59 things to do in Bristol in December 2023

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December 1-7: Maestro, Watershed
Bradley Cooper proves that his directorial debut A Star is Born was no fluke with this glorious symphony of a film that focuses on iconic American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story, On The Town).

Maestro – photo: Watershed

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Now-January 7: Also Artists: A Staff Exhibition, RWA
Visit Also Artists: A Staff Exhibition. So far, this exhibition has drummed up a great deal of interest, as people discover the incredible creative talents of our wonderful team. Showcasing more than 80 distinctive pieces by individuals working across various RWA departments, including office staff, front-of-house, freelancers, and Drawing School Tutors. “Also Artists” is dedicated to honouring the unique creative talents of the remarkable individuals who contribute to the daily operation of the RWA. Come along and discover our artwork for yourself.

Hemali Modha, Borgainvillea, from Also Artists – A Staff Exhibition – photo: RWA

December 1: Gilles Peterson & more, Thekla
Giles Peterson is hosting and DJing at the boat venue whilst playing alongside È Soul Cultura’s Luke Una, with Aroop Roy and Millie Mckee playing in Room 1 and Bristol based Stay Put in Room 2 playing world music.

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December 1-7: Into The Woods, Redgrave Theatre
Bring me these before the chime of midnight in three days time… Kickstart your festive celebrations with Sondheim’s timeless masterpiece, INTO THE WOODS.

Into The Woods – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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December 1-20: Color by Technicolor, Watershed
An expansive season at Watershed that showcases the mesmerising power of Technicolor. DJ Cheeba takes over the Café & Bar on Fri 1 Dec after a screening of A Matter of Life and Death, then the season continues with colourful gems such as Vertigo, Suspiria, The Red Shoes and more, culminating with a breathtaking screening of Black Narcissus at The Mount Without.

Color by Technicolor – photo: Watershed

December 2: Bristol Bears v Gloucester Rugby, Ashton Gate 
Get ready to watch the head to head between Bristol Bears and Gloucester Rugby in the energetic environment of Ashton Gate Stadium.

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Now-January 14: 170 Annual Open Exhibition, RWA
With just over a month to go, don’t miss your chance to see the 170 Annual Open Exhibition here at the RWA. This dynamic and varied exhibition showcases work in all mediums from some of today’s most exciting artists, amateur and professional alike. With over 650 unique artworks, on display AND for sale, this exhibition offers you the perfect opportunity to not just see incredible art, but to own it, or perhaps even gift it to someone you love this Christmas.

170 Annual Open Exhibition – photo: RWA

December 2: The Housewarming, Bristol Beacon 
From 11am to 2am, the doors of the Bristol Beacon will be flung open for a huge free party to celebrate its reopening. More than 60 acts from grassroots groups to well known faces will be playing in every corner of the venue.

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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

December 3: Art Comes Alive, Dareshack
Experimental event of worlds of music and live art that showcases artists who will visually interpret a 30-minute composition of a narrative made by their musician. The event will have a specially designed set and artists will be positioned in the centre of the room so audiences can observe closely.

December 3: Drifting Clouds, The Cube
Among Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki’s finest work, this Palme d’Or-nominated 1996 flick follows the dwindling fortunes of the restaurant hostess Ilona and her tram driver husband Lauri, who finds themselves unemployed at the same time.

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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

December 4: Escher Music Connection #54, Strange Brew
Community event that creates a space for producers in Bristol, provided by Elevator Sound and Strange Brew. The event will play tracks submitted by producers through the club system

December 5: Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Carol Concert, St George’s Bristol 
Concert in support of Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal, the concert will be performed by Blackbird Children’s choir, the Posset Singers and Bold Brass. The LMCA charity helps give 1500 children in Bristol a better Christmas.

December 6: Hey Barista #2 Magazine Launch x Exhibition, Society Cafe Baldwin St 
Celebrate the launch of the second edition of Hey Barista magazine filled with art, music, food and drinks.

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December 7: Macramé Earrings Workshop with Prosecco, Prior Shop Cabot Circus
Calling all lovers of boho handmade accessories! This macramé earring-making workshop with bubbles is the one for you. Macramé is a creative and relaxing craft focusing on tying strings into knots and is a great way of relieving stress. In this 2.5-hour workshop, you will spend time with a glass of fizz in the workshop room of Prior at Cabot Circus, where your host Aggy from Knots and Stalks will teach you how to knot your own pair of wooden and recycled cotton macramé earrings.

Macramé earrings workshop – photo: Knots & Stalks

December 7-10: Treefest 2023, St Mary Redcliffe Church
Festival for locals, schools, business and community groups to see a display of Christmas trees, as well as enjoy music performances, Christmas markets and shopping at the church shop, raising money for The Nelson Trust and The Hub community centre in Redcliffe.

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December 8: New Regency Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
New Regency Orchestra has been shaking up a storm in the last two years with its mighty twelve-piece horn section, lock-tight five-piece rhythm section and NRO dancers bringing a new energy and new arrangements to the golden age of mambo and latin jazz. Inspired by New York’s melding of Jazz and Latin from the 50s to the 70s, when the sound of jazz luminaries Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker collided with the Cuban roots of Chano Pozo and Machito, New Regency Orchestra add a contemporary London spin with the city’s best Latin Music and Jazz talent driving each other to greater heights.

New Regency Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon

December 8-30: Christmas at Mum’s, Tobacco Factory Theatres
The Sisters invite you for a riotous Christmas. Shesus has transcended and left this pair of offbeat twins all alone. They crash land home at mum’s house with karaoke, a prawn ring and sister Mary Berry’s festive bangers with all the trimmings.

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December 8: A Late Night Tap Room Disco, The Cider Box
Join us at Bristol’s Cider Tap Room for a lights down intimate disco featuring Bristol hero Daisy Moon, knocking out the bangers under a cute railway arch in BS2. Free mulled cider on entry + a nicely stocked bar with craft ciders, beers from Arbor, nice wines and a frozen margarita machine- perfect for deepest December.

Daisy Moon – photo: The Cider Box

December 9-10: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Bristol Beacon
Up to 200 designers/makers from in and around our city will take over the foyer and newly reopened main hall of the Beacon for Bristol’s annual showcase of local creativity and handmade gifts.

December 9-10: The Lumosphere, Leigh Court
Brislington based creative company PYTCH promises to transform Leigh Court Stables into a winter illumination walk with a twist. The Lumosphere is set to be an immersive experience that “will redefine the way we perceive light and space”.

December 9: Christmas Crafts and Discovery Day, Westonbirt Arboretum 
An event where you can learn about the trees that feature in Westonbirt Arboretum traditions as well as complete challenges and create Christmas crafts from natural materials you can take home. Suitable for children aged five and above.

December 10: A Play In A Day – Robin Hood And His Merry Crew, Hen & Chicken 
A play produced by The Hen & Chicken Studio and directed by Chris Yapp, accompanied by a community workshop. The play is made up of actors of all ages, and the profits will be equally split between Cancer Research UK and BS3 Community Development Charity.

December 11: Ricky Gervais: Armageddon, Bristol Beacon 
Ricky Gervais is set to perform his stand up comedy show ‘Armageddon’ at the Bristol Beacon after its grand reopening.

December 12: Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza, Tobacco Factory 
The factory singers are set to perform at Tobacco Factory with an array of winter songs and hits from Justin Timberlake, Nina Simone, Florence and the Machine and popular Christmas classics. All ages are welcome.

December 13: Festive After Hours, Wake the Tiger
30 multi-sensory rooms with an extra festive touch for visitors to enjoy an exploration of the world of Meridia, with a festive drink included in the ticket price.

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December 13: Richard Dawson, Bristol Beacon
Following his sold-out show at St George’s Bristol in May this year, Richard Dawson of Newcastle Upon Tyne returns to Bristol with a fresh, stripped-down stage line-up featuring Andrew Cheetham on drums, performing new takes on songs from most recent album ‘The Ruby Cord’, plus a treasure trove of catalogue classics. After bursting out of the Newcastle experimental scene in 2012, Dawson wasted no time in further pushing the boundaries of his already expansive sonic palette – from exploratory art rock to shambolic psychedelia, nothing is off limits. Though intentionally difficult to define, Richard Dawson’s music does consistently revolve around one poignant sentiment – a laser-focused analysis of the everyday struggle to understand life in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Richard Dawson – photo: Bristol Beacon

December 14: Ding Dong! A Christmas Tale, Southbank Club
A modern day, Bristolian take on a classic Christmas tale, where someone who isn’t so fond of the festive season begins to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

December 15: Christmas Elf Hunt, Clifton Observatory 
A visit to the Camera Obscura and tour down the caves to find elves along the way. The goal is to find all the elves and solve their secret in order to win a Christmas prize.

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December 15: Worm Disco Club party, The Cider Box
A chinwag & boogie for all Worm Disco Club friends and followers! The worms diggin’ deep going b2b2b all night. PLUS: Mulled Cider, Cheese & Pineapple sticks, Mince Pies, ‘Pass The Parcel’ & 100% Vinyl bangers guaranteed!

Worm Disco Club – photo: The Cider Box

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December 15-31: 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

December 16: Christmas, Wapping Wharf 
Enjoy a fabulous Christamas party at Wapping Wharf with Father Christmas, music, festive food & drink and shopping.

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December 16: Bristol Choral Society: Messiah, Bristol Beacon
Christmas starts here!  The newly refurbished Bristol Beacon is opening very soon in December, and one of the first classical concerts you can enjoy there is Bristol Choral Society’s Messiah.  From the first thrilling chord, just soak up the music most of us know and love – or come to listen for the first time!

Bristol Choral Society: Messiah – photo: BCS

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December 16: Make a Christmas Lantern, Prior Shop Cabot Circus
Ho ho ho, how about a boho Christmas this year? This Christmassy craft workshop will teach you the art of macramé and how to make your very own recycled Kilner jar lantern. Macramé is a creative and relaxing craft and is a great way of relieving stress. During this 3-hour workshop at Prior Shop, Aggy from Knots and Stalks will teach you how to create a Christmas candle holder by upcycling a Kilner jar.

Make a Macrame lantern – photo: Knots & Stalks

December 17: Winter Makers Market, Wiper & True Taproom Old Market  
Visit the Wiper & True Taproom in Old Market to enjoy Bristol’s makers, bakers, growers and producers at the festive market.

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December 17: Children’s Christmas Carnival: Gaspard The Fox & Peter & The Wolf, St George’s
Alongside the classic Peter and the Wolf, join Gaspard the friendly fox and his furry chums in a warm-hearted adventure on the No.38 bus, past the sights, sounds and smells of the big city. Performed by their creator Zeb Soanes, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble, this is the perfect way to introduce children to a live orchestra through storytelling.

Zeb Soanes is the presenter of Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station. For over 20 years he was a newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast to millions of listeners on BBC Radio 4. He announced some of the biggest events in recent years from the final result of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump to the unfolding of the Coronavirus pandemic. He was a regular fixture on The News Quiz, reported for From Our Own Correspondent and presented Saturday Classics on BBC Radio 3. Sunday Times readers voted him their favourite male voice on UK radio. On leaving The BBC, the Director General Tim Davie wrote, ‘I, like millions of the audience will miss you! Your voice has been a lyrical, clear and reassuring presence — the very heart of Radio 4.’

Gaspard’s Foxtrot – photo: Bristol Ensemble

December 18: Bristol Ensemble’s Christmas Spectacular
Performance by Bristol Ensemble of a choir of Exultate Singers to bring Christmas cheer, followed by Christmas readings.

December 19-21: Evolution, Seat Unique Stadium
Experience the sky above Bristol as it becomes the stage for the story of human evolution told through a swarm of drones flying in unison.

December 20: The Bristol Comedy Room, The Room Above
Burt Williamson and Greg Winfield host an event showcasing the best comedic talent from the UK comedy circuit in The Room Above.

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December 21-23: 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

December 21: Sustainable Pop-Up Market, Future Leap 
The market will hold a wide range of sustainable products made by crafty and talented sellers. you can find everything from photography/art prints, eco-friendly beauty and hygiene products, greener household alternatives, ceramics and handsewn homewares.

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December 21: 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

December 22: Exhibition: Place Portrait, Spike Island 
Anna Haydock-Wilson’s collaboration with Creative Youth Network alumni to create  a new commission. Place Portrait is a multimedia installation that looks at the people’s experience and different perceptions of place.

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December 22: 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

December 23: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, Bristol Hippodrome
Expect amazing costumes, great special effects, beautiful sets and a lot of comedy with an amazing cast at Bristol Hippodrome

December 24: Midnight Mass, Bristol Cathedral  
To celebrate the Nativity of Jesus and enjoy the stunning architecture at Bristol Cathedral.

December 25: Merry Christmas!

December 26: Bad Manners + support, The Fleece
Every year, Bad Manners take to The Fleece for a sold out special boxing day gig – so grab your ticket if you reckon you’ll want to be out of the house quickly once Christmas is over.

December 27: Peter Clifford’s More Magical Merriment, Alma Tavern & Theatre
The Alma Tavern’s house magician returns after the Christmas break for a spellbinding show, combining magic with comedy.

December 28: Sound People w/ Ginny, Cosies
A new party graces the basement of Cosies, as Noods resident Ginny takes to the stage for her first headline gig right before New Years.

December 29: Bristol Bears vs Exeter Chiefs, Ashton Gate
Watch Bristol Bears go head to head with Exeter Chiefs live at Ashton Gate Stadium.

December 30: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift, St Mary Redcliffe Church 
St Mary Redcliffe Church are holding a candlelight tribute to Taylor Swift where fans can gather together to enjoy the classics, doused in ambient candle light.

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December 31: In:Motion NYE: Groove Armada (DJ Set), Motion
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: Kolab Studios

December 31: NYE Carnival: Rumble in the Jungle x Propyard, Propyard
One of Bristol’s largest venues curates one of the largest lineups for the big night. With multiple stages showcasing all facets of rave music, there’s something for everyone.

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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: 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

And coming soon…

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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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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: Bristol Beacon

Read next:

• RWA hosts staff exhibition: Also Artists
• New sober comedy night encourages audiences to dress in their pyjamas
• Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2023

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