Things To Do / Bristol
24 things to do in Bristol this week, December 8-14 2025
Monday: Blue Mondays – Weekly Blues Dancing, Small Bar
An inclusive weekly blues dance night featuring a one-hour lesson followed by two hours of social dancing, with music spun by local DJs.
Blue Mondays dance – photo: Love In Focus Photography
SPONSORED
Monday-December 24: Meet Santa at St. Nicholas Market, Corn Street
HO HO HOOOO – this year St Nick’s Market host their very own Christmas Grotto in the historic Exchange Building. St Nick has decided to return to the Market after a long winter making gifts with the elves… If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids to visit Santa and receive their gift from the main man himself, where better than St Nick’s in the heart of the Old City. Visits are £7 per child including a gift – book now to avoid disappointment.
Santa at St.Nick’s – photo: Bristol City Council
SPONSORED
Monday-December 25: St Nick’s Christmas Market, Corn Street
St Nick’s is proud to be part of the Christmas shopping experience in Bristol, offering something a little different and more personal than you might find on the high street. Whether you want to potter through their outdoor market offer, which now hosts wooden Christmas chalets, or dive through their maze-like warren of homeware, clothing, jewellery and food in the indoor markets – St Nick’s is the place to soak up the festive atmosphere while ticking off your Christmas list. This year the market also hosts a Santas Grotto!
SPONSORED
Monday-January 5: Sleeping Beauty, Redgrave Theatre
Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave Theatre are delighted to announce the Pantomime for the festive season of 2025 leading into 2026 and it’s the pantomime of your DREAMS – SLEEPING BEAUTY. Featuring great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and spectacular special effects, this dream of a pantomime will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
Sleeping Beauty – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Monday: Easton Cowfolk Radical Film Club: ‘Movement is the Movement’, St Paul’s Learning Centre
The Cowfolks’ radical film club are back with a new series of screenings, entitled ‘Movement is the Movement’. Over the next few months, they will be screening films around Bristol that highlight current and historical expressions of physical and spiritual resistance.
Movement in Motion – photo: Easton Cowfolk Radical Film Club
Tuesday-January 3: Gurt Haunted, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Rumor has it there are some dark entities lingering in BS3 and that’s going to take some serious work to save the community from negativity this festive season. What they need is in fact – a miracle.
Gurt Haunted Miracle on North Street – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Tuesday: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament, Kongs
This is a high-energy, 18+ Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tournament featuring 7 rounds of 150cc racing, up to 40 players, and Mario Kart-themed prizes for the top 3.
Mario in the crowd – photo: Mario Kart Society
Wednesday: ‘Indeed Indeed’ Live, The Forge
Expect high energy low rider funk, with a dash of the LA themes which they are both notably famous for on Dublab radio where Moniquea hosts her monthly show Jammin’ Croquettes.
‘Indeed Indeed’ live – photo: The Forge
Thursday: Debs Newbold, Cube
Multi-award-winning performance storyteller and actor Debs Newbold is one of the UK’s most exciting writer-director-performers, critically lauded both nationally and internationally.
View this post on Instagram
Thursday: The Drag Dungeoneers, The Bristol Improv Theatre
Bristol’s fierce and funny Drag Dungeons & Dragons live show combines drag performance with monster-of-the-week storytelling, improv and audience participation.
The Drag Dungeoneers – photo: Myfairladdie on Flickr
SPONSORED
Friday: Joe, Bristol Beacon
R&B legend Joe brings his smooth vocals and timeless hits like I Wanna Know, Stutter and All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do) to Bristol. With over 15 million records sold and a career spanning three decades, this is a rare chance for UK fans to catch the Grammy-nominated crooner live.
Joe – photo: Bristol Beacon
Friday: GhoulBoss Productions Presents: They/Themlins, Zed Alley
Join GhoulBoss Productions for their third and final show of the year, where the mischievous They / Themlins emerge with immaculate lip-syncs, interactive performance antics and dazzling cabaret chaos featuring Vaccine, Aftershock and more.
They/Themlins – photo: GhoulBoss Productions
SPONSORED
Friday: RUN presents Sub Focus, The Prospect Building
RUN presents Sub Focus, returning to Bristol after an unbelievable sell-out show. As one of Drum & Bass’s most iconic names, Sub Focus brings an explosive night of energy, supported by Culture Shock and elevated by a cutting-edge production spec inside the vibrant Prospect Building for an unforgettable experience.
Sub Focus – photo: The Prospect Building
Friday: The Analogue Lounge Christmas Party, Lost Horizon
Every year Analogue Lounge throws a very special Christmas party for the Bristol scene. A festive jam and a joyously chaotic b2b of local DJs. Its sure to be very merry!
Analogue Christmas party – photo: Lost Horizon
SPONSORED
Saturday: SG Lewis, O2 Academy
SG Lewis embarks on his ‘Anemoia Live Tour’ bringing his latest record Anemoia soundscapes to life on stage. Featuring standout collaborations with Shygirl, RAHH, TEED, London Grammar, and Oliver Sim, the album captures the dreamlike feeling of longing for places and moments that exist only in memory.
SG Lewis – photo: O2 Academy
Saturday: Sisters of Swing – Christmas Spectacular! Hanham Community Centre
The Sisters of Swing are back with their now annual festive blowout — and this year’s Christmas Spectacular promises more sparkle, sass and swing than ever before.
Sisters of Swing – photo: Sisters of Swing
SPONSORED
Saturday: London Symphony Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
Experience a stirring evening with the London Symphony Orchestra led by Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring soloist Antoine Tamestit on viola, performing a bold programme: Phoenix Rising by Thea Musgrave, Viola Concerto by William Walton, and A London Symphony (No.2) by Ralph Vaughan Williams. A vibrant celebration of British orchestral music
London Symphony Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
Saturday: Xmoss (A Swampy Christmoss), George and Dragon
Xmoss brought to you by the Swamp. Its green, its wild and its got some seriously vibey festive weirdness planned. Games, prizes, Djs, live percussion and art, mad decour, our events truly harness some of what what makes Bristol a haven for the different.
Xmoss – photo: hannahlisaphotography
Saturday: Illuminated Boat Parade, Bristol Harbour
The nights are drawing in, which means it is time to deck the hulls and light up the harbour. Calling on the local boating community, from powered cruisers to paddle board squadrons, to join volunteers for the Cabot Cruising Club Illuminated Boat Parade.
SPONSORED
Saturday & Sunday: The Snowman in concert at The Spiegeltent
Step into a world of wonder this winter as the Bristol Ensemble brings the beloved story of The Snowman to life in the Spiegeltent. Watch young imaginations take flight as this heartwarming tale is beautifully narrated, accompanied by live piano, singers and stunning aerial performance. A magical experience for all ages, perfect for the festive season.
Snowman – photo: Bristol Ensemble
SPONSORED
Sunday: Bristol Card Convention, The Prospect Building
TRADE OFF TCG and The Pokémon Stand present Bristol Card Convention, uniting 100+ top UK vendors across Pokémon, One Piece, Magic, Sports Cards, and Lorcana. Explore vintage and new releases, trade, and meet fellow collectors in a buzzing, friendly atmosphere – an unmissable full-day celebration of trading cards for fans everywhere today.
Bristol Card Convention – photo: The Prospect Building
Sunday: Jazz in the Loft – Dennis Rollins, The Tobacco Factory
One of the most distinctive trombonists in the UK, Rollins has lent his unmistakable sound to artists including Blur, Jamiroquai, and Pee Wee Ellis, while leading his own award-winning projects.
Dennis Rollins – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
SPONSORED
Sunday: Jayde Adams and Friends Christmas Special, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Get ready for a jolly good time with local legend Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal)at The Gaffe Comedy Club! Jayde brings some of her favourite local comics to The Gaffe for an amazing night celebrating local talent.
Jayde Adams Christmas Special – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
Sunday: Cuculi Presents: Laurie Torres + James Gow, The Greenbank
Cuculi Presents an evening of subtle experimentalism with pianist/composer Laurie Torres (Canada), in the intimate space above The Greenbank. Support from local sonic explorer James Gow on a rare solo outing, trying out new sounds on tenor guitar & electronics.
Laurie Torres – photo: Cuculi
SPONSORED
Sunday: Bridgerton Vol2 Candlelit Concert at The Spiegeltent
Dearest gentle reader… the Bridgerton candlelit concert returns to the Spiegeltent with a brand-new setlist of music to stir the heart and dazzle the senses – a truly magical, spellbinding evening, where timeless classics and modern hits come together in a unique candlelit concert at the Spiegeltent.
Bridgerton – photo: Bristol Ensemble
SPONSORED
Throughout December: Christmas Comedy Nights at The Gaffe Comedy Club
Looking for the ultimate night out this festive season? The Gaffe Comedy Club has got you covered! Expect punchlines as sharp as the winter wind, stories that hit harder than a snowball to the face, and more seasonal spirit than your local Christmas market.
Christmas comedy – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club
SPONSORED
Throughout December: Christmas at The Roman Baths
Celebrate the holidays at one of the UK’s most atmospheric landmarks. From torchlit afternoons and festive drinks, to steaming waters and choir performances, The Roman Baths offers an unforgettable winter experience. Younger visitors can pick up a Saturnalia trail and discover how the Romans celebrated the winter festival.
Christmas at The Roman Baths – photo: The Roman Baths
And coming soon…
SPONSORED
December 19: Boogie Down Bristol, O2 Academy
Boogie Down Bristol returns for another roadblock Christmas party, with one of the biggest UK soul acts of the 1980s. Music from Loose Ends and special guest DJ Norman Jay MBE (Good Times) with support from DJ Style and Felix Joy.
Boogie Bristol – photo: O2 Academy
SPONSORED
December 20–January 4: Wish Upon A Starfish at Bristol Aquarium
Discover the magic of the ocean this Christmas. Make wishes for a sustainable ocean future, meet Charlie the Christmas Clownfish and follow the Fishmas Trail, included with admission, alongside talks, feeds, and thousands of creatures to explore. All indoors for a perfect undersea safari whatever the weather!
Wish Upon A Star – photo: Bristol Aquarium
SPONSORED
December 21-February 26: John Blek, The Louisiana
Blek is an artist with a story to tell. With his timeless emotive voice and layered fingerstyle guitar you will be transported from scene to scene as his expansive songbook unfolds. The Irish songwriter comes to Bristol next February. Tickets are on sale now.
John Blek – phoyo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
December 22-February26: Voka Gentle, The Louisiana
Vintage recording equipment has long been a bit of a fetish, but to London-based sound pioneers Voka Gentle, even the most magical machines are a means to an end. Music, though, is a process of lifelong improvement – and it’s no exaggeration to say this band will probably be together forever. Ellie and Imogen Mason are identical twins, while Imogen and William J Stokes are married. Playing Bristol next February, tickets are on sale now!
Voka Gentle – photo: Crosstown Concerts
SPONSORED
January 26: NT Live: Hamlet, Redgrave Theatre
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. Please note this event is a screening
Hamlet – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Main photo: Analogue Lounge Lost Horizon
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
