Somerset Family Adventures

Santa’s Grotto - Family day out at Christmas

Family Days Out at Christmas in Bristol, 2024

Are you looking for some fun Christmas events in Bristol to get in the festive mood?

This year, there are loads of Christmassy things to do in and around Bristol and, you might be wondering what are the best Christmas events near me.

Get into the festive spirit by visiting one of the many magical Christmas events in Bristol. If you’re looking for a Christmas activity to enjoy with the whole family, you can visit a Christmas family attraction, go ice skating, see Father Christmas, visit a Christmas market, attend a Christmas light switch on, and a whole host of other events that will truly get you into the festive spirit.

Read our blog post for the Best Christmas Light Trails in Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding area for 2024, or check out our Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset 2024. For some free and cheap ideas read, Free Christmas Events in Somerset and Bristol, 2024.

To help you find the best experience for your family, here’s a pick of festive fun in and around Bristol in 2024. Many places will sell out quickly, so check out this list and book up as early as you can.

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Best Christmas Events in Bristol 2024

Victorian Christmas Weekends at Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

Where: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY

When: Saturday 7th December 2024 – Sunday 8th December 2024

Price: Adult £22.00, Child £13.50, Under 4 Free, Student £18.50.  (Free, unlimited return visits for one year* from the date that the ticket is first used.)

Go back in time this Christmas and soak up the festive cheer at the magical Victorian Christmas Weekends on board the S.S. Great Britain.

  • Meet Old Father Christmas in his green robes
  • Hear traditional Christmas carols
  • Feast on delicious mince pies 
  • Experience the historic dockyard transformed into a winter wonderland with guaranteed snow.
  • Interact with 19th-century costumed characters
  • Hear enchanting stories of Christmases past.

The Father Christmas Experience at Ashton Court Mansion

Where: Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

When: Thursday 28th November to Monday 23rd December 2024 (every weekend and selected weekdays).

Price: £16.26/Child (includes a gift), £6.50/Adult (Booking is essential, online)

  • Various time slots
  • Experience lasts 20 minutes

Come on a magical adventure with Father Christmas at the historic Ashton Court Mansion.  A fun interactive experience where you will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

The experience starts in the Great Hall of the beautiful Victorian manor house and finishes with a gift from Father Christmas who makes a surprising entrance!

Sail with Santa with Bristol Ferry Boats

Where: Pick up: Bristol BS1 5UH, near cascade steps

When: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st – 23rd December 2024

Price: £20/person, which includes:

  • a personalised gift for each child
  • festive snacks
  • sherry for the grown-ups
  • a photo opportunity with Santa
  • a 45 minute trip around the harbour

Join the ferry elves on a unique hunt for Santa!

Once you’ve found him, Santa will climb aboard with gifts for all your little ones and sail around the harbour with you! 

Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Christmas at Bristol Zoo Project

Where: Blackhorse Hill, Bristol, BS10 7TP

When: Saturday 9 November 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025

Price: Adults £11.42/£12.56*; Children (age 2 – 14) £8.55/9.41*, Under 2’s and Carers FREE. (*with gift aid). Book in advance

  • Fascinating animal talks and feeds
  • The award-winning Bear Wood with panoramic views and chance to get nose-to-nose with the wolves!
  • Fun play areas
  • Lemur walk through
  • Get up close to giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, geladas and more

Shaun the Sheep is coming to Bristol Zoo Project this Christmas!

Join their exciting family art trail and find twelve ewe-nique sculptures at locations across the zoo. It’s the perfect festive activity, free for visitors and packed full of baa-rilliant adventures!

Christmas Workshop at Aerospace Bristol 2024

Where: Hayes Way, Patchway, BS34 5BZ

When: Sunday 1st December – Monday 23rd December 2024

Price: Included in admission price

Visit Santa’s Workshop where the elves will be working hard to prepare all of the presents ahead of the big day. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own aerospace-themed festive decoration and deliver your Christmas wish list to the North Pole via an imaginary flight inside a real Bristol Freighter. 

Join Concord Church for their annual carol service under Concorde on Sunday 15th December from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

This community event is free and suitable for all ages, with festive treats including mince pies and mulled wine available to purchase from the museum cafe.

Buy your Christmas Tree from Aerospace Bristol – From 20th November

Frenchay Forestry will be selling Christmas trees in the Aerospace Bristol car park. 

The Snowman in Concert at The Bristol Beacon

Where: Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

When: Saturday 21st December 2024, 15:00

  • Doors: 14.00
  • Start Time: 14.30
  • Interval: 15.00 – 15.20
  • Finish: 15.55 (approx.)

Price: £21.80 – £34.88

  • Recommended age 5+

The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns for an annual performance of timeless classics; The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and The Snowman.

With the film playing on a big screen accompanied by a live orchestra and singer, this is a magical Christmas concert like no other!

The concert will begin with performances of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, both for narrator and orchestra. Each character in the tales is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra.

This concert is the perfect antidote to panto and a wonderful Christmas treat for all the family.

Where: 127 Albert Rd, Bristol, BS2 0YA

When: Saturday 9th November 2024 to Monday 6th January 2025.

Price: Adult/From £15; Child/From £12.50; Under 5/FREE; Family tickets also available. Plus, Adults-only after-dark sessions/From £19.50. BOOK EARLY & SAVE 20%.

Step through the festive portal into another world! This Christmas, Wake The Tiger will transform into a festive tradition with a twist, with the launch of RETRO-MEGA-MAS. You’ll be transported through decades of Christmas memories, combining retro charm with mind-bending surrealism. A fun event in Bristol this Christmas.

  • Nostalgia-Bending Toys – iconic Christmas moments from the past are reimagined in unexpected ways.
  • Singing Retro-Bots – Robots created by artist Giles Walker entertaining visitors with acapella performances of holiday classics, such as Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Run Run Rudolph
  •  Creatively designed rooms and installations that blend retro themes with interactive elements – designed to spark memories and encourage playful interaction.

Where: The Friary Building, Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

When: Saturday 16th November to Tuesday 24th December 2024.

Price: £10.34 (inc. booking fee)

  • SEND sessions available
  • The experience lasts 30 minutes.

Step into Wallace’s workshop and help save Christmas at Wallace and Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience.

Set in the Friary Building at Quakers Friars, this unique experience is packed with festive puzzles, light up tree and cheesy fun. Help power up the Christmas-O-Matic by solving puzzles, immersing yourselves in this family, festive adventure.

After the fun, snap a festive photo and treat yourself to a nibble and a cracking cuppa at the café.

Where: Clifton Observatory, Bristol, BS8 3LT

When: Sunday 8th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd December at 9am, 11:30am and 2pm.

Price: Adult £22.00 (15+), £18 for Children (3-14), and £5 for Under 3s. All Children receive a gift with their booking!

  • Brunch buffet
  • Mimosas for grownups and hot chocolates for kids
  • Meet Santa
  • Gift for children
  • Visit the attractions and the Elf hunt

Santa is very busy preparing for Christmas, but he’s found some time to stop for brunch at Clifton Observatory and you are invited to join him! Enjoy a delectable brunch spread of bacon and eggs, a selection of fresh fruit, and stacks of waffles and pancakes with an array of toppings for you to mix and match. Juice, chocolate milk, hot chocolates, teas and coffee will be available along with festively indulgent mimosas for grown-ups.

Where: 10 Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4AA

When: Saturday 21st December, 1pm – 3pm and 4pm – 6pm
Price: Tickets £12 Child & £3 Adult

Christmas Festival Of Fun has all the usual incredible range of games, activities and music! This year there’s a Christmas Rave Room including Snow Party and Confetti Cannons and Santas Grotto including a Gift for all Children. Visits from The Grinch and Naughty Elves, Santas Sweet Shop, Santa’s Snowball Hunt and much much more!

Where: Foxholes Lane, Tockington, Bristol, BS32 4PG

When: 24th November 2024 and 7th December to 24th December 2024.

  • Entry Slots: 16:30-17:15 | 17:00 – 17:45 | 17:30 – 18:15 | 18:00 – 18:45.

Price: Adults £19.50, Child £13.00 (2 – 15 yrs), concessions £13.00. Family of 4 £59. Booking ahead is advised.

This festive Illumination Trail offers a magical sensory experience that lights the beautiful Country Park. Follow the star lit trail, guiding you around Old Down Estate and surrounding you with music, colour and light with interactive areas along the way. A truly magical Christmas experience for the whole family.

Follow the pathway to the festive village, where you can toast marshmallows, sip on hot chocolates and mulled wine, all finished off with a warming crumble.

Make a Christmas wish and embellish your night with holiday seasonal crafts for the kids to enjoy. Meet some of the friendly animals and be part of a wondrous evening.

Dogs on a lead are more than welcome to join you on this magical trail.

FOR MORE ILLUMINATED TRAILS, READ: Christmas Light Trails in Somerset and Bristol, 2024

Where: Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DX

When: Friday 1st November – Monday 23rd December 2024

  • Market Stalls open 10 am – 7.00 pm (6pm on 23rd Dec)
  • Food stalls and bars open 10 am – 10 pm

Located in the heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 35 unique stalls, as well as entertainment and visits from Santa and his elves.

Grab yourself a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander through the market soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Admire the  impressive 30ft Christmas tree, adorned with a spectacular display of sparkling lights and decorations.

Discover live music and enjoy delicious drinks in the warm Jäger Barn Bar or book one of the private Gondolas to escape the bustle of the Market for a while. 

FOR MORE CHRISTMAS MARKETS, READ: Christmas Markets in Somerset, 2024

 Family Christmas Attractions in Somerset

There are many brilliant festive events in Somerset within an easy drive of Bristol. Check out what’s on in Somerset this Christmas for 2024.

Where: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF

When: Weekends only: 16th November to 15th December 2024. Daily: 20th to 24th December 2024

  • Sessions will run at the following times: 10:30am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm and 4:15pm

Price: Father Christmas Grotto Experience: £5.99 Child with gift (0-10yrs), £3.99 person with no gift (Any), PLUS normal admission price: £24.00/Adult (16yrs+); £18.00/Child (5-15yrs), FREE/Infant (0-4yrs)/Carers

This Christmas, deep within Gough’s Cave you’ll find the magical South West Workshop of Father Christmas’ elves. There’s also the opportunity to book a session to meet Father Christmas himself! Your children will sing some songs, listen to a festive tale and receive a present.

A Christmas at Cheddar Day Ticket gets you access into all the other exciting attractions, including the Elves South West Workshop in Gough’s Cave, Museum of Prehistory, Cox’s Cave and Jacob’s Ladder.

See our Cheddar Gorge Walk.

Where: Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ 

When: From Friday 8th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025

Price: From £12.50/person (£100/8 people age 4+)

Festive, fun for all the family at Mendip Activity Centre.

  • Your group of up to eight people will get exclusive use of half of the toboggan slope, with festive music, snow machine and festive lights and lasers, and Santa hats to wear.
  • After whizzing down the slope, you’ll head along a magical illuminated path to a camp fire, sit under giant canopies and roast marshmallows, make s’mores, light sparklers and drink hot chocolate.
tobogganing - Christmas events, Somerset
Twilight Tobogganing

Where: Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset BA5 1BB

When: 23rd November 2024 to 24th December 2024, from 9.30 am until 5 pm.

Price: Adults £24.00, OAP’s £22.00, Children £19.00 (3-15yrs), Under 3 yrs FREE – visit website and book online here.

Get into the spirit of Christmas at Wookey Hole’s Winter Wonderland Christmas event in Somerset. Your adventure includes three incredible Christmas experiences wrapped up into one magical day out.

Visit the caves where over 100,000 of lights magically illuminate the way. It’s a breath-taking Christmas light show. Immerse yourself in Santa’s North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present from Santa’s Elves from the Toy Shop.

You’ll also watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show, performed in the Wookey Hole Theatre as part of your experience.

  • Shows are at 12pm and 1.30pm and 3pm.

Your day out will include all the other attractions of Wookey Hole, including a special Christmas Movie in the 4D Cinema.

Where: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Clevedon Rd, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PG

When: Saturday 30th November – Sunday 22nd December 2024

Price: Meet Santa for just £7 per child (+ Standard Day Admission).

Accompanying adults do NOT need to pay to meet Santa but will still need to pay for day admission.

Meet Santa Weekend Dates:

  • 7th December
  • 8th December
  • 14th December
  • 15th December
  • 21st December
  • 22nd December

Step into the warmth and wonder of Santa Claus’s library with twinkling lights, festive books, and a hint of peppermint in the air. Little ones can share festive wishes, hear Santa’s Christmas stories, and capture a cherished memory with a photo before taking home a special gift from Santa himself.

There are Santa’s storytelling sessions on these dates too. Gather for a magical experience as Santa brings Christmas to life with charming tales!

Cozy up in the Ark Arena as Santa shares stories sure to captivate young and old alike.

Noah’s Ark Christmas Markets

Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December 2024.

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, BS31 1TP 

When: 30th November, 1st,  7th – 8th, 14th – 15th, 19th – 24th December 2024

Price: Adults £20/£25, Children £30/35, + Booking fee, Babe in arms (No gift) FREE

There is so much to enjoy this year at Avon Valley in a specially curated day complete with an theatrical show and many themed activities and entertainment areas to enjoy.

  • Santa’s Show
  • Santa’s Toy Factory
  • The Rudolph Show
  • Making Reindeer Food
  • Mrs Claus Gingerbread Parlour
  • The Magic Forest
  • Santa’s Post Room, The Polar Express Mini Railway
  • An Ice Skating session can be added (see below)
  • Christmas Nights can also be added – Light Trail

Where: Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1AL 

When: 23rd – 24th, 30th November 2024, 1st, 7 – 8th, 14 – 15th, 21st – 24th December 2024

  • Time slots between 11 am – 3.40 pm

Price: £14.95/Child +1 Adult, Additional Adult £3.50. + £5 for platinum entry. + £5 for a printed photo, + £8 bauble. (Ideal age is 18 months to 10 years). Pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.

Price includes:

  • Pier admission
  • Present from Santa

Platinum entry includes:

  • Crazy Circus
  • House of Mirrors
  • Laser Maze
  • Crystal Maze
  • Mini Golf
  • Adventure Cove Soft Play

Visit the Grand Pier this Christmas for a magical adventure to Santa’s Grotto 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 moment of story time, a photo to cherish forever, as well as a special gift for everyone.

Oh, but be on the lookout! Santa’s playful naughty elf might make an appearance during your visit, adding a touch of excitement to the experience!

NEW FOR 2024: Step inside the Enchanted Elevator and take a trip to Santa’s Grotto in style! (included in your visit)

The Grinch Grotto Takeover – book 14th, 15th or 21st December, the naughty Mr Grinch is taking over the Grotto.

Where: Smallway, Congresbury, North Somerset, BS49 5AA

When: 23rd – 24th, 29th – 30th November, 1st to 24th December 2024 (on selected dates).

Breakfast with Santa

Price: £14.95/person

Santa’s Grotto

Price: Child £14.50 (+ booking fee); Accompanying Adult – free.

Share a Christmas wish and capture the magic with a keepsake photograph. On arrival, children will plant a magic bean, and then watch in awe as Santa magically transforms it into a real mini-Christmas tree.

Every child will also receive a special gift from the big man himself.

Christmas at Cadbury Garden Centre, Congresbury

Where: Milsom Place, Milsom Street & Broad Street, Bath, BA1 1BZ.

When: Thursday 28th – Tuesday 24th December 2024.

Price: £11.55/person. Most suitable for children ages 3- 12 years.

Enjoy a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas!

  • A 20-minute Father Christmas Experience with professional actors and musicians in the heart of Bath.

  • A meet and greet with Father Christmas.

  • A chance to take your own photo with Father Christmas and his magical musical elf Sprinkles.

  • Children and adults both receive a gift.

Where: Charlton Farm, Children’s Hospice South West, Charlton Drive, Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PE

When: Sunday 8th December 2024

  • 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • The run starts at 1.00 pm

Price: Tickets: Adult (16+) £12, Child (3-15years) £6 Child (Under 3) Free

Sponsorship target:

 £25 per person, £70 per family

Sponsorship Target: £25/person, £60/Family

Santas on the Run is an untimed 2k accessible route around the grounds of Charlton Farm, where participants of any age can walk, jog or run dressed in their favourite Christmas-themed costume. You can take part with your friends, family, children, work colleagues or community group. Money raised goes to Children’s Hospice South West.

The Event Village is open from midday,  and there will be a snow machine and musical entertainment on the route. You’ll also receive 50% off entry into Noah Arm Zoo Farm on that weekend with a free hot drink to make it a truly memorable day out! 

Race timings

  • 12 noon to 12.45pm: Please arrive before 12.45pm to allow time to hand in your sponsorship, coin collection cards and gingerbread houses and take a chance to look around the Event Village – food and drink available.
  • 12.35am: Best festive costume competitions  
  • 12.45am: Festive warm up with Joe.  
  • 1.00pm: Santas on the Run!  
  • 1.00pm to 1.45pm: Complete the 2k circular route as fast or slow as you wish. As you cross the finish line you will collect your medal and festive treat.   
  • 2pm: Event village closes 

FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON IN SOMERSET THIS CHRISTMAS, READ: Family Days Out at Christmas in Somerset, 2024

Best Christmas Events in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire 2024

The Flight before Christmas, Cotswold Airport

Where: Cotswold Airport, Kemble, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BA

When: Saturday 23rd November to Tuesday 24th December 2024

  • Various timeslots throughout the day

Price: £41.97/Child (age 1+) and Adult; Priority Boarding Ticket £51.24

Step into a world of magic and wonder with the Negus Christmas Experience, The Flight Before Christmas! Take an unforgettable journey filled with interactive workshops and engaging activities that are sure to delight the whole family.

  • The Flight Before Christmas is a  performance-based experience, lasting at least an hour and a half, including a visit to Father Christmas for a story time session.
  • A video invitation from Father Christmas 
  • Receive your boarding pass and customised North Pole Passport at the Elf Control Check
  • Pass through the naughty or nice security check-in scanner
  • Witness elves wrapping last-minute presents in the parcel bay
  • Mix magical fairy dust and create the perfect reindeer food in the Forge
  • Meet Father Christmas around the fire as he tells a group story
  • Decorate a gingerbread person to take home
  • Candy Cane from the candy cane forest
  • Enter the Toy Factory where you’ll help assemble toys and make a special Christmas wish. Choose a teddy and take it home as a gift from Father Christmas and the Elves for your hard work and help
  • Receive a letter to Father Christmas Stationery Set
  • Wish Token
The Flight Before Christmas, Cotswold Airport

Adults receive:

  • Mince pie
  • Mulled wine
  • Gift from Father Christmas

Brand new for 2024, you will also receive a printed photo of your family with Father Christmas per booking (additional prints will be available to purchase on the day).

Where: Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucester, GL54 5FL

When: 22nd – 24th November 2024, 29th November – 1st December 2024, 6th – 8th December 2024, 13th – 15th December 2024, 18th – 23rd December 2024

Price: Christmas Evening Experience Ticket – Toddler/child/young adult £59.95; (£56.95/member); Baby (0-1) Meet Santa £24.95

Christmas Daytime Experience Ticket – Toddler/child/young adult £54.95; (£49.95/member); Baby (0-1) Meet Santa £22.95

Choose Daytime or Evening Experience 

  • Visit with Father Christmas in his grotto.
  • Enjoy decorating gingerbread
  • Bring your own soft toy to life 
  • Choose your own present from the elves workshop. 

You’ll also get Farm Park entry to meet the animals and make the most of the indoor and outdoor play, all included in one price.

The evening experience also includes the Light Trail.

Christmas Light Trail
Cotswold Farm Park Christmas Light Trail

Santa’s Grotto at Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock

Where: Whitehall Garden Centre, Corsham Road, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LZ

When: From Saturday 16th November – Tuesday 24th December 2024

Price: Child – £14.99, Adult – Free (max. 2 adults per child) – limited spaces, booking essential

Enjoy a magical experience and a chance to meet Santa and some of his reindeer at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock.

Meet Santa as he reads a Christmas story. Children will also be given hot chocolate (or alternative) and freshly made cookies whilst they enjoy their Christmas story. They will also be given their own festive gift to take home and enjoy. There is also the opportunity to take your photo with Santa after the story reading.

Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge WWT 

Where: WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

When: Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st – Monday 23rd December 2024

Time slots: 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.15pm.

Price: Adult Ticket (includes concessions and essential helpers): £16.50 – Includes a full English Breakfast.

Junior Ticket: £12.50 – Includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto and a gift (for participating child). Along with a full English Breakfast.

Under 4 Ticket: £7 – Includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto and a gift (for participating child). Along with a full English Breakfast.

Breakfast with Santa includes a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Santa and receive a gift in his wetland grotto. You will also receive a full English breakfast in the Kingfisher Kitchen, which will be decked out for the holidays.

Soak up the seasonal wildlife and enjoy an adventure-packed day at Slimbridge. There’s also festive activities throughout the centre so you can enjoy a full day in the wetland wonderlands.

Santa Specials at the Avon Valley Railway

Where: Bitton Station, Bath Rd, South Gloucestershire, BS30 6HD

When: Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th, Saturday 30th November, 1st, 6th – 8th, 13th – 15th, 20th – 24th December 2024. Several trains per day. Book in advance, online or via the booking office on 0117 932 5538.

Price: £17/person

All aboard the festive trains at Avon Valley Railway. Once the whistle sounds you’ll depart on your fifty minute Christmas train ride.

Whilst you’re travelling, you’ll enjoy a mince pie or festive biscuit and Santa will pass through the train saying hello to everyone. Then, when you return to Bitton Station each family group will meet Santa again and all good boys and girls will receive a present from him too! There will also be the chance for your family group to take photographs and create those special festive memories.

 You’ll see the festive Christmas donkeys on the lawn at Bitton Station, either before or after you’ve travelled on the train.

Santa Sunday lunch at De Vere Tortworth Court

Where: Tortworth, Wotton Under Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH

When: 15th and 22nd December 2024

  • Dining time 12.15 pm – 4 pm

Price: Adults £42.50, Children (age 4 – 12) £22.00, Children (age 3 and Under) FREE

A very special visitor will be arriving in the Westminster Suite at De Vere Tortworth Court this festive season as Santa drops by to join the families at their traditional lunch. You’ll enjoy a three-course festive lunch with coffee and mince pies. Then, Santa will make his appearance with a gift for each child.

Santa’s North Pole Christmas Grotto, Fairfield Animal Centre

Where: Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 9QD

When: 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 20th – 23rd December 2024

  • Slots are available between 9:30-3:30pm

Price: Adult £9.95 per person. Child – £19.95, including entry to the Animal Park for the day.

  • Visit Santa in his North Pole Christmas Grotto (arctic fur toy from Santa)
  • Meet the magical Polar Bears and enjoy a stroll around our beautiful animal park
  • Play on the adventure park equipment
  • Festive photo opportunities
  • Meet some animals in the petting area
  • The Animal Park is open for visits (separate ticket required for adults and children not entering the Grotto)
  • Plus with every booking you’ll receive a FREE Family Day Pass to use in January or February 2024 worth a whopping £32.95.

The Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park

Where: Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

When: Selected dates from Saturday 9th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025

Price: Prices start from £20.95 – see website for details.

The Festival of Light returns for its 10th year as you turn back the clock and travel the world. Bring your family along for the most magical experience as you journey through time at The Festival of Light this Christmas. Explore the era you want to discover as the evolution of the earth, from the age of the dinosaurs to present day, is showcased.

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 Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago.

  • Go on the iconic Winter Safari
  • Santa Train
  • A spectacular fountain display on Half Mile Pond.
  • A phenomenal light show will bring the historic facade of Longleat House to life.
Festival of Light, Longleat

Christmas Events at the National Trust: In Bristol, Somerset and surrounding area

Where: Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PA

When: The Reindeer Trail: 17th December to 31st December 2024 (excl. 24 & 25 December)

  • Daily between 10:30am and 3:00pm (last entry 3 pm)

Price: Usual admission fee to enter the estate (free for NT members), plus a donation to charity for the trail.

This year, there’s decorations under the theme of Christmas Past from 2nd December 2024 to 2nd January 2025 across Tyntesfield Estate. Large sculptural trees will fill the orangery and the chapel courtyard will be transformed into a Dickensian street market complete with festive refreshments. Younger visitors can ride on the carousel in front of Tyntesfield House, take part in a festive trail through the house, and explore the estate with our Christmas reindeer trail.

The reindeer have escaped from Tyntesfield stables and are running riot across the estate! Father Christmas needs your help to track them down so he can round them up to pull his sleigh. Using a map of the locations they were last seen, explore the Tyntesfield estate and see if you can find all 9 reindeer.

The reindeer have been lovingly made by the resident green woodworkers; the Somerset Bodgers, a group of skilled craftspeople who offer courses and workshops in this historic craft.

Christmas at Dyrham Park

Where: Dyrham, near Bath, South Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY

When: Thursday 21st November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.

Price: Usual Admission price (Free entry for NT members)

Take a journey through time, and explore Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park.

  • Through the ages – the house will be dressed in the style of five different eras, with festive writings by the likes of Samuel Pepys, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens brought to life.
  • Children’s Trail – families can track down giant wooden presents in a discovery trail around the estate. Indoor crafts and games in the house’s basement bringing to life the magic of the popular festive poem ‘The Night before Christmas’.
  • Christmas food and shopping – the tearoom is open serving mince pies, snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks. The NT shop is open with lots of gift ideas.

Toddler Time with Mother Christmas at Lacock

Where: Lacock, Chippenham, SN15 2LG

When: Friday 13th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th December 2024.

  • 10:30 – 10:55; 11:00 – 11:25; 11:30 – 11:55

Price: £10/Child, Adults free but normal admission price applies (Free for NT adult members)

Cuddle up with your little ones for a Christmas story in Lacock’s cosy grotto. A relaxed session for under 5’s.

Meet in Lacock visitor reception to start your visit. It’s a short walk to the grotto from the abbey gates so please allow at 15 minutes to get there in time.

  • Dress in your festive best, but wrap up warm.

Meet Father Christmas at Newark Park

Where: Ozleworth,  Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ

When: Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th December 2024.

  • Time-slots 11.00 am – 3.30 pm.

Price: £8/Child plus normal NT admission applies (Free admission for NT members)

Father Christmas is stopping at Newark Park before he heads off for his busiest night of the year. There will be a little gift and a chat with the man himself in his cosy grotto in the Drawing Room of Newark house. (Your family will get a short private session with Father Christmas).

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity with the kids, why not check out one of our walks .

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Disclaimer: Please note, every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing this post, but please check the venues website before travelling, as events may be amended or cancelled at short notice. Many of these events need pre-booking. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly Christmas events in Bristol, we’d love to hear from you.

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