Christmas is just around the corner and here in Bristol there’s much to look forward to – from festive markets, to light trails, Santa Grottos, train rides, and more. One of the first festive events in the calendar, however, comes in the form of the switching on of the city’s Christmas lights.
This year, we’ve compiled a list of certain areas in the city and all we know so far about their Christmas lights switch on events. This includes where the celebrations will be held – from Clifton to Broadmead, Cabot Circus to Thornbury, Winterbourne and more – as well as everything you can see and do while you’re there.
From music to food and drink, celebrity appearances – and even those by Father Christmas himself – this list should hopefully have you covered. But if you know of any other local Christmas lights switch ons you think should be included in this list, email all the information to [email protected].
Clifton Village and the City Centre usually boast dazzling light displays and trails – read about some more here – that transform streets into winter wonderlands while you go about your evenings. You can stroll through Park Street, Queen Square, and even across the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, to enjoy thousands of twinkling lights – all making for magical backdrops for evening strolls around the city.
Bristol City Centre – Broadmead, Cabot Circus and Park Street
When: TBC (check back soon for more information)
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
When: TBC (check back soon for more information)
The Christmas lights switch on event at The Mall Cribbs Causeway is usually a free, family-friendly event with entertainment, food and drink, and late night shopping available.
Clifton
When: Wednesday, November 20 at 6pm
Where: The Mall Gardens
Clifton Village will see a festive transformation from November 20, when the lights on its giant Christmas tree are switched on. Some 5,000 LED lights, 100 baubles and wrapped presents will decorate the 50 foot Norwegian Spruce, which will stand proudly in the gardens and, before the lights are switched on, a local choir will lead the community in some carol singing.
Last year thousands of people turned up to see Bristol-born actor and BBC Radio Bristol presenter, Joe Sims, switch on the lights. But, according to organisers, locals will have to wait until the final moment before they find out who has the job of pressing the switch this year.
Local businesses in Clifton Village will be open for late-night shopping on the date.
Portishead
When: Monday, November 25 (5.40pm onwards, with light switch on at 6.45pm)
Where: Portishead High Street
Dubbed ‘the best in the West’, Portishead Christmas lights switch on event is run by volunteers and has won many an award in the category of ‘Town Christmas Lights’. Portishead even has its own Christmas Lights Committee, which was formed in 1974, when no funds were allocated for the Christmas lights in the area.
A band of volunteers wanted to keep the local Christmas lights glowing year after year, taking it upon themselves to take over the display. Since then the Committee has grown, with more and more volunteers on board.
And, in recent years, the Portishead Christmas Lights now represent a ‘Golden Mile’ of festive illumination – through the High Street, extending up West Hill and the Waitrose Piazza, making for a huge display. It costs around £20,000 each year, with the team of volunteers receiving a grant from Portishead Town Council – much of the money is made by local fundraising however.
Patchway
When: Friday, November 29 (7-10pm)
Where: Scott Park Patchway
The Patchway Christmas lights switch on event ‘returns bigger and better than before’ according to the official event page. This free event will feature live music, a Christmas market and even a visit from Father Christmas himself.
Stay up to date on all the latest news about the event here.
Thornbury
When: Saturday, November 16 (2-7pm, with the switch on at 6pm)
Where: Thornbury High Street
Thornbury’s switch on event features an afternoon “full of holiday cheer”, with a Christmas market organised by Love Thornbury, live entertainment, and festive food and drink. Lights will be switched on at 6pm, but the festive events begin from 2pm.
Find out more here.
Winterbourne Wonderland Display
When: Saturday, November 23 at 6pm
Where: 102 Down Road, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1DG
Following the success of their 2023 display, which featured some 50,000 lights, the Winterbourne Wonderland Christmas Display, raising money for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, will be back with “huge plans” for its 2024 display. According to the event description on the official Facebook page, the team behind the display are hoping to include “elements and ideas never before seen in any UK Christmas display – and of course, lots more lights”.
In the last three years alone the display has raised almost £11,000 in total. More updates and sneak peeks can be found here.