Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2023

If you listen carefully, you may already be able to hear the sound of tinkling bells, because Christmas is on the horizon once more.

Bristol24/7 has dived headlong into the cultural landscape to find the best festive shows on offer in 2023, from panto to theatre, comedy and improv, circus and cabaret, film, music and more…

Pantomime

• Peter Pan – December 2-31, Bristol Hippodrome

The Hippodrome panto is always up there with Bristol’s most anticipated family show of the year, and 2023 is no different.

Peter Pan stars David Suchet, who retains his famous moustage while swapping Poirot for Captain Hook. Steps singer and star of musical theatre Faye Tozer is The Magical Mermaid, with returning local favourite Andy Ford as Smee.

• Cinderella – December 9-10, Bean Tree Café

Page Park Players present an early years panto, perfectly pitched for short attention spans at 30 minutes, with the bonus of a treat at the end too. There are three performances per day, and under 1s go free.

• Rapunzel – December 15-31, The Redgrave Theatre

Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave join together to present an extravaganza about the famously long-haired girl, locked in a lonely tower. Opening preview shows are also available to attend from December 12-15, for a reduced price.

• Into The Woods – November 28-December 7, The Redgrave Theatre

James Lapine’s book and Sondheim’s inimitable music and lyrics are brought to life by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in a darkly comedic odyssey that will feature “princes, magic beans, red cloaks and just how happy-ever-after might not always be, well, happy…”

• Sleeping Beauty – December 7-January 7, 2024, Theatre Royal Bath

The timeless fairy tale gets the family panto treatment for Bath audiences this Christmas, with a host of familiar faces from TV soaps (Neil McDermott, Nick Wilton and Sarah Jane Buckley) alongside returning local favourite Jon Monie as Lester the Jester.

• Dick Whittington – December 8-31, The Playhouse, Weston

Join Daniel Slade in the titular role as he embarks on a quest for the ostensibly gold-paved streets of London. Linda Lusardi appears as Queen Rat, and Milkshake’s Derek Moran is Idle Jack.

• (Big) Dick Whittington, the all drag, adult panto!

For one night only, seven of Bristol’s drag performers come together in the spirit of panto. An uproarious 18+ show featuring Delerium, Cynthia Road, Spank, Tess Drive, Dominique Fleek, Quiches Lorraine, and Ernest.

Theatre

• Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles, November 15-December 1, Arnos Vale Cemetery

Red Rope Theatre Company return to the stunning setting of Arnos Vale, this year with one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous mysteries.

• Arabian Nights, November 23-January 7 2024, Bristol Old Vic

Billed as a festive spectacular rather than a Christmas show per se, Bristol Old Vic’s seasonal showstopper is, as ever, packed with theatrical magic for the whole family to enjoy. Expect songs, storytelling and mesmerising giant puppets along the way.

• The Good, The Bad, and The Coyote Ugly, November 24-January 20 2024, The Wardrobe Theatre

The Wardrobe Theatre’s proud tradition of bringing an annual Christmas movie mash-up to the stage continues. From the people who brought you MDH: Puppets Do a Movie, Little Women in Black, Drac & Jill, Oedipuss in Boots and so many more.

• Four Seasons, December 1-January 7 2024, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic

An enchanting paean to the changing seasons from the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb, aimed for young children of 3+ and their families.

• Oliver Twist, December 1-January 21 2024, Tobacco Factory Theatres

Not normally associated with Christmas, Charles Dickens’ classic is reimagined for the festive season by the Olivier Award-winning Bristol playwright, Adam Peck. New TFT artistic director Heidi Vaughan directs, and original music comes from Seamas Carey. If last year’s offering – smash-hit success The Snow Queen – is anything to go by, this one is not to be missed.

• A Christmas Carol, December 3, 11 and 18, Theatre Royal Bath

An Olivier-Award winner and star of Broadway and the West End, Guy Masterson sold out 16 performances of the famous Dickens story at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio in 2022, multi-roling in astonishing fashion. He returns my popular demand this year for six more shows.

• Midnight Mole, December 7-January 7, the egg, Theatre Royal Bath

From the creative team behind the hit show Snow Mouse (set to return yet again in January 2024) comes a beautiful tale of one mole and her nocturnal friends, aimed at babies and pre-school children. This show is another returning production for Theatre Royal Bath this Christmas.

• Christmas at Mum’s, December 8-30, Tobacco Factory Theatres

The sisters go back to their mum’s for a festive celebration featuring karaoke, seasonal bangers and a prawn ring. The content warning cites partial nudity and ‘some unholiness’.

• Spicebox, December 9-10, SS Great Britain

As part of their popular Victorian Christmas Weekends, SS Great Britain are hosting their neighbours, Puppet Place for a fun and interactive show featuring hand-made puppets by Opposable Thumb Theatre and Green Ginger. A mysterious box has been left on board the ship. But what treasures does it hold?

• BS2 Santa, December 10-11, The Wardrobe Theatre

He was in BS3 last year, and he’s moving over to the neighbouring postcode for 2023. British comic actor Stewart Wright and actor and circus performer Ben Kirby return as the big guy himself, and his twinkly sidekick Sven. Go with your children in mind by all means, but you can expect to leave brimming over with the magic of Christmas.

• The Stolen Winter Light, December 13-24, Rondo Theatre, Bath

Clementine has been stealing all traces of light around her, and it’s only a matter of time before she is discovered. A seasonal tale for all the family from Greedy Pig Theatre Company, with live music and lots of humour.

• Noel West, December 14-18, Tobacco Factory Theatres (off-site)

Lights! Lights! Lights! present a spectacular, immersive “whistle stop tour” of one of Bristol’s most festive corners. Attendees will meet at the Tobacco Factory Snug, from where they will be whisked on a magical mystery tour, infused with Christmas spirit.

• The Selfish Giant, December 14-January 6, Tobacco Factory Theatres

How will Grinter the giant react when she discovers some young trespassers in her walled garden? Tessa Bide’s warm, inventive and visually beautiful adaptation of the Oscar Wilde story is aimed at children but with plenty of lessons for us all.

• Kid Carpet: Noisy Nativity, December 15-29, The Wardrobe Theatre

Bristol’s Kid Carpet is back with his favourite anarchic crew, The Noisy Animals, revisiting their memorable take on The Nativity. As you might expect, it’s full of brilliant nonsense: golden eagles, a penguin race, and a David Bowie action figure among many standout moments.

• Yuletide Tales, December 16-17, Bean Tree Café

Carnifølk present a magical and interactive family adventure, suitable for all ages 4+. Expect wintery stories and whimsical characters, designed to warm the coldest of hearts.

• Yule Be Merry, December 21-24, St Werburgh’s City Farm

Noel and Holly are the seasonal event planners tasked with creating a 12-days of Christmas-themed party, against the odds. Brave Bold Drama’s “ridiculous festive family theatre” comes with a post-show craft workshop within the ticket price.

Comedy and Improv

• Stand Up for the Weekend – Christmas editions, December 2, 9 and 16, Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken Studio

Saturday nights at The Comedy Box in December will have an added festive flavour, with revellers invited to extend their evening with a pre-show 2 course dining option. Headliners are Garrett Millerick, Joey Page and Andrew Bird.

• This Is Your Musical: Christmas Special, December 8-9, The Bristol Improv Theatre

A unique chance to join the flagship musical theatre company at Bristol’s home of all things improv as they create a brand new, festive musical based on audience stories and suggestions.

• Closer Each Day: Christmas Specials, 11 and 18 December, The Wardrobe Theatre

The runaway success of Bristol’s improvised on-stage soap – which has run fortnightly for over 12 years, clocking up over 200 episodes – has moved from cult to mainstay of the city’s unscripted comedy calendar. And, as it’s Christmas, truly anything can happen, and probably will.

• Live at Christmas, December 15, Bath Forum

Stand-up star, Off Menu smash-hit podcast co-host and author of the newly published foody memoir Glutton, Ed Gamble headlines an impressive line-up of comics at the Forum including Fern Brady, Jen Brister, Ivo Graham and Kyrah Gray.

• Up The Antics Christmas Party, December 19-23, The Wardrobe Theatre

Bristol’s favourite sketch and improv group invite you to accompany them for an office Christmas party with a difference, reacting to audience suggestions.

Circus and Cabaret

• Christmas at the Spiegeltent, November 24-December 23, The Spiegeltent

The beautiful mirrored tent returns for another packed month-long programme of circus, cabaret, dancing, music, comedy, and even an art history event on the work of Studio Ghibli.

• Brizzle Boyz – Drag King Cabaret – XXX-MAS!, December 1, The Trinity Centre

The Brizzle Boyz are taking you all to church, with a “spectacular nondenominational winter holiday lineup” celebrating queer artists, hosted by Oliver Assets and Fluxx Wyldly.

• Jon Udry’s Variety Bungalow Xmas Special, December 10, The Wardrobe Theatre

Jon’s back with a christmas cracker of a cabaret, featuring Antonia Purdie, Jennifer Hebden, Mary Eddowes and Matt Pang. Expect the eclectic.

• Fairytale of Bristol, November 30-December 1, 6-7, 12-16, Loco Klub

The Invisible Circus reprises the success of its 2022 sell-out festive offering, promising “a 1920s prohibition-meets-Bristol’s underworld immersive theatre and circus dining experience” from the vaults underneath the entrance to Temple Meads station.

• Cirque Taboo Present XXXMAS, December 16, YardArts

Cirque Taboo will be scattering 18+ Christmas cabaret fun over Kingswood, with a mix of circus, burlesque, and drag acts.

Film

• Christmas film screenings – in concert, November 24, 29 and December 5, Bath Forum

The marmite of festive films – Love Actually, The Muppets Christmas Carol and The Holiday will be variously screened at The Forum, with live orchestral accompaniment.

• Bristol Film Festival Christmas screenings, assorted dates in December, venues vary

Your annual chance to catch beloved festive classic movies in memorable locations around the city. This year, screenings include: The Nightmare Before Christmas and Home Alone at Arnos Vale Cemetery, It’s A Wonderful Life at Averys Wine Cellars, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and The Muppets Christmas Carol at Redcliffe Caves, Scrooged and a double bill of The Snowman and The Snowman & The Snowdog at Clifton Observatory.

• The Christmas Star: Live Planetarium Presentation, December 21-22, Arnos Vale Cemetery

A magical pop-up planetarium experience for families will show you the highlights of the winter night sky, from the constellations to the fabled Christmas star over Bethlehem. It’s your opportunity to quiz an astronomer, too. Multiple shows daily.

Music

• Pop-up Christmas music performances, December 2,3,9,10,16-17,23 and 30 December, Tyntesfield

Musical groups coming to Tyntesfield for free, unticketed performances through the month of December include Mendip Folk Choir, Chandeliers, North Somerset Rock Choir, Bristol Male Voice Choir, Weston Brass, City Voices Bristol, Arnos Vocale, Free Range Acapella, Cosmos Children’s Choir and Cathedral Primary School.

• Carols by Candlelight, December 6, St George’s Bristol

Vocal ensemble The Fitzhardinge Consort present a specially curated programme of music, including popular classics, and lesser known gems from John Rutter and Morton Lauridsen among others.

• The Snowman, December 8, Bristol Beacon

Raymond Briggs’ beloved tale is given a live orchestral accompaniment in a show that has now been delighting audiences for 10 years, here prefaced by a showing of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. Everyone is invited to meet the musicians afterwards, too.

• Treefest Carol Service, December 9, St Mary Redcliffe

A seasonal carol service amidst the magic of St Mary Redcliffe’s annual festival of Christmas trees.

• Bristol Gay Men’s Chorus Winter Concert, December 9, Redland Park URC

An evening of live music, harmonious choral singing and seasonal delights is promised, under the musical direction of Rónán de Búrca.

• Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza, December 12, Tobacco Factory Theatres

A fun-filled concert featuring a host of songs to ward off the cold, from some festive classics through to the likes of Justin Timberlake, Nina Simone and Florence & the Machine.

• Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Christmas Kitchen Disco, December 13, Bristol Beacon

The queen of the lockdown disco is taking her show on the road, backed by a six piece band.

• Cuculi presents: The anti-office Christmas party, December 16, St Anne’s Church

An all-day event (starting at 2pm) in celebration of the Cuculi community welcomes artists and supporters of independent Bristol musicians. The Tryani Collective will perform, DJ Medusa will be playing records, and there will festive craft workshops, food and drink, a social space and even a secret santa.

• Blowin’ a Hooley, a family Christmas Ceilidh, December 16, The Jam Jar

A firm fixture in the calendar for ceilidh fans, Fitty Gomash will be bringing the raucous Irish and Scots folk music for families (from 2-4pm) and adults (7pm-late). The perfect backdrop for throwing yourself into some high energy dancing.

• Christmas Spectacular concerts, December 16 and 18, St George’s Bristol

David Ogden conducts the 90-strong City of Bristol Choir, the chamber choir Exultate Singers and the Bristol Ensemble orchestra in an uplifting programme of seasonal music and readings.

• Kate Rusby, December 17, Bristol Beacon

The folk singer makes no secret of her love of Christmas, and she continues the tradition of singing carols from the pubs of her native Yorkshire, joined on stage by a merry band of musicians including a brass quintet.

• Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight, December 20, St George’s Bristol

Returning to St George’s, the choir of Royal Holloway join with Bristol Ensemble orchestra to perform Handel’s masterpiece.

• Toddler’s Carols, December 20, Bristol Cathedral

An informal 45-minute carol service aimed at babies, toddlers and pre-school children and their families.

• Lighting The Dark, December 20, Bristol Beacon

“Christmas can be hard but ultimately, humans are wonderful”, says Ivor Novello-winning composer Martin Green, who is your guide through a folk and jazz evening offering original takes on some well-known festive music.

• Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in Concert, December 21, Bristol Beacon

The Mozart Symphony Orchestra perform a live accompaniment to the film, complete with sound effects. The concert – billed as ‘the perfect antidote to panto’ – begins with musical performances of The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

• Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, December 21-22, St George’s Bristol

Bristol – and very possibly the world’s – most famous sheep, Shaun stars in a special family performance, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble conducted by Roger Huckle. Kat Kleve presents.

Main photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Read more: Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2022

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