Features / Things to do
114 things to do in Bristol in December
ART
To December 17: Shop of Horrors, Old Motorcycle Showroom
Taxidermy artist Charlie Tuesday Gates presents her own unique brand.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/installation/shop-of-horrors-bristol?time=1478131200
is needed now More than ever
To December 24: Guild Christmas Exhibition, Bristol Guild Gallery
New makers and work in the magical surroundings of Bristol’s revamped emporium.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/guild-christmas-show-bristol?time=1480636800
To December 29: Feathers & Fur, The Snug, Tobacco Factory Bar
Emily Koch’s poems come to life with the help of ten illustrators.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/feathers-fur-bristol?time=1478131200
To March 5: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016, M Shed
Annual return for the Natural History Museum’s world-renowned competition.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2016-bristol?time=1478908800
December 1-15: Etsy Made Local Pop-up Shop, The Galleries
Featuring over 50 local makers and designers from Etsy.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/market/etsy-made-local-pop-up-shop-bristol?time=1480636800
December 1-24: Bristol Bazaar Pop-up Shop, The Island
Featuring over 40 of Bristol’s best artists, designers and makers.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/market/bristol-bazaar-christmas-pop-up-shop-bristol?time=1480636800
December 1-24: 100 under a Hundred, PAPER Gallery
Open-submissions show featuring 100 works all retailing at under £100.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/100-under-a-hundred-bristol?time=1480550400
Dec 3/10/11: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Colston Hall Foyer
Over 200 stalls showcase print makers to ceramicists, carpenters to weavers.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/art-fair/made-in-bristol-gift-fair-2016?time=1481328000
December 3-4: Smithson Gallery Winter Weekend, The Forge, Colston Yard
Selling original artwork, screen prints, jewellery, stationery and homewares.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/smithson-gallery-winter-weekend-bristol?time=1480723200
December 9-Jan 7: Still Lives, Grant Bradley Gallery
Victoria Laird exhibits oil paintings inspired by found animal skulls and fairy lights.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/still-lives-victoria-laird-bristol?time=1481241600
December 10-March 19: Strange Worlds: The Vision of Angela Carter, Royal West of England Academy
Bringing together art and literature to celebrating the life of the popular, Bristol-based novelist.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/art-01/exhibitions/strange-worlds-the-vision-of-angela-carter-bristol?time=1481587200
CLUBS
December 2: I Love Acid Tour, Thekla
Rephlex veteran dmx krew tops the bill, with support from Placid and more.
www.thekla.club/
December 3: Mi Casa Su Casa, The Island
Classy 4/4 session headlined by Steve O’ Sullivan
www.facebook.com/micasamusica/
December 9: Powered by Channel One, Lakota
Dubstep, jungle and underground bass vibrations from Phaeleh, Suhk Knight and more.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/406-powered-by-channel-one-phaeleh-sukh-knight-uncle-dugs
December 9: The Orb, Motion
A blend of dub, house, techno and surreal humour.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/music-01/electronic/the-orb-support-bristol-live-music?time=1481328000
December 10: In:Motion / Crack Magazine, Motion
Extremely tempting lineup of deep electronic sounds.
www.motionbristol.com/ticket/?ID=291543
December 17: ANTS, Motion
Tech-house master Joris Voorn heads up this expedition from Ibiza rave colony ANTS.
www.motionbristol.com
December 31: The Blast, Motion
Motion’s NYE party is headed up by Brentford pirate radio dons Kurupt FM.
www.motionbristol.com/ticket?ID=291746
December 31: The Land That Time Forgot, Bridewell Island
An eight-stage happening based on the theme of a ship run aground on an uncharted island.
www.facebook.com/events/209121859519003/
December 31: Cubana The NYE Revolution
Cubana take charge of Lakota again, so expect Carribean beach vibes and lashings of low end.
https://www.facebook.com/events/365596567114420/
COMEDY
December 2: Chuckle Busters Friday Night Comedy, Wardrobe Theatre
It’s a Christmas special for the Wardrobe’s brilliant Friday-night comedy session.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/chuckle-busters-wardrobe-theatre-bristol-1450450094?time=1480636800
December 3: Stand Up for the Weekend: David Trent, Comedy Box
David Trent’s high-energy commentaries on celebrity culture and topical news stories.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/stand-up-for-the-weekend-david-trent-co-bristol?time=1480723200
December 3 & 4: The Catherine Tate Show, Colston Hall
Sketches featuring favourite characters from her hugely successful BBC series.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/sketch-comedy/the-catherine-tate-show-bristol?time=1480723200
December 5: Stand Up: Make Some Noise, Colston Hall
Russell Howard and more fundraise for families living with illness or lack of opportunity.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/stand-up-make-some-noise-bristol?time=1480896000
December 7: Bubble Comedy: Fin Taylor, The Arts House
Fin Taylor’s sell-out Edinburgh show Whitey McWhiteFace brought rave reviews.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/bubble-comedy-presents-fin-taylor-the-kagools-bristol?time=1481068800
December 10: Squeezy Green’s Compendium of Games, Wardrobe Theatre
Characterful, interactive, monthly game show suitable for the whole family.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/improvised-comedy/squeezy-greens-compendium-of-games-bristol?time=1481328000
December 10: Christmas Comedy and Dining: Danny Ward, Comedy Box
Nicely manic but well-crafted observational comedy. Two-course Xmas dinner available.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/danny-ward-comedy-box-bristol?time=1481328000
December 11: Nincompoop, Wardrobe Theatre
Comedy, clowning, fooling, slapstick, mime, audience participation, mischief and tomfoolery.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/improvised-comedy/nincompoop-bristol-1475655571?time=1481414400
December 12: A Bunch of Japes: Pierre Novellie, Smoke and Mirrors
Former Cambridge Footlight and rising star in a night of comedy.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/a-bunch-of-japes-bristol?time=1481500800
December 17: Christmas Comedy and Dining: Andrew Bird, Comedy Box
Animated comedian with a packed chest of stories.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/christmas-comedy-dining-andrew-bird-bristol?time=1481932800
December 19: A Bunch of Japes Christmas Special, Smoke and Mirrors
Featuring longtime MC George Rigden, free mince pies plus special guests TBC.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/a-bunch-of-japes-bristol?time=1481500800
December 31: New Year’s Eve Show + Disco, Riproar
Sets from Cerys Nelmes, a bubbly comic from Wotton under Edge and more.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/new-years-eve-show-disco-bristol?time=1483142400
EVENTS
To December 3: Boob Week, Therapy Hair & Beauty
Salon evenings raising money for Coppafeel, with important information about signs of cancer.
www.facebook.com/events/1274035649325748/
To December 24: Christmas Market, Bristol Shopping Quarter
Broadmead comes to life with an array of Christmas gifts, as well as German food and drink.
www.xmas-markets.com/Blog/event/bristol-christmas-market-2016/
To Jan 8: Winter Wonderland, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway
With an outdoor ice rink, enchanted castle and a magical train ride.
www.mallcribbs.com/events-and-activities/winter-wonderland-2016
To Jan 12: Winter Market, Open Studios and Shopzilla, Hamilton House
Grab some unique presents and nibbles as the whole gallery opens up for Christmas.
www.hamiltonhouse.org/events/
December 3: Central Christmas Street Party, Gloucester Road
Music, arts and crafts and more to celebrate Bristol’s independents.
www.glosrdcentral.co.uk/index.php/events
December 3: Indies in Bristol, The Island
Find some unique gifts and follow the ‘trail map’ of Bristol’s best independents.
www.konichiwa-pr.co.uk/actlocalbristol
December 3/4, 10/11, 17/18: Christmas Market, Harbourside
Over three weekends in December, including a makers market and street food.
www.theharboursidemarket.co.uk/christmas-market/
December 4: Dear Harry/ Spock, The Crofters Rights
Bristol’s only fan fiction celebration with storytelling and comedy.
www.facebook.com/events/322402758141363/
December 8: Bristol Through Maps, The Architecture Centre
Local author Jeff Bishop explores a variety of maps, old and new.
www.architecturecentre.co.uk/events-bristol-through-maps
December 8: After Hours: Feast, At-Bristol
Explore At-Bristol without the kids around with a host of feast themed activities.
www.at-bristol.org.uk/event/after-hours-feast
December 9: Kaskelot Christmas Night Market, Lloyds Ampitheatre
Street food, live music, and entertainment aboard one of Bristol’s spectacular ships.
www.facebook.com/events/1690364247960503/
December 9-14: Treefest, St Mary Redcliffe Church
Showcasing innovative and uniquely decorated Christmas trees.
www.treefest.org.uk
December 10: Monster Ball, Christmas Speigeltent
A celebration of all things monstrously kooky with music from DJ Pete and more.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/monster-ball/
December 10: Illuminated Boat Parade, Bristol Cruising Club
Parade around Bristol City Docks ending with drinks on Sabrina 6.
www.facebook.com/events/1263727913680141/
December 16: Baby Art Hour, Spike Island
Little ones under five can get their hands dirty and get creative.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/activities/baby-art-hour-december-2016/
December 17: Spiegeltent Masquerade Ball, Christmas Spiegeltent
A night of live music, curious cabaret, magical surprises and waist-winding grooves.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/masquerade/
FILM
December 4: La Belle et la Bete, Watershed
Cocteau classic launches adult fairytale season.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/fantasy/la-belle-et-la-bete?time=1480809600
December 4: Further Beyond + Q&A, Watershed
The remarkable journey from Ireland to Chile of 18th Century figure Ambrose O’Higgins.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/further-beyond-qa
December 4: I’m Gonna Git You Sucka/ Coming to America, Trinity
BFI Black Star and Come the Revolution present a sharp and funny Blaxploitation satire.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/im-gonna-git-you-suckacoming-to-america?time=1480809600
December 4: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Cube
Free screenings of classic kids’ animation about the true meaning of Christmas.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/animation/a-charlie-brown-christmas?time=1480809600
December 5: Slaughter No Remedy + Q&A, Cube
Documentary about Walter Ayles, member of the Independent Labour Party 100 years ago.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/slaughter-no-remedy-qadiscussion?time=1480896000
December 7: Teatro alla Scala: Madame Butterfly Live, Everyman
Puccini’s evergreen opera about a Japanese geisha’s romance with an American naval officer.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/teatro-alla-scala-madame-butterfly-live?time=1481068800
December 7: The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D, Cineworld Hengrove
Jack Skellington scares up a festive treat.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/animation/the-nightmare-before-christmas-3d?time=1481068800
December 8: Panther + discussion, The Old Malt House
Marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/panther?time=1481155200
December 8 & 11: The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, Various Venues.
The return of Peter Wright’s production of the festive Tchaikovsky ballet.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/the-royal-ballet-the-nutcracker?time=1481155200
December 8-12: Bristol Palestine Film Festival, Various venues
An eclectic programme of documentaries and feature films all about life in Palestine.
www.bristol247.com/channel/culture/film/news/bristol-palestine-film-festival-is-back
December 9: Female Trouble, Cube
Divine stars in one of John Waters’ early, filthy ones.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/female-trouble?time=1481241600
December 10: Metropolitan Opera Live: L’Amour de Loin, Various venues
12th century troubadour Jaufre Rudel gets the hots for the Countess of Tripoli.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/metropolitan-opera-live-lamour-de-loin?time=1481328000
December 12: Show Me the Animation: Aardman 40th Screening, Hen and Chicken
From the very first Aardman animation to innovative releases such as the Nokia Dot short.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/animation/show-me-the-animation-aardman-40th-screening?time=1481500800
December 12: Light Years & Q&A, Everyman
A “poetic and startling story of loss, hope and the deepest of human connections”.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/light-years-qa?time=1481500800
December 13: The Day the Earth Stood Still + Q&A, Bristol Planetarium
The best of the original Cold War flying saucer paranoia flicks.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/science-fiction/the-day-the-earth-stood-still-qa?time=1481587200
December 13 & 18: It’s a Wonderful Life, Showcase Avonmeads & Showcase Cinema De Lux
James Stewart stars in festive family classic.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/its-a-wonderful-life?time=1481587200
December 14: Bristol Bad Film Club: Ewok Adventures, Redgrave Theatre
A double-bill of family-friendly crud in the form two mid-80s Star Wars spin-offs.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/fantasy/bristol-bad-film-club-ewok-adventures?time=1481673600
December 15: National Theatre Live: No Man’s Land, Various venues
Preposterous yarns and psychological power games from two ageing writers.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/national-theatre-live-no-mans-land?time=1481760000
December 17 & 18: Elf, Watershed
Comedy reissue with Will Ferrell as Santa’s largest elf.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/elf?time=1481932800
December 18: Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker, Various venues
Dancing nutcrackers, hordes of mice, a sugar plum fairy.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/bolshoi-ballet-the-nutcracker?time=1482019200
December 21 & 22: Meet Me in St. Louis, Cube
Sugary festive musical treat with Judy Garland.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/musical/meet-me-in-st-louis?time=1482364800
FOOD & DRINK
December 2: St Nick’s Night Market
With food from across the world and entertainment from breakdancing Santas.
@brisnightmarket
December 2: Bar launch night, Playground
Launch of their new bar, featuring their own specially created gin.
www.playgroundcoffee.co.uk
December 2: Jewish Deli Dinner, Aron’s
Three courses at the former restaurant now hosting the occasional pop-up event.
@AronsJewishDeli
December 3: Cheese and chutney tasting, The Bristol Cheesemonger
Danielle from Bishopston Supper Club presents a selection of preserves for you to try and buy.
www.bristol-cheese.co.uk
December 3: First birthday party, Drapers Arms
“Please temper any high hopes with modest expectations,” says landlord Vince.
www.thedrapersarms.co.uk
December 3: Christmas celebration, Cargo
Retailers will extend their wares onto terraces and ramp up the festive cheer.
www.wappingwharf.co.uk/cargo
December 3: Indies In Bristol, Various venues
Featuring a market and talks at The Station, and an independent food trail across the city.
www.theislandbristol.com/event/indies-in-bristol/
December 6: Shine for Shelterbox, Yurt Lush
Yurt Lush will be transformed into a candle-lit banquet hall for a five course sharing menu
www.foozie.co.uk/event/shine-for-shelterbox/
December 8: Victorian Christmas dinner, ss Great Britain
Take a journey of Victorian opulence with a banquet in the First Class Dining Saloon.
www.ssgreatbritain.org/whats-on/christmas-dinner
December 9: Festive night market, Steam
The Bristol Eats collective present some of the best street food Bristol has to offer.
www.bristoleats.co.uk/event/details/bristol-eats-steam-festive-night-market/
December 10: Brewers Market, Good Chemistry
Cases of beers, gift packs and merchandise direct from the Bristol brewers who made them.
www.facebook.com/events/600869033448061
December 11: Matatu Kitchen, Wilson’s – SOLD OUT
A four-course East African autumn supper club.
www.thematatukitchen.com/events-supper-clubs
December 12: Christmas tasting, The Library
Champagne and canapes, and then a showcase of four winter wines followed by port.
www.thelibrarybarbristol.co.uk/christmas-tasting1.html
December 14: Wiper & True Christmas tap takeover, Royal Navy Volunteer
A big lineup of beers from the St Werburgh’s brewery, who also promise some special launches.
www.wiperandtrue.com/events/2016/12/14/christmas-tap-takeover-the-volley
December 16: Cheese and cider tasting, Bristol Cider Shop
Rosie Morgan from The Bristol Cheesemonger helps discover the best cheese and cider pairings.
www.bristolcidershop.co.uk/product.php?product=303
December 31: The Labyrinth Ball, Milk Thistle
Channel your inner Goblin King and fantasy Masquerade creatures.
www.milkthistlebristol.com/the-labyrinth-ball-new-years-eve-at-the-milk-thistle/
MUSIC
December 4: Spiro, St George’s
The Bristol band bring their exquisite instrumental sound to launch their first vinyl LP, Repeater.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/music-01/folkcountry/spiro-1480070615-bristol-live-music?time=1480809600
December 4: Oozing Wound / Knifeman / Sex Swing, Exchange
Unrelenting, pounding guitar riffs somewhere between sludge metal and thrash.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/music-01/metal/oozing-wound-knifeman-sex-swing-bristol-live-music?time=1480809
December 7: Low, St George’s
The Minnesota minimalists’ atmospheric indie has made them cult favourites for two decades.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
December 10: Sherwood at the Controls feat. Laid Blak, Fiddlers
Adrian Sherwood is one of UK music’s true innovators, he’s joined by festival faves Laid Blak.
www.fiddlers.co.uk
December 13: Roy Ayers, Christmas Spiegeltent
“Godfather of Neo Soul”, vibraphonist, composer and soul jazz luminary.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/roy-ayers/
December 14: Boris, The Fleece
Prolific Japanese sludge/avant-metallers play their classic album Pink.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/music-01/metal/boris-bristol-live-music?time=1481673600
December 15: Maddy Prior/ The Carnival Band: Carols & Capers, St George’s
A unique celebratory show of Christmas music on renaissance and modern instruments.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
December 16: Plume of Feathers Christmas Party, Stag & Hounds
Prepare for a rowdily festive occasion of music, film and drinking.
www.facebook.com/events/1705777606409214/
December 17: Thought Forms, The Louisiana
A band among the UK’s finest guitar manglers.
www.facebook.com/events/1789406511315033/
December 21-14: Kid Carpet’s Noisy Nativity, Christmas Spiegeltent
A mix of jungle beats and full-on rock bedlam in Bethlehem.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/noisy-nativity/
December 22: Ghostpoet/ The Invisible/ Daddy G, Christmas Spiegeltent
A night of fresh and broken lo-fi beats, retro synth and lucid lyrics.
www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk/whats-on/ghostpoet-the-invisible-daddy-g/
SPORT
December 3: Tyntesfield Night Run, Tyntesfield Estate
With two running courses to choose from for all abilites.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
December 11: Santas on the Run, Harbourside
Thousands of Santas will raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West.
www.chsw.org.uk/events/christmas
December 16: Big Sports Breakfast, Lansdown Club, Ashton Gate
Motivational speaker and author Adrian Webster will host the event.
www.bristol-sport.co.uk/fixtures
December 18: Santa Cycle Ride, Gatehouse Centre
Put on your hat and join the ride along the South Bristol Link.
www.betterbybike.info/events
THEATRE
December 1-Jan 21: Rocky: A Horror Show, Wardrobe Theatre
Madcap merging of Stallone’s classic with Richard O’Brien’s musical masterpiece.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/rocky-a-horror-show-bristol?time=1480550400
December 2-Jan 8: Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain, The Lantern
A nautical playground forms the stage for this favourite children’s tale by Edward Ardizzone.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/little-tim-and-the-brave-sea-captain-bristol?time=1480636800
December 2-Jan 15: The Snow Queen, Bristol Old Vic
Lee Lyford directs this new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless story.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/the-snow-queen-bristol?time=1480636800
December 2-Jan 22: Cinderella: a Fairytale, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Tobacco Factory Theatres and Travelling Light bring back their hit Christmas show.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/cinderella-a-fairytale-bristol?time=1480636800
December 8-10/15-17/21-23: Kristmas with the Kringles, Wardrobe Theatre
Improvised festive comedy from the Closer Each Day Company.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/kristmas-with-the-kringles-bristol?time=1481155200
December 10-Jan 8: Mistletoes & Whiney Countdown to Christmas, Wardrobe Theatre
Fun new festive show for ages 3-8 years and their families.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/mistletoes-whiney-countdown-to-christmas-bristol?time=1481414400
December 11-13: Spiders by Night, Alma Tavern Theatre
Two shows featuring comets, isolation, a psychiatric ward and spiders.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/spiders-by-night-bristol?time=1481414400
December 12: Closer Each Day, Wardrobe Theatre
Unplanned, unscripted and unconventional cult comedy show.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/improvised/closer-each-day-the-improvised-soap-opera-bristol?time=1479081600
December 14-17: My Old Lady, Alma Tavern Theatre
The story of a down-on- his-luck middle-aged American who inherits an apartment in Paris.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/20th-century/my-old-lady-theatre-someone-bristol?time=1481760000
December 18: Sharp Teeth, Wardrobe Theatre
Established theatre, storytelling, poetry and music night.
www.bristol247.com/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/storytelling/sharp-teeth-wardrobe-theatre-bristol?time=1482019200