Bristol is back with its biggest, boldest and most imaginative Christmas season yet — a truly #MerryBristmas celebration packed with glowing light trails, magical theatre, immersive art, winter wellness and of course, classic festive markets. Whether you’re planning family days out, cosy evenings with friends, or an alternative Christmas adventure, here are five standout experiences across the city this year.
1. Step Into Bristol’s Most Dazzling Light Trails
Christmas in Bristol 2025 is glowing brighter than ever with a spectacular collection of illuminated trails:
- Festival of Light: British Icons with Wallace and Gromit at Longleat – Celebrate much-loved British characters, iconic scenes and wildlife transformed into giant lanterns.
Festival of Light at Longleat - Luminate Winter Light Trail at Ashton Court – NEW – A brand-new 1.3km trail with dazzling displays, interactive moments and festive treats.
Luminate at Ashton Court - Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park – Glowing walkways, festive treats and a new route for 2025.
Old Down Illumination Trail - Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum – One of the region’s most enchanting after-dark trails.
Westonbirt Arboretum Christmas
Light lovers can also enjoy dazzling extras such as WILD: The Drone Light Show and Beneath the Waves at Brunel’s SS Great Britain.
2. Explore Bristol’s Alternative Christmas Adventures
- The Last Sprouts – SPROUTER-verse at Wake the Tiger – NEW – A mischievous Christmas takeover at the UK’s largest immersive art experience, raising funds for FareShare.
Wake the Tiger - Skuna Sauna – Floating Wellness on the Harbourside – NEW – A floating sauna offering cruising sessions, cold plunges and DJ sets.
Skuna Sauna Bristol - Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre – Private tobogganing, campfires, woodland grotto and s’mores.
Twilight Tobogganing - Christmas at We the Curious – Science-meets-panto shows, hands-on workshops and the UK’s only 3D planetarium.
We the Curious Christmas
3. Enjoy Bristol’s Christmas Markets & Independent Shopping
- Bristol Christmas Market (Broadmead) – Over 40 stalls, entertainment, Santa visits, the Jäger Barn and private ski gondolas.
Bristol Christmas Market - Cabot Circus – Home to the new flagship M&S and a mix of major brands and independent makers.
Cabot Circus - Made in Bristol Gift Fair at Bristol Beacon – A curated selection from South West designers and makers.
Made in Bristol Gift Fair
4. See Magical Theatre Shows Across the City
- Treasure Island at Bristol Old Vic – Starring Bristol’s own Jayde Adams.
Treasure Island - Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome – Will Young stars in his panto debut.
Jack and the Beanstalk - Sleeping Beauty at the Redgrave Theatre – A magical, musical panto for all ages.
Sleeping Beauty - Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale at Tobacco Factory Theatres – A playful and inventive retelling.
Rapunzel - Moulin Scrooge at The Wardrobe Theatre – A riotous, adult-only comedy musical.
Moulin Scrooge
5. Meet Santa Across Bristol
Father Christmas will be popping up across the region this year:
- Festive steam rides at the Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway (weekends from 23 Nov).
- Supper with Santa at Puxton Park – Feast, dance and meet Santa (weekends in December).
- Santa’s Grotto & Santa Paws at The Grand Pier – Featuring an enchanted elevator and a dog-friendly grotto.
- The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion – Santa arrives in the Great Hall with gifts included.
For a full list of festive events, markets, theatre and Santa sightings, head to the official guide:
Visit Bristol – Christmas 2025
Bristol’s Christmas 2025 programme offers more than 33 festive experiences, from glowing trails to cosy markets, alternative adventures and spectacular theatre. Whatever Christmas means to you, Bristol welcomes you with warmth, creativity and festive magic.