The festive season brings with it many different activities and attractions to visit to get you in the festive spirit.

A great opportunity to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the yuletide cheer, there are plenty of things to do in Bristol this year.

From shopping for the perfect present to having festive fun with all of the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.

Festive light trail with Christmas at Westonbirt

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum (Image: Christmas Cathedral, by Mandylights My Christmas Trails 2023 Photo © Sony Music)

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is hosting a brand-new festive light experience this year.

Forestry England has teamed up with the award-winning, internationally-acclaimed light trail producers behind ‘Christmas at Kew’ and ‘Christmas at Blenheim’ to host a never-before-seen experience for all the family between November 29 and December 31, 2024.

Matthew Findlay, head of UK trails for Sony Music/RG Live, said: “We are thrilled to be launching Christmas at Westonbirt this year with incredible, new artistic innovations which are sure to delight and amaze visitors of all ages.”

Find out more: to book tickets, visit forestryengland.uk.

Festive adventures at Mendip Activity Centre

Mendip Activity Centre (Image: Mendip Activity Centre)

Visit Mendip Activity Centre for a winter adventure this Christmas.

Slide into the festive spirit with Twilight Tobogganing. You’ll have exclusive use of eight toboggans, plus an enchanted woodland walk to a magical grotto for toasting marshmallows and warming up with hot chocolate – it’s the magical family adventure you’re looking for.

Experience skiing and snowboarding on Mendip’s floodlit 165-metre artificial Snowsport slope. Qualified instructors are on-hand for beginners eager to try something new, whilst experienced enthusiasts can make the most of the slope seven-days a week.

Find out more: visit mendip.co.uk.

Enchanting train ride on The Polar Express

The Polar Express Train Ride (Image: THE POLAR EXPRESS™)

The Polar Express Train Ride arrives this Christmas, bringing a magical Christmas experience for all ages!

Step aboard and enjoy a festive journey inspired by the beloved film.

The Conductor will punch your golden ticket, and you’ll be treated to steaming hot chocolate and a delicious cookie served by lively dancing chefs.

Along the way, you’ll meet iconic characters and, at the end of the ride, Santa himself will greet you and give you the first gift of Christmas.

It’s a wonderful way to create lasting Christmas memories – reserve your seats today for this unforgettable adventure!

Find out more: visit seesanta.co.uk.

Travel through time at Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park (Image: National Trust Images/ Steve Haywood)

Go on a journey back in time this festive season at Dyrham Park.

Explore Christmas through the ages from Tudor times right up to the 1980s with rooms in the house decorated to reflect different eras.

Enjoy the outdoor reindeer trail and giant selfie wreath, listen to choirs in the church every weekend in the run up to Christmas, and take part in wreath making workshops.

Don’t forget to pop in the National Trust shop to stock up on decorations, cards, and gifts, or grab a mince pie in the tea-room or café at Old Lodge in the parkland.

Find out more: visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Warming winter food at Urban Tandoor

Urban Tandoor (Image: Urban Tandoor)

Urban Tandoor offers an enjoyable and memorable dining experience with its specially-prepared Christmas menu at its two city centre-based restaurants.

With availability for bookings of up to 170 people over Christmas, the restaurant offers genuine Indian food from authentic sources – enjoy cuisine from the gourmet homes and street stalls across India’s regions, all prepared by skilled chefs from those regions.

The food is totally different and its approach is what makes it unique. To ensure the cooking is always light and fresh, less oil, no artificial colours, and fresh ingredients are used at all times.

Find out more: visit urban-masala.com and follow on TikTok.

All things festive at Bristol Christmas Market

Bristol Christmas Market (Image: James Bridle)

Bristol Christmas Market, held in the heart of Broadmead, is a festive haven from November 1 to December 23, 2024.

It’s known for its enchanting atmosphere with more than 35 unique stalls, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, warming drinks, and live music and entertainment to help Bristol shoppers really get in the mood.

This year, why not try the new Christmas Express Train ride or help the Candy Genius create the ultimate Christmas treat in ‘The Candy Factory’ escape room?

Open from 10am to 7pm (food stalls and bars till 10pm), it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in holiday cheer and find those special gifts.

Find out more: visit bristolchristmasmarket.com and follow on Facebook.

Get VIP treatment at Trilogy Nightclub

Trilogy Nightclub (Image: Trilogy Nightclub)

Make your night extra special by booking a Christmas party booth at Trilogy Nightclub.

Receive fast track entry for you and your party, a dedicated booth for the duration of your stay, your chosen drinks package waiting upon arrival, table service all night long, and free entry for booths before midnight. (18+ only. Please drink responsibly)

Find out more: visit trilogygloucester.com or book at [email protected]