One of the highlights of the festive season for families in Bristol (and the rest of the UK) is visiting a Santa Grotto, or nowadays even meeting Santa over a meal, a train or boat ride. Fortunately for us, the city boasts a huge array of Santa’s Grottos and other ways you can meet Father Christmas, Ms Claus, and his elves.
Whether you want to make an entire day of it, or can only spare an hour or two, venues across the city are pulling out all the stops this year to really bring that festive cheer to town. Think festive food and drink, crafts and activities, story time, and in one case, even a Grinch show!
We’ve pulled together a handful of quirky, festive and downright magical Christmas events that result in a chance to meet Santa, share your Christmas wishes with him, get a photo and/or a gift, and relish in the magic of the season.
We’ll be updating this list as the festive season approaches, so if you can’t see your favourite on the list quite yet, check back at a later date or email [email protected].
Almondsbury Garden Centre
When: November 30-December 24
Where: 51-53 Over Lane, Almondsbury, BS32 4BP
Your adventure at Almondsbury Garden Centre begins by exploring a series of enchanting passages and chambers guided by Santa’s elves, and leading to Santa’s secret workshop. You’ll then pass through the Naughty or Nice scanner, before settling down for a cosy story time with the elves and meeting Santa Claus himself. There will even be a gift to take home as a lasting reminder of your day.
Early morning slots are available for children with sensory needs, or who prefer a quieter experience. As these sessions tend to be less busy, they offer a calmer atmosphere to help every visitor feel more comfortable while still enjoying the magic of the grotto.
Tickets cost £10 per adult and £20 per child. Book your slot here.
Ashton Court Father Christmas Experience
When: December 16-22
Where: Ashton Court Mansion, BS41 9JN
Now in its sixth year, Bristol’s much loved Father Christmas experience is back for 2024. Described as being “much more than a usual grotto”, this experience features professional actors and is held in the historic Victorian manor house.
Starting in the Great Hall, visitors will enjoy a 20-minute interactive experience, finishing with a gift from Father Christmas himself. Ticket prices vary – click here to find out more.
Avon Valley Railway Train ride with Santa
When: November 23-December 24
Where: Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton, BS30 6HD
Avon Valley Railway’s Santa Special is a popular festive train ride every year. Setting off from the railway’s HQ at Bitton Station, those onboard will enjoy a 50-minute train ride, with mince pies, festive biscuits and even a visit from Santa himself.
According to the booking website, time slots for Santa Special train rides begin on November 23 at 10am and run on selected dates (15 dates in total) until December 24. Ticket prices range from between £17-£31 depending on the date you choose – and some coaches have already completely sold out on certain dates and times.
When you return to Bitton Station following your train ride, each family group will meet Santa once more and children will receive a present from him, too. This year, due to positive feedback from previous passengers, the present will be in the form of a bespoke Avon Valley Railway donkey-themed plush toy, which will be offered to all children regardless of age and is suitable from birth.
There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and make lasting festive memories you can cherish. What’s more, the festive Christmas donkeys will be returning once again – you’ll be able to see them on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before (if you’re travelling on the last train of the day) or after you’ve travelled on the train at other times.
Bristol Ferry Sail With Santa
When: December 7-23
Where: The Cascade Steps, Bristol City Centre
Join the ferry elves on the hunt for Santa this year, aboard a Bristol Ferry. Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for little ones, sailing around the harbour with you. Tickets cost £20 per person and include a personalised gift for each child, festive snacks, sherry for the grown-ups, a photo opportunity with Santa, and a 45-minute trip around the harbour.
Find out more and book your slot here.
Cadbury Garden Centre
When: December 1-24
Where: Smallway, Congresbury, BS49 5AA
Cadbury Garden Centre is this year hosting a Santa Grotto and a Breakfast With Santa event. Visiting the grotto, you can share a Christmas wish and capture the magic with a keepsake photograph. On arrival, children will plant a magic bean and watch in awe as Santa magically transforms it into a real mini Christmas tree.
Every child will also receive a special gift from the main man himself. Tickets cost £14.50 per child, with free entry for adults. Book your grotto entry here.
The Breakfast With Santa event will see you start your day with a delicious breakfast, before gathering around as Santa shares some enchanting stories. He will then visit each family, listen to children’s Christmas wishes, and even bring a special gift for each one.
A child’s breakfast ticket costs £15.95 and an adult breakfast ticket £14.95. Book yours here.
Clifton Observatory Santa Brunch
When: December 8,15,21 and 23
Where: Clifton Observatory, Bristol, BS8 3LT
Santa will be stopping by the Clifton Observatory for brunch on selected dates, in between his preparations for Christmas. He and his elves will be bringing ‘festive cheer’, delicious food and gifts to the Observatory’s private event space.
You’ll be able to enjoy a brunch spread of bacon and eggs, a selection of fresh fruit, and stacks of waffles and pancakes with an array of toppings. Juice, chocolate milk, hot chocolates, teas and coffees will be available, as well as mimosas for grown ups.
Sessions take place at 9am, 11.30am and 2pm, with tickets priced at £22 for adults (15+), £18 for children (3-14) and £5 for under 3s. All children will receive a gift as part of their booking. Get your tickets here.
John Lewis Cribbs Causeway
When: December 6-24
Where: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5QU
Join Santa and his elves for a special story session, complete with a Christmas craft activity, and a special gift, at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway. Tickets cost £17.50 per child and £3 per adult, plus booking fees.
Babies under 12 months attending without a sibling will require a ticket. Babies who are accompanying a paying sibling and don’t require a gift are welcome free of charge and don’t need a ticket. Due to space restrictions, bookings are limited to two adults per child. Book yours here.
Avon Valley Christmas Experience
When: Selected dates from November 30-December 24
Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP
Avon Valley’s Christmas Experience is a ‘specially curated day’ complete with a theatrical show and an array of themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy. This includes Santa’s cabin, where you will have the opportunity to have a professional family photograph taken, and get a ‘golden ticket’ to take to the toy factory, where every child can choose their own gift.
New for 2024 is the Grinch Show, while classic entertainment and activities also include Mrs Claus’ gingerbread parlour, the Magical Forest, Santa’s Post Room, The Elf Express miniature railway, as well as plenty of photo opportunities and food/refreshments to enjoy. Ticket prices vary – book your tickets here.