What's On in Avon

Autumn Family Trail

Venue: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-arboretum/autumn-family-trail

The Tree Guardians’ trail reveals how trees at Westonbirt are cared for, how they are protected in the wild, how trees cope with climate change and how we are working with tree experts around the world...

Bristol Christmas Market 2024

Venue: Bristol Christmas Market

Address: Broadmead

Website: www.bristolchristmasmarket.com

Entertainment will include singers, bands, and DJs creating the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Children will enjoy bubble-blowing fairies, balloon artists, and, of course, Santa will make a few special...

Mary Poppins

Venue: Bristol Hippodrome

Website: www.atgtickets.com/shows/mary-poppins/bristol-hippodrome

Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography,...

Twilight Tobogganing

Venue: Mendip Activity Centre

Website: www.mendip.co.uk/twilight

Twilight Tobogganing is suitable for groups of up to eight-people and designed for families with children aged 4+. With holiday music in the air, whizz down the outdoor slope in a whirl of colourful fairy...

Chiffonnade

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Somewhere between dream and reality, full of emotions, and as colourful as life itself, Chiffonade is about growing up, blossoming, releasing oneself from the chrysalis, discovering the world and flying...

Shaun the Sheep Festive Sculpture Trail

Venue: Bristol Zoo Project

Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Join this exciting family art trail and find twelve sculptures at locations across the zoo. In collaboration with Aardman, and in partnership with global art producer, Wild in Art, each super-sized sculpture,...

The Festival of Light

Venue: Longleat

Address: Wiltshire

Website: www.longleat.co.uk/the-festival-of-light

Become a time traveller and capture family memories with kings and queens, a giant 12 metre clock, the spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights or with the impressive House light show in celebration of...

Wallace and Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience

Venue: The Friary Building

Address: Broadmead Bristol

Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Solve festive puzzles, share cheesy jokes, light up the tree and help power up the Christmas-O-Matic, immersing yourselves in this family, festive adventure. After the fun, snap a festive photo and treat...

Christmas at Dyrham Park

Venue: Dyrham Park

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/dyrham-park

Go on a journey back in time this festive season at Dyrham Park exploring Christmas through the ages from Tudor times right up to the 1980s. Rooms in the house will be decorated to reflect different eras....

Winter Twilight Fest

Venue: Crealy Theme Park and Resort

Website: www.crealy.co.uk/events/winter-twilight-fest

Feel the thrill of your favourite rides in the dark and see the Park lit up with festive illuminations including a magical light tunnel. As the sun goes down and the moon comes up, experience the Park...

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Trail

Venue: Clifton Village

Website: www.discoverclifton.co.uk/elf-on-a-shelf-trail-1

Explore Clifton Village with their festive Elf on the Shelf Trail! Grab a map, find hidden elves, and discover charming local spots along the way. Fun for all ages, this holiday adventure is the perfect...

Santa Specials

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Once onboard our festive trains the whistle will sound and you’ll depart on your fifty minute train ride. Tickets for the railway’s Santa Specials are now on sale. Last year all seats were sold by...

Santa Specials

Venue: Avon Valley Railway

Website: www.quaytickets.com/avonvalleyrailway

Whilst you’re travelling Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station meet Santa again and all children will receive a present. There will also...

Santa's Grotto

Venue: Grand Pier

Website: www.grandpier.co.uk/santas-grotto

Enjoy a magical adventure to Santa's Grotto this Christmas, where you can meet the great man himself and some of his trusty elves! During your visit, Santa will warmly welcome you, offering a wonderful...

Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole

Venue: Wookey Hole

Website: www.wookey.co.uk/winter-wonderland

Over 100,000 lights transform the caves into an enchanting underground adventure land and Immerse yourself in Santa's North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present...

Winterbourne Wonderland Christmas Display

Venue: 102 Down Road

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk/event/winterbourne-wonderland-christmas-display

Featuring more than twice as many lights as last year, making it one of the highest bulb counts of any home displays in the UK.All contributions, however big or small, will make a huge difference so please...

Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate

Venue: Old Down Estate

Website: www.olddownestate.co.uk/whats-on/what-s-on-illumination-trail

Wander through the immersive experience of sparkling installations and mesmerising lights. Make your Christmas memories glow by embarking on a starlit journey, at your own pace around the grounds, surrounding...

Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court

Venue: Ashton Court Mansion

Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/fatherchristmasashtoncourt/father-christmas-experience-at-ashton-court

Much more than a usual grotto, Father Christmas at Ashton Court Mansion is a magical experience with professional actors held in the beautiful Victorian Manor house.The Experience starts in the Great Hall...

Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum

Website: www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/christmas

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore trees from around the globe in a completely new light. The National Arboretum will be transformed into a place where new memories are made as over a million...

Robin Hood

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Daniel Bye's thrilling new adaptation of the legend of Robin Hood pulses with the irrepressible spirit of youthful friendships and the quest for a fairer world, igniting this timeless tale for a new generation.Suitable...

Brailsford Christmas Lights

Venue: Okebourne Road

Website: www.brailsfordlights.co.uk

Brailsford Christmas Light Trail in Brentry is one of the biggest light trails around and it is all done in the name of charity raising money for The Grand Appeal. Lights on from 5pm until 9pm daily....

Christmas at Crealy

Venue: Crealy Theme Park and Resort

Website: www.crealy.co.uk

Don't miss out on the chance to meet and greet with Santa himself in this popular grotto experience, including a free high quality toy for every child from Santa's Magical Toy Shop. Selected dates this...

Christmas Experience

Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk

Visit Santa in his beautifully decorated wooden cabin to get your 'golden ticket' to take to the toy factory plus have a professional family photograph taken (additional charge). Santa has given permission...

Festival of Stories at SPARKS Bristol

Venue: 78 Broadmead

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk

This free event unites seasoned storytellers, emerging voices, and passionate listeners for a day of tales that span generations, cultures, and experiences. Attendees will enjoy live storytelling sessions...

Festive Outdoor Ice Skating

Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/avon-valley-ice-skating

This sparkling venue with an atmospheric backdrop is suitable for the youngest beginner through to seasoned skaters looking to show off their skills. Spin into the night with special lighting effects....

Autumn Trail: Solve the Medusa Mystery!

Venue: The Roman Baths Bath

Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk/event/autumn-trail-solve-medusa-mystery

Join Silvia on a mythic family quest through the Roman Baths. Become a Snake Seeker and look out for squiggly snakes. Can you draw Medusa’s hair? Or solve the Medusa Mystery by searching for snakes and...

Bristol Christmas Village in Castle Park

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-christmas-village-in-castle-park

Bristol Christmas Village opens 5 Dec- 3 Jan, only closing on Christmas Day. There will be lots of things for all ages including Rollahub, Curling, VR Sleigh Ride, Classic Rides, games and much more!...

Treefest

Venue: St Mary Redcliffe Church

Website: www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk/treefest

The festival is a fabulous celebration of the diversity of creative talent in Bristol and a chance to learn more about the groups behind the trees, plus an opportunity to support two of the charities via...

Wake the Tiger Amazement Park - SEND Sessions

Venue: Wake the Tiger Amazement Park

Website: www.wakethetiger.com/sensory-sensitive-sessions

For anyone who could find a visitor attraction overwhelming when open to the general public, perhaps preferring less people and where any sensory-stimulation is managed, including the lights and sounds....

Christmas Nights Lights Trail

Venue: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Website: www.avonvalley.co.uk/events/avon-valley-christmas-lights

With stunning light installations and play areas creatively lit up bringing you a family focused, fun light trail to be enjoyed by all ages. Ride the miniature railway with all the festive feels and explore...

Carols in the Barn at Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Venue: Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Website: www.visitbristol.co.uk/event/carols-in-the-barn-at-winterbourne-medieval-barn

Enjoy light-hearted Christmas drama from members of St Michael's Church, woven around well-known traditional carols for everyone to sing along. The Medieval Barn makes a very atmospheric setting for a...

Victorian Christmas Weekend

Venue: SS Great Britain

Website: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Unlock stories of Christmases past. Meet Old Father Christmas in his traditional green robes, mingle with the ‘great unwashed’ as the Ragged Victorians fill the dockyard, and play Victorian party games...

Christmas Fun Day

Venue: The Helicopter Museum

Website: www.helimuseum.com/events.html

Go and meet Santa in his special Helicopter Grotto. Free present from Santa included with every child's admission ticket purchased on the day! Plus........open cockpits, charity stalls, face painting and...

Bristol Aquarium – Even Calmer Days

Venue: Bristol Aquarium

Website: www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Even Calmer days create a more relaxing sensory experience for any customers who may need it. The music and children’s rides are turned off and they increase lighting in some of the darker areas throughout...

Christmas Jumper Day 2024

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.savethechildren.org.uk

It’s super-simple to take part on Christmas Jumper Day. All you have to do is sign up, put the date in your calendar then on Thursday 12 December, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, donate £2 to...

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Venue: Theatre Royal Bath

Website: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Bursting with great songs, stunning dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a truly magical treat for all the family. This festive extravaganza is on sale now so book your seats today to see Bath’s...

Stargazing Party!

Venue: Bristol Zoo Project

Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Relax indoors inside the sensational blow-up planetarium at the Conservation Centre discovering the seasonal stars and constellations visible at this time of year.You'll even be able to find your own star...

Drawn to Water

Venue: WWT Slimbridge

Website: www.wwt.org.uk

While other parts of the natural world hibernate, WWT Slimbridge comes to life as over-wintering species move in for the colder months. So grab your best bobble hat, pick up a Quentin Blake ‘Drawn to...

Home Educator: Nativity

Venue: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Website: www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Join Noah's Ark Zoo for a unique, interactive nativity experience, where your little ones can become part of the story. Children are asked to arrive dressed in costume as their favourite nativity character...

Ice Ice Baby: Winter Family Dance Party

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Address: Lantern Hall

Website: www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/winter-family-dance-party

Round off the year and celebrate the holiday season with a festive family dance party! There will be props, lights and festive fun galore.There will also be a quiet space for children who need time out...

The Snowman in Concert

Venue: Bristol Beacon

Website: www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/the-snowman-2024

For one day only the Mozart Symphony Orchestra is bringing their popular Christmas concert directly from London to Bristol Beacon.15 year old Alice Mackenzie will make her sixth appearance with the orchestra...

Twixmas

Venue: Wookey Hole

Website: www.wookey.co.uk/winter-wonderland

Paddington™ will be making daily special appearances for Twixmas, giving families the chance to meet their favourite bear. All activities, including the Paddington meet-and-greet, will be included in...