visit santa bristol

Microadventures in Bristol and beyond

Where to find the best Santa grotto Bristol

Ho Ho Holy moly, it’s that time of year again! Time to knock up some Christmas lists and get them off to the North Pole, or tell a Bristol Father Christmas face-to-face. So where is the best place to meet Santa in Bristol? Well there are a few places in the city, and even more very nearby – including Santa helicopter grottos, cave-dwelling Father Christmases, sailing Santas and Santa trains! To make your job slightly easier, here’s a round-up of places you can find the best Santa grotto in Bristol this Christmas.

Where to find Santa’s grotto in Bristol Christmas 2023

Free early years story mornings with santa & the festive  elves , the mall at cribbs causeway.

When? Weekdays 1-15 December   2023 ,  9.30am / 10.30am / 11.30am ,  Sunday 11am

Join Santa in his sitting room in the centre of the lower mall for story-filled festive fun. Santa will be reading Mog’s Christmas among other classics. No need to book, bring your favourite teddy!

Sail with Santa, Bristol Ferry Boats

Search for Father Christmas with the Ferry Elves on their cosy festively-decorated boat (9-10, 16-23 December). Once found, Bristol Ferry Boats’ charming Father Christmas will entertain, dole out individual gifts for the kiddywinks – with mince pies and sherry for the adults – while you cruise around the harbour. Pickup location is The Cascade Steps  – arrive a little early.

Book to see Santa Bristol Ferry Boats 2023 here

Father Christmas experience, Ashton Court Mansion

2023 dates: weekends and selected weekdays from 1-23 December.

A fun, 20-minute interactive experience which starts in the Great Hall. Visitors will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift in the Victorian manor house.

Click here to check availability

Santa’s grotto at The Wave Bristol

Inland surfing lake, The Wave will be having a visit from the big man himself. Book your visit – £7 per child, including a gift and a photograph.

Click here to book a visit to Santa at The Wave

Pictures with Santa, Abbots Leigh

If you’re after some REALLY GOOD photos with Santa, this is where you’ll want to go to see Father Christmas near Bristol. This special themed 15-minute meet-and-greet storytelling experience for the whole family includes a free gift for each child and a professional photograph of meeting Father Christmas.

Photographs will be ready a week later and can be purchased from a secure online gallery where you can order prints, gifts and download the digital files.

Book your Santa photo shoot here

John Lewis Santa Grotto Bristol Cribbs Causeway 2023

Work your way through the interactive grotto with the help of Santa’s mischievous little helpers. Complete your mission and you’ll meet Santa, have your photo taken and receive a very special gift. Open from mid-November to 24 December.

Book John Lewis Father Christmas Cribbs Causeway here

Bristol Santa grotto, Inns Court Softplay, Knowle

Santa is swooping into Boing Soft Play at Inns Court for a couple of sessions (9am or 11.30am). He’ll read the kiddos a story, hand over a gift and have his photo taken with little ones.

Click here to book to see Santa Bristol Boing, Inns Court tickets

Best places to see Santa near Bristol

Santa train at avon valley railway.

The Avon Valley Father Christmas will be swapping his sleigh for a vintage steam-hauled train to meet visitors in their own compartments this Christmas (selected dates 25 November-24 December). Tell him what’s on your special list as you choo-choo through gorgeous countryside, he might even have an early gift for good boys and girls! You’ll also be able to get your photo taken with him on return to Bitton. Don’t forget to keep your peepers peeled for festive Christmas donkeys on the lawn!

Book your Santa Steam Specials here

Meeting Santa at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Have your Christmas wishes at the ready and join Avon Valley for a family show packed with festive fun, song and dance (selected dates 3-24 December 2023) before having your photo taken with Santa in his wooden cabin and picking a gift from his toy room. Mrs Claus and her helpers will have gingerbread people ready for you to decorate for Christmas Day and you can also make your own reindeer food to take home.

The Post Room will be open for you to send a letter (or use the Avon Valley SMS – Santa Messaging Service) to send any last minute requests to Santa.

Click here to check availability for meeting Santa at Avon Valley

Cadbury Garden Centre Santa Grotto

Santa’s coming to Cadbury Garden Centre, The Elves are eagerly awaiting your arrival and busy making a gift for you to collect on the way out. Meet Santa in his grotto, go for Christmas afternoon tea or try the breakfast with Santa experience!

Book tickets to the Santa experience here

WWT Slimbridge Santa

Meet Santa at Slimbridge as you tuck into an all-day breakfast beside a flock of flamingos! Once you’ve got your festive fill (including a gift from Santa Claus himself), you can head off into 100-acres of beautiful winter wetlands to spot amazing wildlife.

Click here to meet check ticket availability for Santa’s wetland grotto

Breakfast with Father Christmas, Dobbies Thornbury

This festive event includes breakfast for the whole family followed by games and a visit from Santa, with a gift for every child.

Book Dobbies Santa Grotto

Breakfast with Santa Harvester, Bristol

Head over to the Bristol Harvester breakfast with Santa (3, 4, 10 11, 17, 18, 19, 21-24 December), where your little elves will receive a delicious breakfast, Fruit Shoot, chocolate treat, colouring in activities and a Santa goody bag. They’ll get to share their present list with the Father Christmas too. Pre-booking is essential.

Book Harvester Santa breakfast here

Farrington’s Elf Academy (3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December)

Join the Elf Academy and learn how to be one of Santa’s little helpers before meeting the big man himself. Learn the secret elf wave, how to make reindeer food, plant a magical candy cane seed and create an edible snowman.

Afterwards, Santa will be around to give a gift and certificate to say thank you for helping him with all the elf jobs!

Click here to check availability for Santa’s elf academy

Weston Pier Santa Grotto 2022, Weston-super-Mare

Meet the jolly man himself (selected days from 24 November-24 December), a quarter of a mile out to sea and receive a special Christmas gift.

For a Santa visit with a different festive flavour for your little mischief maker, head over on the weekend of 17-18 December when Mr Grinch is doing a takeover! This green grump will be posing as the magical man himself in an attempt to steal your Christmas spirit.

Book Weston Pier Santa here.

Father Christmas Weston super Mare Helicopter Museum

Forget the reindeer, this Santa will be arriving by helicopter (4 December)! Come and watch him land, then meet him and his elves in his special Helicopter Grotto and sit in his famous sleigh.

There will also be a Winter Wonderland display, Winter Weather Flight Simulator, open cockpit, charity stalls, a seasonal fayre and free entry for all children.

Click here to find out more information about seeing Father Christmas here

Winter Wonderland at The Crown Inn, Keynsham

Santa will be at The Crown Inn with his elf 9-10 December. Join in with Christmas carols, a festive mini disco and BBQ. Starts 6pm.

Book Christmas grotto at the crown here

Ocean Adventurers Christmas Grotto, Cheddar

Enjoy a magical 2.5 hour experience hosted by one of Santa’s elves. Create your own reindeer food, decorate gingerbread snacks and make a Christmas decoration to take home. Santa Claus will give each child a personalised meet and greet (thanks to a special form), there’ll be snow ball fights with the elves, a special Christmas Lapland Post-Office Pop up, plus a human-size elf on the shelf.

Kids will also be able to have a go on the soft play when not visiting the grotto.

Book here to see Santa this year

Perrygrove Twilight Trains, Forest of Dean

Hop aboard the Twilight Express train (selected dates from 1-23 December) for a magical journey through the illuminated woods, with a stop off to quaff hot chocolate, see Father Christmas at his snowy station and collect your wooden Christmas tree decoration.

Book Perrygrove Christmas here.

Clearwell Caves Father Christmas, Forest of Dean

Enter an underground world where caverns are filled with twinkling lights and Santa is waiting to greet you (selected dates (2-31 December)! Meet Father Christmas, then follow the magical tale of Archie and the unicorn as you walk through the caverns. Children 2-12 years old receive a gift from Father Christmas.

Halfway through, you’ll find Christmas stalls and an underground café with delicious cakes and warming winter drinks!

Book Clearwell Caves Christmas tickets

Longleat Father Christmas (6 November-24 December)

All aboard the Santa Train for the North Pole! Journey past Longleat’s stunning Half Mile Lake before disembarking at an enchanting snow-covered winter wonderland where you’ll find Father Christmas waiting for you in his grotto! Grown-ups can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and festive mince pie while children will receive a special Christmas gift.

Book Longleat Santa Train

Read more about Longleat Festival of Light

Father Christmas at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland

Wookey Hole decorate their famous caves with thousands of fairy lights for their festive season, turning it into a magical twinkling grotto (with a few Santas and reindeer thrown in for good measure). Guided tours take you through the spectacular caverns and then you’re free to explore above ground, where you’ll find a giant gorilla, fairy garden, animatronic dinosaurs, festive 4D cinema, circus shows, soft play, Victorian-style arcade and as part of the Christmas festivities, a chance to meet Santa and his elves (selected dates from 26 November).

Book to see Santa at Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland

Liked this post on where to see Santa in Bristol? Read more festive-flavoured blogs:

• Discover the best Bristol Christmas events here
• Best Christmas light trails near Bristol

Angharad Paull

Posts by Angharad Paull

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Bristol Family Blog

Your Family Guide to a Magical Christmas in Bristol 2023

Your family guide to a magical christmas in bristol 2023.

Find the best Christmas and Winter family events and activities to help you plan a magical Christmas in Bristol! Click the links below to jump to different types of events and activities. Follow us on Instagram if you would like ideas for more things to do in Bristol with kids throughout the year @bristolfamilyblog

✨ Illuminations

🎅 santa’s grottos, 🎅 christmas days out + santa, ❄️ other christmas and winter events, 🎄 free christmas activities, 🎄 christmas crafts, ❄️ winter walks & sledging, 🎄 christmas trees, illuminations.

Going to winter illuminations is definitely a tradition for us now! There are so many to work your way around. We were blown away by Longleat last year!

• Longleat The Festival of Light with the theme: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Other Treasured Tails 11 Nov – 7 Jan See Our Reel of last years spectacular display!
• Old Down Country Park Festive Illumination Trail. 26 Nov – 24 Dec ⭐SEN
• Hestercombe Gardens Illuminate 23 Nov – 30 Dec
• Cotswold Farm Park Enchanted Light Trail 24 Nov – 23 Dec
• Stourhead Christmas at Stourhead 1 – 31 December
• Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light 24 Nov – 30 Dec
• Westonbirt Arboretum Enchanted Christmas 24 Nov – 23 Dec
• Bishops Palace, Wells Christmas Illuminations 1 – 21 Dec
• Avon Valley Christmas Nights Light Trail 1 – 31 Dec
• Painswick Rococo Garden The Enchanted Garden By Night 7 Dec – 6 Jan
• Seat Unique Stadium Evolution Drone Light Show 20 & 21 Dec
• Bristol Cathedral Luxmuralis Force of Nature Light Show 30 Oct – 4 Nov
• Leigh Court Stables Lumosphere: Winter Illumination Experience 9, 10, 16 & 17 Dec
• Paignton Zoo GloWild 17 Nov – 2 Jan

Santa’s Grottos

Santa’s Grotto/Father Christmas experiences where meeting the big man is the main event:

• Ashton Court Father Christmas Experience in the mansion house. 1 – 23 Dec
• Cotswold Airport The Flight Before Christmas. This looks to be quite the experience – meet Father Christmas on a jumbo jet! 25 Nov – 24 Dec
• Avon Valley Railway Santa Special Train Rides, and Breakfast or Tea with Santa Events. 25 Nov – 24 Dec
• John Lewis Santa’s Grotto and Dog Friendly Grotto 25 Nov – 24 Dec ⭐SEN
• Farrington’s Miracle on Main Street 16 & 17 Dec Sold Out
• Stourhead Storytime with Father Christmas 2 – 22 Dec
• Somerset Reindeer Ranch Storytime, hot chocolate, meet a reindeer 2 – 23 Dec
• Cadbury Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto or Breakfast with Santa 2 – 24 Dec
• Bristol Ferry Sail with Santa. Join the ferry elves on the hunt for Santa, and once found he joins you on the boat! 9 – 23 Dec
• Ashton Court Miniature Railway 3 Dec Sold Out
• Newark Park Santa’s Grotto 2 – 17 Dec
• Emersons Green Villag e Hall Santa’s Grotto 9 Dec
• Emersons Green Village Hall Afternoon Tea with Santa 23 Dec
• Born in Bristol Traditional Grotto 10, 17 & 23 Dec
• Lyde Green Community Centre Storytime with Santa 18 Nov
• Poplars Farm Cafe Meet Santa 16, 17, 21 & 22 Dec
• The Ashton Brunch with Santa 16 Dec
• Grimsbury Farm Storytime with Santa Details TBC
• Almondsbury Garden Centre Santa’s Grotto 2 – 24 Dec
• The Amazing Elf Workshop and Santa Grotto WSM Events TBC
• Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park Grotto and christmas trail 2 – 24 Dec
• Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock Story Time with Santa or Breakfast With Santa 16 – 24 Dec
• The Folly Pub Christmas Eve Breakfast with Santa 24 Dec
• The Codrington Arms Supper with Santa 6 Dec
• Chew Valley Animal Park Supper with Santa 6 & 20 Dec

Christmas Days Out + Santa

Christmas Events which have a Santa’s Grotto type experience as part of the day out (sometimes an optional part of the day):

• Longleat The Festival of Light. During this festival the safari park is open during the day, with the light trail in the evening. There are day ticket options with or without the safari, or twilight tickets for the evening. There is a Santa Train Grotto Experience running through The Festival of Light until 24 Dec. The Santa Train requires additional booking so you can very easily visit without seeing Santa if you would prefer to. There is so much to do around Longleat, you won’t get around it all in a day! The Festival of Light select dates 11 Nov – 7 Jan.
• Bristol Zoo Project Santa’s Enchanted Woodland. Free with admission drop-in story sessions with Father Christmas run on weekends 2-3 December, 9-10 December, and then every day from 16 to 23 December.
• Avon Valley Whole day experience lots of activities with a Santa show and a Rudolph show, toy workshop, meet Santa, gingerbread decorating with Mrs Claus, reindeer food making and more festive activities. 2 – 24 Dec See Our Reel from last year in the snow! Also has ice skating and illuminations separate booking required.
• C learwell Caves The Very Hungry Polar Bear story trail through the caves and meet Father Christmas 1 – 31 Dec
• Planet Ice Skate and See Santa Ice skating session, meet santa and elves, have a story and receive a gift. Weekends in Dec from 2 Dec and between 21 – 24 Dec
• Grand Pier WSM Santa’s Grotto 2, 3, 9, 10, 23 & 24 Dec or Grinch Grotto 16, 17, 21 & 22 Dec. Bookings include entry to the Grand Pier
• Aerospace Bristol Visit Santa’s workshop, fly to the North Pole on a Bristol Freighter, and meet Santa himself. See the museum with concorde, planes and helicopters.
• Slimbridge Visit the wetlands and meet Santa at his wetland grotto! Breakfast included 9 – 23 Dec
• Cattle Country Day out at the farm park and the Christmas experience includes the North Pole Grotto, making reindeer food, gingerbread decorating, and other festive activities. 2-23 Dec ⭐SEN
• Perrygrove Railway Two events: Christmas Twilight Trains 3.30-9pm. Illuminations along the line and meet Father Christmas. ⭐SEN. Down the Chimney Shows 9.30-4pm Stories with Mrs Claus and meet Father Christmas. 3-23 Dec
• SS Great Britain Victorian Christmas Weekends. “Meet Old Father Christmas in his green robes, hear traditional heart-warming carols, feast on delicious mince pies and experience our historic dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful greenery and guaranteed snow.” 2 – 3 and 9 – 10 Dec
• Cotswold Farm Park Christmas on the Farm. Day time ticket includes entry to the farm park, visit father christmas’ grotto, gingerbread decorating, teddy bear building and other festive activities. Evening ticket option where you meet father christmas and the full christmas experience, with access to the Enchanted Light Trail. Various dates 24 Nov – 23 Dec.
• Wookey Hole Winter Wonderland experience with lights, santas grotto, and circus show. Select dates Nov – Jan. If you want to do the activities without Santa’s grotto, visit between 27 Dec – 1 Jan.
• Ocean Adventurers Passport to Christmas. Includes soft play, santas grotto, reindeer food making, biscuit decorating, elf character appearances, snow ball fights and foam snow at the end. Select dates in Dec ⭐SEN
• Fairfield Animal Centre North Pole Grotto, polar bears and animal petting. Animal Park open for visits without the grotto. 25 Nov – 24 Dec
• The Helicopter Museum Christmas Fun Day. Meet Santa in his special Helicopter Grotto. Free present from Santa included with every child’s admission ticket. Open cockpits, charity stalls, face painting and Seasonal Fayre. 10 Dec
• Palette and Pasture Christmas Farm Trail with Activities, Seasonal Scenes, and Farm Animals. Santa Meet and Greet but you can buy tickets to the trail without meeting santa. Ice cream parlour will be open. 2 – 21 Dec
• Cheddar Gorge Anyone with a Cheddar Gorge & Caves Day Ticket can visit the elves’ toy workshop in the caves & a Father Christmas Grotto can be booked separately. Selected dates from 11 Nov.
• Hestercombe Gardens Meet Father Christmas and Christmas Trail. Also see Illuminate Christmas Illuminations. 2 – 24 Dec
• Winter Glow at Three Counties Showground Malvern Huge amount of festivities: Santa Experiences, Ice Skating, Illuminated Light Trail, Christmas Market, Fairground, 24 Nov – 6 Jan
• Bishops Palace, Wells Father and Mother Christmas, Christmas Workshops and Festive Storytime. Illumination trail also on.
• Lapland UK Incredible looking experience near Bracknell around 1 hr 30 mins from Bristol without traffic. It is sold out for this year but I am adding as you may wish to consider for next year. I will share on my stories when tickets are on sale for 2024 (it was 20 March this year). It is expensive but we would love to try it once!
• The Polar Express Experience – The closest ones to Bristol are the South Devon Polar Express in Buckfastleigh, Devon 24 Nov – 23 Dec, Seaton Tramway Polar Express in Seaton, Devon 24 Nov – 24 Dec, or Birmingham Polar Express Nov – Dec. The experience is similar to the premise of the film and it looks incredible!

Other Christmas and Winter Events

• Propyard Winterland 2024 Featuring a Ski Lodge, Retro Gaming Arcade, Roller Skating and Crazy Boules. 25 Nov – Dec
• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Festive activities TBC including a special Christmas trail and a Wonky Christmas tree corner!
• American Museum & Gardens Winter Wonderland “In December, visit our Winter Wonderland during the day for a festive, hand-crafted, Christmas experience.” Christmas crafts, colouring and other indoor activities and Christmas workshops TBC.
• Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre with campfire, s’mores, sparklers and hot chocolate! 3 Nov – 2 Jan
• Bath on Ice Ice rink and glow in the dark adventure golf 17 Nov – 3 Jan
• Stargazing at Failand Observatory  “Experience an exciting tour of the night sky guided by friendly astronomers from the Bristol Astronomical Society. Observe the Moon, planets and fascinating deep space objects through their telescopes at their wonderful observatory. Attending this event requires prior booking. Tickets are made available via the Eventbrite website on the morning of the event, only if the forecast permits stargazing.” Potential dates 24 Nov and 8 Dec 7-9pm – Better for older children due to the time of day. When I was a leader at Brownies, I arranged for our group to visit here and it was fantastic!
• Dyrham Park Christmas at Dyrham Park lots going on including trails, crafts and games 1 Dec – 7 Jan
• St Werburghs City Farm Winter Fair 1 Dec
• Avon Valley Ice Skating 1 Dec – 1 Jan (See also illumination trail and Christmas experience)
• Prior Park Family Christmas Advent Trail 2 Dec – 1 Jan
• Poplars Farm Cafe Naughty Elf Hunt Select dates 2-23 Dec
• Santas On The Run Festive 2k Fun Run at Charlton Farm, North Somerset on Sun 3 Dec. It is a charity event raising money for the South West Children’s Hospice. If you register you can also get 50% off entry to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm that weekend!
• Winterbourne Medieval Barn Carols in the Barn 9 – 10 Dec
• Clifton Observatory Christmas Elf Hunt 15 – 31 Dec
• Tyntesfield Reindeer Trail 16 Dec – 1 Jan, Festive Horse & Carriage Rides
• Over Farm’s Countryside Adventure Christmas on the Farm 19-23 Dec
• At Play In The Woods Winter Wonderland 10 Dec, Winter in the Woods 12 Dec, Letters to Santa 6, 10 & 14 Dec and Christmas in the Woods 15 Dec

Free Christmas Activities

• Mall Cribbs Mog’s Christmas at Cribbs 1 – 24 Dec. Free Mog trail around Cribbs collecting stamps! There are Early Years Story Sessions at 9.30, 10.30 & 11.30am on weekdays. On Saturdays and the week leading up to Christmas there is a Festive Fun Takeover 10am-6pm. On Sundays you will find Festive Family Fun 11am-5pm. Santa and his festive elves will be entertaining visitors throughout December with story sessions, songs, shows and free photo-ops! There is also a competition to win £1000 gift card here !
• Garden Centre Christmas displays – Cadbury Garden Centre and Whitehall Garden Centres (Whitchurch and Lacock) have amazing displays which are 100% worth a visit!
• Bath 23 Nov – 10 Dec
• Bristol 3 Nov – 23 Dec
• Bishops Palace 4 – 5 Nov
• Hestercombe Gardens 17 – 19 Nov
• Made in Bristol at Bristol Beacon 25-26 Nov & 9-10 Dec
• Windmill Hill City Farm Market 2 Dec
• Arnos Vale Cemetery 3 Dec
• Frome Independent 3 Dec
• 2 Dec Corsham, Box, Bathford, Batheaston, Lower Swainswick
• 3 Dec Keynsham Route 2
• 4 Dec Knowle
• 5 Dec Chippenham
• 6 Dec Lyde Green, Emersons Green
• 7 Dec Whitchurch
• 9 Dec Longwell Green, Barrs Court, Cadbury Heath, Oldland Common
• 10 Dec Hartcliffe
• 12 Dec Keynsham
• 14 Dec Bath Route 2
• 15 Dec Bedminster Down, Withywood, Bishopsworth, Headley Park
• 16 Dec Brislington
• 17 Dec Stockwood
• 19 Dec Kingswood
• 20 Dec Bath Route 1 Foxhill, Odd Down, Southdown, Twerton
• Thursday 30th November – Ladden Garden Village
• Friday 1st December – Wick & Pucklechurch
• Saturday 2nd December – Whitchurch
• Sunday 3rd December – Chipping Sodbury Victorian Day, North Yate
• Friday 8th December – Burton, Acton Turville, Badminton
• Saturday 9th December – Lyde Green, Emersons Green & Bromley Heath
• Tuesday 12th December – Thornbury
• Thursday 14th December – Colerne & Marshfield
• Friday 15th December – Oldland Common, Longwell Green and Keynsham
• Saturday 16th December – Hanham & Kingswood
• Thursday 21st December – Winterbourne, Coalpit Heath & Frampton Cotterell
• Friday 22nd December – Staple Hill, Downend & Mangotsfield
• Saturday 23rd December – Bradley Stoke Willow Brook Centre & Patchway
• Sunday 24th December – Bristol Downs
• Santa’s on a Bike Bristol Ride to Charlton Farm. Lots of santas and other christmas fancy dress on bikes! Free to attend but donations welcome supporting the South West Children’s Hospice. Check website for route. 2 Dec
• Local high street christmas light switch-ons. Clifton Village is always special
• Look at the Christmas lights in your local area (ideally with a thermos of hot chocolate!) There is a map here from Christmas Displays in Bristol and South Glos Facebook Group
• Start an advent window display on your road (Our road does this and it’s great fun! Each house has a different advent day and puts up a Christmas themed window display on their allocated day just like an advent calendar)
• Royal Mail Letters to Santa Post a letter to Santa by Fri 8 Dec and get a card back! (Or if you are too late you can download and print at home)
• School christmas fetes
• See our post with lots of free and cheap days out in Bristol for more ideas!

Christmas Crafts

Wreath making workshops.

• Flourish 20 Nov – 10 Dec
• The Flower Hut 18 Nov – 10 Dec
• Creative Space 24 Nov – 7 Dec
• Stourhead 25 Nov – 6 Dec
• Bath City Farm 25 Nov
• Hestercombe Gardens 25 Nov
• Bristol Flower School 30 Nov – 17 Dec
• Berwick Lodge 28 Nov – 8 Dec
• Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock 1, 5, 7, 12 & 14 Dec
• The Orangery at Goldney House 1 – 3 Dec
• Floriography 3 & 10 Dec
• Newark Park 7 – 8 Dec
• Tyntesfield 8 – 12 Dec
• Slimbridge 9 Dec

Other Crafts

A selection of Christmas crafts I have spotted but there are bound to be more!

• Creative Space Make a Printed Christmas Wreath (Adult & Child 6yrs+) 18 – 19 Nov
• Creative Space Origami Star Garland 23 Nov
• Flourish Make a Printed Christmas Wreath (Adult & Child 6yrs+) 25 – 26 Nov
• Flourish Bauble Painting 25 Nov, 1 & 5 Dec
• Flourish Christmas Printmaking (16+ or 14+ with adult) 25-26 Nov
• Creative Space Lino Print Christmas Cards 27 Nov
• Tyntesfield Lino Printing Christmas Cards 2 – 15 Dec
• Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock – Children’s Christmas Card Making, Christmas Cookie Decorating, Festive Cyclamen Planting, Christmas Slime, Reindeer Food Making – Various Dec dates
• Winterbourne Medieval Barn Christmas Family Craft Sessions 3 Dec
• Flourish New Pottery Painting Barn. Paint by 3 Dec to be collected in time for Christmas
• Wolfridge Alpaca Mini Santa Needle Felt Workshop 8 Dec
• Creative Space Origami Star Garland 10 Dec
• Creative Space Origami Christmas Trees 14 Dec
• Tyntesfield Make a Festive Reindeer 16 – 17 Dec
• Slimbridge Mosaic Bauble Making 16 Dec
• Slimbridge Christmas Mosaic Workshop 16 Dec
• Creative Space Christmas Paint & Print Kids Club – 6Yrs + 18 – 19 Dec
• John Wesley’s New Room Christmas Crafts Drop-in 19 Dec
• Yuup have lots of options!
• Bristol Hippodrome A Christmas Carol The Musical 14 – 18 Nov
• Redgrave Theatre Stickman 17 – 19 Nov
• Westpoint Exeter Disney on Ice 23-26 Nov
• The Egg Play Time: A Winter’s Tail 24 Nov
• Bristol Hippodrome Annie 20 – 25 Nov
• Bristol Old Vic Arabian Nights 23 Nov – 3 Jan (Age 7+)
• Emersons Green Village Hall Goldilocks and the Three Bears 25 Nov
• Redgrave Theatre Into The Woods 28 Nov – 7 Dec (Age rec 8+)
• Bath Forum The Muppet Christmas Carol with Live Orchestra 29 Nov
• Planet Ice Wizard of Oz on Ice 30 Nov
• Bristol Old Vic Four Seasons 1 Dec – 7 Jan (Age 3+)
• Tobacco Factory Theatres Oliver Twist 1 Dec – 21 Jan (Age rec 7+)
• The Egg Wendy: A Peter Pan Story 1 Dec – 13 Jan (Age 6+)
• Bristol Hippodrome Peter Pan Panto 2 – 31 Dec ⭐SEN
• Lyde Green Community Centre Treasure Island Panto 2 Dec
• Chew Stoke Village Hall Christmas Trolls 2 Dec
• Somerset Hall, Portishead Hansel & Gretel 6 – 9 Dec
• The Egg Midnight Mole 7 Dec – 7 Jan
• Theatre Royal Bath Sleeping Beauty Panto 7 Dec – 7 Jan
• Playhouse WSM Dick Whittington Panto 8 – 31 Dec
• Blakehay Theatre WSM Jack and the Beanstalk 8 – 10, 15 – 17 & 22 – 23 Dec
• Bristol Beacon The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers with Live Orchestra 8 Dec
• St George’s The Snowman Live! Orchestra 9 Dec
• Bath Forum Cirque: The Greatest Show 9 Dec
• Bath City Farm BS3 Santa 9 Dec
• Wardrobe Theatre BS2 Santa 10-11 Dec
• Redgrave Theatre Rapunzel A Tangled Tale Panto 12-31 Dec
• Alma Tavern A Christmas Carol 12 – 16 Dec
• Wardrobe Theatre Kid Carpet: Noisy Nativity 15 – 29 Dec
• Emersons Green Village Hall Cinderella Panto 16 Dec
• BS3 Santa at The Hen & Chicken Interactive show with Santa. 16 – 23 Dec
• Bath Forum Bath Philharmonia & The Snowman 16 Dec
• St George’s Gaspard the Fox with Zeb Soanes (Live orchestra and storytelling) 17 Dec
• Bristol Beacon Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in Concert Plus The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child 21 Dec (Age rec 5+)
• St George’s Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas 21 – 22 Dec
• Bristol Hippodrome Ballets: Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker & Swan Lake 4 – 6 Jan
• Bristol Old Vic Metamorphosis 10 – 20 Jan (Age 13+)
• The Egg Snow Mouse 11 Jan – 11 Feb

Winter Walks & Sledging

Beautiful winter walks.

• Ashton Court
• Blaise Castle Estate
• Tyntesfield National Trust (Gardens Closed 24 & 25 Dec)
• Dyrham Park National Trust (Gardens Closed 24 & 25 Dec)
• Leigh Woods
• Snuff Mills/Vassals Park
• Stoke Park Estate
• Arnos Vale Cemetery
• Prior Park National Trust (Gardens Closed 24 & 25 Dec)
• Stourhead National Trust (Gardens Closed 25 Dec)

Sledging Spots 🛷

If we are lucky enough to have a snow day these are some great spots for sledging in Bristol:

• Brandon Hill
• Arnos Vale Park
• Victoria Park
• St Andrews Park
• Eastville Park
• Perretts Park

Christmas Trees

Going to pick your Christmas tree can be a fun festive family event. The last couple of years we have been swayed by the IKEA deal (also the meatballs!) and the trees have been great. We would like to try a Christmas Tree Farm this year.

• Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm Open every day 9am – 5pm from 18 Nov
• Frenchay Cricket Club
• Bristol Christmas Tree Farm
• Clifton Christmas Trees at Aerospace Bristol car park from 20 Nov
• Christmas Tree Farm Winterbourne
• Ali and Joe’s Bristol and Bath based online store with Free Delivery. Pop up locations Victoria Park and the Tobacco Factory 2, 3, 9 & 10 Dec
• IKEA – TBC for 2023 but the deal is likely to be a £10 IKEA voucher when you buy a Christmas tree for £29. Usually available from mid November.
• Check local schools and scout hut sales
• Bristol Christmas Trees at the Steam Crane Pub Garden BS3
• Cadbury Garden Centre
• Whitehall Garden Centre
• Almondsbury Garden Centre

Thank you for reading! I put these lists together as I love helping families find fun things to do. Please share with any friends you think might find this helpful and follow our Instagram for lots of ideas throughout the year @bristolfamilyblog

Disclaimer: The details within this post are correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of adding each event. I cannot be held responsible if any of the above venues are sold out or events are cancelled. Please assume all events require booking unless the event host states otherwise and check opening times as these can vary over the Christmas period. If there is bad weather it is a good idea to check the organiser’s social accounts before heading to an event.

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Where to meet Santa in Bristol - grottos and meet-and-greets for Christmas 2022

Tickets are selling fast all across the city

• 06:00, 25 OCT 2022
• Updated 15:42, 6 DEC 2022

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Santa Claus is looking incredibly busy over the next few weeks with lots of opportunities to meet the man himself in and around Bristol. He'll be listening to the children of Bristol to hear what gifts they're asking for this year.

There are plenty of weird and whacky places offering a memorable experience this year - including Sail with Santa and a marmalade-inspired grotto. Places are booking up fast this year with some already sold out - so you better act quickly to reserve your spot for your family.

Here are some of the Santa's grotto events to take your little one to this year:

Read more: Bristol teenager's award-winning Christmas light display is brighter than ever

Zion Bristol Santa's Grotto

The community cafe and venue in South Bristol is hosting Santa's Grotto on December 17, with various times available to book at a cost of £5.44. Organisers say: "C ome and see Santa in his grotto this Christmas at Zion! Time slot needs to be booked in advance and a ll children will receive a present from Santa.

"The Zion Christmas Market will be taking place with many wonderful stalls inside, an external hot food vendor and hot drinks and yummy cake inside."

Zion Bristol, December 17

Santa Meet and Greet in Yate

The grotto at Yate Shopping Centre is open from 10am until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas week, when it will be open more often, closing on Christmas Eve at 1pm. There will be free stickers and certificates for each child on their visit to Santa who will be located outside the grotto, with a suggested contribution of £1 per visit to go towards Jessie May Children’s Hospice.

Yate Shopping Centre, various dates

Born in Bristol Santa's Grotto

Independent shop Born in Bristol, in St George, will welcome Santa for a traditional meet and greet experience, giving each child a gift chosen by the elves. Adults go free and dogs are welcome.

Tickets cost £5.50 and the dates are December 11, December 18 and December 19.

Born in Bristol, various dates

Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park has an incredible Christmas line-up this year for both children and adults to enjoy. There is a specially created theatre performance Santa's Sleigh Surprise Show along with lots of interactive fun including reindeer food making, Mrs Claus' kitchen, Santa's post room and a visit to Santa's toy shop to receive a special gift.

Tickets are £20 per adult and £25 per child, which includes a gift. The ticket also gives you access to all the activities from 9am. Booking online is recommended as tickets purchased at the gate will include a £5 surcharge.

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. December 3-4, 10-11, 17-24, 2022

Santa Steam Special at Avon Valley Railway

The annual Santa Steam Specials allows families and kids to ride the festive train for 50 minutes, where they can enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit as Santa himself will pass through the train to greet everyone. Once train goers return to Bitton Station, each lucky group will meet Santa again and even receive a present from him.

Tickets have sold out for this event since this list was first compiled.

Sail with Santa

Are you looking for something a bit different this year? Bristol Ferry Boats is offering a 45-minute experience to remember this year as you join Santa's elves on board to hunt for Father Christmas himself.

Once you've found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all the little ones and sail and join you for a sail around Bristol Harbour. Tickets are £20 per person and include a personalised gift for each child, a photo opportunity with Santa, festive snacks and sherry for the grown-ups.

The Cascade Steps. December 3-5, 10-11, 17-23, 2022 (varied times)

Cribbs Causeway's Winter Wonderland with Paddington

Children of all ages are invited to Santa’s Marvellous Marmalade Adventure Grotto at the Mall in Cribbs Causeway where they'll have the opportunity to meet Santa and his elves to learn all about their world. Grotto tickets are priced at £12.50 for children and £2/£5 for adults. The experience lasts around 20 minutes, including your time with Santa.

The shopping centre will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland once again this year with a magical ice skating rink and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Paddington bear. This session with Paddington is free and bookable online .

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. November 16, 2022, to January 2, 2023 (excluding bank holidays)

Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court

Ashton Court Mansion is offering a fun interactive experience with professional actors inside the historic building. Starting in the Great Hall, Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight the children in a 20-minute experience.

Children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas, receive a special gift and have a photo opportunity. Tickets available online here have sold out since this list was first compiled.

The Flight Before Christmas

From November 25 to December 24 the world's first 747 Christmas grotto experience will get underway at the private airport. The British Airways’ G-CIVB Boeing 747 ‘Negus’ has been based at Cotswold Airport near Kemble since October 2020 after it was decommissioned from service in early 2020.

Guests will come armed with their very own boarding passes and customised North Pole passports, passing through the 'naughty or nice' security check-in before they're seated in Premium Economy for an in-flight 'elf-and-safety' briefing hosted by Peppermint, the mischievous Head Elf. Tickets are priced at £20 per adult and £35 per child and are extremely limited. Read more about it here .

Cotswold Airport, various dates

Breakfast with Santa

Cadbury Garden Centre is offering a different type of festive experience, with the chance to enjoy a breakfast with Santa. For £13.95 children can meet Santa, enjoy breakfast and receive a gift - there is also breakfast available for adults at the same price.

The magical morning experience is available from December 4 to December 24 and can be booked at the Blue Diamond website . There is also a Santa's Grott from December 1 until Christmas Eve - priced at £10 per child.

Cadbury Garden Centre. Various dates

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Where to Meet Santa in Bristol this Christmas?

Christmas is here and it's time to celebrate the festive period like never before as Father Christmas makes his way to Bristol. Santa's grottos are being set up all around Bristol and the surrounding areas in 2024 so if you're looking for somewhere to take your little ones to meet Santa this year, then check out these Santa's Grotto events in Bristol.

Father Christmas at Hestercombe

About:  When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly Hestercombe elves, who will keep you entertained in the grotto as you wait to meet Father Christmas.

When the time comes you’ll wander through the winter gardens to the man himself. In his sweet little garden folly, the log fire will be roaring, lights will be twinkling on the Christmas tree and sacks of presents will be waiting…

After seeing Father Christmas, children can enjoy taking part in our Christmas trail.

Dates/Times: Available from Saturday 2nd December - Sunday 24th December 2023 from 10am until 4pm.

• Children - £14pp
• Adult Members - FREE
• Adult Non-Members - Half Price Garden Admission - £7.25

How to book: Visit their website here.

Address:  Hestercombe, Taunton, TA2 8LG

The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court

About:  Visit Ashton Court Estate for a fun interactive experience with professional actors in the historic Ashton Court Mansion. Father Christmas will make an entrance that will surprise and delight the children. Much more than a usual grotto, Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion is a magical experience held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house. 

Dates/Times:  1st December to 23rd December 2023 | Various times, from 10.00am - 5.00pm

Price:  

• Adult - £6
• Child - £14

How to book:   Click here to book tickets!

Address:  Ashton Court Mansion House, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park - Father Christmas 2023

Where:  Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP

When:  2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2023

About:  This December visit Avon Valley for a full day of festive, family fun in a Christmas experience like no other in the South West. 

Celebrating one of the best times of the year, they pride themselves in transporting you and your family to a place of Christmas wonder and magic.

Santa's Show  - When Santa is in town, you're in for a BIG surprise, so have your wishes at the ready and join them for a family show jam-packed with festive fun and full to the brim with mince pies and mischief. Full of magic, song and dance this show will get you into the Christmas spirit. At the end of the show you will visit Santa in his cabin to receive a golden ticket to take to his toy factory and choose your own gift!

Santa's Toy Factory  - Santa has given you permission to visit his Toy Factory and with a magic token, every child ticket holder can choose their own gift.

The Rudolph Show  - Join Rudolph for a roller coaster of a ride as they race against the clock to get Rudolph feeling fully festive and ready for Christmas Eve.

Price:  Various prices

How to book:  Book online by clicking  HERE  or by clicking below.

We recommend

Christmas in Bristol

We've wrapped all of our very best gift ideas, Christmas jumper suggestions and Christmas office party recommendations into this fabulously ...

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Jim Rielly Santa House

A project of the James D. Rielly Foundation, the Jim Rielly Santa House ™ located in Bristol Rhode Island, is a family-friendly holiday destination full of joy, whimsy, and nostalgia, where the season comes alive through interactive experiences, live performances, and Hallmark-worthy moments.

The Santa House fosters the magic of Christmas for children with special needs and their families. We provide immersive holiday experiences free of charge through community partnerships. Our volunteer-run organization strives to create cherished memories, spread holiday cheer, support our community, and promote goodwill and giving.

The Santa House envisions a welcoming place where children of all abilities can experience the wonder of the holidays. We see a space for children with special needs and their families to make treasured memories, sharing wishes with Santa Claus regardless of any physical, mental, or financial challenges. We see the Santa House becoming a yearly destination, generating incremental revenue for businesses through enhanced tourism.

The Santa House is available to other charities and community organizations focused on helping families and children in need.

We believe the Santa House will create cherished and lasting memories for families and children by providing an immersive Christmas experience. The goal is for the Santa House to become a yearly destination, generating incremental revenue for businesses through enhanced tourism.

Visit the Santa House website to learn more.

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Santa Claus expects to be busy visiting with children during Pinnacle Speedway In Lights

As the holiday season fast approaches, that jolly old elf from the North Pole – Santa Claus – is getting ready to make his annual trek to the Pinnacle Speedway In Lights powered by TVA at historic Bristol Motor Speedway.

Santa Claus, who has been an important fixture at the signature fund raiser for the Bristol Motor Speedway chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities for nearly three decades, will once again set up shop to visit with thousands of children in the popular Christmas Village presented by Food City, located inside the iconic NASCAR short track’s infield.

Not only will Santa be checking his naughty and nice list, but he will also be putting together a list of Christmas wishes from the thousands of children who share their perfect gift ideas with him. That wish list might include a brand-new bicycle, or a high-tech digital tablet. Perhaps it will be a LEGO Star Wars spaceship, or even a new Barbie Dream House.

Children will be able to visit with Santa Claus in the Barter Theatre Santa Hut starting on opening night of Speedway In Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, Nov. 17. Santa will be one of the main attractions at Pinnacle Speedway In Lights each night until Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), when the Barter Theater Santa Hut will close for the season at 9 p.m.

The beautifully-decorated Barter Theatre Santa Hut will be located in its usual spot on the back side of the track’s Goodyear building (near turn two) in the Christmas Village presented by Food City. To help families capture the special memory, all children who visit with Santa will have an official portrait created that will be enclosed inside a festive Pinnacle Speedway In Lights photo card for $5 each.

After you visit with Santa, the Christmas Village presented by Food City has so many other fun things to explore, including additional photo opportunities in front of several special holiday displays, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, shopping with a variety of local vendors and checking out some great arts and crafts. Several family-friendly midway rides also will be available to provide additional thrills for the kids.

Long hailed as a premier holiday destination, The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights powered by TVA is comprised of a dazzling five-mile route of more than 3 million lights attached to 250 festive displays that winds throughout the Speedway’s sprawling campus. The light show operates each night from 6-10 p.m.

The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights route offers many popular displays, including traditional favorites The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ripley’s Sea of Illumination, Mycroft Signs Race to Space, NASCAR Pit Stop, Dinosaur Land, the beautiful Candelabra, Drag Cars, Victorian Village, Snowman Maker, the Nativity Scene presented by Visit My Smokies and Toy Land.

The popular Symphony in Lights presented by HSN, located in the Darrell Waltrip Grandstands inside the BMS oval, returns to showcase more than 300,000 lights all coordinated to flicker and flash to the tunes of popular holiday music. Several Pinnacle Speedway In Lights partners also have custom light displays, including ETSU, Abingdon Olive Oil, Home Shopping Network, Ballad Health, Hardee’s Restaurants, Barter Theatre, BTES, Food City, ENT of Johnson City and the Bristol Herald-Courier.

The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights runs through Saturday, Jan. 6. The event costs $20 for cars from Sunday through Thursday and $25 on Friday and Saturday nights. For larger groups, vans are $50 and buses are $125.  Visitors can take advantage of The Fast Lane presented by Citi, a speedy $50 option which provides a shorter wait time on select nights when traffic lines get long.

After touring the Pinnacle Speedway in Lights presented by TVA, guests are encouraged to visit the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway presented by Stateline Services. Located a BMS Entrance No. 1, the Tri-Cities Airport Ice Rink at Bristol Motor Speedway presented by Stateline Services returns to bring joy to local ice-skating enthusiasts. The Ice Rink will open on Thursday, Nov. 16 and run until Sunday, Jan. 15. The Ice Rink costs $12 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday. The Ice Rink will be closed on Mondays from Nov. 20-Dec. 18, and also Jan. 8. Hours of operation vary from day to day, so please review the schedule on the BMS website in advance.

The holiday festivities will officially kick off at BMS with the Mountain Empire Chevy Dealers Speedway in Lights 5K presented by Fleet Feet on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. All pre-registered participants will receive an event shirt and there will be free Domino’s Pizza and other snacks and drinks for all participants following the race during the holiday-themed Home Trust Bank After Party. Those interested in registering can visit the SCC-Bristol website .

For more information about the Pinnacle Speedway In Lights powered by TVA, please visit the BMS website .

The Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising funds for distribution to children-based nonprofit organizations, was established in 1997. Since its inception, the chapter has raised more than $20 million, awarding grants to hundreds of qualified organizations in the 18-county area surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway. The board of trustees for the Bristol Chapter consists of 18 members, a diverse group of individuals from across the region with wide-ranging backgrounds. The trustees, two staff members and more than 300 volunteers are responsible for hosting numerous events at Bristol Motor Speedway and throughout the Bristol (Tennessee/Virginia) community. For more information about the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, visit speedwaycharities.org/bristol.

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Santa Claus and his house will be coming to town in downtown Bristol after Thanksgiving

Hey, kids. Santa Claus is moving to Rhode Island.

That's right. He will move into a little place in downtown Bristol right after Thanksgiving.

The Bristol Santa House will "magically appear when the season starts," says Michael Rielly, who describes himself as "chief merriment officer" of the James D. Rielly Foundation .

"We're trying to give this to the community for kids with special needs," said Rielly, who started the nonprofit foundation in 2017. The foundation says its mission "is to bring a magical holiday experience — any time of the year — to those in need."

"The Bristol Santa House will be a one-of-a-kind place for children of all ages and abilities to share holiday wishes, drop off a letter to Santa, or even meet the head elf himself, regardless of physical, mental, or financial challenges," the foundation said in a press release.

Santa shortage: Jolly old Saint Nick may not be coming to everyone's mall, party or parade this season

"The goal of the Santa House is to create a family-friendly holiday destination full of joy, whimsy, and nostalgia, where the season comes alive through interactive experiences and Hallmark-worthy moments," the foundation said.

Discussing the project on an 85-degree August day, Rielly said it's not too early to look ahead to Christmas. "I've been talking about doing this for like 10 years," Rielly said. "It's something I've always wanted to do."

Foundation created to honor 'Rhode Islands own Santa Claus'

Rielly created the James D. Rielly Foundation  to honor and continue his grandfather's work as Santa Claus. According to the foundation's website, Jim Rielly was a lifelong Bristol resident and served as Town Crier from 1975 to 1989, but his "most notable role was that as Rhode Island’s own 'Santa Claus.' "

"His first appearance as Santa Claus was in the beginning of the Great Depression," the foundation says. "In 1927 at the age of 19, Jim Rielly appeared as Santa Claus for a family of 13 living in an abandoned chicken coup. For more than 60 years, he would bring cheer to orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, charitable organizations, military bases and the Rhode Island State House."

Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Michael Rielly has played Santa for years, and he realizes that children with autism or other special needs might find it difficult to visit Santa in some of the traditional community meeting places.

"They can't go to the mall. They can't stand in long lines," he said.

Forget homemade cocoa: You have to try these 9 hot chocolate treats around Rhode Island

The Bristol Santa House, to be located at the corner of State and Thames streets, will be accessible, and families will be able to make appointments to avoid lines, according to Rielly.

The 20- by 14-foot structure is being built in Vermont and will be brought by truck to Rhode Island, where foundation volunteers will paint and add touches to make it look and feel like Santa's home, Rielly said.

"It will be like you stepped into Santa's workshop," he said.

The foundation is covering the cost of the house, about $20,000, but is asking for gift donations. The Santa House will be stocked with new unwrapped toys and clothing.

"I want to make sure every kid that can't afford it will get a toy," Rielly said.

Rielly said the town has supported the project, and the Santa House will be part of the annual Bristol Christmas Festival.  The foundation said it will be available to other charities and community organizations that help needy families.

Santa is more than a red suit and white beard: Tips for finding the right St. Nick

The foundation believes it will become a "popular attraction in the East Bay and, possibly, all of Rhode Island."

“We believe the Bristol Santa House will create cherished and lasting memories for families and children for years to come," Rielly said.

After Christmas, about the time Santa returns to the North Pole, his little place in Bristol will, according to Rielly, "magically disappear."

[email protected]

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Somerset Family Adventures

Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2023

Are you looking for some fun Christmas events in Bristol to get in the festive mood?

This year, there are loads of Christmassy things to do in and around Bristol and you might be wondering what are the best Christmas events near me.

Get into the festive spirit by visiting one of the many magical Christmas events in Bristol. If you’re looking for a Christmas activity to enjoy with the whole family, you can visit a Christmas family attraction, go ice skating, see Father Christmas, visit a Christmas market, attend a Christmas light switch on, and a whole host of other events that will truly get you into the festive spirit.

Read our blog post for the Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding area for 2023 , or check out our Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset 2023 . For some free and cheap ideas read, Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2023 .

To help you find the best experience for your family, here’s a pick of festive fun in and around Bristol in 2023. Many places will sell out quickly, so check out this list and book up as early as you can.

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Best Christmas Events in Bristol 2023

Victorian christmas weekends at brunel’s ss great britain.

Where: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY

When: 2nd December and 3rd December, 9th December and 10th December 2023

Price: Adult £22.00, Child £13.50, Under 4 Free, Student £18.50. (Free, unlimited return visits for one year* from the date that the ticket is first used.)

Go back in time this Christmas and soak up the festive cheer at the magical Victorian Christmas Weekends on board the S.S. Great Britain.

• Meet Old Father Christmas in his green robes
• Hear traditional Christmas carols
• Feast on delicious mince pies
• Experience the historic dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland with guaranteed snow.
• Interact with 19th-century costumed characters
• Hear enchanting stories of Christmases past.

The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion

Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

When: 1st – 3rd, 6th – 10th, 13th – 23rd December 2023

Price: £15.18/Child (includes a gift), Adults – optional donation (Booking is essential, online)

• Various time slots
• Experience lasts 20 minutes

Come on a magical adventure with Father Christmas at the historic Ashton Court Mansion. A fun interactive experience where you will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift. The experience starts in the Great Hall of the beautiful Victorian manor house and finishes with a gift from Father Christmas who makes a surprising entrance!

Sail with Santa with Bristol Ferry Boats

Where: Pick up: Bristol BS1 5UH, near cascade steps

When: 9th and 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023

Price: £20/person, which includes:

• a personalised gift for each child
• festive snacks
• sherry for the grown-ups
• a photo opportunity with Santa
• a 45 minute trip around the harbour

Join the ferry elves on a unique hunt for Santa!

Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all your little ones and sail around the harbour with you!

Santa’s Enchanted Woodland at Bristol Zoo Project

Where: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 23rd December 2023

Price: Adults £11.42/£12.56*; Children (age 2 – 14) £8.55/9.41*, Under 2’s and Carers FREE. (*with gift aid). Book in advance

• Festive Fables with Father Christmas included in admission (between 10.30am and 3.30pm).
• Explore different nature trails
• Festive Woodland, is included in admission, and runs from 2 December to 7 January .
• Christmas Choir – Saturday 9th December, 12.30pm – 1pm
• Fascinating animal talks and feeds
• The award-winning Bear Wood with panoramic views and chance to get nose-to-nose with the wolves!
• Fun play areas
• Lemur walk through

Get up close to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, geladas and more

Join Father Christmas and his forest friends, Deer Darlington and Squirrel Nutkins, for fun festive fables in their cosy, festively decorated tipi, sitting at the end of a charming woodland.

The green-robed Father Christmas will share stories filled with messages of kindness and compassion for the natural world, including the story of the humble tree, and how a special wish enabled it to become the Christmas tree we all now love so much.

Christmas Workshop at Aerospace Bristol

Where: Hayes Way, Patchway, BS34 5BZ

When: From Friday 1st December to Saturday 23rd December 2023

Price: Included in admission price

Visit Santa’s Workshop where the elves will be working hard to prepare all of the presents ahead of the big day. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own aerospace-themed festive decoration and deliver your Christmas wish list to the North Pole via an imaginary flight inside a real Bristol Freighter.

Join Concord Church for their annual carol service under Concorde on Saturday 16th December .

Father Christmas in Concert at The Bristol Beacon

Where: Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

When: Thursday 21st December 2023, 14:30

• Doors: 14.00
• Start Time: 14.30
• Interval: 15.00 – 15.20
• Finish: 15.55 (approx.)

Price: £21.80 – £34.88

• Recommended age 5+

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in Concert, plus The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Join the Mozart Symphony Orchestra this winter as they celebrate Raymond Briggs’ seasonal classic, Father Christmas. With the film playing on a big screen accompanied by a live orchestra and sound effects, this is a magical Christmas concert like no other!

The concert will begin with performances of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child , both for narrator and orchestra. Each character in the tales is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra.

This concert is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family.

Christmas Elf Hunt, Clifton Observatory

Where: Clifton Observatory, Bristol , BS8 3LT

When: 15th – 31st December 2023

• Open every day from 10 am – 4pm

Price: Adult £5.00, Children (4-14) £2.50 – Children must be over 4 years to enter the cave

Some of Santa’s elves have escaped from his sleigh and they’re now hiding in the Observatory! They are waiting for you with a secret message…

Climb to the top of the Observatory tower to visit the Camera Obscura and delve deep into the Giant’s Cave, and find the elves along the way. If you find all of Santa’s elves and solve their secret message, you’ll win a festive prize!

Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park

Where: Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG

When: 26 t h November to 24 t h December 2023, from 4:30pm – 7:30pm 2023. (Three sessions per evening event).

Price: Adults £17, Child £11.50 (2 – 15 yrs), concessions available. Booking ahead is advised.

This festive Illumination Trail offers a magical sensory experience that lights the beautiful Country Park. This year, the after dark event will feature a Starry Night trail guiding you around Old Down Estate, surrounding you with music, colour and light with interactive areas along the way. A truly magical Christmas experience for the whole family.

Dogs on a lead are more than welcome to join you on this magical trail.

Family Christmas attractions in Somerset

There are many brilliant festive events an easy drive from Bristol, in Somerset. Check out what’s on in Somerset this Christmas for 2023.

Christmas at Cheddar Gorge and Caves 2023

Where: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF

When: 11th – 12th, 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th November; 9th – 10th, 16 – 24th December 2023.

• Sessions will run at the following times: 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm and 4:15pm

Price: Father Christmas Grotto Experience: £5.99 Child with gift (0-10yrs), £3.99 person with no gift (Any), PLUS normal admission price: £22.95/Adult (16yrs+); £17.20/Child (5-15yrs), FREE/Infant (0-4yrs)/Carers

This Christmas, deep within Gough’s Cave you’ll find the magical South West Workshop of Father Christmas’ elves. There’s also the opportunity to book a session to meet Father Christmas himself! Your children will sing some songs, listen to a festive tale and receive a present.

A Christmas at Cheddar Day Ticket gets you access into all the other exciting attractions, including the Elves South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave, Museum of Prehistory, Cox’s Cave and Jacob’s Ladder.

See our Cheddar Gorge Walk .

Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole and Caves

Where: Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB

When: 25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024, from 9.30 am until 4 pm. (Meet Santa finishes 24th December 2023.)

Price: Adults £22.45, OAP’s £21.45, Children £17.95 (3-15yrs), £5 infant (under 3 yrs) – visit website and book online here .

Get into the spirit of Christmas at Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland. Your adventure includes three incredible Christmas experiences wrapped up into one magical day out. Visit the caves where over 100,000 of lights magically illuminate the way. It’s a breath-taking Christmas light show. Immerse yourself in Santa’s North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present from Santa’s Elves from the Toy Shop. You’ll also get to watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show, performed in the Wookey Hole Theatre as part of your experience. Your day out will include all the other attractions of Wookey Hole, including a special Christmas Movie in the 4D Cinema.

Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

Where: Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ

When: From 3rd November 2023 to 2nd January 2024

Price: £10/person (£80/8 people age 4+)

Festive, fun for all the family at Mendip Activity Centre.

• Your group of up to eight people will get exclusive use of half of the toboggan slope, with festive music, snow machine and festive lights and lasers, and given Santa hats to wear.
• After whizzing down the slope, you’ll head along a magical illuminated path to a camp fire, sit under giant canopies and roast marshmallows, make s’mores, light sparklers and drink hot chocolate.

Avon Valley Christmas Experience

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP

When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023

Price: Adults £25, Children £30, Babe in arms (No gift) FREE

There is so much to enjoy this year at Avon Valley in a specially curated day complete with an theatrical show and many themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy.

• Santa’s Show
• Santa’s Toy Factory
• The Rudolph Show
• Making Reindeer Food
• Mrs Claus Gingerbread Parlour
• The Magic Forest
• Santa’s Post Room, The Polar Express Mini Railway
• An Ice Skating session can be added (see below)

Glo in the Dark, Mini Golf (Bath on Ice)

Where: Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2NR

When: 17th November 2023 to 3rd January 2024.

Price: Adult £8.75, Child (12 and under) £7.50, Teens £8.00. Pre-booking advised.

Bath’s popular adventure golf course will be decked out with its very own fairy light installations. Playing golf at night with glow-in-the-dark balls adds a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience. The 18-hole mini-golf course in Royal Victoria Park has been colourfully illuminated with rainbow lights for the festive season.

Afterwards, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and a selection of food at Moguls Alpine Bar next door, open every day from 10:30am – 10:00pm

Light Up The Lake, Clevedon

Where: Clevedon Marine Lake, Old Church Road, Clevedon

When: 2nd December 2023

• 4 pm – Meet at the Pier
• Procession from the pier to the lake with North Somerset Samba
• 5 pm – Light show at the Lake, Darklyte Collective fire dancers

Price: Free Event

Light up the lake is the big winter celebration at Clevedon seafront. Bring a lantern, torch or glow sticks and join in the lively procession from Clevedon Pier to the Marine Lake, following a Samba band.

At the lake, watch it light up with fire dancers, paddle boards decorated with fairy lights, illuminated model boats and other floating vessels.

Visitors are invited to give generously to a bucket collection for MARLENS, the local volunteer-run charity which continues to fund raise toward the management and further development of Clevedon Marine Lake.

Santa Express at West Somerset Railway

Where: The Railway Station, Bishop’s Lydeard, Somerset, TA4 3RU

When: 2nd – 3rd, 9th – 10th, 16th – 17th, 20th – 24th December 2023, two trains a day.

Price: £25.00/person, Infant (under 1 yr) £10

Step aboard the festively decorated heritage carriages, filled with Christmas cheer and excitement and take a wonderful journey through West Somerset’s winter woodlands. Santa’s presents and refreshments will be waiting at your table and he’ll be along for the ride to ensure you have received them! A round trip to Williton means there will be plenty of time aboard to soak up the experience, get in the festive spirit or relax with some refreshments whilst enjoying the journey.

Other West Somerset Railway events include Dunster by candlelight , which takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of December every year, sees the medieval village light up it’s streets with lanterns. One train service will run per day and depart Bishops Lydeard at 16.30, returning from Minehead at 20.30.

Santa Specials, Yeovil Railway Centre

Where: Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9UU

When: Sunday 3rd December to Saturday 23rd Dec 2023

Trains run at:

10.15am, 10.40am, 11.05am, 11.30am, 11.55am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.05pm, 2.30pm, 2.55pm, 3.30pm

Price: £15/Person, pre-booking is essential

You start your visit with a steam train ride in a decorated heritage carriage. Then, you make their way to the ex GWR Transfer Shed, where Santa will be ready to receive his visitors. After you have concluded the visit to Santa you may wish to visit the Shop.

Your visit includes:

• Steam train ride,
• Tea/coffee and a mince pie with soft drink for the children
• A visit to see Santa where the children will receive a carefully selected and appropriate gift.

Also, Tea with Santa on Saturday 2nd and 9th December 2023, from 2 pm tp 4 pm (no steam train ride).

Magical Christmas Experience, Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Yeovil

Where: Somerset Reindeer Ranch, Orchid Stud, Oakley Lane, Ilchester Road, Somerset, BA22 8RF

When: Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd December 2023

Price: £24/person, plus reindeer food can be purchased for £2 per portion.

The One Hour Magical Christmas Experience at Somerset Reindeer Ranch Includes:

• Story time with Santa
• A gift for each child under 16 years old
• A complementary luxury hot chocolate for you to make and enjoy at home.
• A magical, Elf led guided tour to see real Reindeer. As a special treat you will take a journey through the magical wardrobe, where everyone’s favourite Unicorn can be seen and photographed.

Santa’s Grotto at the Grand Pier, Weston super Mare

Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1AL

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th December 2023

• 11 am – 3.30 pm

Price: £12/Child and accompanying adult; or, £15.00 that also includes a printed photo in a display folder with Santa. £3.50 per additional adult. (Ideal age is 18 months to 10 years). Pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.

Price includes:

• Pier admission
• Present from Santa

Visit the Grand Pier this Christmas for a magical adventure to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet the great man himself and some of his trusty elves!

As you step through the twinkling entrance you’ll find yourself in the one and only Santa’s Toy Shop. You’ll see toys of all shapes and sizes and those little rascal elves, all hard at work, getting everything ready for Santa’s big night!

The elves will be super eager to guide you through the festive trail, leading you all the way to Santa’s very own Grotto to hear all about your wishes and dreams for Christmas day and he has a special gift for everyone.

Oh, but be on the lookout! Santa’s playful naughty elf might make an appearance during your visit, adding a touch of excitement to the experience!

Christmas Fun Day at The Helicopter Museum

Where: Locking Moor Road, Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, BS24 8PP

When: 10th December 2023

Price: Adults – £13.00; Children (4-15) – £6.00; Senior/Concession – £11.00; Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) – £30.00; Family (2 Adults & 3 Children) – £32.00

See Santa arrive by helicopter!

Come and see Santa and meet him in his special Helicopter Grotto. Free present from Santa included with every child’s admission ticket purchased on the day!

• Open cockpits,
• Charity stalls,
• Face painting
• Seasonal Fayre

Christmas at Cadbury Garden Centre

Where: Smallway, Congresbury, North Somerset, BS49 5AA

When: 2nd to 24th December 2023

Breakfast with Santa

Price: £14.95/person

Santa’s Grotto

Price: Child £10; Accompanying Adult – free

Come along and meet the big man himself.

Father Christmas at Hestercombe House and Gardens

Where: Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023

Price: Children £14.00; Adult members – FREE; Adult non-members – half price garden admission – £7.25. Booking is essential

Father Christmas is welcoming children into his grotto at the Octagon Summerhouse, where there’s a log fire crackling away, surrounded by fairy lights, gifts, holly and friendly cheer.

This event can be combined with Illuminate , the Christmas light display at Hestercombe (additional cost).

Taunton Winter Fest

Where: Taunton Town Centre

When: Sunday 26th November 2023

• From 10 am to 8 pm
• 6 pm Christmas Light switch on

Come along and enjoy a day packed full of festive fun in Taunton. There will be a Christmas market, fairground rides, delicious food and great entertainment.

Father Christmas at Sheppy’s Cider Farm, Taunton

Where: Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1ER

When: Saturday 2nd December to Sunday 10th December 2023

• 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday
• 3.30 pm to 6 pm weekdays

Price: £12.50 per child (Ticket includes visit with Father Christmas and and age appropriate gift as well as an activity trail sheet)

Father Christmas can’t wait to greet children in his roundhouse grotto based in Sheppy’s Oak Vat. Children will get to meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Afterwards:

• Complete the Christmas activity trail
• Winter walks around the orchards
• The Café will be open for hot food and drinks to take-away or eat-in.
• Visit the Christmas Market on 2nd and 3rd December .

Father Christmas Grotto, Bath

Where: Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath, BA1 1BZ.

When: 23rd – 26th November; 30th November – 3rd December; 7th – 10th, 14th – 24th December 2023.

Price: £11.55/person. Most suitable for children ages 3- 12 years.

Enjoy a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas!

Father Christmas’ Grotto is a fun interactive experience with professional actors. Help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story of how they plan to make this year the best Christmas ever.

The Grotto features a song, a story and a chance to take a photo with Father Christmas as you receive your gift.

Father Christmas Grotto at Kilver Court

Where: Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5NF

When: Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023

• 10 am – 4 pm

Visits to Father Christmas’ Grotto for children with additional needs from 9 am – 10 am on all days.

Price: £15/Child

Take a magical journey to meet Father Christmas at Kilver Court. The elves will guide you on an enchanting journey to the garden roundhouse grotto where you’ll find Father Christmas and each child will receive an age appropriate toy. On the way you’ll make magical reindeer food at elf central.

Christmas at Dobbie’s Garden Centre

Where: Mendip Avenue, Fosseway Industrial Estate, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PE

When: Breakfast with Santa- 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th – 24th December 2023

Price : Breakfast with Santa – Children £13.99; Adults from £8.60

Come along and join in this festive family event at Debbie’s Garden Centre.

You’ll start with a delicious breakfast before your little ones take part in fun festive games and activities, decorate their own elf mask to take home, and then, of course, they’ll sit down with Santa before receiving a special gift.

Check out Santa’s Grotto at the Garden Centre too. Lots of dates from Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023.

Santa’s Grotto – at Light the Night, Frome Lantern Parade

Where: 14-15 North Parade , Frome, BA11 1AU

When: Friday 24 November 2023

• 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Price: Grotto – £3/Child (includes a gift and a sweet treat).

Parade your beautiful lantern through the town for the Christmas lights switch on. Then pop in to the grotto to tell the big man what you’re hoping to find under the tree on Christmas Day.

Santas on the Run, North Somerset

Where: Charlton Farm, Children’s Hospice South West, Charlton Drive, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PE

When : Sunday 3rd December 2023

• 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• The run starts at 1.00 pm

Price: Tickets: Adult (16+) £9.60, A Child (3 – 15 years) £4.80, Child (2 and under) FREE

Sponsorship Target: £25/person, £60/Family

Santas on the Run is an untimed 2k accessible route around the grounds of Charlton Farm, where participants of any age can walk, jog or run dressed in their favourite Christmas-themed costume. You can take part with your friends, family, children, work colleagues or community group.

The Event Village is open from midday, where you can have food and drinks, and a festive warm up, before the run. There will be a snow machine and musical entertainment on the route, and you also receive 50% off entry into Noah Arm Zoo Farm on 2nd and 3rd December to make it a truly memorable day out!

Festive Ice Skating in Bristol and Somerset 2023

Ice Skating at Propyard, Bristol

Where: 39-46 Feeder Road, Bristol, BS2 0SE

When: 5th November 2023 to 31st January 2024

Price: £8 – Tickets selling fast!

**Event has now ended**

This festive season, Propyard is transforming its studio into Bristol’s only indoor festive ice-skating rink.

The Christmassy attraction will feature ice skating, ice bumper cars and ice training dolphins for nervous/smaller skaters.

Skate and see Santa, Planet Ice, Bristol

Where: Merlin Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS10 7SR

When: Every weekend in December from Saturday 2nd December from 11:00am until 16:00pm and then every day from Thursday 21st December from 11:00am until 16:00pm, until Christmas Eve.

Price: £22 per child

• Corresponding Public Ice Skating Session for your Child
• Meet Santa and his Elves
• Receive a Gift from Santa
• Santa and his Elves will read the children a Christmas Story

Icescape at Tropicana, Weston super Mare

Where: Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1BE

When: Tuesday 7th November 2023 – Sunday 7th January 2024

• Each skate session is 45 minutes

Price: Book here. Book by 1st November for a 20% Early Bird discount off all sessions.

Get your skates on the the UK’s largest undercover winter ice rink at The Tropicana. There will also be rides, and festive food and drink stalls alongside the ice rink.

Various sessions:

• Peak/Off Peak
• Parent and Toddler
• Quiet Session
• Disco Night

Bath on Ice

When: 17th November 2023 – 3rd January 2024

Price: Adult £14.50, Child £12.50, Teen/Concession £13.50, Family of 4 £47.00, Child plus Hot Chocolate £16.00

Experience a Winter Wonderland in the centre of Bath. There’ll be twinkling lights, festive music, a cosy alpine bar and seasonal drinks to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Avon Valley Festive Ice Skating

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BANES, BS31 1TP

When: Select dates and times from 1st December 2023 until the 1st January 2024.

• Skate sessions are 45 minutes

Price: £12.50/person

As part of the Avon Valley Christmas Nights or The Christmas Experience , you can add on a festive Ice Skating session. The 300 square meters of glittering real ice is waiting for you this festive season. Spectators are free and you only pay to skate! Suitable for the youngest beginner through to seasoned skaters looking to show off their skills.

Clarks Village Ice Rink

Where: Clarks Village, Outlet Shopping Village, Farm Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BB

When: 9th November 2023 until 7th January 2024

• Skate sessions are 45 minutes long
• Arrive at least 20 minutes before your start time

Price: Adult/teen (age 13+) £14.50; Child (12 and under) £12.50; Family of 4 £48.

**Early bird offer: Book by 5th November for 20% off**

• Skating aids are available to hire for £5 each

Get your skates on at the Clarks Village outdoor, under cover ice rink! This enchanting ice rink is a stunning winter wonderland where you can soak up the glittering atmosphere, show off your skating skills and make some memories!

As well as the regular sessions, you can also book quiet sessions, parent and toddler sessions and disco night sessions.

Exclusive shopping discounts for Ice Rink guests at Clarks Village too!

Christmas Markets in Bristol and Somerset 2023

Bristol christmas market.

Where: Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter, BS1 1UX

When: 3rd November – 23rd December 2023

Walk through the streets of Bristol in a winter wonderland and soak up the festive atmosphere. In the very centre of the market, you will find an impressive 30ft Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations. Santa himself will make multiple appearances, along with elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists, and Christmas choirs. The stalls will be selling a range of truly unique gifts, handmade crafts, pick up a traditional festive drink and treat yourself to a bite to eat.

Bath Christmas Market

Where: Bath City Centre, Bath, BA1 1LZ

When: Thursday 23rd November to Sunday 10th December 2023

Walk through the historic streets of Bath in a winter wonderland and soak up the festive atmosphere. Featuring over 200 twinkling chalets amongst some of Bath’s most iconic monuments, selling a variety of high quality artisan products, food and beverage stalls.

Christmas Artisan Market, Wells

Where: The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Off Market Place (through The Bishop’s Eye entrance), Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD

When: Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th November 2023

Price: £8 Adult; Child (5 – 17 years) £4; Under 5’s and Palace Members are FREE. (The event is a fundraising event in aid of The Bishop’s Palace)

Reduced price day admission tickets include access to:

• The Artisan Market
• 14 acres of RHS partner gardens

There’ll be plenty of gift inspiration at the Christmas market, decorations, cards and live entertainment in the inspirational setting of the medieval Palace building as the medieval rooms of the Palace, upstairs and downstairs, will be filled with a variety of enticing stalls offering hand-made and unique gifts.

The Bishop’s Table café will be serving a seasonal menu with views over the croquet lawn.

A Posset Christmas Market, Portishead

Where: Portishead High Street, North Somerset, BS20

When: Sunday 10th December 2023

The event stretches the High Street and has a great variety of gift stalls, food and drink and charity stalls. A fun fair will also be present for all to enjoy .

Combined with Live entertainment and local shops, the event is a lovely festive afternoon.

Christmas Market at Weston Museum

Where: Burlington Street, Weston-super-Mare , Somerset , BS23 1PR

When: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December 2023

• 10 am to 3 pm both days

Price: FREE ENTRY

• Lots of stalls selling Christmas gifts
• Clara’s Cafe with the usual tempting treats, alongside some seasonal specialities
• Christmas Children’s Trail (50p each) – Find Santa’s missing reindeer around the galleries
• Santa will be visiting between 10:30am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 3:30pm (Saturday and Sunday) for photos and a Christmas natter. (Please note that meeting Santa is a FREE activity, and does not include a present from Santa)

Christmas Market at Hestercombe

When: Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November 2023

• 9 am – 5 pm
• Book online
• All tickets include complimentary gardens admission. Tickets from 3pm onwards are charged at a lower rate due to the gardens closing at 5pm. There are limited slots available.

Price: £6/Adults; Children Under 15) FREE

Explore Hestercombe’s annual Christmas Market, featuring festive stalls bursting with beautiful locally-sourced gifts, delicious treats and unique hand-crafted items.

Frost Fayre, Glastonbury

Where: Glastonbury High Street

When: 25th November 2023

• 10 am to 6 pm
• Held on the last Saturday in November, Glastonbury’s Frost Fayre kicks off at 10 am but is officially opened at noon by the Mayor.
• Lots of stalls
• Late night shopping
• Father Christmas and his helpers
• Buskers and street entertainment
• Live performances on 5 Stages
• Official “lights switch on” for the Market Square Christmas Tree
• Children’s Fairground Rides
• Children’s Worlds – crafts, shows and story telling for kids (in the Town Hall)

Wincanton Christmas Fair

Where: Wincanton Racecourse

When: Tuesday 21st November 2023

Price: £5 Entry (supporting Children’s Hospice South West)

A fantastic Christmas shoppingexperience with up to 50 independent stalls selling unique and quality products not usually found on the high street. Get all your Christmas shopping done in one place, under one roof.

Best Christmas Events in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire 2023

The flight before christmas, cotswold airport.

Where: Cotswold Airport, Kemble, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BA

When: Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December 2023

Price: £39.50/Child, £20/Adult

Step into a world of magic and wonder with the Negus Christmas Experience, The Flight Before Christmas! Take an unforgettable journey filled with interactive workshops and engaging activities that are sure to delight the whole family.

• Receive your boarding pass and customised North Pole Passport at the Elf Control Check
• Pass through the naughty or nice security check-in scanner
• Witness elves wrapping last-minute presents in the parcel bay
• Mix magical fairy dust and create the perfect reindeer food in the Forge
• Meet Father Christmas around the fire as he tells a group story
• Decorate a gingerbread person to take home
• Enter the Toy Factory where you’ll help assemble toys and make a special Christmas wish. Choose a teddy and take it home as a gift from Father Christmas and the Elves for your hard work and help

Santa’s Grotto at Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock

Where: Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LZ

When: From Saturday 2nd December – Sunday 3rd December, Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th December, Saturday 16h – Sunday 24th December 2023

Price: Child – £12.99, Adult – Free (max. 2 adults per child) – limited spaces, booking essential

Enjoy a magical experience and a chance to meet Santa and some of his reindeer at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock.

Meet Santa as he reads a Christmas story. Children will also be given hot chocolate (or alternative) and freshly made cookies whilst they enjoy their Christmas story. They will also be given their own festive gift to take home and enjoy. There is also the opportunity to take your photo with Santa after the story reading.

Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge WWT

Where: WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

When: Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd December 2023.

Breakfast with Santa includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Santa and receive a gift in his wetland grotto. You will also receive a full English breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen, which will be decked out for the holidays.

There will also be festive activities throughout the centre so you can enjoy a full day in the wetland wonderlands.

Santa Specials at the Avon Valley Railway

Where: Bitton Station, Bath Rd, South Gloucestershire, BS30 6HD

When: Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th November, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th – 24th December 2023. Several trains per day. Book in advance, online or via the booking office on 0117 932 5538.

Price: £21/person

All aboard the festive trains at Avon Valley Railway. Once the whistle sounds you’ll depart on your fifty minute Christmas train ride.

Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again and all good boys and girls will receive a present from him too! There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories.

You’ll see the festive Christmas donkeys on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.

Santa Sunday lunch at De Vere Tortworth Court

Where: Tortworth, Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH

When: 10th and 17th December 2023

• Dining time 12.30 pm

Price: Adults £42.50, Children (age 4 – 12) £21.50, Children (age 3 and Under) FREE

A very special visitor will be arriving in the Westminster Suite at De Vere Tortworth Court this festive season as Santa drops by to join us at our traditional lunch. Our Magician will be on hand to entertain with table magic and you’ll enjoy a three-course festive lunch with coffee and mince pies. Then Santa will make his appearance with a gift for each child.

The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park

Where: Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

When: Selected dates from 11th November 2023 to 7th January 2024

Price: Prices start from £18.70 – see website for details.

The Festival of Light presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and other treasured tales. Put your family at the centre of the most magical Christmas story of them all this year, as The Festival of Light returns, with more life-size lanterns than ever before. Step into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl and marvel at the breath-taking illuminated world of your favourite childhood characters.

• Go on the iconic Winter Safari
• Santa Train
• A spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond.
• A phenomenal light show will bring the historic facade of Longleat House to life.

Christmas Events at the National Trust: In Bristol, Somerset and surrounding area

Christmas at tyntesfield.

Where: Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PA

When: The Reindeer Trail: 16th December to 1st January

• Daily between 10:30am and 4:00pm (last entry 3 pm)

Price: Usual admission fee to enter the estate (free for NT members), plus a donation to charity for the trail.

The reindeer have escaped from Tyntesfield stables and are running riot across the estate! Father Christmas needs your help to track them down so he can round them up to pull his sleigh. Using a map of the locations they were last seen, explore the Tyntesfield estate and see if you can find all 9 reindeer.

Our reindeer have been lovingly made by our resident green woodworkers; the Somerset Bodgers, a group of skilled craftspeople who offer courses and workshops in this historic craft.

Christmas Trail at Fyne Court

Where: Broomfield, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2EQ

When: 16th December 2023 – 1st January 2024

• 10 am to 4 pm

Price: Free entry, £5 car parking (NT members park for free)

Explore Fyne Court’s wintry woodland as you follow the trail around the gardens. Afterwards make seasonal crafts in the Music Hall where the huge Christmas trees will be brimming with baubles and twinkling with fairy lights.

Christmas at Dyrham Park

Where: Dyrham, near Bath, South Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY

When: 1st December 2023 – 7th January 2024

Price: Usual Admission price (Free entry for NT members)

Take a journey through time, and explore Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park.

• Through the ages – the house will be dressed in the style of five different eras, with festive writings by the likes of Samuel Pepys, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens brought to life.
• Children’s Trail – families can track down giant wooden presents in a discovery trail around the estate. Indoor crafts and games in the house’s basement bringing to life the magic of the popular festive poem ‘The Night before Christmas’.
• Christmas food and shopping – the tearoom is open serving mince pies, snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks. The NT shop is open with lots of gift ideas.

Christmas at Stourhead National Trust

Where: Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

When: 1st – 31st December 2023, various time slots available each evening. Booking is essential.

Price: Peak and off-peak time slots available. View prices online here .

Christmas at Stourhead is a famous annual event that sees this world-famous Wiltshire estate lit up with festive illuminations. Look forward to spending time together with friends and family as you discover sparkling tunnels, giant baubles and glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Discover a sea of light stretching out into the distance, larger-than-life crystals suspended in trees and Liquid Sky filling the air with all the colours of the rainbow!

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for Father Christmas along the way.

There’ll be a range of delicious and tempting treats for sale. So, why not complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer, a hot chocolate or some toasted marshmallows, shared with someone special.

Storytime with Father Christmas at Stourhead

When: Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd December 2023

• 10 am – 3.20 pm

Price: Grotto £15 per child plus normal admission prices. It is essential to prebook your tickets

Enjoy some festive magic at Stourhead. Begin in the Stableyard and get creative with the jolly helpers. Then jingle your way up the drive on one of the hobby reindeer. Before snuggling down for a cosy Christmas story with Father Christmas himself.

• This event is recommended for children under the age of 12.

Toddler Time with Mother Christmas at Stourhead

When: 8th and 15th December 2023

• 10:15 – 10:45; 11:00 – 11:30; 11:45 – 12:15

Price: £10/Child, Adults free but normal admission price applies (Free for NT adult members)

Cuddle up with your little ones for a Christmas story in Lacock’s cosy grotto. A relaxed session for under 5’s .

Meet in Lacock visitor reception to start your visit. It’s a short walk to the grotto from the abbey gates so please allow at 15 minutes to get there in time.

• Dress in your festive best, but wrap up warm.

Meet Father Christmas at Newark Park

Where: Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ

When: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th December 2023. 8 time-slots a day

Price: £6/Child plus normal NT admission applies (Free admission for NT members)

Father Christmas is stopping at Newark Park before he heads off for his busiest night of the year. There will be a little gift and a chat with the man himself in his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room of Newark house.

Christmas Reindeer Roundup at Montecute House

Where: Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP

When: Saturday 25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024 (except Christmas Day)

Price: Normal admission price (NT members free)

Hidden around the house and garden discover nine specially designed reindeer – you’ll spot each unique, larger-than-life character as you’ve never seen them before.

Christmas at Barrington Court

Where: Barrington, near Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0NQ

When: 16th – 17th, 21st – 24th December 2023

Price: Christmas events are included in normal admission price.

There will be self-led crafts and seasonal story telling in the farm buildings at Barrington Court this Christmas. Head down to the farm yard to listen to some festive stories in the History Shed. Afterwards wrap up warm and enjoy a wintry walk in the garden and parkland.

*********************************************************************

Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the venues website/socials before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. Many of these events need pre-booking. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly events and christmassy places to visit in and around Bristol, we’d love to hear from you!

For more Christmas events:

The Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset and Bristol

Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset 2023

FREE Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2023

You may also like to read:

Best Gifts for Outdoor Kids, 2023

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity with the kids, why not check out one of our walks .

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Seasonal & Holidays

Where to see santa in bristol-warren this christmas season, for kids and families, there's nothing quite like seeing jolly old st. nick live and in person..

Jimmy Bentley , Patch Staff

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Bristol and Warren families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

Around Rhode Island, kids have several chances to see Santa:

Providence Place pictures with Santa : You can book a reservation for Santa pictures for your child, or even your pet.

Find out what's happening in Bristol-Warren with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Breakfast with Santa : Dave & Buster's at Providence Place will hold a breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. Dec. 10.

Sing-along with Santa : Bring the whole family to Blithewold in Bristol for some old-fashioned caroling! After you’ve enjoyed your favorite songs of the season, Santa Claus will make a special appearance to visit and read The Night Before Christmas . Hot chocoate and pictures with Santa will also be on the schedule.

Santa's Cabin at Garden City Center : Come visit Santa in his cozy cabin right outside the Garden City Center Gazebo in Cranston. Reservations for photos are available.

Coventry Winter Wonderland : Coventry Parks and Recreation will host its first outdoor Winter Wonderland event on Dec. 2, and Santa Claus will be there for free pictures with the kids.

Santa is coming to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores on Black Friday, which is Nov. 24 this year, including in Warwick.

JC Penney stores, including stores in Warwick, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected].

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Bristol Santa House provides special place for special kids, public to experience the magic of Christmas

by SAMANTHA READ, NBC 10 NEWS

BRISTOL, R.I. (WJAR) — A magical place in Bristol is making all of its visitors smile this year.

A few weeks ago, the Santa House showed up right off of High Street.

“It magically appears from the North Pole just one night, it kind of appears here, and then after the season it magically disappears," said Michael Rielly, the President of the James D Reilly Foundation and founder of the Santa House. “When you walk in, you’ll be totally transformed and transported to the North Pole."

While Santa definitely had a hand in things, Rielly is the go-to guy when it comes spreading cheer throughout the town.

Two years ago, he founded the Santa House which is operated by volunteers and his non-profit organization, 'The James D. Rielly Foundation,' that he started in memory of his grandfather.

“We were formed in honor of my grandfather Jim Rielly who was well known in Bristol for his generosity and love of children," said Rielly. “He spent a lot of time with kids with special needs and had a special place in his heart for children with down syndrome. He would spend most of his time at hospitals or orphanages."

James Rielly was also known to the community as one of Santa's helpers. He put on the suit for 62 years providing joy to others and was inducted into the Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

To Rielly's knowledge, his grandfather was the longest-serving Santa in Rhode Island. To continue his traditions and honor him, ten years ago, he came up with the idea for the Santa House, a project of the foundation.

“Our mission is to provide an immersive Christmas experience for kids with special needs and their families," said Rielly. “It’s very difficult for families with special needs to visit Santa at a mall or go to event where there’s Santa. I wanted to provide an environment where families could spend as much time as they want and not worry about a line and not worry about any other distractions."

More than two years ago, a shell of a tiny home was purchased.

From there, Rielly, the foundation and the generosity of the community, made the magical place come to life.

“We had contractors and local businesses coming to us and saying, 'Hey, I’ll put a floor in, or I’ll donate the paint, or I’ll donate the windows,"' said Rielly.“I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve got from the town, town officials, the Department of Public Works, police, fire, everyone has just been so helpful in bringing this Santa house here.”

Last year, Rielly said he was overwhelmed with the response.

The Santa House, which is open to the public, typically allows visits with Santa on Tuesdays, Thursday and weekends.

“Santa volunteers his time and he comes down from the North Pole and spends time in Bristol. He loves Bristol. Bristol is a wonderful community," said Rielly.

For families of children with special needs, they're eligible to make an appointment ahead of time.

The foundation reaches out to programs around the state of Rhode Island and Southern New England that help kids with disabilities, to let them know about the special opportunity.

The public is allowed in, too.

Special visits take priority, but when they're over, anyone is welcomed.

“This is not a mall situation pictures with Santa or photography type of environment, this is a real visit," said Rielly. “We have had instances where children, who are nonverbal, will actually talk to Santa. It is quite magical."

The Santa house is handicap accessible. A large ramp leads families into their personalized visit.

Greeted by volunteer elves, Santa welcomes them into his home.

“Santa has been brought to tears many times I can tell you personally," said Rielly. “Santa has a unique vantage point from the chair. He can actually see the smiles on the parents and the grandparents and families and that is really rewarding.”

95-year-old veteran and Bristolian Gaetano Armollitto, who used a wheelchair to assist him while walking, and his friend, Josh Harris of East Providence who is in a wheelchair, were delighted for the opportunity to spend some time with Santa.

“Something I’ve never seen before in my life, really pretty, pretty nice place," said Armollitto. “I didn’t see Santa much, not when I was younger. Now, we never could come to these places, they don’t have ramps and we can’t climb stairs, not with a wheelchair and a walker so that’s why I’m glad they have these ramps. They’re very nice.”

“I thought it was nice, he showed us the reindeer," added Harris.

Michelle Macintosh of North Providence said her almost-8-year-old daughter, Brianna, couldn't wait to see Santa.

Though her daughter is non-verbal and in a wheel-chair, she said she could tell from her hand and body movements, she was excited.

Macintosh said typically, visits with Santa aren't this easy.

“We usually don’t have a very good visit with Santa because of the waiting in line and everybody is pushed and not all days are good, some days she’ll have a big old melt down and it’s hard to be out and about," said Macintosh. “Usually people just don’t understand what’s happening here. We want to kind of make it a little more worthwhile going out and about."

Macintosh said the Bristol Santa House was definitely worth their while.

“We planned our whole day because of these 15 minutes that we’re going to be able to spend with Santa so it means a lot, it’s a little piece of normalcy I guess because usually we’re just home," she said. “There’s not a lot of accessible opportunities out there which is really hard and that’s what makes this like so awesome because it's catered to that. We need more of this."

• ALSO READ: 97-year-old veteran sends hundreds of homemade cards to loved ones; neighbors cant get enough

The Bristol Santa House posts its schedule regularly online.

“It’s my gift to our community and that’s the way I treat it," said Rielly.

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Santa's Grottos in Bath | Visit Santa In Bath

Visiting Santa is a great tradition for families over the festive period, and Bath is bringing the festive fun to the city and surrounding areas this Christmas with a collection of snow-filled Santa's grottos to visit. Find out the best grottos to meet Santa at below and enjoy brilliant Xmas experiences with Father Christmas in Bath in 2023.

Check out the best places to meet Santa and Santa's grottos to visit in and around Bath below...

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park - Father Christmas 2023

Where: Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Pixash Ln, Bath Rd, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1TP

When:  2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December 2023

About:  This December visit Avon Valley for a full day of festive, family fun in a Christmas experience like no other in the South West. 

Celebrating one of the best times of the year, they pride themselves in transporting you and your family to a place of Christmas wonder and magic.

Santa's Show - When Santa is in town, you're in for a BIG surprise, so have your wishes at the ready and join them for a family show jam-packed with festive fun and full to the brim with mince pies and mischief. Full of magic, song and dance this show will get you into the Christmas spirit. At the end of the show you will visit Santa in his cabin to receive a golden ticket to take to his toy factory and choose your own gift!

Santa's Toy Factory - Santa has given you permission to visit his Toy Factory and with a magic token, every child ticket holder can choose their own gift.

The Rudolph Show - Join Rudolph for a roller coaster of a ride as they race against the clock to get Rudolph feeling fully festive and ready for Christmas Eve.

Price:  Various prices

How to book: Book online by clicking HERE or by clicking below.

Meet Father Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent

Where: 1 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LR

When:  2 December - 24 December 2023

About:  Father Christmas is making a special stop at No.1 Royal Crescent this year, he’s keen to experience their ’12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas’ tour!

While he is there he would like to read a Christmas story to the children and of course, give them a gift too.

The children will be greeted by Christmas helpers and led into their beautifully decorated Servants Hall where Father Christmas will read them a story. They will have a chance to talk to him, have a photo with him and there is a special post box if your child would like to leave a letter for him.

Each child will be given a gift and a Georgian Christmas Cookie recipe card to take home, they’d love to see pictures of the baking creations so please post these to their social media with the hashtag #no1royalcrescent.

*This event is very popular each year so we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.*

Time: 10am - 4pm

Price:  £15 per child

How to book:  Book tickets online HERE or by clicking below.

FATHER CHRISTMAS' GROTTO AT MILSOM PLACE

Where:  Milsom Place, 41 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DN

When:  Every weekend & selected weekdays from 23rd November - 24th December 2023

About:  Create festive memories and watch as your little ones' faces light up as they meet Father Christmas and his elves in their workshop.

Much more than your usual Grotto, Father Christmas’ Grotto is a fun interactive experience with professional actors in the heart of Bath. A festive destination designed for the family to enjoy and escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. 

Times: Various times available.

Price: £11.55pp

How to book: Click HERE!

Avon Valley Railway - Santa Specials 2023

Where: Bitton Station, Bath Rd, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HD

When: Saturday 25th November - 24th December 2023

About: Just a short drive from Bath city centre, Avon Valley Railway is returning in 2023 and bringing Christmas to life once again with their magical Santa Special event. Make the best family memories on board this winter train as you meet Santa before stopping back at his enchanted grotto where children will be handed a present each.

Make Christmas 2023 in Bath the complete family experience by meeting Santa at Avon Valley Railway this Christmas.

Price: Various prices are available.

How to book: Book tickets online HERE or by clicking below.

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Holiday Tidings & Santa Sightings

last updated: January 2024

Fun-filled Connecticut events brimming with holiday cheer at this special time of year!

Lights, Winter Markets & Fun Festivities

Fantasy of Lights November 17-December 31 / Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven Drive through this bright and colorful light display illuminates Lighthouse Point Park for the holiday season.

Chanukah Celebrations November 8-26 / Statewide ​Observe the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights, ” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.

Mantels for the Season November 17-December 30 / American Clock & Watch Museum, Bristol The mantels in the museum’s eight galleries are decorated by members of Bristol's Museum Collaborative who have created a wide range of designs that showcases their history and collections.

Magic of Lights November 23-December 31 / Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford A family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival with a tremendous amount of twinkling and magical light displays to celebrate the grandest holiday of the year.

Holiday Lights Spectacular November 17-January 31 / Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Holiday light display with over a half-million lights decorate the Olde Mystic Village square of shops and restaurants for families and holiday enthusiasts to enjoy.

Holiday Train Show November 21-February 18 / Connecticut River Museum, Essex A true locomotive extravaganza and a perfect outing for train fans of all ages, this year's show brings a 26-foot model train layout with more trains, new scenery, .and lots of surprises. Challenge yourself to an I-SPY scavenger hunt for objects hidden throughout the displays and exhibit gallery. 

Fesitval of Silver Lights November 23-January 2 / Hubbard Park, Meriden Illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling, white lights. There are over 200 figures and buildings that are decorated with the lights in this spectacular display.

Winterfair: Hartford's Holiday Market November 24-December 23 / Great Hall at Union Station, Hartford Shop a large selections of local vendors for unique gift items.

Hebron Lion Lights in Motion November 24-December 31 / Hebron Lions Fairgrounds The Hebron Lions Fairgrounds has been transformed into a holiday light wonderland. This event is a one-of-a-kind experience as visitors get to drive over a mile to view over one million lights digitally synchronized to music.

Glow Gardens November 18-December 23 / Connecticut Convention Center Join in on a fun, one-of-a-kind, family-friendly indoor festival of lights! Dazzling light gardens, glowing activities, delectable seasonal treats, and live entertainment are all in store for you.

The Holiday Holiday Stroll November 24-December 24 / Mill River Park, Stamford Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season as The Holiday Stroll returns to Mill River Park for another year of joyous celebration. The beloved event, which captivated hearts and brought smiles to faces last year, is back with a revamped experience designed to make this holiday season unforgettable.

Northern Lights Limited November 24-December 28 / Railroad of New England, Thomaston Leaving under the cover of nightfall, experience the magic as the lights inside and out of each car are lit, illuminating the entire train in a soft, cheerful glow. Upon departure, you will be taken directly to the North Pole, picking up Santa and Mrs. Claus for all to see.

Holiday Lights November 24-December 31 / Lake Compounce, Bristol Enjoy spectacular light shows around the park set to your favorite holiday music, decorate cookies, build a gingerbread house, and write a letter to Santa.

Holiday Magic November 24-December 31 / Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme This year there will be over 220 palettes on four stunning palette trees in the Krieble Galleries.

Niantic Holiday Stroll November 25 / Town of East Lyme Enjoy store specials, sales, and giveaways while shopping local this Small Business Saturday.

Holiday Dazzle Light Parade November 26 / Town of Putnam Enjoy this family-friendly and fun holiday tradition with floats, music, and lights to kick off the holiday season in a brilliant style.

Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival December 1-2 / Town of Bethlehem The festival includes vendors selling handcrafted items just in time for holiday shopping, a Roaming Railroad choo-choo train ride, hayrides, free musical entertainment, and a 5K Road Race.

Festival of Trees & Traditions November 30-December 10 / Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford Celebrate the holidays by enjoying trees and wreaths decorated by community members, artists, and organizations. All items are for sale.

Christmas in Connecticut: Candlelight Tours December 2 / Stanley-Whitman House, Farmington Join the festivities of the season in a holiday tour of the 1720 historic house, decorated for the holidays.

Holiday Express Train Show December 2-31 / Fairfield Museum & History Center, Fairfield The Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland, with antique model trains traveling through villages, mountainsides, and snowy fields.

Torchlight Parade December 9 / Town of Old Saybrook More than 20 different fife and drum corps march along Main Street to the Town Green, leading the musician groups will be the 2nd Company Governor's Foot Guard marching unit.

Lobster Trap Tree On display from November 25 - January 9 / Stonington Stonington's 35-foot Lobster Trap Tree is nothing short of a Christmas miracle. See this holiday icon for yourself!  

Santa Sightings

The Holiday Wish Express November 18-December 24 / Stamford Town Center, Stamford Stamford becomes the gateway to the North Pole's wonders. We invite you aboard the Holiday Wish Express, an immersive holiday odyssey that promises delights for all ages. With an exhilarating virtual train ride, meticulously crafted themed rooms, and beloved characters, all centered around the captivating tale of Teddy's Christmas Adventure.

Visit With Santa at The Shore Line Trolley Museum November 24-December 23 / The Shore Line Trolley Museum, East Haven Take a ride to visit Santa on his special trolley car which he’s set up for social distancing.  Wave “Hi” and grab your holiday photos!  Santa’s elves will be standing by to make sure every child gets their free gift. Walk through the decorated trolley barns and take a ride on a real antique trolley car.

Santa Arrives by Tugboat & Holiday Lighted Boat Parade November 25 / Town of Mystic Santa Claus is coming to town and so is Mystic’s Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in historic downtown Mystic.

Winterfest & the Tunnel of Lights November 24-December 30 / Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor Celebrating over 40 years of family holiday tradition, halls are decked both inside and outside with thousands of light bulbs. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols.

Santa Express November 24- December 23 / Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston As the trains travel through the cold winter wilderness, passengers will be able to visit Santa and play with his Elves. Each child will also get a special gift from Santa’s own toy bag.

Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop November 24-December 23 / Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouse, Greenwich The cherished town tradition continues for the thirteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa's Workshop.

All Aboard the Snow Clipper December 2-23 / Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury Take a ride in a vintage train through the historic railyard to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Heights & Lights December 3 / City of Stamford From 22 stories high above Stamford Downtown, watch and cheer for Santa Claus, Rudolph, Grinch, and friends as they make their daredevil descent, twisting and flying from the top of one of Stamford’s tallest buildings, Landmark Square.  Then follow Santa and friends up Bedford Street to Latham Park for an evening of holiday music and join in the countdown of the annual lighting of Stamford’s Holiday Tree.

Annual Santa's Workshop December 12-23 / Wickham Park, Manchester Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves making toys, set in a log cabin with decorations and music, and a fire in the great stone fireplace.

Christmas Village - A Tradition in Torrington December 10-23 / 150 Church Street, Torrington This magical place features individual rooms to meet both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a Toy Shop with Elves hard at work, reindeer, and seasonal lights and displays.

Music, Theater & Performing Arts

A Christmas Carol Hartford Stage, Hartford

"Home Alone" in Concert with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Palace Theater, Waterbury

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Palace Theater, Waterbury

Elf Movie Showing Warner Theatre, Torrington

The Nutcracker Warner Theatre, Torrington

  A Magical Cirque Christmas Garde Arts Center, New London

Wreck the Halls: A Musical Slay Ride Sherman Playhouse, Sherman

Christmas on the Rocks TheaterWorks, Hartford

New England Ballet Theatre presents: The Fantastic Toyshop New England Ballet Theatre, Hartford

Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas Shubert Theatre, New Haven

The Nutcracker Shubert Theatre, New Haven

A Christmas Carol Shubert Theatre, New Haven

Ballet Theatre Company: The Nutcracker Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford

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