Things To Do / Sponsored
28 things to do in Bristol this week, December 18-24 2023
Monday: Bootleg Beatles, Bristol Beacon
If you’re a fan of arguably the biggest and earliest boy bands, you’ll be shocked at how similar the Bootleg Beatles are to their counterparts. Described as “less a tribute more a reincarnation” by The Telegraph, strap yourself in, you’ll be time travelling for this one.
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Monday-Thursday: Monica, Watershed
Monica is an intimate portrait of a woman who returns home after a long absence to confront the wounds of her past.
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Now-January 6: The Selfish Giant, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Inspired by the touching children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde, Bristol’s two leading family theatre experts are combining forces at Tobacco Factory Theatres to explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when Spring finally comes.
The Selfish Giant – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
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Monday-Saturday: Festive Films, Watershed
Get into the winter spirit with some of our favourite festive films in December including Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and some Alternative Christmas Specials. Plus, in the Café & Bar, we’re also serving our festive hot chocolates and mulled drinks (that you can take into the cinemas with you), as well as mini mince pies.
Festive films at Watershed – photo: Watershed
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Now-December 30: Christmas at Mum’s, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Returning to Tobacco Factory Theatres, the Sisters invite you for a riotous Christmas at Mum’s. Join them as they crash land home; expect there to be Karaoke (Y Viva España anyone?), a prawn ring and Sister Mary Berry’s festive bangers with all the trimmings. Tickets from £15.
Christmas at Mums – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
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Now-January 6: Arabian Nights | Bristol Old Vic’s Festive Blockbuster, Bristol Old Vic
Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister?
With enchanting songs, captivating puppetry and a story of two heroic sisters at its core, Bristol Old Vic’s joyful, heartfelt production is the perfect treat for all this festive season. Not to be missed.
Arabian Nights – photo: Bristol Old Vic
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Now-December 31: Rapunzel, Redgrave Theatre
Get ready for a hair raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave Theatre proudly present Rapunzel – A Tangled Tale!
Rapunzel – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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Now-January 7: Four Seasons | Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic
From the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker) comes a wonderfully festive family show. Roam through snowy forests and twirling leaves on an enchanting journey into the heart of nature. Expect innovative theatre featuring puppetry, dance and clowning fun!
Four Seasons – photo: Bristol Old Vic
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Tuesday: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Kirill Karabits, Bristol Beacon
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra opens Bristol Beacon’s 2023/24 Orchestral Season in celebratory style. A newly commissioned fanfare written especially for the reopening of Bristol Beacon by Mark-Anthony Turnage heralds spectacular orchestral showpieces from Shostakovich (Festive Overture), Beethoven (Piano Concerto No.5 ‘Emperor’) and Stravinsky (The Rite of Spring). Limited tickets remain.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
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Tuesday & Wednesday: Evolution Drone Light Show, Seat Unique Stadium
Enjoy a magical evening of fun and entertainment at the Evolution drone light show at the County Crickets Ground in Bishopston. Watch hundreds of drones take to the sky to perform the greatest story of all time – the story of our evolution. The show takes place on 19th, 20th and 21st December. Final tickets available – book your tickets now at yuup.co/evolution.
Evolution Light Show – photo: Yuup
Tuesday-Saturday: Up The Antics Christmas party, The Wardrobe Theatre
An improv comedy festive treat from the award winning Up The Antics collective. Based on a work Christmas party, it’s difficult to say what may or may not happen throughout the evening, as even the actors themselves don’t know. But if one thing’s for certain, it is sure to inspire hilarity.
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Wednesday: The Godfather: Wine & pizza night, Averys Wine Merchants
Easily one of the most revered (and quoted) films of the late 20th century, the 1972 film that inspired sequels, spin offs, video games and defined the mob crime genre is being screened as part of Bristol Film Festival. The screening will be at the Park St winery, and will be paired with fantastic wine, and pizzas specially for the occasion.
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Wednesday: Lighting the Dark with Martin Green, Bristol Beacon
Christmas can be hard but ultimately, humans are wonderful. Join Ivor Novello-winning composer Martin Green on a trip through the challenges and joys of the festive season, with an all-star cast of incredible musicians. From ancient pagan rituals to a flashing lit-up Santa, Lighting The Dark takes a musical look at how we have got through the winter over the last thousand years. Joining Martin on this voyage are Laura Jurd of Mercury Prize-shortlisted Dinosaur on the trumpet, and the leading storyteller of the new wave of Irish traditional musicians Ultan O’Brien on the fiddle. Together they venture through folk and jazz, offering original takes on familiar Christmas songs — all woven with Martin and Ultan’s engaging storytelling.
Lighting the Dark – photo: Bristol Beacon
Thursday: Bristol Bears open training session,College Green
Pat Lam and his first team squad will visit College Green from 1pm to 2pm for an open training session and the opportunity for Bears fans to meet their favourite players. There will also be skills sessions led by Bears Community Foundation coaches.
Bristol Bears players will take part in an open training session on College Green on Thursday – image: Bristol Bears
Thursday: Yule Be Merry, St Werburgh’s City Farm
Exciting festive family theatre from the Brave Bold Drama theatre group. A ridiculous, visual two person show, in which a duo have to plan the ultimate Christmas party against all odds. As with all great family theatre, you can expect bold, over the top characters and plenty of physical humour. There is also a crafts workshop happening straight after, which is included in the ticket price.
Yule Be Merry – photo: Brave Bold Drama Theatre
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Thursday-Saturday: Rumdoo presents: Once Upon a Time in Bristol, Christmas Spiegeltent
An exhilarating show fusing high energy circus acts, comedy and live music. Whether you’re a fan of heart-stopping tricks, laugh-out-loud comedy, or simply crave a night of unforgettable entertainment, this show promises to deliver an experience like no other. Get ready to be amazed, delighted, and thoroughly entertained!
Once upon a time in Bristol – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent
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Thursday: Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, St George’s
In this 30-minute festive special from Aardman, Shaun – the world’s favourite sheep – stars in his very own winter’s tale, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble. Shaun’s Christmas excitement turns to dismay when a plan to get bigger stockings for the Flock leads to Timmy going missing. Can Shaun get Timmy back before he becomes someone else’s present?
Prepare for an explosive, high-wire ending as everyone learns the true value of Christmas! The performance also includes a montage looking back at Shaun the Sheep’s origins in ‘Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave’ up to his present day antics. Kat Kleve joins the Bristol Ensemble to present this Christmas special which will include Christmas favourites such as Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride and Dreaming of a White Christmas.
The Flight Before Christmas – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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Friday: Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles – A Gameshow For Awful Children, Christmas Spiegeltent
Acclaimed Gallic comedian Marcel Lucont presents a wild game show in which kids get to be pests, politicians and Pétomane’s to be crowned the Most Awful Child.
“A real highlight of Edinburgh Fringe for the entire Horne family. Très funny” – Alex Horne, Taskmaster
“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” – The Guardian
A Gameshow for Awful Children – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent
Friday: Elf (20th anniversary screening), The Mount Without
Is it really even Christmas yet if you haven’t watched the seminal Will Ferrell flick? Fear not – screened amongst the undeniably festive settings of The Mount Without, there is a 110% chance you’ll leave feeling more festive than you came in.
Saturday: Keep Hush Bristol xmas special, Strange Brew
The nationwide promoters have become mainstays when it comes to well curated lineups that pull a music focussed crowd. To see Bristol off before everyone settles down for the festive period, they’ve put together a lineup of some of their favourite DJs to play their parties in the past for a proper knees up in the back room of the Brew.
Keep Hush Christmas special – photo: Keep Hush
Sunday: Midnight Mass, Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral will be hosting their usual midnight mass this year, seeing in the big day. Proceedings kick off at 11pm, and there will be readings, carols and more to keep you up until the clock strikes midnight.
Bristol Cathedral – photo: Yuup
And coming soon…
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December 31: Hospitality Bristol x [THE BLAST] NYE, Motion
Global Drum & Bass trail blazers Hospitality join forces with Bristol’s favourite party starters The Blast for this year’s hottest NYE DNB celebration. Taking over the legendary Motion Bristol to transport you into 2024 in style with an incredible lineup of big name Drum & Bass favourites.
Hospitality NYE – photo: Kolab Studios
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December 31: In:Motion NYE: Groove Armada (DJ Set)
One of the planet’s best loved dance acts, Groove Armada, will see in the year with a massive New Year’s Eve party, alongside a stellar lineup of special guests! With legendary hits like ‘Superstylin’’, ‘I See You Baby’ and ‘At the River’, the renowned duo have secured their place in the hallowed halls of dance music history, delivering timeless classics time and time again. They will be joined by global dance music star Hannah Wants, Lulah Francs & more.
Groove Armada NYE – photo: Motion
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December 31: Document NYE: Crazy P & more, Document
Join us this New Years Eve at Document for an evening of disco delights and mesmerising mirror balls to welcome in 2024! We’ll be joined by the legendary Crazy P Soundsystem, who have made their mark as one of the world’s best loved dance music acts with a career spanning over 20 years.
Document NYE – photo: Chris Cooper/ ShotAway/ www.ShotAway.com/ #shotawaydotcom
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January 20 2024: Henleaze Concert Society: Mozart and Mendelssohn, Trinity Henleaze URC
Come and enjoy with us two great works performed by the Bristol Ensemble:
- Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A K.581
- Mendelssohn Octet in E flat major Op.20
Mendelssohn’s piece is beautifully uplifting, and Mozart’s is one of the most sublime and well-loved works in the chamber music repertoire for its exquisitely crafted melodic lines.
Mozart and Mendelssohn – photo: Henleaze Concert Society
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January 23-February 25 2024: Wicked, Bristol Hippodrome
Wicked the smash hit West End musical flies back to Bristol this January complete with all the spectacle and magic that make “this extraordinary show” (Bristol Post) an unforgettable and unmissable experience. Tickets available from £25.00.
Wicked – photo: Bristol Hippodrome/The Ambassadors
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January 24 2024: Steve Bates MBE – Wild Tracks, Redgrave Theatre
Paralympic gold medal-winning cyclist Steve Bate MBE shares the incredible journey of riding to ascend the iconic mountain of Kilimanjaro, with fellow Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke MBE. With a diverse team, Wild Tracks explores themes of challenge, diversity and human potential. A rare opportunity to hear, first-hand, a story of resilience, transformation and human connection.
Steve Bates – Wild Tracks – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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February 14 2024: The Beatles: Love Songs, St George’s
The Bristol Ensemble celebrate Valentine’s Day with the ultimate Beatles special, featuring their best love songs in an hour-long concert that will give you a Valentines Night to remember! Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of St. George’s Bristol, bathed in the romantic glow of candlelight. It doesn’t get more romantic than this!
The Beatles Love Songs – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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March 9 2024: Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight, Trinity Henleaze URC
This will be a hypnotic evening of music performed by the Bristol Ensemble, featuring mesmerising works by Ludovico Einaudi, and Max Richter’s engagingly refreshing reimagining of Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons:
- Einaudi Divenire; Primavera; Petricor; I Giorni; Full Moon
- Max Richter: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Reimagined
Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight – photo: Henleaze Concert Society
Main photo: Paul Blakemore
Read next:
- Carnifølk host an immersive Christmas theatre show for families
- Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2023
- Top music highlights for 2024
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