Pantos, story-telling and the German Christmas market; there’s plenty of family-friendly activities on offer this Christmas in Bristol

Illustration by Sarah Matthews

Dick Whittington at Bristol Hippodrome
December 6 – January 4, 2015
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family panto and a good boo-hiss-athon. This year’s Hippodrome offering is the award-winning Dick Whittington starring Ashleigh and Pudsey, winners of Britain’s Got Talent 2012. Tickets available from £11.90.
www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome

German Christmas market 
November 7 – December 22
Every day from 2 – 22 December at 4pm, Santa will walk around the Christmas market ringing his bell before he opens the giant advent calendar on Broadmead, giving away presents to some lucky children. Adults can browse the traditional festive chalets or enjoy a hot mulled wine or stein in the beer gardens.
www.bristolgermanchristmasmarket.co.uk

Winter Wonderland at the Mall
November 13 – January 11
Even if you’ve already done all your Christmas shopping, it’s worth bringing the kids down to Cribbs Causeway for some Christmas magic. Children can visit Santa’s enchanted ice castle, ride the Christmas train and skate around the largest outdoor ice rink in the South West.
www.mallcribbs.com/wwl14

Magic Elves at Bristol Old Vic Studio
November 26 – January 3
Bristol Old Vic Studio is once again transformed into a magical winter playground for The Magic Elves, a production based on the classic The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm. Bring your dancing shoes! Tickets £13 adult / £7.50 child. Under seven years-olds go free.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 
November 29 – February 22
If you’re sick of Santa, one event that’s definitely worth a visit is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. A world-renowned photography exhibition from the Natural History Museum. Entry £3 adult /£2 child. Under five year-olds go free.

Santa Specials at Avon Valley Railway
Weekends between November 30 – December 24
Every weekend from late November to Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will be on the steam train at the Avon Valley Railway. Accompanied by his helpers, he will make his way along the train, stopping to talk to all the children and give them a present.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org

A very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield
Weekends between 5 – 20 December
Experience the house as you’ve never done before. Join the acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a storytelling tour around the house, guided by four very special Victorian characters. Entry £8 child/ £15 adult + family tickets available.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade
December 6
Bedminster’s annual Winter Lantern Parade will begin from the Tobacco Factory on North Street at 4.30pm, then continue up Cannon Street, East Street, Little Paradise, British Road and South Street. Bristol Samba and the Ambling Band will be providing entertainment along the way.
www.bwlp.org.uk

Enchanted Christmas evenings at Bristol Zoo
December 18 – 20
Bristol Zoo and Gardens host Enchanted Evenings in the run up to Christmas, with Santa live on stage, a chance to meet his reindeer, carol singing, story-telling, light shows and roaming entertainment. Entry £14 adult / £12 child.
www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Family carol service at Bristol Cathedral 
December 21
Children are encouraged to dress up as wise men, shepherds, or angels as they enjoy a retelling of the nativity story with familiar favourites like ‘Little Donkey’ and ‘Away in a Manger. There will also be a very special appearance by Gigi the Donkey. 
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk