Bristol Mama

Hey everyone! Welcome to my Festive & Winter Activities list!   

I’m releasing the list early November this year as every year, more and more events get completely sold out before middle of November(!) so I’m hoping this will give you all a chance to book things within good time. Only thing with releasing the list early is that there will be a lot of events that haven’t been announced yet, so I will be updating this page every few days and I’d therefore advise checking it a couple of times per week for new additions, or otherwise checking my Instagram stories. 

Just a few things to note for this edition:  

• I’ve included some new sections including ‘Meet Santa’, ‘Twixmas’ and ‘New Year’ events 
• I’ve still included events that say ‘sold out’ just in case spaces open-up!   
• This list includes both festive and non-festive events  
• This list includes some events/activities from the last seasonal list as they’re ongoing  
• Some events may appear more than once as they offer a variety of activities that fall under different headings  

  Here’s the full contents list:  

1. Baby/Toddler/Pre-Schooler Specific Activities 

2. Christmas Books for Children

3. Christmas Carols/Concerts

4. Christmas Fairs/Markets

5. Christmas Recipe Ideas (including Vegetarian and Vegan options)

6. Christmas Tree Farms 

7. Cinema/TV

8. Festive Crafts & Wreath-Making

9. Food Events 

10. Free/Low-Cost Activities (Indoor & Outdoor)

11. Holiday Clubs/Drop-Offs 

12. Ice Skating

13. Indoor Activities (paid for)

14. Key Charity/Awareness Days  

15. Key Supermarket Dates to Order Festive Food

16. Lights Trails/Events 

17. New Year’s Eve (for families)

18. Outdoor Activities

19. Santa Experiences 

20. SEND Activities & Events

21. Theatre  

22. Theme Parks that are Further Afield 

23. Tweens & Teens  

24. Twixmas (Between Christmas & New Year)

25. Ways to Save Money  

 Wishing you all a very happy festive season!  

 Best wishes  

Charlie 🤶🏽  

*** Please do share this with friends and family as the feedback I’m getting is that these lists are useful not only for parents and carers to refer to before and during the holidays, but also for many local businesses who are trying to spread the word of their existence. Thanks everyone! ***  

1. BABY/TODDLER/PRE-SCHOOLER SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES 

• Activities and resources for babies and toddlers (South Gos) 
• Adventure Babies: Sensory storytelling (for 0-4 years) (various dates)  
• Aerospace Bristol: Story Café (Every Monday) 
• Air Hop Toddler Takeover 
• American Museum: Brilliant Beasties for Pre-Schoolers (Once per month on a Tuesday) 
• ARTVenturers: Multiple Art Classes for Under 5s (various dates)
• Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful:
  • Christmas Creations with Peek a Boo Castings (2^nd Dec) 
  • Christmas Party (17^th – 21^st Dec) 
  • Dear Santa… Christmas Letter-Crafting Event (5^th & 6^th Dec) 
  • 5 Senses of Christmas (9^th Dec) 
  • Let’s Explore Christmas (10^th Dec) 
  • Once Upon a Christmas (11^th – 12^th Dec) 
• Bristol East Baby Sensory 
• Campus Skateboarding: Toddler Takeover (various dates) 
• Central library 
• Children’s Scrapstore Bristol: Events for under 5s (various dates) 
• The Curious Play Café: Christmas Week (18^th – 20^th Dec) 
• Dinky Drivers (for ages 2-5yrs) (various dates) 
• Dragonbird Theatre: [dates and ticket release TBC] 
  • We’re Going on a Lion Hunt (Nov) 
  • Winter Wonderland (Dec)  
• Freedog Soft Play & Toddler Activities  
• Goldfinch: Art Classes & Café (various dates)  
• Imperial Sports Ground: Baby & Toddler Arts & Crafts (12^th – 14^th Dec) 
• Jump! Bristol: Christmas Disco (19^th Dec)  
• Little City Bristol (for children under 6yrs) (various dates) 
• The Mall, Cribbs Causeway: Free Early Years Story Mornings with Santa & The Festive Elves (WEEKDAYS: 1^st – 15^th Dec) 
• Music for Miniatures: 
  • Jazz Quartet; Fabulous Flute; Christmas Brass (11^th – 16^th Dec in various locations) 
  • A Christmas Celebration [with music from Twas the Night before Christmas and The Snowman] (10^th – 22^nd Dec)  
• Noah’s Ark Play Centre 
• Rock The Tots (various dates and locations) 
• Splat Messy Play – Bristol South (various dates) 
• Wild Things Play Project in The Mall in Cribbs Causeway (various dates) 
• Yuup Family 

PLAY CAFES: 

[Some already mentioned above] 

• A&R Animal Adventures 
• Be Weird, Be Wild Be Wonderful 
• Boing Soft Play 
• Curious Play Café 
• Goldfinch Cafe 
• The Gossip Play Cafe 
• Out There Indoors 
• The Playshed 
• Skyboat Café 
• Wonderland in Chew Valley 

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2. CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 

• 10 best diverse and inclusive Christmas books for children  
• Diverse Children’s Books about Christmas 
• Junior Magazine’s list of best children’s Christmas books 
• WHSmith’s top 20 children’s books to read at Christmas 
• Pan Macmillan’s 30 Best Christmas Books for Children 
• Penguin Books’ 20 best Christmas books for kids 
• The School Reading List: Christmas topic books for EYFS, KS1 & KS2 + other Christmas teaching resources 

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3. CHRISTMAS CAROLS/CONCERTS 

• Aerospace Bristol: Carol Service with Concorde Church underneath Concorde (16^th Dec) 
• Almondsbury Creative: Thornbury Swing Band Christmas Concert (14^th Dec) 
• Avon Valley Railway: Christmas Carol Dining Train (2^nd Dec) 
• Bath Abbey:  
  • Shoppers Carols (25^th Nov – 9^th Dec) 
  • Multiple other music performances around Bath (various dates) 
• Bath Recreation Ground: Carols at the Rec (13^th Dec) 
• Bristol Zoo: Christmas Carols (9^th Dec) 
• Christ Church Clifton: Various Events (10^th – 31^st Dec) 
• John Wesley’s New Room: 
  • Carols by Candlelight (14^th Dec) 
  • Christmas at Charles Wesley’s House (6^th – 16^th Dec) 
  • Lunchtime Carols (13^th Dec) 
• Music for Miniatures: 
  • Jazz Quartet; Fabulous Flute; Christmas Brass (11^th – 16^th Dec in various locations) 
  • A Christmas Celebration [with music from Twas the Night before Christmas and The Snowman] (10^th – 22^nd Dec) 
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm:  
  • Nativity & Carols (25^th Nov) 
  • Salvation Army Band Performance (9^th Dec) 
• Painswick Rococo Garden: Christmas Carol Concert (1^st Dec) 
• St Mary Redcliffe Church:  
  • Handel’s Messiah (Highlights) at Christmas by Candlelight (18^th Dec) 
  • Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas (13^th Dec) 
• Tobacco Factory Theatres: Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza (12^th Dec)  
• Wells Cathedral:  
  • Carols by Candelight (19^th – 21^st Dec) 
  • G4 Christmas Tour (23^rd Nov)   
  • Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Christmas (15^th Dec) 
• Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust: Carols in the Barn (9^th & 10^th Dec)  

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4. CHRISTMAS FAIRS/MARKETS 

• Bath Christmas Market (23^rd Nov – 10^th Dec) 
• Blaise Castle: Blaise Winter Fun (includes Christmas Market) (18^th Nov) 
• The Brightwell Centre: Christmas Market (3^rd Dec) 
• Bristol Christmas Market (3^rd Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Cadbury House Christmas Fair (23^rd Nov) 
• Cheltenham Christmas Market (8^th – 24^th Dec) 
• Clifton Christmas Market (18^th Nov) 
• Clevedon Winter Market (7^th Dec) 
• The Clifton Club: Annual Christmas Fair (25^th Nov) 
• Curious Play Café: Christmas Market (5^th Dec) 
• Hestercombe Gardens: Christmas Market (17^th – 19^th Nov) 
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm: Mini Christmas Market (2^nd Dec) 
• Roves Farm: Christmas Craft & Food Fair (18^th & 19^th Nov) 
• St Werburghs Community Centre: Christmas Market (24^th Nov) 
• Winter Glow: Christmas Market (Fri, Sat & Sun only between 24th Nov to 24th Dec) 

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5. CHRISTMAS RECIPE IDEAS (including Vegetarian and Vegan options) 

• BBC Good Food + Vegan dishes 
• Waitrose + Vegan dishes 
• Jamie Oliver + Vegan dishes 
• Delicious Magazine + Vegan dishes 
• Tesco 
• Delish + Vegan dishes 
• Good Housekeeping + Vegan dishes 
• Country Living 

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6. CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS 

• Aerospace Bristol: Frenchay Forestry (Open from 20^th Nov) 
• Ali & Joe’s: (Available to order now) 
• Almondsbury Garden Centre: (Available to order now) 
• Bloom & Wild (for mini real Christmas Trees): (Order from now)  
• Bristol Christmas Trees: (TBC)  
• Cadbury Garden Centre: (TBC) 
• Cleeve Nursery: (TBC)  
• Cotswold Christmas Trees: (Open from 20^th Nov)  
• Farrington’s Farm: (Open from 24^th Nov)  
• Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm: (Open from 18^th Nov)  
• Frenchay Forestry: (Available to order now and also to purchase in person from Aerospace Bristol)  
• IKEA: Christmas Trees (24^th Nov) 
• Mendip Christmas Tree Farm: (Open from 25^th Nov) 
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (Opens from 20^th Nov) 
• Over Farm: (Orders from now) 
• Primrose Vale (Open from 25^th Nov) 
• Sheepway Christmas Trees: (Open from 18^th Nov) 
• Somerford Christmas Trees (Open from 1^st Dec) 

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7. CINEMA/TV  

[Listed in order of release date] 

Cinema: 

• Trolls Band Together (already released) 
• The Marvels (10^th Nov) 
• Wish (24^th Nov) 
• Wonka (8^th Dec) 
• Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (8^th Dec) 
• The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (17^th Nov) 
• Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (26^th Dec) 
• Cinemas usually do Mini Mornings or Totally Tots on Saturday/Sunday mornings (or every morning during school holidays) which cost a couple of quid per ticket   
• Nappy Mondays at Curzon cinema in Clevedon (kids aged 3 and under visit for free!)  

Other: 

• Bristol Film Festival: Christmas Screenings (9th – 22^nd Dec) 

TV: 

• Amazon Prime Christmas Movies List 2023 
• Disney+ Christmas Movies List 2023  
• Mog’s Christmas on Channel 4 (Date TBC) 
• Netflix Christmas Movies List 2023 
• Tabby McTat (based on the Julia Donaldson story) (Date TBC) 

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8. FESTIVE CRAFTS & WREATH-MAKING 

[Please Note: Some of these are for adults only) 

• 100 Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids 
• American Museum:  
  • Christmas Felt Art Workshop for Families (19^th Dec) 
  • Wreath-Making (3^rd Dec) 

• BAM Bristol:  
  • Christmas Wreath Workshops (30^th Nov – 3^rd Dec) 
  • Hanging Planter Macramé Workshop (29^th Nov) 
  • Kitsch Christmas Wreath Workshops (22^nd Nov and 5^th Dec) 
• The Bath Flower School: Wreath-Making (29^th Nov – 9^th Dec) 
• Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful:  
  • Christmas Creations with Peek a Boo Castings (2^nd Dec)  
  • Dear Santa… Christmas Letter-Crafting Event (5^th & 6^th Dec) 
• Celtic Manor: Festive Activities & Seasonal Crafts (16^th Dec – 7^th Jan) 
• Children’s Scrapstore Bristol: Various Family Crafting Sessions (various) 
• Class Bento: Crafts & Workshops in Bristol (various) 
• Codrington Arms: Wreath-Making with Tiger Lily Floristry (30^th Nov & 7^th Dec) 
• Country Living’s Craft for Kids 
• Curious Play Café: Wreath-Making (30^th Nov) 
• De Vere Tortworth Court: Christmas Cocktail Masterclass (25^th Nov) 
• Farrington’s Farm: The Budding Florist Wreath Workshops (2^nd & 9^th Dec) 
• Flourish at Glenavon:  
  • Dried Flowers Bauble Workshops (17^th Dec) 
  • Festive Soy Candle Workshop (12^th Nov) 
  • Make a Printed Christmas Wreath (Adult + Child) (25^th & 26^th Nov) 
  • Wreath Workshop (24^th Nov – 10^th Dec) 
• Good Housekeeping Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids 
• Heart of BS13 Flowers: Seasonal Wreath Workshops (3^rd & 10^th Dec) 
• Hestercombe Gardens: Wreath-Making (25^th Nov) 
• Hobbycraft Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids 
• The Holburne Museum:  
  • Make a Sustainable Christmas Wreath – Family Creativity Workshop (18^th Dec) 
  • Make a Regency Christmas Cracker – Free Creative Drop-In (18^th Dec) 
• IKEA: Winter Wreaths (Adult Workshops) (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
• John Wesley’s New Room: FREE Christmas Craft Day (19^th Dec)  
• Leaf & Ground: Christmas Wreath Workshops (25^th Nov – 3^rd Dec) 
• Newark Park: Wreath-Making (7^th & 8^th Dec) 
• No.1 Royal Crescent Museum in Bath: Make a masquerade mask (16^th – 31^st Dec)  
• The Orangery at Goldney House: Festive Wreath-Making with Mulled Wine & Mince Pies (1^st – 3^rd Dec) 
• Other World Terrariums: Festive Wreath Making with Mulled Wine (29^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Painswick Rococo Garden: Christmas Card & Tag Making Workshop (25^th Nov) 
• The Prince of Waterloo run by Peonivy Floral Design: Christmas Wreath Workshops (28^th & 29^th Nov) 
• Stourhead: Christmas Wreath Workshops (25^th & 26^th Nov; 5^th & 6^th Dec) 
• Tyntesfield:  
  • Festive Reindeer Workshop (16^th – 17^th Dec) 
  • Reindeer Trail (16^th – 31^st Dec) 
  • Wreath-Making (8^th – 12^th Dec) 
• Vintage Birdcage Cakery on the Bridge: Festive Christmas Wreath-Making (25^th & 29^th Nov)  
• Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust: Multiple crafts incl. Wreath-Making (various dates) 
• Wolfridge Alpaca: Various Christmas Crafts (various dates) 
• WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre:  
  • Wreath-Making Workshop (9^th Dec) 
  • Christmas Mosaic Workshop (16^th Dec) 

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9. FOOD EVENTS 

• Avon Valley Railway: 
  • Breakfast with Santa (25th Nov - 24th Dec) 
  • Festive Afternoon Tea (25th Nov - 24th Dec) 
  • Tea with Santa (25th Nov - 24th Dec) 
• The Bathampton Mill: Brunch with Santa (9^th & 16^th Dec) 
• Cadbury House: Santa’s Sunday Lunch (10^th & 17^th Dec) 
• Cadbury Garden Centre: Breakfast With Santa (3^rd – 24^th Dec) 
• Celtic Manor:  
  • Festive Afternoon Tea (27^th Nov – 23^rd Dec)  
  • Santa’s Tea Party (26^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Clifton Observatory: Brunch with Santa (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
• Codrington Arms: Supper with Santa (6^th & 14^th Dec) 
• De Vere Tortworth Court:  
  • Festive Afternoon Tea (1^st Dec – 31^st Jan) 
  • Treasure Island Pantomime Afternoon Tea (9^th Dec)  
  • Santa Sunday Lunch (3^rd, 10^th & 17^th Dec) 
• Dobbies Garden Centre, Thornbury: 
  • Festive Afternoon Tea (8^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
  • Santa’s Breakfast (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• Harvester Restaurants: Breakfast with Santa (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• Hungry Horse Pubs: Breakfast with Santa (9th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th Dec) 
• IKEA: Breakfast with Santa (free to book but there is a cost for breakfast. It does include a visit to Santa’s grotto) (2^nd – 17^th Dec)  
• Old Down Country Park:  
  • Breakfast with Santa (18^th – 24^th Dec) 
  • Festive Sunday Lunch (3^rd – 17^th Dec) 
• Puxton Park: Supper with Santa (8^th – 23^rd Dec) 
• Vintage Birdcage Cakery on the Bridge: Christmas Afternoon Tea (9^th & 16^th Dec) 
• Warwick Castle: Christmas Afternoon Tea (2^nd Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Wolfridge Alpaca: Christmas Special Afternoon Tea (1^st – 23^rd Dec) 
• WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre: Breakfast with Santa (9^th – 23^rd Dec) 

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10. FREE/LOW COST ACTIVITIES (Indoor & Outdoor) 

• Almondsbury Creative: Friday Kids Creative Club (Every Friday) 
• Apple Store Free Workshops and Events (various dates) 
• Arnolfini: Arnold Art Cart (all year)   
• Bath Christmas Market (23^rd Nov – 10^th Dec) 
• Bath Recreation Ground: Carols at the Rec (13^th Dec)  
• Blaise Castle: Blaise Winter Fun (Free Family Fun Day) (18^th Nov) 
• Bristol Christmas Market (3^rd Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Cheltenham Christmas Launch (16^th Nov) 
• Cheltenham Christmas Market (8^th – 24^th Dec) 
• Clevedon: Christmas Illuminations (24^th Dec) 
• Clevedon Pier: Christmas Light Switch-On (24^th Nov) 
• Clevedon, Queens Square: Christmas Light Switch-On (23^rd Nov) 
• Clevedon Winter Market (7^th Dec) 
• Clifton: Christmas Lights (8^th Nov) 
• The Entertainer Stores: Free Letter Writing Service to Santa (4^th, 11^th or 18^th Nov) 
• Exploring Bristol’s parks and estates 
• Hestercombe Gardens: Christmas Market (17^th – 19^th Nov) 
• Hobbycraft crafting workshops for kids and adults (various dates) 
• IKEA:  
  • Breakfast with Santa (free to book but there is a cost for breakfast. It does include a visit to Santa’s grotto) (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
  • Free Family Weekend (25^th – 26^th Nov) 
  • Jolly Gingerbread House Decorating (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
  • Me-Made Gift (Kids Craft Workshop) (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
• Jet Age Museum in Gloucester  
• John Wesley’s New Room: 
  • FREE Carols by Candlelight (14^th Dec) 
  • FREE Christmas Craft Day (19^th Dec) 
  • FREE Lunchtime Carols (13^th Dec) 
• Keynsham Winter Festival (24^th Nov) 
• Leaf & Ground in Dursley  
• Letter to and from Santa via Royal Mail: (Send by Friday 30^th Nov) 
• Libraries: 
  • Bristol Libraries 
  • Central Bristol Library
  • South Glos Libraries LEGO Clubs 
• The Mall, Cribbs Causeway:  
  • Free Early Years Story Mornings with Santa & The Festive Elves (WEEKDAYS: 1^st – 15^th Dec) 
  • Free Santa’s Festive Takeover (WEEKENDS in Dec & the week leading up to Christmas) 
  • Mog’s Christmas Trail (Whole of Dec) 
• Saturday Art Club at Bristol Beacon for 4-11 yr olds (the first Saturday of every month)  
• Santa’s Christmas Float 2023 – Touring all around Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas throughout December (Facebook link) UPDATE: Locations released on Instagram
• Scribble & Sketch free family art workshops taking place once per month at various venues 
• St Mary Redcliffe Church: Treefest (6^th – 10^th Dec) 
• Weston-Super-Mare: Christmas Light Switch on & Big Eat Festival (2^nd Dec) 

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11. HOLIDAY CLUBS/DROP-OFFS  

Here’s a list of some School Holiday Clubs – but please note…there are a load of them out there and this is only a small selection!…   

• Bristol/Bath Rugby Camps  
• Bristol City Council: Your Holiday Hub (YHH) 
• Campus Skateboarding: Skate Club 
• Coombe Dingle Sports Complex: Tennis Holiday Camps 
• Goldfinch: Holiday Art Club 
• Junior Adventures Group Holiday Club 
• The Hideaway Forest School (Henleaze)   
• Lawrence Weston Community Farm: Half Term Forest School Adventures 
• Mad Science Holiday Camp (in Southville and at Red Maids School)   
• The Outdoors Project (at St Barnabas School and at Horfield Common)   
• Progressive Sports (covering Bath & North Somerset, as well as Bristol and South Glos)   
• Shine Holiday Club (Horfield Common)   
• Signature Sports Coaching: Half-Term Fundays (Bradley Stoke, Filton, Kingswood & Redfield)  
• South Gloucestershire Holiday Activities & Food clubs (HAF)  
• Southwest Buzzers Academies (based at Glenfrome School in Eastville)  
• Sporting Chance Holiday Club (Mangotsfield, Lyde Green, Kingswood & Fishponds)  
• Swift Sports Coaching (Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury, Longwell Green, Patchway and Winterbourne)   
• University of Bristol Swimming Pool: Crash Swim Courses 
• Your Holiday Hub Bristol website - A mix of free and paid-for school holiday clubs and activities across Bristol for children and young adults aged 4 to 16.   
• Zebras Holiday Camp at Cotham School   

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12. ICE SKATING 

• Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: Festive Outdoor Ice Skating (1st – 31st Dec)   
• Bath On Ice (17^th Nov – 3^rd Jan) 
• Clarks Village: Ice Skating (9^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• International Convention Centre Wales: Skate (15^th Dec – 4^th Jan)  
• Planet Ice in Cribbs Causeway (Anytime) 
• Tropicana Weston: Icescape (7^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Warwick Castle: Ice Skating (25^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• West Midlands Safari Park: Safari Skating (24^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Winter Glow: Christmas Ice Skating (24^th Nov – 6^th Jan) 

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13. INDOOR ACTIVITIES (paid for) 

• Bowling: Hollywood Bowl or Lane 7    
• Bristol Aquarium 
• The Bristol Brick Show: LEGO Event (18^th & 19^th Nov) 
• Bump Roller Disco 
• Clifton Observatory: Christmas Elf Hunt (15^th – 31^st Dec) 
• Creation Station: Creative classes & workshops (various dates) 
• Elf At The Door: Various Locations (various dates) 
• Gloucestershire County Cricket Club: The Bristol Brick Show (for LEGO enthusiasts) (18^th & 19^th Nov) 
• Goldfinch: Art Classes & Café (various dates)  
• Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare: The Grinch Grotto Takeover (16^th, 17^th, 21st & 22^nd Dec) 
• Haynes Motor Museum: Christmas at the Museum (16^th Dec – 1^st Jan) 
• Jump! Bristol: Christmas Disco (19^th Dec) 
• Little City Bristol (for children under 6yrs) (various) 
• The Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath: Professor Snitch’s Yule Ball Celebration (17^th Dec) 
• Mini Golf: (various dates)  
  • Jungle Rumble  
  • Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf 
  • Par59 
• My Little Town play café in Chipping Sodbury (for children under 8yrs) (various dates) 
• Ninja Warrior in Bristol (various) 
• No.1 Royal Crescent Museum in Bath: Marvellous Mouse Trail (18^th – 31^st Dec) 
• Planet Ice: Indoor Ice Skating (Anytime)  
• Popkids Christmas Wonderland (21^st Dec) 
• Pottery painting at Windmill Hill City Farm and at Flying Saucers on Clifton Triangle   
• Propyard:  
  • Winterland Arcade Machines (25^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
  • Winterland Roller Skate Disco (25^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• SS Great Britain: Victorian Christmas (2nd – 10^th Dec)   
• The Happy Parents Club (For new or expectant parents) - online and in-person courses, plus baby massage classes  
• Trainmaster: North Somerset & Bristol (various dates)  
• Trampoline Parks: AirHop in Cribbs Causeway, Freedog in Bedminster 
• Wake the Tiger 
• Zion Community Centre: Frozen Princess Show with Meet & Greet Elsa & Anna (25^th Nov) 

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14. KEY CHARITY/AWARENESS DAYS 

• Remembrance Day (11th Nov) 
• Anti-Bullying Week and also World Nursery Rhyme Week (13th-17th Nov) 
• Children In Need (17th Nov) 
• Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day (7th Dec) 

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15. KEY SUPERMARKET DATES TO ORDER FESTIVE FOOD 

• Aldi: Dates of festive food and drink release dates now available 
• ASDA: Slots now available to book 
• Co-Op: Christmas delivery slots have yet to be announced 
• Iceland: Christmas delivery slots have yet to be announced 
• Marks & Spencer: Slots now available to book 
• Morrisons: Slots now available to book 
• Ocado: Christmas food delivery slots have been released for Smart Pass customers. Details for other customers have yet to be announced 
• Sainsbury’s: Slots now available to book 
• Tesco: Anytime Delivery Saver customers can book their slots from 6am Tuesday 7^th November, while all other customers can book theirs from 6am on Tuesday 21 November 
• Waitrose: Slots now available to book 

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16. LIGHT TRAILS/EVENTS 

• Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: Christmas Nights (1^st – 31^st Dec)  
• Clevedon: Christmas Illuminations (24^th Dec)  
• Clevedon Pier: Christmas Light Switch-On (24^th Nov)  
• Clevedon, Queens Square: Christmas Light Switch-On (23^rd Nov) 
• Clifton: Christmas Lights (8^th Nov)  
• Cotswold Farm Park: Enchanted Light Trail (24^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• Evolution Drone Light Show: Bristol (20^th & 21^st Dec) 
• Hestercombe Gardens: Illuminate (23rd Nov – 30^th Dec) 
• Longleat: Festival of Light – The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (11^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Old Down Country Park: Festive Illuminations (26^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Painswick Rococo Garden: The Enchanted Garden By Night (7^th Dec – 6^th Jan) 
• Puxton Park: Christmas Lights Switch On (25^th Nov) 
• Stourhead: Christmas Light Trail (1^st – 31^st Dec) 
• Warwick Castle: Light Trail (25^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Westonbirt Arboretum: Enchanted Christmas (24^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Weston-Super-Mare: Christmas Light Switch on & Big Eat Festival (2^nd Dec)  
• Winter Glow: Christmas Illuminated Light Trail (24^th Nov – 6^th Jan)  

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17. NEW YEAR’S EVE (for families) 

[All events taking place on 31^st December unless otherwise stated] 

• Almondsbury Creative: Vegas New Year’s Eve 
• Avon Valley Railway: New Years Bitton Belle Dining Train (31^st Dec – 1^st Jan) 
• Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful: ‘Nearly’ New Year’s Eve 
• West Midlands Safari Park: Family New Year’s Eve Party 
• Zion Community Centre: Family New Years Eve Party 

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18. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

• American Museum & Gardens: Winter Wonderland (1^st – 31^st Dec)  
• Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: Christmas Nights (1^st – 31^st Dec) 
• Bath: Glow Golf (17^th Nov – 3^rd Jan) 
• Bristol Ferry: Sail with Santa (9^th – 23^rd Dec)  
• Bristol Zoo Project: Festive Woodland (2^nd Dec – 7^th Jan) 
• Dunster Castle: A Country Christmas at Dunster Castle (3^rd Dec – 1^st Jan) 
• Dyrham Park: Christmas at Dyrham Park (1^st Dec – 7^th Jan) 
• Mendip Activity Centre: Festive Tobogganing (3^rd Nov – 2nd Jan) 
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm:  
  • Reindeer Talk (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
  • A Winter’s Trail – Footprints in the Snow (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
  • Wonky Christmas Tree Corner (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• Old Down Country Park: Christmas Launch (26^th Nov) 
• Palette & Pasture: Christmas on the Farm (2^nd – 21^st Dec) 
• Pennywell Farm: The Perfect Christmas Experience (17^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Tyntesfield: Christmas Activities (3^rd Dec – 1^st Jan) 
• The Vench - Lockleaze Youth and Play space and Community Centre: Beyond the Mix Families meet up (This event is for mixed heritage families) (12^th Nov) 
• West Midlands Safari Park: Santa Safari (24^th Nov - 24^th Dec) 
• Winter Glow: Christmas Event (24^th Nov – 6^th Jan) 
• WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre: Drawn to Water Winter (11^th Dec – 24^th Feb) 

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19. SANTA EXPERIENCES  

[Some ‘Meet Santa’ events can also be found in the ‘Food’ section above] 

• Aerospace Bristol: Visit Santa’s Workshop & Fly To The North Pole (Tickets not yet released: 1^st – 23^rd Dec) 
• Almondsbury Creative: Christmas Festival of Fun (21^st Dec) 
• Ashton Court Mansion: Father Christmas Experience (1^st – 23^rd Dec) 
• Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: Christmas Experience (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• Avon Valley Railway: Santa Steam Specials (25th Nov - 24th Dec) 
• Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful: Christmas Party (17^th – 21^st Dec) 
• Bristol Ferry: Sail with Santa (9^th – 23^rd Dec) 
• Bristol Zoo Project: Festive Fables with Father Christmas (2^nd – 23^rd Dec) 
• Cadbury Garden Centre: Santa’s Grotto (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• Cattle Country: Christmas Event (2^nd – 23^rd Dec) 
• Cheddar Gorge and Caves: Christmas at Cheddar (11^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Clearwell Caves: The Very Hungry Polar Bear (1^st – 24^th Dec) 
• Cotswold Airport: The Flight Before Christmas (25^th Nov – 24^th Dec)  
• Cotswold Farm Park: Christmas on the Farm (24^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Farrington’s Farm: Miracle on Main Street (16^th & 17^th Dec) 
• Grand Pier at Weston-Super-Mare: Santa’s Grotto (2^nd, 3^rd, 9^th, 10^th, 23^rd & 24^th Dec) 
• Grimsbury Farm: Storytime with Santa (11^th & 16^th Dec) 
• Hestercombe Gardens: Meet Father Christmas (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• John Lewis (Cribbs Causeway): 
  • Santa’s Grotto (25^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
  • Santa Paws (for dogs) (2^nd – 23^rd Dec) 
• Little Dobbies Garden Centre, Clifton: Santa Paws (For Dogs) (9^th – 17^th Dec) 
• The Mall, Cribbs Causeway:  
  • Free Early Years Story Mornings with Santa & The Festive Elves (WEEKDAYS: 1^st – 15^th Dec) 
  • Free Santa’s Festive Takeover (WEEKENDS in Dec & the week leading up to Christmas) 
• Milsom Place, Bath: Father Christmas’ Grotto (23^rd Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Newark Park: Meet Father Christmas (2^nd – 17^th Dec) 
• No.1 Royal Crescent Museum in Bath: Meet Father Christmas (2^nd – 24^th Dec)  
• Old Down Country Park: Visit Santa (18^th – 24^th Dec) 
• Palette & Pasture: Christmas on the Farm (2^nd – 21^st Dec) 
• Perrygrove Railway: Christmas Twilight Trains (3^rd – 23^rd Dec) 
• Planet Ice: Skate and See Santa (2^nd – 21^st Dec) 
• Puxton Park: Magical Christmas Wonderland (2^nd – 24^th Dec) 
• Roves Farm: Christmas Experience (25^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• Santa’s Christmas Float 2023 – Touring all around Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas (throughout December) (Facebook link) 
• Stourhead: Storytime with Father Christmas (2^nd – 22^nd Dec) 
• Warwick Castle: Stories with Santa (25^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Winter Glow: Santa Experience (24^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Wookey Hole: Winter Wonderland (25^th Nov – 1^st Jan) 
• Zion Community Centre: Santa Visit at Zion Christmas Market (9^th Dec) 

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20. SEND ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 

• AirHop SEN Sessions 
• American Museum & Gardens: Winter Wonderland (Accessibility info) (1^st – 31^st Dec)  
• Be Weird, Be Wild, Be Wonderful:  
  • SEND Support Session (12^th Nov) 
  • SEND Christmas Party (3^rd Dec)  
• Bristol Aquarium: Keep Calm sensory awareness mornings (various dates)  
• Bristol.gov.uk have put together a list of activities specifically for children with SEND   
• Bristol Hippodrome: Peter Pan Pantomime (Captioned performance on 9^th Dec; Audio Described and a British Sign Language Interpreted Performance on 28^th Dec)  
• Bristol Old Vic:  
  • Arabian Nights (Audio Described & Captioned Performance on 16^th Dec; Relaxed Performance on 28^th Dec & 3^rd Jan)  
  • Four Seasons (Relaxed & Signed Performance on 14^th & 19^th Dec) 
• Bump Roller Disco: Inclusive & Accessibility Sessions (various dates) 
• Cattle Country: Christmas Event (18^th Dec) 
• Cinema: Various cinemas have SEND-friendly screenings so worth checking their websites. Here’s Showcase Cinema’s info as an example. 
• Dobbies Garden Centre, Gloucester: Santa’s Quiet Grotto (8^th Dec) 
• Dragonbird Theatre: [dates and ticket release TBC] 
  • We’re Going on a Lion Hunt (Nov) 
  • Winter Wonderland (Dec)  
• The Entertainer Toy Store: Quiet Hours (“in the first hour of trade every day the store keeps music off, lighting down low and demos turned off to allow a calmer shopping experience for those who prefer that”) (all year) 
• Gympanzees: SEND events in Bristol (various dates)  
• John Lewis: Santa’s Grotto Relaxed Sessions (26^th Nov – 24^th Dec) 
• Jump! Bristol: Peaceful Play Session (19^th Nov) 
• Mr Mulligans Indoor Adventure Golf: Sensory Sessions (Every Sunday 10-11am)  
• Perrygrove Railway: SEND Friendly Christmas Twilight Trains (3^rd – 23^rd Dec)  
• Redgrave Theatre: Rapunzel (Signed performance on 18^th Dec; relaxed performance on 27^th Dec) 
• St Werburghs Community Centre: (For SEND parents) Free weekly yoga classes for SEND parents (Monday mornings)   
• Super Sense Bristol: Sensory Room at Imperial Sports Ground (various dates)  
• Tobacco Factory Theatres:  
  • Noel West (Relaxed performances on 16^th & 18^th Dec; BSL Interpreted Performance on 16^th Dec)  
  • Oliver Twist (BSL Interpreted Performance on 16^th & 19^th Dec; Relaxed Performance on 3^rd Jan; Audio Described Performance on 17^th & 18^th Jan; Socially Distanced Show on 17^th Jan)  
• Westonbirt Arboretum: Enchanted Christmas (25^th Nov & 2^nd Dec) 

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21. THEATRE 

• Bath Christmas Market: Natural Theatre Company (22^nd Nov – 6^th Dec) 
• Bristol Beacon: The Snowman + Wallace & Gromit - The Wrong Trousers (8^th Dec) 
• Bristol Hippodrome:  
  • BLOC – A Christmas Carol (14^th – 18^th Nov) 
  • Annie (20^th – 25^th Nov) 
  • Peter Pan Pantomime (2^nd – 31^st Dec)  
• Bristol Old Vic:  
  • Arabian Nights (23^rd Nov – 6^th Jan) 
  • Four Seasons (1^st Dec – 7^th Jan) 
• De Vere Tortworth Court: Treasure Island Pantomime Afternoon Tea (9^th Dec) 
• Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Wonder and Dream Big at various locations including Birmingham and Exeter (1^st Nov 2023 – 24^th Mar 2024) 
• Dragonbird Theatre: [dates and ticket release TBC] 
  • We’re Going on a Lion Hunt (Nov) 
  • Winter Wonderland (Dec) 
• Elf: A Christmas Spectacular at various locations including Bournemouth & London (15^th Nov – 6^th Jan)  
• International Convention Centre Wales: Cinderella On Ice (15^th Dec – 4^th Jan) 
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm: Nativity & Carols (25^th Nov)  
• Perrygrove Railway: Down the Chimney shows (3^rd – 23^rd Dec) 
• Planet Ice: Wizard of Oz on Ice (Matinee and Evening performances on 30^th Nov) 
• Redgrave Theatre: 
  • Stick Man (17^th – 19^th Nov) 
  • Into the Woods (28^th Nov – 7^th Dec) 
  • Rapunzel (Preview Dates: 12^th – 15^th Dec) 
  • Rapunzel (15^th – 31^st Dec) 
• The Front Room:  
  • Little Murmur (11^th Nov) 
  • JACK! by Little Seeds Music (19^th Nov) 
  • The Star Seekers (26^th Nov) 
  • A Winter’s Tail - A Christmas play-along theatre adventure (16^th Dec) 
  • The Snow Baby (20^th – 30^th Dec) 
• The Little Things Theatre: Christmas Trolls: (2^nd Dec) 
• The Wardrobe Theatre: Kid Carpet – Noisy Nativity (15^th – 29^th Dec) 
• The Theatre Shop in Clevedon: 
  • Kid Carpet & The Noisy Garden Centre (12th Nov)  
  • Santa On Stage (1^st Dec) 
  • A Christmas Carol (8^th – 30^th Dec) 
  • A Winter’s Tale (14^th & 23^rd Dec) 
• Tobacco Factory Theatres:  
  • Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza (12^th Dec) 
  • Noel West (14^th – 18^th Dec) 
  • The Selfish Giant (14^th Dec – 6^th Jan) 
  • Oliver Twist (1^st Dec – 21^st Jan) 
• Zion Community Centre:  
  • BS3 SANTA preview show (26^th Nov) 
  • Cinderella - A Pantomime (7^th Jan) 

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22. THEME PARKS THAT ARE FURTHER AFIELD 

• Alton Towers: Christmas (24^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Chessington World of Adventures: A Winters Tail (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• Drayton Manor: Christmas Wonderland (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• Harry Potter Movie Studios: Hogwarts in the Snow (11^th Nov – 14^th Jan) 
• Legoland: Christmas (25th Nov – 3rd Jan) 
• Paulton’s Park: Christmas (2^nd – 23^rd Dec) 

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23. TWEENS & TEENS 

• Banksy Street Art Tour (various dates) 
• Bowling: Hollywood Bowl, Lane 7 or Roxy Lanes (all year)  
• Bristol Activity Centre (various dates)  
• Campus Skateboarding: Skate Club for 7-12yrs+ (various dates) 
• Cinemas: Cineworld, Everyman, Odeon, Showcase, Vue etc (all year)  
• Crazy Golf and Games Bars: (various dates) 
  • Boom Battle Bar 
  • Congo Falls Adventure Golf 
  • Jungle Rumble 
  • Mr Mulligans 
  • Roxy Lanes 
  • Par59 
  • Pirate Bay Adventure Golf 
  • Victoria Falls Adventure Golf in Bath 
• Dreams & Themes: Pamper Sessions & Tween/Teen Makeup Tutorials (various dates)  
• Escape Rooms: Various Bristol locations (various dates)  
• Gaming: (all year) 
  • Belong 
  • Four Quarters 
  • Playnation 
  • Vertigo VR Bristol 
• Graffiti Workshops: (various dates) 
  • Graft 
  • Where the Wall 
• Indoor/Outdoor Climbing: (various dates) 
  • Go Ape 
  • Flashpoint Bristol 
  • Redpoint Bristol 
  • SS Great Britain (Go Aloft) 
• Mendip Activity Centre: Activities (various dates)  
• Museums/Art Galleries: (all year) 
  • Aerospace 
  • Arnolfini 
  • Bristol Museum 
  • MShed 
• Over Farm: Christmas Barn Dance (for 18yrs+) (24^th Nov – 16^th Dec) 
• Pedal Progression: Mountain Bike Skills Sessions at Ashton Court (various dates)  
• Propyard:  
  • Winterland Arcade Machines (25^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
  • Winterland Roller Skate Disco (25^th Nov – 23^rd Dec) 
• SUP: Paddleboarding (various dates)  
• The Theatre Shop in Clevedon (various shows and dates) 
• Treasure Hunt Bristol (various dates)  
• Tree Climbing: Go Ape (various dates)   
• Velocity Paintballing (various dates) 
• The Wave: Surf (various dates)  
• Yuup: A tonne of local experiences perfect for older children (various dates) 

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24. TWIXMAS (Between Christmas & New Year)

• American Museum & Gardens: Winter Wonderland (1^st – 31^st Dec)  
• Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park: Christmas Nights (1^st – 31^st Dec)  
• Bath: Glow Golf (17^th Nov – 3^rd Jan) 
• Bath On Ice (17^th Nov – 3^rd Jan) 
• Bristol Hippodrome: Peter Pan Pantomime (2^nd – 31^st Dec)  
• Bristol Old Vic:  
  • Arabian Nights (23^rd Nov – 6^th Jan) 
  • Four Seasons (1^st Dec – 7^th Jan)  
• Bristol Zoo Project: Festive Woodland (2^nd Dec – 7^th Jan)  
• Chessington World of Adventures: A Winters Tail (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec)  
• Clarks Village: Ice Skating (9^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Clearwell Caves: The Very Hungry Polar Bear (28^th – 31^st Dec – without Father Christmas, the Christmas stalls or Underground Café)  
• Cotswold Farm Park: Enchanted Light Trail (24^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• De Vere Tortworth Court: Festive Afternoon Tea (1^st Dec – 31^st Jan)  
• Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Wonder and Dream Big at various locations including Birmingham and Exeter (1^st Nov 2023 – 24^th Mar 2024)  
• Drayton Manor: Christmas Wonderland (25^th Nov – 31^st Dec) 
• Dunster Castle: A Country Christmas at Dunster Castle (3^rd Dec – 1^st Jan) 
• Dyrham Park: Christmas at Dyrham Park (1^st Dec – 7^th Jan)  
• Elf: A Christmas Spectacular at various locations including Bournemouth & London (15^th Nov – 6^th Jan)  
• Harry Potter Movie Studios: Hogwarts in the Snow (11^th Nov – 14^th Jan)  
• Haynes Motor Museum: Christmas at the Museum (16^th Dec – 1^st Jan)  
• Hestercombe Gardens: Illuminate (23rd Nov – 30^th Dec) 
• International Convention Centre Wales:  
  • Cinderella On Ice (15^th Dec – 4^th Jan)  
  • Skate (15^th Dec – 4^th Jan) 
• Legoland: Christmas (25th Nov – 3rd Jan) 
• Longleat: Festival of Light – The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (11^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Mendip Activity Centre: Festive Tobogganing (3^rd Nov – 2nd Jan) 
• No.1 Royal Crescent Museum in Bath: Marvellous Mouse Trail (18^th – 31^st Dec)  
• Planet Ice in Cribbs Causeway (Anytime)  
• Redgrave Theatre: Rapunzel (15^th – 31^st Dec)  
• Stourhead: Christmas Light Trail (1^st – 31^st Dec) 
• The Front Room: The Snow Baby (20^th – 30^th Dec)  
• The Wardrobe Theatre: Kid Carpet – Noisy Nativity (15^th – 29^th Dec)  
• Tobacco Factory Theatres:  
  • The Selfish Giant (14^th Dec – 6^th Jan)  
  • Oliver Twist (1^st Dec – 21^st Jan) 
• Tropicana Weston: Icescape (7^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Tyntesfield:  
  • Christmas Activities (3^rd Dec – 1^st Jan)  
  • Reindeer Trail (16^th – 31^st Dec) 
• Warwick Castle:  
  • Christmas Afternoon Tea (2^nd Nov – 7^th Jan) 
  • Ice Skating (25^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
  • Light Trail (25^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• West Midlands Safari Park: Safari Skating (24^th Nov – 7^th Jan) 
• Winter Glow:
  • Christmas Ice Skating (24^th Nov – 6^th Jan) 
  • Christmas Illuminated Light Trail (24^th Nov – 6^th Jan) 
• WWT Slimbridge Wetlands Centre: Drawn to Water Winter (11^th Dec – 24^th Feb) 

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25. WAYS TO SAVE MONEY 

• Create a gift budget 
• Shop second-hand and shop around for deals 
• Use cashback sites 
• Try a family Secret Santa 
• Sell your clutter and unused items 
• Use pre-planned lists for your Christmas food shop 
• Book travel ahead of time 
• Sun Savers – x2 free tickets to Merlin attractions  
• Kellogs 2 for 1 on Merlin attractions via different promotions you get on cereal boxes, multipacks of chocolate bars and crisps etc  
• Kids Pass  

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