Merry Bristmas

Absolutely. Bristol Christmas Festival season is packed with festive events, from shopping and theatre shows to ice skating, festive afternoon teas and family attractions. You can browse Bristol Christmas Markets, enjoy seasonal performances, admire the Bristol Christmas lights, or book a Bristol Christmas party with friends or colleagues. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a holiday in Bristol, there's plenty happening throughout November and December.

Yes. Every year, Bristol Christmas Markets transform the city centre with wooden chalets selling festive gifts, handmade crafts, food and warming drinks. Alongside the main market, you'll often find smaller pop-up markets and a Christmas Fair Bristol visitors can enjoy across the city throughout the festive season.

The main Christmas market is traditionally held in Broadmead, close to Cabot Circus and the city centre, making it an easy venue to visit while shopping or sightseeing. Other seasonal markets often take place at St Nicholas Market, Millennium Square and other popular locations around the city. You can usually find a link to the latest opening dates and trader information on the official tourism site before you travel.

The best Bristol Christmas lights are usually found in Broadmead, Cabot Circus, Park Street, and Clifton Village, with many independent shopping streets also decorated for the festive season. Displays vary each year slightly, so it's worth checking the latest event data before your visit.

If you're looking for Santa in Bristol, you'll usually find Father Christmas at shopping centres, festive attractions, garden centres and family events throughout the city. Many venues offer grotto experiences, storytelling sessions and photo opportunities, so it's a good idea to book in advance as tickets can sell out quickly.

Despite the festive name, the Christmas Steps are much older than modern Christmas celebrations. The street is believed to have taken its name from a medieval nativity play or Christmas-themed religious procession associated with the area. The historic stone steps have become one of Bristol's most photographed streets and are lined with independent shops, cafés and pubs.

The Christmas Steps are located in Bristol's Old City, connecting Colston Street with St Michael's Hill, just a short walk from Broadmead and St Nicholas Market. Their historic buildings, unique architecture and charming atmosphere make them well worth adding to your festive itinerary. Don't forget to read the information boards along the way to learn more about their fascinating history.

There's no shortage of festive activities. Popular choices include shopping at the Christmas markets, seeing a pantomime, visiting museums, enjoying seasonal food and drink, taking a winter walk around Clifton, or watching a Bristol City Christmas football fixture if one is scheduled. Families can also enjoy festive trails, ice skating and children's attractions. If you're short on time, even a mini festive city break offers plenty to see and do.

Many attractions remain open on Christmas Eve, making it the perfect time for some last-minute shopping, a festive meal or a stroll through the decorated city centre. You could visit the markets, admire the lights, enjoy a seasonal drink or take a minute to explore Bristol's historic streets before Christmas Day. Be sure to check individual opening times before you travel.

The last officially recorded white Christmas for Bristol - defined by the Met Office as at least one snowflake falling on Christmas Day - was in 2021. However, significant snowfall settling across the city on Christmas Day is much rarer, so a snowy festive holiday Bristol experience isn't guaranteed. Check the weather forecast closer to your visit if you're hoping for snow. The title, format, text, content and image height of weather reports may vary depending on where you view the forecast.