Best Christmas activities to enjoy with your family in the South West this December
Date published
15 November 2024
15 November 2024
The festive season is fast approaching, and there's no better way to celebrate Christmas than by spending quality time with your loved ones. If you're looking for family-friendly Christmas activities in the South West this December, you're in for a treat! From magical winter markets to enchanting light displays and festive performances. Bristol, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are brimming with opportunities to create unforgettable memories. Here are some of the best Christmas activities you can enjoy with your family this holiday season.
Experience the transformation of Gloucester Quays into a winter wonderland every weekend throughout November and December 2024, featuring festive markets and the popular open-air ice rink. Showcasing the finest crafters and artisans from the South West, the Christmas markets at Gloucester Quays are an event not to be missed. Discover unique handmade Christmas gifts, locally produced treats, and indulge in delicious street food and drinks from various pop-up vendors, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Gloucester Docks. The festivities commence on Saturday, 23rd November 2024. Admission to the market is free, with ice skating prices starting at £10 for children and £12 for adults. Find out more here.
Join Down for the Count for their sell-out Christmas concert featuring a 30-piece ensemble of award-winning vocalists and instrumentalists. This special performance will bring the swing era to life with festive classics from icons like Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra, among many others. The concert takes place on Tuesday, 3rd December, with tickets starting from £20. Find out more here.
Kick off the festive season at The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham with a free Christmas Launch Party packed with family entertainment. Enjoy guaranteed snowfall, live performances from pop star Ozma, party band Run Yoshi Run, a Taylor Swift tribute act, and the Lakeside Primary School choir. Be entertained by comedy, juggling, and stilt walking from Thomas Trilby, meet roaming princesses, including Moana and the Grinch, and snap a selfie with Santa during his special visit. This fun-filled event takes place on Saturday, 23rd November, and is free for families. Find out more here.
Father Christmas and his mischievous elves are returning to Batsford Arboretum this winter, offering a festive family trail and opportunities to meet Santa. Children can visit Santa in a magical grotto, take an 'elfie' with him, and receive a personalised gift, with group meet-and-greets of up to six children. The annual Big Batsford Elf Hunt is also back, where kids can search for hidden elves throughout the arboretum for a chance to win a prize! Starting from 30th November, the trail costs £3, while Santa’s grotto is £10 per child. Find out more here.
Meet Father Christmas at Cattle Country Farm Park, where children can visit the elves' workshop for fun crafting activities, listen to enchanting festive stories from chief elf Jingle, and send their Christmas lists to the North Pole. Enjoy family photo opportunities, s'mores toasting, and a pop-up sweet shop. The GRAZE café will offer a full festive menu, and there will be all the usual farm park activities. A relaxed Christmas experience will also be available on Thursday, 19th December 2024, for local SEN schools, groups, and families to enjoy seasonal activities in a quieter setting. The grotto opens on 7th December, with prices starting from £20. Find out more here.
The South West is home to a variety of fantastic Christmas theatre productions that will delight audiences of all ages. The Rose Theatre will present Cinderella, The Worcester Repertory Company will feature Aladdin, and The Worcester Theatre will showcase Hansel and Gretel. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic story or a contemporary pantomime, these productions provide an entertaining way to get into the festive spirit. Make sure to book your tickets early, as these shows and pantomimes sell out quickly!
Slimbridge Wetland Centre welcomes Santa back to his wonderful grotto this year, where he will meet children in the lead-up to Christmas, with plenty of gifts for everyone! After visiting Father Christmas, head over to the Kingfisher Kitchen for a hearty full English breakfast to energise you for a day of exploring Slimbridge's winter wonderland. A variety of festive activities will also be available, including Christmas crafts and sending letters to the North Pole at Slimbridge's post office. This event starts on 14th December, with prices beginning at £12.50. Find out more here.
Bristol Christmas Market is renowned as one of the best in the country, brimming with sparkling lights, delicious festive treats, handmade gifts, and plenty of activities. With over 35 unique stalls, it’s an essential part of Bristol’s Christmas celebrations and will take over Broadmead from 1st November to 23rd December. This year, a brand-new ‘Christmas Village’ will also be set up in Castle Park, running every day (except Christmas Day) from 5th December to 3rd January, featuring a roller rink, curling rink, VR sledge ride, and funfair rides like a bungee trampoline, a Waltzer, Dodgems, and a balloon ride carousel. Find out more here.
The Santa Show at Avon Valley takes visitors into the heart of Lapland, offering a delightful surprise! Guests can visit Santa’s Cabin and Toy Shop, enjoy the new-for-2024 Grinch Show, ride the Polar Express miniature train, and stroll through a magical forest. Additional activities include ice skating and a Christmas trail, with shows scheduled for November 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, and 19 to 24. Find out more here.
Following last year’s successful Evolution show in Bristol, the team presents another extraordinary drone light show this Christmas. Celestial reimagines the classic tale of A Christmas Carol, performed by hundreds of animated drones and narrated by the talented Matt Lucas. This heartwarming 45-minute show will light up the skies at Seat Unique Stadium (Gloucestershire County Cricket Club) from December 19 to 21, with food and drink outlets serving a variety of refreshments. Find out more here.
The South West is packed with festive activities that will keep your family entertained and filled with holiday cheer throughout December. Whether you prefer the magic of a winter wonderland, the charm of Christmas markets, or the joy of a family pantomime, you’ll find something to suit every taste. So, grab your loved ones and start planning your Christmas adventure in the South West, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!
News
15 November 2024
