101 things to do in Bristol in December

MUSIC & CLUBS

December 1: Thunderbirds Are Go – 50 Years On, Colston Hall
An eclectic line-up for a concert celebrating the music of sixties kids’ programmes.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/culture/music/news/jarvis-cocker-in-thunderbirds-gig-in-bristol

December 2: Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, Spiegeltent
A 50th anniversary reunion sees the original band members unite for a music hall knees-up.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/bonzo_dog/

December 5: The Dutty Whine Up, secret location
Stokes Croft store reveals its new branding at a night of DJ sets from some big names.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-big-dutty-re-brand

December 5: Molotov Jukebox, The Lantern
The critically-acclaimed ensemble bring their unique Gypsy and Balkan-inspired sound to Bristol.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/molotov-jukebox/

December 5: Norman Jay and friends, Spiegeltent
Royally-approved DJ brings his feel-good party vibes to Bristol.
Get Tickets

December 8: Lianne La Havas, O2 Academy
The revered folk and soul singer performs new reggae-inspired music from album Blood.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/703541/lianne-la-havas-tickets

December 9: Netsky Live, Trinity
Prolific electronic artist Netsky – Boris when he’s at home – brings his live show back to the UK. 
www.3ca.org.uk/whats-on/trinity/2015/netsky-live

December 9: The Puppini Sisters, Spiegeltent
Sweet retro harmonies, vintage glamour and sheer star quality.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/puppini-sisters-2/

December 10: Caravan Palace, O2 Academy
Parisian electro-swing pioneers known for their unique sound and high energy.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/672305/caravan-palace-tickets

December 12: Idlewild, Anson Rooms
The Scottish alt-rock band are back on tour with their new album Everything Ever Written.
www.bristolsu.org.uk/ents/event/2830/?skin=AnsonRooms&template=Anson%20Rooms

December 12: Bristol Chamber Choir’s Christmas Concert, Lord Mayor’s Chapel
Sing along or sit back and enjoy performances of all the traditional carols.
www.lordmayorschapel.org.uk/events_services.html

December 12: Antelope, The Stable
The eight-legged band play music that defies classification. Call it ‘un-pop’.
www.stablepizza.com/a3-portfolio/antelope/

December 12: Rae Sremmurd, O2 Academy
Brothers Slim Jimmy and Swae Lee are a hip hop duo with boundless energy.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/668106/rae-sremmurd-tickets

December 15: Texas, Colston Hall
Frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri is joined by the original band for a 25th anniversary tour.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/texas-2/

December 17: Legend, Motion
Musicians dedicated Bob Marley’s work and all esteemed reggae artists in their own right.
www.motionbristol.com/event/legend-a-tribute-to-the-music-of-bob-marley/

December 18: Carols by Candlelight, Bristol Cathedral
Join in with the cathedral choir as they perform classic carols bathed in candlelight.
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk/whats-on/carols-by-candlelight

December 19: Trevor Nelson’s Soul Nation, O2 Academy
The R’n’B veteran puts on a soulful shindig for over 21s that will last into the early hours.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/787609/trevor-nelsons-soul-nation-tickets

December 21-23: Christmas Spectacular, St George’s
A series of special Christmas shows performed by professional orchestra The Bristol Ensemble.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-ensemble-christmas-spectacular-2

December 26: Bad Manners, The Fleece
Lace up your boots and pull up your braces for a high-energy ska-pop performance.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/bad-manners/

December 28: Bute Ensemble, Alma Theatre
The trio mix traditional scores with modern recitals.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/art-music-more/listings.html

December 31: In:Motion presents NYE, Motion
Roni Size and Lil Silva join Hannah Wants for a night of bass-driven debauchery.
www.motionbristol.com/event/inmotion-presents-nye-2/

December 31: New Year’s Eve Party, Colston Hall
The institution enlists Submotion Orchestra and Ibibio Sound Machine for this year’s shindig.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/global-beat-new-years-eve-party

FILM

December 5 & 6: On the Margins: Cartoonists, Satire and Democracy, Watershed
The film weekend kicks off with the opinion-splitting Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas?time=1449273600

December 6: For No Good Reason + Q&A, Watershed
A documentary profile of cartoonist Ralph Steadman followed by Q&A with director Charlie Paul.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/for-no-good-reason

December 10: Bristol Bad Film Club – Santa Claus vs. The Devil, Trinity
The bad film connoisseurs present a Mexican dubbed festive fiasco that boggles the mind.
Get Tickets

December 10: Sexmission, Salt Cafe
A quiz followed by a screening of a Polish comedy about two males in a hyper-feminist world.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/sexmission?time=1449705600

December 10: The Show of Shows, Cube
An unflinching documentary about the circus, freak show and carnival performers of the past.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/the-show-of-shows

December 10 & 13: Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, Showcase Cinema De Lux
Live and encore screenings of two Italian verismo tragic operas from the Royal Opera House.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/roh-cavalleria-rusticanapagliacci

December 13: Cannoli & Gun – Bad Santa, Salt Cafe
A sandwich of your choice served with one huge helping of festive profanity.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/cannoli-gun-bad-santa

December 14: Florence and the Uffizi Gallery, Vue Cribbs Causeway
The public unveiling of the restored Adoration of the Magi and a look around the famous gallery.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/florence-and-the-uffizi-gallery

December 15: Neil Brand presents Buster Keaton, Watershed
A selection of Buster Keaton’s funniest moments, followed by a screening of Steamboat Bill, Jr.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/neil-brand-presents-buster-keaton

December 16 & 27: The Royal Ballet – The Nutcracker, various cinemas
Live and encore screenings of the festive Tchaikovsky ballet.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/the-royal-ballet-the-nutcracker

December 24: Branagh Theatre Live – The Winter’s Tale, Vue Cribbs Causeway
The first in a serious of plays broadcast live from the Garrick by Kenneth Branagh Theatre.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/branagh-theatre-live-the-winters-tale

December 27: Miracle in Milan, Watershed
Rare screening of De Sica’s bizarre fantasy about a group of down-and-out shantytown dwellers.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/fantasy/miracle-in-milan

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS

December 5: Brunel Square Christmas Market, Brunel Square
Festive foodie treats, live music and plenty of stalls all offering unique, locally-made gifts.
www.facebook.com/BrunelSquareMarket/

December 5: Craft Beer Festival: Beer Day, Spiegeltent
Discover new brews from Bristol and beyond and get your hands on some tasty street food too.
Get Tickets

December 5: Royal York Crescent Christmas Fayre, Clifton
High-quality gifts, live music and tasty grub at a pop-up event on the scenic crescent.
www.facebook.com/events/186768758334804/

December 5 & 6: Etsy Made Local Christmas Market, The Island
Talented makers, designers and vintage curators offer up their wares.
www.theislandbristol.com/event/etsy-made-local-bristol-christmas-market-pop-up-shop

December 5, 12, 19 & 26: Market at the Moon, Full Moon
Handcrafted jewellery, tailored apparel, one-off prints and seasonal merchandise.
www.marketatthemoon.com

December 5, 12 & 13: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall Foyer
Snap up some unique presents stitched, painted and created by local creative talent.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/made-in-bristol-gift-fair-2/

December 6: Craft Beer Festival: Sunday Social, Spiegeltent
Boozehounds will be in their element, and there’s music from Huey Morgan too.
Get Tickets

December 6: Hartcliffe Christmas Fayre, Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
Day of face-painting, balloon-modelling and bouncy castle fun to raise money for the farm.
www.facebook.com/Hartcliffefarm/?fref=ts

December 6: Christmas Fair, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Browse stalls selling jewellery, textiles, glass gifts, preserves and homemade cakes.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/christmas-fair/

December 7-13: Treefest, St Mary Redcliffe
A display of Christmas trees decorated with everything from ribbon to water bottles.    
www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk/event/treefest-2/

December 12: Winter Lantern Parade, Bedminster
Lanterns and fireworks will set the sky alight at Bedminster’s annual wintertime parade and fair.
www.bwlp.org.uk/  

December 12: Farm Christmas Fair, Windmill Hill City Farm
Pick up a Christmas tree and visit the two grottos on site with your little ones.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats-on/events/christmas-fair

December 12: Kitschmas, Picton Street
A festive fair with a bit of Bristol magic. Stalls, fairy lights, pantomime – the lot.
www.facebook.com/events/764373917041365

December 14-20: Winter Tale, Yurt Lush
A festive retreat at Temple Quay. Roasted chestnuts, a vintage fayre and lots of hot spiced cider.
www.eatdrinkbristolfashion.co.uk/winter-tale

EVENTS

Throughout December: Dr Lev Pasted, Puzzlair
Solve the real life 4D puzzle before time runs out.
Get Tickets

Throughout: Timelock, Locked in a Room
A thrilling escape room experience that will probably give you nightmares.
Get Tickets

December 1-January 11: Winter Wonderland, The Mall Cribbs Causeway
Two ice rinks, an enchanted castle and a mini train ride all make for a magical winter night.
www.mallcribbs.com/events-and-activities/winter-wonderland-2014/ice-skating

December 3: Late Night Shopping, Cotham Hill
Mince pies, mulled wine and shops open til’ 9pm so you can avoid the Christmas rush.
twitter.com/oxfamcothambook

December 8: International Human Rights Day Celebration, The Station
An event by Bristol Refugee Rights providing information on five ways you can support those in need.
www.facebook.com/events/1482624428712864

December 12: Illuminated Boat Parade, Harbourside
A twinkly parade around the city docks followed by a social at Bristol Cruising Club.
www.facebook.com/events/907249556010689

December 13: Santas on the Run, Harbourside
A mini-fair and 2k fun run around the centre where everyone must dress up as old St. Nick. 
www.chsw.org.uk/events/santas-on-the-run/bristol

December 14: Blah Humbug, Old Vic
The UK’s best wordsmiths battle it out to see who can have the least Christmas spirit.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/blahhumbug

December 31: New Year’s Eve House Party, Goldbrick House
Sup on some Prosecco, shimmy to some motown and celebrate the new year in style.
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk/events-and-offers 

December 31: Midnight, Racks
Dance, clap, stomp, eat and dance your way into 2016 at the unique party venue.
www.racks-bristol.co.uk/new-years-eve-party

December 31: Steampunk Circus Ball, Tobacco Factory
Circus and fire performers, contortionists, live bands, DJs, podium performers and a speakeasy.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/steampunk-circus-ball

COMEDY

December 4: Helen Duff – Smasher, Wardrobe Theatre
The Edinburgh Fringe sell-out examines the intricacies of intimacy at the new venue.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/helen-duff

December 4: Word Wizards Cabaret, The Khan
The Bard of Windmill Hill joins other local comedians for an evening of irreverent fun.
www.facebook.com/events/853817638067636/

December 10-19: Christmas Crackers, Wardrobe Theatre
Improvisation super-group take audience suggestions in a Whose Line Is It Anyway? style show.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/christmas-crackers

December 11: An Evening with Noel Fielding, Colston Hall
The wacky comedian brings some of his best-loved Mighty Boosh characters back to life.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/evening-noel-fielding/

December 11: Bristopia Live, Cube
A satirical look back at Bristol in 2015 from the local radio parody show.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/bristopia-live-bristols-2015-in-review

December 13: Al Murray – The Pub Landlord, Spiegeltent
The infamous publican hosts a night of variety and laughs at the special venue.
Get Tickets

December 19: The Christmas Comedy Show, Hen and Chicken
Skilled raconteur Tom Allen headlines an evening of quality stand-up.
www.thecomedybox.co.uk/site/301.asp?catID=1347

December 31: NYE, Rip Roar Comedy Club
See 2016 in with a laugh and the cream of Bristol’s comedy scene.
www.riproarcomedy.co.uk/NYE15.htm

ART

December 1-4: BS2 and Beyond, The Farm
Your last chance to see the brilliant illustrations by Bristol’s own Hannah Bunn.
www.facebook.com/events/1623126784606613

December 2-January 13: Christmas Exhibition, Lime Tree Gallery
An exhibition of works by notable contemporary artists, with some available to buy.
www.limetreegallery.com/exhibitions

December 3: An Arty Christmas Party, Jamaica Street Studios
Mulled wine, mince pies, carol singers and a whole lot of art.
www.vasw.org.uk/events/jamaica-street-artists-christmas-party.php 

December 4-6: Katie Paterson Open Studio, Arnolfini
Witness art in the making as Katie Paterson works on a collection using fossilised trees.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/katie-paterson-hollow-an-artwork-in-the-making-1

December 5-8: CMIR:ONE, Centrespace
A video and film exhibition from the Centre for Moving Image Research.
www.centrespacegallery.com/exhibitions/capturedisplay

December 7-17: Christmas craft pop-up shop, Clifton suspension bridge visitor centre
Art and Design students from WISE showcase and sell their year’s work.
www.sgscol.ac.uk/news-article.aspx?article=Uniquegiftsonsaleatstudentpopupshop

December 11-January 24: Centre Stage, RWA
Exhibition celebrating Bristol’s theatrical history. Set designs, costumes and paintings.
www.rwa.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2015/12/centre-stage

December 12: Christmas Art Market, Small Horse
Tunes from Feel the Real and all the arty gifts you could want.
www.facebook.com/The-Small-Horse-Social-Club-1005776752807657

THEATRE

December 1-4: The Night Heron, Alma Theatre
A dark tale by Jez Butterworth set in a remote area of The Fens.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatreWhatsOnMin

December 1-January 17: Goldilock, Stock and Three Smoking Bears, Wardrobe Theatre
The first show at their new home on West Street promises to be as darkly comic as ever.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/goldilock-stock-three-smoking-bears

December 5-January 3: Snow White, Hippodrome
This year’s panto at the Hippodrome will be headed-up by Star Wars actor Warwick Davis.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/pantomime/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs

December 8-January 3: Living Spit’s A Christmas Carol, Brewery Theatre
Silly songs, puppetry and more Dickensian daftness than you can shake a selection box at.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/living-spits-a-christmas-carol

December 9: How to Reappear, Alma Theatre
Bristol-born theatre maker Gemma Bolwell teaches us how to get back to ourselves.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatreWhatsOnMin

December 15-19: Cinderella, The Station
Creative Youth Network present the fairytale with a modern twist – less glass slipper and more Airmax 95.
www.creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/events/special-events/cinderella.html

December 24: Branagh Theatre Live – The Winter’s Tale, Vue Cribbs Causeway
The first in a serious of plays broadcast live from the Garrick by Kenneth Branagh Theatre.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/branagh-theatre-live-the-winters-tale

FAMILY

December 1-23: Santa’s Yurt, Wild Place Project
Visit santa and his resident reindeer before taking a tour of the park.
www.wildplace.org.uk/plan-your-visit-events/christmas-wild-place-project

December 2-January 3: Noisy Nativity, Brewery Theatre
Kid Carpet gives the nativity story a radical remix with wacky songs and special effects.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/kid-carpets-noisy-nativity

December 5: Sorting Hat Ceremony, St James Arcade
Potterheads, put your mind to rest – are you Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw?
www.facebook.com/events/744436678994102

December 6: Hartcliffe Christmas Fayre, Hartcliffe Community Park Farm
Day of face-painting, balloon-modelling and bouncy castle fun to raise money for the farm.
www.facebook.com/Hartcliffefarm/?fref=ts

December 7: Take It On – Run Away to the Circus, Tobacco Factory Studio
A kids class in mastering the art of juggling, acrobatics and physical circus.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/take-it-on-run-away-to-the-circus

December 7-20: The Melody Makers, Wardrobe Theatre
A festive production for all ages, starring four actor-musicians and a whole lot of puppets.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/melody-makers

December 8-January 6: Santa’s Invention Workshop, At-Bristol
Take your little elves along to make their own science-inspired stocking fillers. 
www.at-bristol.org.uk/1574.html

December 12: Do it Your Elf, Spiegeltent
Your chance to get some real elf training and maybe even meet the big man himself.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/do-it-your-elf

December 19: Kids’ Masquerade Ball, Spiegeltent
Kids from five and up can have a boogie at the famous festive venue at a two-hour disco.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/kids-masquerade-ball

December 20: Children’s Christmas Carnival, St George’s
Sing along to your heart’s content with songs from The Sound of Music and The Snowman.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/childrens-christmas-carnival-3

December 20: The Nutcracker and The Snowman, Colston Hall
Music from the much-loved ballet and an accompanied screening of the heartwarming silent film.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/the-nutcracker-the-snowman

FOOD & DRINK

December 1-31: The Shiny Diner, Volunteer Tavern
Pop up grub from Airstreamline all month. Grab a burger or a warming stew.
www.facebook.com/events/453037084900272

December 5: Craft Beer Festival: Beer Day, Spiegeltent
Discover new brews from Bristol and beyond and get your hands on some tasty street food too.
Get Tickets

December 6: Craft Beer Festival: Sunday Social, Spiegeltent
Boozehounds will be in their element, and there’s music from Huey Morgan too.
Get Tickets

December 10: Tacos and Tequila, Fuego
Make your own tacos, sample some of Mexico’s best spirits and get some culinary top tips.
www.foozie.co.uk/tickets/tacos-tequila-fuego-otomi

December 12: Fifth Birthday Feast, Bishopston Supper Club
Five courses of lovingly prepared, seasonal treats with extra bubbles.
www.bishopstonsupperclub.com/event/5th-birthday-feast

December 12: Christmas Open Day, The Spicery HQ
A day of free festive entertainment – wander the spice market and take a guided tour.
www.facebook.com/events/1653650638226955/

December 13: Cannoli & Gun – Bad Santa, Salt Cafe
A sandwich of your choice served with one huge helping of festive profanity.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/cannoli-gun-bad-santa

December 31: New Year’s Eve Feast, Bishopston Supper Club
An eight-course end-of-year spread culminating in mince pies and rum truffles.
www.bishopstonsupperclub.com/event/new-years-eve-feast