64 things to do in Bristol in December 2025

December 1: FatBelly Sound: Open Decks, The Crown
The Crown’s iconic open decks makes a return in the capable hands of Fatbelly Sound. All genres and capabilities welcome, whether you’re a DJ, an MC, or just someone looking for an excuse to go out on a Monday.

SPONSORED
December 1-21: All That Melodrama Allows, Watershed
Get swept up in a wave of emotion this winter with our season of romance, passion, and heartbreak.

Melodrama – photo: Watershed

SPONSORED
December 1-24: 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
December 1-25: 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!

December 1-31: Enchanted Christmas, Bristol Ice Rink
Using cutting-edge technology, guests join the Christmas elves on a festive adventure to the North Pole to help save Christmas from the wicked Krampus. From multiplayer games in Santa’s workshop and training virtual reindeers, to mesmerising light trails and discovering the sparkle of the Northern Lights on a VR ride, Enchanted Christmas is full of fun and magic for all the family to enjoy.

December 2: Satellite of Love: Martin Rieser ‘Self Portrait with Animals’, John Sebastian Lightship
Martin Rieser launches his new illustrated pamphlet from Bristol Books “Self Portrait with Animals” with support from Sophie Dumont, Lisa Lopresti, Agata Palmer, Naomi Madlock, Pete Weinstock and David Punter.

December 3: Mo Dotti + Crimewave, The Lanes
Mo Dotti comes to warm The Lanes with radiant, sun-soaked Los Angeles popgaze. Their fuzz credentials and melodic charms are up there with dreamy, noisy greats like MBV, Cocteau Twins and Slowdive + scene peers No Joy and Dummy – catch ‘em on a stage this size while you can.

SPONSORED
December 3: Adam Riches as Sean Bean in ‘The 12 Beans of Christmas’ The Gaffe Comedy Club
Nothing yells Yule louder than Sean Bean in full on medieval mode, challenging you all to a sackful of seasonal games, hellbent on getting you all giddy. Join Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Adam Riches for a (k)night of chaotic buffoonery.

Adam Riches – photo: The Gaffe Comedy Club

December 3: A Night At The Musicals, Thekla
A Night at the Musicals is a high-energy club night featuring non-stop hits from beloved stage productions. Expect a singalong party with classics and modern musical numbers—from Hamilton and Wicked to Grease, Les Mis, Matilda and Disney favourites.

December 4: Year of the Rabbit Fundraiser for NeonDaisy, The Old England Pub
Join the explosive fundraiser featuring four dynamic bands delivering raw, alternative energy — with headline act Year of the Rabbit leading the charge along with Limited Ltd, Mess and No Empire.

SPONSORED
December 4-January 10: Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure, Bristol Old Vic
With swashbuckling pirates, swordfights and sea shanties aplenty, an adventure of a lifetime awaits at Bristol Old Vic this Christmas! From the writers of the West End sensation The Great British Bake Off Musical, get friends and family together for some theatre magic with Bristol Old Vic’s latest blockbuster festive production. Ages 7+.

Treasure Island – photo: Bristol Old Vic

December 5: PPianissimo Series: PPianissimo, Bristol Music Club
David Gordon and John Law, both known for crossover work between jazz and classical, will be at Bristol Music Club presenting totally new works part composed part improvised on the spot, exploring strange scales and chords and creating a world of beauty and mystery.

SPONSORED
December 5-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

SPONSORED
December 5-January 10: Antarctica at Bristol Old Vic
This Christmas, prepare to be whisked away on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica with Olivier-Award winning theatre company Little Bulb (Four Seasons, Hibernation, CBeebies’ The Nutcracker). Expect clowning, puppets and plenty of snowy surprises – the perfect festive show for ages 3–7!

Antarctica – photo: Bristol Old Vic

December 6: Rites of Hadda, Hermeticus, DJ Pete Webb, Cafe Kino
Sax and drag and rock n roll from the charismatic, chaotic and truly inspiring Rites of Hadda. Anarcho, Gothic, Psychedelic Witch Punks will be taking over Cafe Kino in Bristol.

December 7: Shire Santa Dash, Shirehampton
Whether you have little ones in pushchairs, plan to dance your way around or are looking to set a record time – its a great event for everyone!. All profits go to ensuring and enhancing the Christmas Lights in Shirehampton.

December 8: Blue Mondays – Weekly Blues Dancing, The 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.

December 9: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament at 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.

SPONSORED
December 9-14: French Film Festival, Watershed
Be captivated by the finest new French cinema from some of the country’s most exciting filmmaking talent, both in front of and behind the camera.

A Magnificent Life – photo: Watershed

December 10: ‘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,

December 11: 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.

SPONSORED
December 21: Alabama 3, O2 Academy
Get ready for a celebration of Alabama 3’s 1997 debut album, Exile On Coldharbour Lane and their sophomore album, La Peste, alongside a selection of greatest hits, as they return to O2 Academy Bristol.

Alabama 3 – photo: O2 Academy

December 12: 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.

SPONSORED
December 12: 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

December 13: Of Mice & Men, Echange
Of Mice & Men is an American rock band formed in Costa Mesa, California, in 2009. The band’s line-up currently consists of drummer Valentino Arteaga, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and bassist and lead vocalist Aaron Pauley.

December 13: 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.

SPONSORED
December 13: London Symphony Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
The London Symphony Orchestra, led by Sir Antonio Pappano with soloist Antoine Tamestit, returns to Bristol Beacon for a luminous concert of music featuring Musgrave’s Phoenix Rising, Walton’s Viola Concerto, and Vaughan Williams’ London Symphony. A deeply atmospheric and richly textured orchestral evening.

London Symphony Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon

December 14: 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.

December 15: Teddy Bear Making Workshop, Basement Beer
Whether you’re making a soft new sidekick, a silly gift for a friend, or a strangely shaped emotional support blob, this workshop is all about playful creativity, comfort, and connection. Expect a relaxed, joyfully silly atmosphere, great chats, and the satisfaction of making something weird and wonderful with your own two hands. By the end of the night, you’ll leave with your handmade plush creation.

December 16: VENUS 2.0, The Mount Without
A kaleidoscopic dance-theatre plunge into early 20th-century upheaval. VENUS 2.0 unravels the wild journey of a Suffragette turned fascist, hurtling you through the volatile birth and rise of a political disease. Six shape-shifting dancers fuse explosive movement, sharp wit, and cabaret flair to interrogate power, chaos, and the future’s dark edge.

December 16: Christmas Life Drawing with Dogs, The Full Moon and Attic Bar
Just like presents under the tree, every Christmas class features multiple dogs of all shapes and sizes – expect snorting flat faces, long legs, tight curls and waggy tails. Try to keep up with the dogs movements and capture a variety of sketches, or spend longer on timed exercises led by artist Cai Burton.

December 16: Queer Life Drawing, Cafe Kino
Join a welcoming and creative evening at Queer Life Drawing — a relaxed, queer-led life-drawing session where beginner drawers are warmly invited. All materials provided, a different model each week, and you’ll find snacks and drinks available too.

December 17: Laugh Out Loud to Help Out – Charity Christmas Comedy Night, Sidney & Eden
Featuring the host of the legendary Screenrot podcast, Jacob Hawley, BBC New Comedy Award Finalist, William Stone, Comedy Goddess Jo Frank, local one-liner Luke Brett, and rising comedy stars Olivia Green and Samuel Parhys, Laugh Out Loud to Help Out will get you in the Christmas spirit one giggle at a time.

December 18: Bristol Antifascists Fundraiser: Anina, Mackenzie & Om Unit, Strange Brew
Rounding up a year of resistance to the ever increasing rise of the far right, come dance off your left melancholia with what will assuringly be the best antifascist techno party of 2025. Who else but Anina, Mackenzie and Om Unit could grace the lineup for the night.

December 19: Dark Alchemy Presents: THROB. Industrial Night 6, Zed Alley
A twisted, ear-cleansing industrial night — THROB brings distorted noise, harsh rhythms and dark ambient textures, all infused with 80s-style EBM, power electronics and post-industrial intensity for a visceral underground experience.

SPONSORED
December 20: Festive Family Gig, Bristol Beacon
Gather the family for a cosy, joyful morning at Bristol Beacon’s Festive Family Gig. Expect cheerful carols, playful sing-alongs, gentle instrumentals, and festive props all in a warm, welcoming space. Perfect for little ones and grown-ups alike to make music, laugh, and feel the holiday spirit together.

Family Gigs – photo: Bristol Beacon

December 20: Funk Addict, The Jam Jar
A night of high quality FUNK music, for funk lovers, addicts, collectors and dancers – Brought to you by Streets of Soul who run the Bristol Northern Soul Club.

SPONSORED
December 20: Sleigh Fever, O2 Academy
One of the country’s biggest day time discos, Day Fever, has got people partying across the UK and Ireland, get ready to dance the day away in this Christmas special ‘Sleigh Fever’. With perfect party music, personally curated by Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers, Vicky McClure, Jonny Owen and the gang it’s time you joined the Day Fever family.

Sleigh Fever – photo: O2 Academy

December 20: New Age Collective Winter Solstice, Greenworks
New Age Collective presents the end of their mini tour with this indoor winter solstice event, expect their sound system, their decor, some amazing handpicked DJ’s by the crew and of course the New Age Collective band performing their live set.

December 20: GURP Presents: A Christmas Charity Event, Rough Trade
Join Rough Trade for a live festive night where local bands unite in support of two vital charities—half the proceeds drive awareness and action for mental health and homelessness.

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

December 21: Queer Beginners Pole, Spin City
This is a queer-affirming beginner-level pole class at Spin City Bristol, open to all genders and allies. It offers a friendly, inclusive space to try pole fitness, with affordable tickets and a supportive community atmosphere.

SPONSORED
December 21: Children;s Christmas Carnival, St George’s
Bristol Ensemble presents their family-friendly Children’s Christmas Carnival at St George’s, hosted by Kiera-Marie Somers. Enjoy instrument introductions, Howard Blake’s The Snowman narrated by Turlough Convery, indoor snowball fights and appearances from Bristol Ballet dancers, plus festive Christmas favourites and Disney hits for a festive celebration holiday celebration!

Childrens Christmas Carnval – photo: Bristol Ensemble

December 22: Volly pub quiz, Volunteer Tavern
Kick off your week with some friendly competition and brain-teasing fun at our weekly Pub Quiz, run by Questionable Quizzes! Gather your team, grab a drink, and test your knowledge across a mix of topics — from pop culture and history to music, movies, and more. Bar Tabs and cash Prizes to be won.

SPONSORED
December 22 & 23: Christmas special with Roderick Wiliamms, St George’s
Join Britain’s leading baritone Roderick Williams and the Bristol Ensemble for a festive concert featuring Corelli, Caccini, Vivaldi and Bach, alongside Christmas favourites such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and White Christmas. With seasonal readings, sparkling medleys and Williams’s renowned velvet tone, this uplifting evening offers a delightful mix of fun, flair, and virtuosity!

Roderick Williams – photo: Bristol Ensemble

December 23: Create Together — Cute Arts & Crafts Sessions, Club395
Paint, crochet, mask-make, clown around, code a game, sketch, or just hang out – it’s all welcome. Create Together is Bristol’s free weekly open studio where anyone can drop in, try something new, and meet other creatives.

December 23: Riddim – roots/reggae/dub session, The Canteen
A free-entry monthly live session of roots reggae and dub, hosted by legendary drummer Alex Dawson. Expect spontaneous jams as guest singers, MCs, and musicians join the house band to create soulful, bass-heavy grooves.

December 24: Xmas Eve at The Thunderbolt
Expect a festive and family-friendly evening at the venue featuring a garden fire pit with chestnuts being roasted, followed by a line-up of DJs playing classic hits and seasonal favourites.

December 24: Folk Session, The Hare On The Hill
Whether you’re an instrumentalist, singer, dancer, or just a listener, come and enjoy British folk music in a relaxed and friendly environment.

December 25: Volunteering at Christmas, Various venues
Caring in Bristol works throughout the year to make a lasting difference to people facing and experiencing homelessness.

December 26: Sportsmans Karaoke, Sportsmans
Enjoy a night of karaoke with DJ Brian and occasional guest kdj one of the cheapest place to drink in the city centre welcoming to all ages over 6400 song to choose from you can always have a good time.

December 26: Bandeoke, The Whitmore Tap
Join the lively monthly “Bandeoke” night at the pub — live musicians back up your karaoke moment in a cosy stage-style setting. Entry is free and sign-ups happen on the evening. Expect fun, crowd energy and your chance to shine like a pop star.

December 27: Ya Freshness, The Canteen
Skank in style to the exultant sounds of British King of Ska ! Ya Freshness ! He is only the Artist who has brought the real deal original Jamaican Boss sound to 21st century, for decades, inspiring new generation of Rude boys Skinheads Mods.

December 28: Winter Whine 8, Strange Brew
Get ready for a wild club-night at the heart of Carnival culture, featuring top selectors delivering a mix of Dancehall, Soca, Ragga, RnB, Afrobeat, UK Funky and UK Garage anthems. The evening features a back-to-back set from residents Handstand Papi & Yusuf Suave, and is known to sell out early.

December 28: Tom Martin, Golden Crane
Local singer and Guitarist joins the Golden Crane once again for an evening of soulful covers and original songs in the chilled atmosphere of our vaulted cocktail lounge. Expect chilled vibes, covers with a twist and some acoustic classics all served up with great classic cocktails and our famous kimcheese toasties.

December 29: Craft n’ Cuppa, Settlement Site
Felt, knit, draw, or collage, or just relax and enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit, and some good company. No experience is needed, you can bring your own project along, or try something new!

December 30: Wine & Unwind, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Get cosy in Tobacco Factory’s snug with a glass of wine and a beautiful yin style yoga session, dream big after a deep stretch.

December 31: Rumble Into 2026: NYE Blowout, The Ill Repute
This New Year’s Eve, The Rumble-O’s crash into The Ill Repute with a tidal wave of twangy guitars, pounding drums and vintage reverb to shake the bar to its bones. Expect sweat, swagger and surf rock chaos from Bristol’s finest.

SPONSORED
December 31: Bring in the new year at Bocabar
Bocabar is going for another big NYE party again this year, are you in?! They’ve lined up an awesome night of music & dancing with the 8 piece latin dance band Baila La Cumbia & D.A.D @dontadmitdefeat on the decks playing funk, house, disco & RnB. Mojito Fizz on arrival plus a cocktail hour 8-9 pm to kick start the New Year Celebrations . Their fairy-lit stretch tent adds festival vibes to this special NYE event.

Bringing in the New Year at Bocabar – photo: Bocabar

SPONSORED
December 31: Love Saves NYE, The Prospect Building
Love Saves The Day take over The Prospect Building, Bristol, for the city’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. The full Brouhaha Stage lands in our Main Room, joined by standout LSTD installations. Expect a spectacular festival lineup featuring Ewan McVicar, Katy B, Oppidan, Special Request, Dr Dubplate, Yung Singh, Y U QT and more.

Love Saves NYE – photo: The Prospect Building

SPONSORED
Throughout December: Learn to Ski or Snowboard This Winter, Mendip Activity Centre
Whether you’re a beginner determined to conquer the slopes, or an experienced enthusiast eager to keep your skills sharp, Mendip Activity Centre’s floodlit Snowsports slope is the perfect place for a winter adventure – and it’s just 25 minutes from Bristol!

Snowsports – photo: Mendip Activity Centre

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.

Xmas Comedy Specials – photo: The Gaffe Comedy

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
January 25: Earthling Ed The Journey to Veganism
Join bestselling author and vegan activist Ed Winters for a practical talk on shifting to a vegan lifestyle, followed by Q&A. Whether inspired by a film, friend, or personal choice, going vegan can feel daunting. Ed shares his experience and guidance to help you transition smoothly and confidently to a sustainable, compassionate way of living.

Ed Winters – photo: Redgrave Theatre

SPONSORED
February 3: Imani Erriu, Watershed
Just Announced! Imani Erriu is touring the UK in the new year to celebrate the release of the second book in the Sunday Times bestselling celestial Heavenly Bodies series. From TikTok romantasy phenomenon Imani Erriu the new book ‘Fallen Stars’ is published on the 27th November. Sign up now for early access to the presale, which begins Monday 24th November at 10am.

Imani Erriu Author – photo: Alessia Erriu

SPONSORED
February 5: Ken Yates, Exchange Basement
Ken Yates is an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his introspective storytelling and his signature blend of folk, indie, and rock influences. Following the release of his new album ‘Total Cinema’ Ken comes to the UK for the first time. Touring next Feb coming to Bristol on the 5th. Tickets are on sale now.

Ken Yates – photo: Crosstown Concerts

Main photo: Venus 2.0 | The Mount Without

Read next:

• Top spots for Christmas dining in 2025
• Rising standup star Milo Edwards brings UK tour show to The Gaffe
• Boxing gym hosts charity drive for families facing childhood cancer