Family / Things to do as a family
14 family events happening in Bristol during Christmas 2018
Keep the whole family occupied from the festive season with some great activities around the Bristol area.
Green Christmas
November 17 – December 22
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Bristol BS48 1PG
If you want a slightly alternative Christmas this year then pop along to Noah’s Ark Zoo as it’s going to be green, but not literally. Get involved with making recycled Christmas decorations or recycled animals sculptures, proving that Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive.
www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk/events/green-christmas
Santa’s grotto at Wyevale Garden Centres
November 17-December 24
Various venues
Keep it simple by visiting one of the many Wyevale Garden Centres in and around the Bristol area and experience the magic of visiting Santa in his grotto.
www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/events-santas-grottos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZCntXbHOAU
is needed now More than ever
Santa Special
November 24-December 23
Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bristol, BS30 6HD
Take a ride on a vintage steam train with Santa’s little helpers. The journey will take families across the countryside, where eventually Santa himself will join in the fun.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/news/santa-special
Santa’s Farmyard Grotto
November 24-December 23
Cattle Country Adventure Park, Berkeley, Gloucester, GL13 9EW
Take a ride around the farm in a tractor and trailer before stopping off at the grotto, where little helpers can meet Santa and join in with some Christmas crafting at the elves’ workshop.
www.cattlecountry.co.uk/events/santas-farmyard-grotto
Christmas at Avon Valley
November 24-December 24
Avon Valley Wildlife & Adventure Park, Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Bristol, BS31 1TP
Aside from carol singing and a nativity scene in the barn, a special 60-minute immersive theatre experience is on offer this year. Decorate cookies with Mrs Claus, help the elves to make toys and explore the enchanted village before you meet Santa himself.
www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/christmas-avon-valley
A very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield
November 24-January 2
Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX
Step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield. Immerse yourself in family fun including storytelling and games with the Gibbs’.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield/features/a-very-victorian-christmas-
Christmas in the caves
November 30-December 24
Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
Activities in Clearwell Caves this festive season include carols amongst underground market stalls, Christmas wreath-making workshops on Dec 6 & 10 and a seasonal storytelling event where you can meet Santa with a hot chocolate to keep you warm.
www.clearwellcaves.com/events/#event-calender
www.clearwellcaves.com/events/#event-calender
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
December 6
Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA
Children will be able to get involved in a hands-on story crafting session and bring to life Hans Christian Andersen’s festive fairytale The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats-on/events/steadfast-tin-soldier
Badminton School Christmas bazaar
December 8
Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BA
Peruse the numerous craft stalls selling locally-made gifts whilst the children can meet Santa and enjoy some warming food and drink.
www.badmintonschool.co.uk/our-community/events
Victorian Christmas weekend
December 8-9
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Step back in time as you’re transported to a Dickensian winter scene where you will meet Victorian characters and feel the snow falling.
www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/victorian-christmas
Santa comes to Slimbridge
December 8-23
Bowditch, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
Ever fancied having breakfast with Santa’s elves? Or maybe afternoon tea? That’s what you could be doing once you’ve met Santa and sent your letter to the North Pole.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on/2018/12/08/santas-coming-to-slimbridge/
Spectacle of Light
December 8-30
Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
The dark shouldn’t stop us enjoying being outside. Your evening will be lit up as you join the White Rabbit exploring the grounds discovering the many characters from Alice in Wonderland amongst this spectacle of light.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/visit-us/spectacle-of-light/
Little Elves Festive Fair
December 15
Redland Park United Reformed Church, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS6 6SA
Book in to see Santa, get crafty making Christmas decorations or just enjoy the entertainment, with all proceeds going supporting CLIC Sargent.
www.facebook.com/LittleElvesFestiveFair
Merry Fishmas!
December 22-January 6
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT
Get close up and personal with some creatures from the deep, with festive-themed talks and Christmassy hands-on activities throughout the school holidays.
www.bristolaquarium.co.uk/mc-events/merry-fishmas-2