With Hallowe'en and bonfire night over, we’re officially entering the festive period! Bristol is home to creativity and a fantastic creative events calendar, so we have handpicked some of the top creative events for you this season. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly day out, fun activities for you and your friends or more alternative Christmas gift idea’s we’ve got you covered…
Winter Theatre in Bristol:
Bristol has different types of Theatre all over the city, with the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre putting on a range of shows all year round. This festive season includes a classic family favourite; The Nutcracker. As a slightly alternative theatre-related educational experience, there is even a chance to see The Thunder Run; how technicians used to create the sound of thunder, as it would have operated 250 years ago. For tickets and more, visit the Bristol Old Vic Theatre site.
If this type of Theatre isn’t for you, never fear! Bristol Improv Theatre is jam packed full of awesome affordable entertainment including Adventures of the improvised Sherlock Holmes, and a Christmas Improv Jam & Social. Plus, as an added bonus Square Works members get 20% off in-house productions! Have a look at the Bristol Improv Theatre website for more information.
Special Festive Experiences:
Winter can seem limited to indoor activities, but this is far from the truth! You can still get out in the fresh air and delve into the magic that surrounds the festive period. This year Longleat is putting on the Festival of Light: The Wonderous World of Roald Dahl. Tickets and information is available on the Longleat website.
Slightly closer to home, Westonbirt Arboretum have their Enchanted Christmas complete with an illuminated trail and maybe even some mischievous Christmas elves! Both are family friendly - find out more about dates, prices and tickets on the Forestry England pages.
Alternatively, Wake The Tiger; Bristol’s first amazement park invites you to step through the portal into another world, and ‘create raw, unbounded experiences that challenge and transform the world we live in’. If you’re considering group events they even do group bookings and Festive packages that involve wine, a feast grazing table, a bar and a DJ! Find out more on the Wake the Tiger website.
Get Crafty this Christmas in Bristol:
Getting stuck on what to buy your loved ones for Christmas? Here are a few ideas… Bristol will be full of Christmas markets this year, why not support some local businesses by buying unique and handmade gifts. The Made in Bristol craft fair showcases the best of the South West and takes place over a number of weekends in the run up to Christmas. Find out more on the Made in Bristol website.
Even better, why not go one step further and make your own Christmas presents?! Yuup has all sorts of creative sessions you can book on to, from making your own Christmas stockings to craft pottery and a BYOB Festive pottery workshop! Don’t fancy it yourself? Buy tickets for someone who would! Present sorted. Have a browse for ideas on the yuup website.
If you're intent on gifting a special experience this Christmas, why not check out our blog on the best Creative Gift Ideas in Bristol?
