It is almost the end of November and like it or not that means Christmas has arrived in Bristol. Personally I think the shopping centres are looking particularly festive this year and I thought I would go for a stroll with my camera, have a gingerbread latte and share a few photos and two competitions.
Christmas in Broadmead
The popular German Christmas market is back with an array of wooden stalls selling hand made goods and continental food. This year you can enjoy a stein of lager in the beer garden or try curling on the artificial rink. The market runs until the 23rd of December.
The Galleries
This time they have chosen candy canes and lollipops for the Bristol Christmas theme in the galleries shopping mall.
Cabot circus
Cabot circus which is Bristol’s newest shopping centre has a more modern look with white LED lights on the escalators and in many of the shops. Children can visit Santa’s grotto on the second floor. I was pleased to see they are even offering autism friendly sessions.
Bristol Harbourside this Christmas
When I visited this afternoon they were still putting up lights but the harbourside always looks very festive with lights reflecting in the water at night. There will be a Christmas food court in Millennium square with the ever popular apres bar serving mulled wine and cider. The big wheel is back and there will be a programme of events including outdoor film screenings and DJ music nights. On the 7th and 8th of December the ship the Great Britain is hosting a Victorian weekend.
The pantomime at the hippodrome is Dick Whittington staring Shane Richie. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway has an artificial Ice rink and fairy castle. If you would like more suggestions of things to do in Bristol click here for further details Visit Bristol Christmas events
If you fancy something a little different or have ever wondered what the shiny ball in the middle of Millennium square is, how about visiting Bristol’s state of the art 3 D planetarium. You can recline in one of their comfortable seats, put on special glasses and find out what to look for in the night sky this winter. Entrance is via We the Curious and tickets can be booked on line. Children must be over 6 for 3 D shows. For more details of showings and prices. Planetarium at we the curious
Bristol Christmas competitions
Visit Bristol are running a competition to win a hotel stay, a meal at a top restaurant, a shopping voucher and a chance to blow your own Christmas bauble. Good luck. https://visitbristol.co.uk/competition
Bristol retailers have also clubbed together to offer a fabulous prize worth over £4,000 full of gifts for the whole family including tickets for Bristol zoo, a £50.00 shopping voucher and sandwich platters for a buffet. Good luck https://bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk/competition/
For something a bit different how about taking a twilight bus tour to see the lights. The tour includes a chance to sing festive songs and eat a mince pie. Bus twilight tour
I hope you have enjoyed my photos. As always I would love to read your comments and find out what your Christmas decorations are like.
Getting to Bristol
If you want to check prices for coach fares to Bristol check my links. Both companies take you right into the middle of the festivities.
Both links will give you a discount if you are a member of top cash back. It is free to join.( If you are not a member I get a small referral bonus.)
I kept looking to find where Bristol was — there is one in practically every state in the United States so I was very curious. Then I realized it was in the UK. Sounds like a fun place to be. Makes me want to go to a Christmas German village celebration.
perhaps I ought to mention I am in England. I think ours was first.
There’s so much fun to do, I would love to go on the twilight tour
Bristol looks like a really great place to visit over christmas. I love the little food market as.
Love Bristol, feel lucky to live so close in Cardiff – only 50mins drive. Going to pop over next month so thanks for the list, will pop into to these places for sure
Laura x
We are picking our son up from university in a couple of weeks, so hoping to explore
Sounds like we need to make a visit to Bristol before the end of the year, so many wonderful happenings.
How exciting! It looks like Bristol is getting into the festive spirit with lots to see and do for all ages 🙂
I enjoyed your post and am nearby to Bristol at the moment visiting my daughter and new granddaughter. I’m loving all the Christmas themed activities and your list is a great reminder of what’s available. Great shots too 🙂
I am glad your grand daughter is holding her own. I have been reading the updates. I went to Fairford for my grand daughter’s christening last week. You suddenly become more aware of girl toys.
Loved the photos! Aww it’s great to see somewhere that I can actually say “I’ve been there!” Been to Bristol several times, and I have done the Christmas markets before but that was a couple of years ago. It can get very busy, but it can be like that everywhere in the run up to Christmas. This has made me want to do another little day trip, it might help quiet the Grinch in me if I see some pretty lights and decorations 🙂
Caz xx
I was feeling a bit down so I thought I would go out and take some pictures of the Christmas decorations and treat myself to a gingerbread latte.
I get the visit Bristol email newsletter and always enter the competitions, even though I’ve never won and don’t imagine I ever will – good luck to you too!
I’m sorry you were feeling rather down, I hope the pretty lights & tasty latte helped a little. How’re you doing today? Sending hugs,
Caz xx
Fine today. I am going to London to stay with my son this weekend.