Bristol is my hometown and I love it. It is a great destination to visit at any time of year. In winter many tourists come to enjoy Christmas shopping and the regular German Market. Whatever the weather Christmas in Bristol is never dull. I have put together a list of some of my suggestions for Winter activities in Bristol for 2022/3
Getting to Bristol in Winter
Bristol has good transport links. The nearby Lulsgate airport connects Bristol to numerous European cities. There are frequent trains from London and other cities to Temple Meads station. If you are on a tight budget there are cheaper options including Megabus and National Express coaches
If you arrive by car, parking can be difficult particularly around Christmas time so it is a good idea to use a park and ride scheme. You can buy a dayrider ticket for use on Bristol buses.
Where to stay
Bristol has a good range of hotels to suit all budgets. If you are looking for a hostel the Bristol Youth hostel is situated on the Waterfront. Alot of tourists find the Premier Inn chain of hotels good value for money and very clean with comfortable beds and an excellent breakfast.
What to do
The Bristol tourist office has a lot of suggestions for things to do.
Here are some of my favourite things to do in winter:
- A visit to Cabot Circus or Cribbs Causeway shopping centre
- Hop on hop off bus
- A Banksy walking tour to look at the street art.
- If you fancy something different visit the planetarium in Millennium Square and learn about the night sky.
- Bristol has a lot of parks and green spaces. You can watch the deer at Ashton court or take a walk across the Downs.
Where to eat and drink
Bristol is a cosmopolitan city with restaurants from around the world. You can enjoy street food in St. Nicholas market or German specialties from the German Christmas market in Broadmead.
Bristol is also famous for its pubs and you should try the local cider. Locals like to drink at one of the many bars on the waterfront but you may prefer to visit the Hole in the Wall where sailors kept a look out in case a press gang was visiting or the Ostrich where smugglers used to hide their treasure.
Christmas activities 2022/3
Bristol Craft fair
This December you should visit the Made in Bristol Gift fair which is taking place at the Bristol Beacon in Colston Street. Over 200 local designers and craftsmen and women will be showcasing their wares. The Gift fair allows you to support local potters, jewelers, weavers and print makers while choosing unique Christmas presents.
Vintage fair in Millennium Square
The fairground is back in Millennium Square with vintage chairoplanes and dodgems as well as the helter-skelter and big wheel
Victorian Christmas aboard the SS Great Britain
The SS Great Britain was launched in 1843 the same year as Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol was published. For three weekends in December you will be able to stroll across the dockyard and meet Victorian characters. The ship itself will be decorated in festive greenery including holly, ivy and mistletoe. Father Christmas will be onboard dressed in his traditional green robes. Handmade decoration will show how different classes would have celebrated Christmas on board. Find out more about the SS Great Britain Christmas weekends
Christmas at the Hippodrome
This year Craig Revel Horwood will be staring in Cinderella
The Tobacco factory
The tobacco factory is presenting the snow queen from December 1st to January 15th. Join Gerda as she tries to save her best friend Kai from the icy, wicked clutches of the Snow Queen.
A Christmas Carol at Arnos Vale cemetery
Charles Dicken’s classic Christmas Ghost story is given a gothic twist at Arnos Vale Cemetery.
Not suitable for children under 14.
Avon Valley Wildlife Park Keynsham
Avon valley is promising visitors the best Christmas yet. There will be a lot to enjoy from an ice rink to a Christmas theatre show. You can visit Father Christmas in his Christmas village. Have your camera ready for the Polar Express steam train or to photograph one of the resident reindeer or donkeys. In the evening there will be an award wining woodland light trail, a disco and a funfair.
Christmas events at Avon Valley
Visit Bridgerton locations
Several local regency buildings were used during the filming of the Netflix series. Near Bristol, Leigh Court which was rebuilt in 1812 was used for several ballroom scenes. The actors danced to classical covers of Arianna Grande and Billie Elish hits. In Bath such as the Holburne museum and the Royal Crescent were used.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Enjoy an enchanted Christmas with a spectacular nighttime journey through the woods as you try to unite Father Christmas with his reindeer. You can buy snacks and gifts at the Christmas village. Visitors must pre-book tickets. These are always very popular so early booking is advised. The woods of the Arboretum are lit with fairy lights
Christmas at the Prop yard
Winterland at the Prop yard has Bristol’s only indoor Ice rink, bumper cars on ice and visits from Bjorn an animatronic polar bear. Prebooking is advised. Park at Temple Meads station.
Bristol light festival
During the first week of March, Bristol Light Festival fills the city streets with colour. The coffee bars and pubs remain open so that visitors can meet family and friends to celebrate the end of winter.