54 things to do in Bristol in December 2022

December 1 2022: Cabaret Clandestino, Secret Location (Easton)
Set in an undisclosed Easton living room, there will be an array of great entertainment, from spoken word to harp performances.

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December 1-January 15: The Snow Queen, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the wicked clutches of The Snow Queen. Bursting at the seams with acoustic music and brought to life by a multi-talented cast, this unforgettable folk tale is full of heart and a lot of laughter.

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December 1 – January 8: RWA 169 Annual Open Exhibition, RWA
The RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition runs to the end of December. Visit the #RWA169 @rwabristol for a showcase of some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond. Spot something you like? All artwork is for sale and available to purchase though the RWA website and through the Own Art scheme which allows you to purchase work interest free over a 10 month period. 

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December 1-2: BOVTS Presents: Robin Hood & Marian, Redgrave Theatre
Deep in Sherwood Forest, swashbuckling power couple Robin Hood and Marian are taking from the rich to give to the poor. Along with their band of outlaws, they have one goal: to outsmart the fearsome Sheriff of Nottingham and greedy Prince John.

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Throughout December: Bristol Winterland Skating & Ice Bumper Cars, Propyard
Skate into the festive spirit with Bristol’s Winterland festive indoor attraction! Ice skating, ice bumper cars, indoor market, family festive crafts & even a polar bear named Bjorn! Celebrate the best of the season at Bristol’s Winterland.

Propyard have transformed their indoor venue into a winter wonderland this Christmas – Photo: Yuup

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Throughout December: Christmas Spiegeltent, Bristol Harbourside
Bristol’s most unique pop-up venue, Christmas at the Spiegeltent, returns for its 10th Anniversary! Bringing a smorgasbord of events ranging from family friendly events to cabarets to club nights you can find something for everybody.

December 1-4 2022: Treefest, St Mary Redcliffe Church
The popular annual showcase of Christmas trees returns, filling the Redcliffe church with festive cheer.

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Now-January 8: Belle & Sebastien, Bristol Old Vic
This Christmas join Travelling Light Theatre Company and Bristol Old Vic for a classic family tale based on the children’s story by Cécile Aubry. Belle and Sebastien – it follows two kindred spirits as they adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. For ages 4+.

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December 2-11: Bristol Palestine Film Festival, Various Locations
The Bristol Palestine Film Festival takes place this December across six venues. This year’s programme includes drama, documentary, and short films, plus a fundraiser comedy show headlined by Mark Thomas.

December 2 2022: Bristol Ceilidh Presents Crowdy-Kit, Bristol Folk House
The fiddle, flute and piano three piece come to Folk House to get you moving.

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December 3 & 4, December 10 & 11: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Bristol Beacon
Shop local this Christmas at the exquisitely curated Made in Bristol Gift Fair at Bristol Beacon. Discover up-to 100 artists, over six floors, at 2 more colourful weekenders. Grab yourself a coffee, take a friend and pick up unique gifts for someone you love.

December 3 2022: (Bristol Film Festival) Miracle on 34th St, Bristol Improv Theatre
The festive family favourite screens at Clifton’s Improv Theatre, in all its original black & white glory.

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December 3 & 4, December 10 & 11: Victorian Christmas Weekends, SS Great Britain
Meet a host of Victorian characters including Old Father Christmas and discover falling snow in the dockyard. New for 2022, they’ll be open until 6:30pm to allow you to experience a Victorian Christmas by night with live music.

December 4 2022: Christmas Makers Market, Wiper & True Old Market Taproom
Wiper & True host a collection of independent Bristol makers at their new taproom to sell their wares.

December 5 2022: Christmas Wild Wreath Making Workshop, The Langton
Using foraged materials, create a living, moss-based wreath to hang in your home.

December 6 2022: Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Carol Concert, St George’s
In support of the Lord Mayor’s Children Appeal, come down to St George’s and get in the festive spirit with some fantastic carols.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck0rpCzMaB4/

December 7 2022: Demostage, St Anne’s House
Got an idea that you think might just be the next big thing? Demostage gives you five minutes to explain it, and then five to answer questions.

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December 7-31: Aladdin, Redgrave Theatre
Join us on a thrilling magic carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime as Aladdin flies into The Redgrave Theatre this Christmas. So don’t delay, book your tickets today and enjoy Bristol’s finest festive treat which is suitable for anyone aged 3-103!

December 8 2022: Fadia’s Tree + Q&A, Bristol Palestine Museum
A poetic documentary, following one woman and her struggle with wanting to return home, followed by a Q&A.

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Opens December 9: Par59, Millennium Promenade
BIG PUTTS DON’T LIE! Opening on 9 th December, Par 59 is Bristol’s hottest new venue to socialise, relax and enjoy the competitive world of mini golf. Based on Millennium Promenade, find 15,000 sq ft of stylish bar & restaurant space, a separate darts room, and two custom-made, mini golf courses deigned to test your competitive edge.

December 9 2022: The Red Rash Inn’s Gruesome Christmas Grott-Hoe, The Cube
A new take on the Christmas party at The Cube, where “grossness” is the word of the day.

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December 10: Bristol Beacon Presents: Grant-Lee Phillips, Folk House
Grant-Lee Phillips’ latest album, Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff, is a turbulent and highly musical rumination that finds the veteran singer-songwriter addressing the strange fragility of life. His tenth solo release bears the markings of his prolific output, a melodic prowess and an ear for lyric in everyday conversation. The California-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, actor, film composer, and visual artist began his career as the frontman for Grant-Lee Buffalo. Named “male vocalist of the year” by Rolling Stone, USA Today called him a “soulful balladeer” while Uncut hailed him as a “distinguished U.S. songwriter.”

December 10 2022: The Musician; The Storyteller, St Anne’s Church
A combination of fantastic Bristol musicians perform in aid of the Blue Marine Foundation.

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Discover the winter wildlife spectacle at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Enjoy breath-taking wetland vistas from the accessible Estuary Tower. Experience close up views of the beautiful Bewick’s swans and wintering wildlife on the Rushy Lake, with commentated Wild Bird Feeds.

December 11 2022: Lost & Grounded Winter Makers Market, Lost and Grounded Taproom
Another great local brewery hosts its own makers market, giving you another opportunity to bag some unique Christmas gifts.

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December 12 2022: Crappy Craft Club Xmas Special, Bristol Improv Theatre
Coming down from Cardiff, Twin Made bring their fun, relaxed adult craft session to the Bristol Improv Theatre.

December 13 2022: Infringed Poetry, The Bristol Fringe
The popular poetry open mic returns to The Bristol Fringe in Clifton.

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December 13-23: BS3 Santa, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Come and see Santa live on stage in this enchanting, interactive show. Fresh off a sell-out run of Ben Elton’s West End comedy The Upstart Crow, established British comic actor Stewart Wright is returning home to Bristol to bring Father Christmas to life.

December 14 2022: Super Supper Club, Easton Community Centre
Using surplus food, Easton Community Centre hosts a group meal, where anything not eaten can also be taken home afterwards.

December 15 2022: BAM (Bristol Animation Meetup), The Phoenix
Wear your ugliest Christmas jumper and come talk all things animation at The Phoenix.

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December 16: Bristol Beacon Presents: Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon, SWX
Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon’s genre-fluid set has become the stuff of festival legend, and – deep breath – this will be their final ever tour. CCLNPD levels up a sparkly jukebox of anthems spanning from En Vogue to Bowie and Kate Bush to Nine Inch Nails – often appearing in the same mashed up medley. Fronted by Charlotte Church (yeah, that one!) backed by post-punk-disco-R’n’B band, this 9-piece are ready to deliver-deliver-deliver pop bangers and forgotten classics. Speaking about the upcoming tour, Church said: “After 6 ecstatic years of unparalleled debauchery, the Late Night Pop Dungeon is hanging up its feathers, sequins, P.V.C and velour. All good things must come to an end, and this ending will be the most euphorically lickable ending conceivable. Think Carrie meets Sunset Boulevard, soundtracked by the 2nd side of Abbey Road.”

December 16 2022: Raise The Bar – Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa, Arnolfini
Poetry, spoken word and acoustic music from some of Bristol’s most exciting disruptors in their fields.

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December 16: Romeo + Juliet: Christmas Party Extravaganza, Propyard
Star-crossed lovers and hopeless romantics come together in this Christmas party extravaganza inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Expect a feast bar, dessert bar, gorgeous decor, and a night filled with music and dancing!

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December 16: Children of Tomorrow, Trinity Centre
Brought to you by members of Black Creatives (launched by I-Dentity), Children of Tomorrow is an evening of empowering discussions, live performances and food to fundraise for Chris Kaba’s family.  This event is a celebration of Chris’s life, but also a moment to bring the Bristol community together. We’ll be holding important conversations through a panel discussion led by MoYah.

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Opens December 16: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, Watershed
Emma Thompson leads a dazzling ensemble in this rousing big screen adaptation of the smash-hit, Olivier-winning stage musical. Watershed are also screening a Singalong version!

December 17 2022: The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Cube
Silly is certainly a word to describe this of-the-moment Christmas tale at The Cube.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClORMdRgtb4/

December 18 2022: Slaughterhaus: Santa’s Werkshop, Strange Brew
A festive cabaret drag show at Strange Brew, with DJs going ‘til late.

December 19 2022: Yoga Flow, St Werburghs Community Centre
An accessible, gentle yoga class in St Werburghs, for all abilities.

December 20 2022: Winter Solstice – Musical Ceremony, St Anne’s Church
Get together to celebrate the Solstice with an inclusive musical ceremony.

December 21 2022: (Bristol Film Festival) Elf, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
A unique opportunity to view the festive classic amongst the exhibits of the Bristol Museum.

December 22 2022: Harry Potter Christmas Potion Class, The Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath
Fans of Harry Potter won’t want to miss this immersive experience, transporting you to Hogwarts to create your very own potion.

December 23 2022: Breakfast with Santa, Avon Valley Railway
Take a ride on the Avon Valley Railway – maybe you’ll get to meet the man himself.

December 24 2022: Cinderella, Bristol Hippodrome
Get ready for Christmas day at the Hippodrome with their magical rendition of Cinderella.

December 25 2022: Merry Christmas!

December 26 2022: Boxing Day Swim, Clevedon Marine Lake
If you’re feeling adventurous, come for an invigorating Boxing Day paddle at the picturesque Clevedon Marine Lake.

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Opens December 27: Corsage, Watershed
Vicky Krieps stars as Empress Elizabeth ‘Sissi’ of Austria in this witty, sexy and distinctly postmodern vision of her life, winner of the Best Film award at this year’s London Film Festival.

December 27 2022: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (Singalong), Watershed
Bring the kids and get them singing along to the classic Roald Dahl tale.

December 28 2022: Candlelight: Hanz Zimmer’s Best Works, The Mount Without
Enjoy the works of one of cinema’s greatest composers, surrounded by an ocean of candles at The Mount Without.

December 29 2022: Bristol Rovers Vs Exeter City, Memorial Stadium
Keep the excitement up between Christmas and new year with a South West showdown at Memorial Stadium.

December 30 2022: Redcatch Community Garden Market
The community garden hosts a market, showcasing things grown and made in the garden.

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December 31: Alfresco Disco – Light Box NYE, Secret Location
Alfresco Disco is the collective responsible for some of Bristol’s most audacious events. For this NYE they’ve secured the keys to an amazing disused factory in central Bristol – expect multiple soundsystems across a stunning industrial playground. As always, the line-up will remain under wraps until the day – previous guests have included Axel Boman, Shanti Celeste, Eats Everything, Marshall Jefferson and DJ Die.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkN1AEujYSC/?hl=en

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December 31: Afrodisiac: A New Year’s Revolution, Old Market Assembly
The hugest of Highs, the Largest of Lifts, this promises to be an absolute celebration of the best bits from 2022. Featuring 2 of the heaviest weights from the UK festival scene, TC & the Groove Family and Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu, we invite you to come and lift your spirit, free you mind, celebrate diverse culture and eclectic sounds, and bring in 2023 with an almighty Wallop!

December 31 2022: NYE at the Tap Room, Cider Box Taproom
See in the new year drenched in cider at the Cider Box Taproom, with plenty of special activities to celebrate the occasion.

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December 31: Obsidian NYE with Booty Bass and Shade Cartel, Trinity Centre
Booty Bass join forces with Shade Cartel to celebrate the end of the year in the best way possible, providing a space dominated by diverse divas. Get ready for an immersive experience, your senses will be set alight from the moment you walk in. Leave your inhibitions at the door, this is where energy comes to ignite. Proud of our similarities and differences; This is where you can be your most authentic self.

Main Photo: Julian Preence

Read more: 23 Bristol Gifts to buy for Christmas in 2022

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