Gardens 12 Dec More info & booking
Carols by Candlelight at Bristol Cathedral 13 & 14 Dec More info & booking
We The Curious Creature Capers Toddler Takeover 13 Dec More info & booking
Frozen Festive Family Afternoon Tea De Vere Tortwoth Court 14 Dec More info & booking
Merry Grinchmas Afternoon Tea Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel 14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec. Call 01179291645 or email ha0i2-fb2@accor.com to book
Chaos Inflatable Park Breakfast with the Grinch 14 & 21 Dec More info & booking
Bath Hot Air Balloon Club Watch Santa Fly Over and Land at Bath Hot Air Balloon Club 15 Dec and Snake Meadows 16-18 Dec More info & booking
Story Time with Mrs Claus Grimsbury City Farm 16 Dec More info & booking
Glow at the Beehive Fundraiser for Church Road Lantern Parade 20 Dec Donate & booking
Mince Pie Specials at Avon Valley Railway 29 Dec & 1 Jan More info
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Oct – 27 Apr More info & booking
I Spy Art Trail at Victoria Art Gallery 18 Oct – 11 Jan More info & booking
New Cinema Releases: Moana 2 (PG) 29 Nov, Wicked (PG) 22 Nov, Mufasa: The Lion King (U) 20 Dec, Sonic 3 (U) 27 Dec
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Ice Skating
Bath On Ice Outdoor ice rink 15 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking Also has glow in the dark mini-golf!
Avon Valley Outdoor ice rink 30 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking
Icescape Tropicana WSM Undercover winter ice rink 1 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking
Planet Ice Permanent indoor ice skating rink at Cribbs Causeway More info & booking
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Christmas Markets & Fairs
Bath Christmas Market 28 Nov – 15 Dec More info
Bristol Christmas Village Castle Park. 5 Dec – 3 Jan New for 2024! Expect a roller disco, curling, VR sleigh ride, fairground, games and more! More info
Bristol Christmas Market 1 Nov – 23 Dec More info
Made in Bristol Bristol Beacon 23 Nov, 7 & 14 Dec More info
Christmas at Wapping Wharf 28 Nov More info (Not technically a market, but market vibes with food & drink, music, shopping and Father Christmas)
Winter Fayre at Bath City Farm 30 Nov More info
Tobacco Factory Christmas Markets 1, 8, 15 & 22 Dec
Windmill Winter Craft Fair at Kingswood Heritage Museum 1 Dec More info
Winter Fair at St Werburghs City Farm 1 Dec More info
Windmill Hill Market 7 Dec More info
Makers Market Holburne Museum 13 Dec More info
Christmas Market Hartcliffe City Farm 14 Dec More info
Downend Christmas Market 15 Dec More info
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Christmas Crafts & Creative
Children’s Scrapstore Festive crafts on multiple dates More info & booking
Winter Wreath Workshop at IKEA Bristol multiple dates More info & booking
Make Your Own Christmas Cards (Adult & Child 6+) at Windmill Hill City Farm 23 Nov More info & booking
Make a Printed Christmas Wreath (Adult & Child 6+) at Windmill Hill City Farm 23 Nov More info & booking
Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock Christmas Slime Making 30 Nov & 1 Dec More info & booking
Make Your Own Christmas Cards (Adult & Child 6+) at Flourish 1 Dec More info & booking
Make a Printed Christmas Wreath (Adult & Child 6+) at Flourish 1 Dec More info & booking
Boujon Bakery After School Biscuit Decorating 6 & 13 Dec. Any age kids. Drop-in. More info
Made in Bristol Art Club by Colourful Minds Bristol Beacon 7 Dec More info & booking
Christmas Crafts Curious Play Cafe 9 Dec. Age 3+ Book tickets
Roman Revels Festive Crafts at the Roman Baths 14 Dec More info
Tea Cup Christmas Decoration Crafts at Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 15 Dec More info
Winter Farm Craft Sessions at Winterbourne Medieval Barn 29 Dec More info & booking
Yuup have lots of options!
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Theatre
Snow Mouse Yate Library 19-23 Nov. Ages 6 mo – 4 yrs Book tickets
Treasure Island Redgrave Theatre 23-30 Nov. Age 6+ Book tickets
Jack and the Beanstalk Emersons Green Village Hall 23 Nov Book tickets
Santa & Sven Multiple dates/venues. Age 2+ Book tickets
26th Nov: Zion Community Arts Space
1st Dec: The Theatre Shop, Clevedon
3rd Dec: Front Room Theatre, Weston
7th Dec: Rondo Theatre, Bath
8th Dec: Wadrobe Theatre, Bristol SOLD OUT
22 – 23 Dec: Hen & Chicken, North Street
Hansel & Gretel Tobacco Factory Theatres 28 Nov – 19 Jan. Age 5+ Book tickets
Aladdin on Ice Planet Ice 28 Nov Book tickets
Snow Mouse The Egg 29 Nov – 5 Jan. Ages 6 mo – 4 yrs. Book tickets
Robin Hood The Egg 29 Nov – 11 Jan. Age 6+ Book tickets
Jack Frost & The Winter Freeze Redgrave Theatre 30 Nov. Age 5+ Book tickets
Junior Jungle Spiegeltent 30 Nov & 15 Dec Book tickets
CIRQUE The Greatest Show Bath Forum 30 Nov Book tickets
Little Folk Music from Tidal Tales. Page Park 30 Nov. All ages Book tickets
The Gingerbread Boy Redgrave Theatre 1-2 Dec Book tickets
The Polar Express 2024 Bath Forum 1 Dec Book tickets
Don’t Panic! We Can Save The Planet The Wardrobe Theatre 1 Dec. Ages 6-11 and their families Book tickets
The Little Mermaid Bristol Old Vic 5 Dec – 11 Jan. Ages 7+ Book tickets
Me… Tobacco Factory Theatres 5 Dec – 5 Jan. Age 2+ and families Book tickets
Little Red (& Other Winter Tales) Bristol Old Vic 6 Dec – 12 Jan. Ages 3-7 Book tickets
Rumdoo Family Cabaret Spiegeltent 7, 14 & 21 Dec Book tickets
Goldilocks and the Three Bears Bristol Hippodrome 7 Dec – 5 Jan Book tickets
Goldielocks and the Three Bears Early Years Panto at the Bean Tree Cafe. 7 Dec Book tickets
Nutty Noah The Wardrobe Theatre 7, 14 & 15 Dec. Ages 3-8 Book tickets
Beauty and the Beast The Playhouse, WSM 7-31 Dec Book tickets
The Fairytale of Cinderella Ballet performance at 1532 Performing Arts Centre (BGS). 7 Dec Book tickets
Baby Disko Spiegeltent 8 & 15 Dec Book tickets
Kid Carpet Extra Super Rokin’ Rockshow Spiegeltent 8 Dec Book tickets
A Christmas Carol Tobacco Factory 9 Dec – 5 Jan. Age 12+ Book tickets
The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert Live To Film Bath Forum 11 Dec Book tickets
Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Theatre Royal Bath 12 Dec – 12 Jan Book tickets
Jack and the Beanstalk Redgrave Theatre 13 Dec – 5 Jan. Age 3+ recommended. Book tickets
The Snowman (on screen with live orchestra) Bath Forum 14 Dec Book tickets
The Snow Baby The Wardrobe Theatre 20-30 Dec. Ages 3-8 and their families Book tickets
The Snowman + The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child with Orchestra Bristol Beacon 21 Dec Book tickets
Jack and the Beanstalk Emersons Green Village Hall 21 Dec. Ages 3-12 Book tickets
Yule Be Merry Garden Theatre Windmill Hill City Farm 21-23 Dec. All ages Book tickets
Children’s Christmas Carnival St George’s 22 Dec. All ages Book tickets
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Christmas Parties
Family Rave with Party Peeps Chasers Nightclub 29 Nov & 20 Dec Book tickets
The Curious Christmas Party The Curious Play Cafe 6 & 13 Dec Book tickets
Baby’s First Christmas Party The Curious Play Cafe 11 Dec Book tickets
Princess Christmas Ball with Belle & Cinderella Zion Bristol 14 Dec Book tickets
Christmas Disco Emersons Green Village Hall with Party Peeps 14 Dec Book tickets
A Frozen Winter Ball Camerton, Bath 14 Dec Book tickets
Ice Ice Baby: Winter Family Dance Party Bristol Beacon 20 Dec. Ages 3-8 older siblings welcome Book tickets
Party Peeps on the Pier Christmas Party 21 Dec Book here
Christmas Festival of Fun Almondsbury Creative 21 Dec Book here
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Winter Walks & Sledging
Beautiful Winter Walks
- Ashton Court
- Blaise Castle Estate
- Tyntesfield National Trust
- Dyrham Park National Trust
- Leigh Woods
- Snuff Mills/Vassals Park
- Stoke Park Estate
- Arnos Vale Cemetery
- Prior Park National Trust
- Stourhead National Trust
Sledging Spots 🛷
If we are lucky enough to have a snow day these are some great spots for sledging in Bristol:
- Ashton Court
- Brandon Hill
- Arnos Vale Park
- Victoria Park
- St Andrews Park
- Stoke Park
- Eastville Park
- Perretts Park
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Christmas Trees
Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm Old Gloucester Rd, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1QW. Open every day from 20 Nov. No booking required.
Frenchay Forestry trees for sale at Aerospace Museum car park from 20 Nov
Ali & Joe’s Christmas Trees at the Tobacco Factory 30 Nov, 1, 7 & 8 Dec. Sustainably grown trees from local farms and supports the Baby Bank Network.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Christmas Tree Shop – Norway Spruce, Nordmann Fir & Wonky Christmas Trees More info
Farrington’s Farm – Open from 23 Nov More info
Over Farm – Wide range of choice of Christmas trees and wreaths More info
Garden Centres
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Christmas Experiences Further Away
Notable Christmas experiences further afield, that might be worth travelling to/visiting as part of a weekend away!
Lapland UK Ascot – Sold out for 2024, but additional tickets do become available so it may be worth checking. Tickets are usually on sale mid-March. This looks like an amazing immersive experience, but it is pricey. Review coming soon. More info SEN Session ⭐
The Polar Express Train experience with actors inspired by the film. The closest ones are South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh 29 Nov – 29 Dec, Seaton Tramway 23 Nov – 24 Dec, Vintage Trains Birmingham Moor Street 23 Nov – 23 Dec. There are others in the UK!
Center Parcs Longleat Christmas Breaks with Santa and other activities More info & booking
Bluestone Christmas Breaks with Santa’s Lodge, Elf Breakfasts and other activities More info & booking
Legoland at Christmas event with Father Christmas’ Cabin and more. 23 Nov – 28 Dec More info & booking
Warwick Castle Santa Sleepovers – Stay in the Castle Hotel or Woodland Lodges, where you will enjoy a pantomime, elf wake-up call, and storytime with Santa. 23 Nov – 5 Jan More info & booking
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Thank you!
Thank you for reading! I put these lists together as I love helping families find fun things to do. Please share with anyone that might find this helpful and follow our Instagram for lots of ideas throughout the year @bristolfamilyblog
Disclaimer: The details within this post are correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of adding each event. I cannot be held responsible if any of the above venues are sold out or events are cancelled. Please assume all events require booking unless the event host states otherwise and check opening times as these can vary over the Christmas period. If there is bad weather it is a good idea to check the organiser’s social accounts before heading to an event.
