Christmas in Bristol 2018: What’s on?

With the assortment of festive events set to take place in Bristol, you can guarantee to have Christmas all wrapped up in one city. From Christmas shopping to a full on festive experience at Winter Wonderland, there are plenty of extra special options to choose from to ensure this Christmas is the most magical one yet.

Christmas Markets

Of course, there is no better place to experience the true Christmas spirit than the Christmas markets. Bristol’s Christmas market will make its return to the city center on November 9 and runs daily until December 23. You can expect over 50 beautifully decorated chalet-style stalls selling an array of unique items, including local hand-crafted trinkets and festive foodie treats. It is the perfect opportunity to stumble upon a special gift for a loved one. Even if you’re not looking to make any purchases, indulging in a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine whilst you soak up the atmosphere is a treat in itself.

If you are looking for a more low-key option, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Ashton Court's Christmas Market would be the perfect alternative. The market takes place in the quaint Courtyard Cafe Stables, where you will find a select range of craft stalls, selling a unique range of Christmas gifts that include jewellery, skincare, artwork, ornaments, clothing and more! To round off the day, stop off at the café for coffee and cake or pick up a mince pie or mulled wine to enjoy as you take a walk around the beautiful grounds. The market takes place on December 9^th from 10am to 3pm, so mark your diaries to avoid missing out!

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

Alternatively, if you are one for a big Christmas blow out when it comes to your Christmas shopping, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is the go-to destination. With all the standard high street brands, including supersized John Lewis and Marks & Spencer outlets, you can be sure to have ticked off most of the items on your gift list by the end of the day.

Make no mistake; Cribbs Causeway at Christmas is far more than just a shopping center during this festive season. The hugely popular Winter Wonderland attraction will be back and better than ever. To add to the impressive 1,000 sq. metre ice skating rink, vintage fairground rides and delicious food stalls, there will be a new addition of Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle: an immersive 3D adventure that will bring Christmas to life.

What’s more, on the 17^th November, The Mall is hosting a Christmas Kingdom Spectacular; a (free!) festive-filled day of storytelling, crafts, theatre performances, ice-skating and visits from Santa. There will also be a spectacular live stage show and firework display to mark the switch on of The Mall’s Christmas lights.

Christmas Shows

Enjoying a magical show with friends and family is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. There is a selection of Christmas favourites to choose from, including an adaptation of the timeless ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Berkeley Castle, ‘Paddington and The Snowman’ at Colston Hall, ‘A Christmas Spectacular’ at St George's, or this year's spectacular Christmas panto: ‘Aladdin’ at Bristol Hippodrome!

New Year's Eve 2018 at The Square Club

Of course, there is no other way to finish off your Christmas celebrations than an epic New Years Eve party. The Square Club's sell-out party returns this year with a Great Gatsby theme, so this will be no ordinary shindig. As you enter the decadently decorated venue illuminated with thousands of fairy lights, you can expect live music, an extravagant spread of hors d’oeuvres, an unlimited flow of drinks, the ever-popular casino, and some extra surprises. Tickets are all-inclusive and sell out fast, so get yours now to ensure you enter 2019 in style.