Holiday Magic: Christmas light trails in and around Bristol
It’s that time of year where it officially gets dark at 4pm…so we’ve got something that will brighten up your days!
Christmas is right around the corner (where did that go?!) and Bristol is lighting up for the holidays, with twinkly lights adorning nearly every street. We’ve listed the best light trails in an around Bristol so you can fully get yourself into the Christmas spirit.
Grab your coat and a woolly hat…
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum
Selected evenings between 24 November – 23 December
Westonbirt Arboretum is stunning any time of year, so you can imagine how wonderful it is at Christmas time. You’ll get to see the nature ‘lit up’ during the wonderous illuminated trial and wander through nature, taking in the spectacular sites. The perfect Christmas evening.
Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole
Selected dates between 25 November – 1 January
Walking in a winter…Wookey Hole? The famous caves will be draped in sparkling Christmas lights for a magical underground experience. Brilliant for familes; wander through the waves, meet Santa in his grotto and receive a gift from magical Christmas elves in the toy factory.
Did we also mention there is a Christmas Circus Show? This isn’t one to miss.
Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Estate
26 November – 24 December
Old Down Estate’s first ever illumination trial. Explore the beautiful gardens and Manor House as it’s dressed up into a fairy garden, twinkly extravaganza!
‘Sensitive Sessions’ will also take place on Monday evenings.
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Selected dates from 25 November – 30 December
What’s better than a dazzling illuminated trial? A Wizard of Oz themed dazzling illuminated trail, of course!
Discover the light wave and flickering fire flowers of the Queen’s Garden, sparkling water features, light beams, lanterns and much more.
Tuck into hot food and delicious doughnuts, and sip on warming mulled wine and hot chocolates whilst you wander around the grounds.
Christmas Nights at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Selected dates throughout December
Avon Valley has collaborated with an award-winning lighting specialise to create their Christmas light trail, using their lakes and trees as a breath0taking backdrop.
That’s not all, there will be plenty more to do and see, such as a grab a festive photo op in their Enchanted Village, ride the Polar Express Miniature Steam Train and indulge in lots of yummy festive food and drink.
Evolution Drone Light Show
20 – 21 December
Drones are all the rage now, and it’s easy to understand why when you see the stunning displays they can create. Watch the sky above Bristol light up with a 3D show created by 500 drones in this brand-new experience, never seen before in the city. This is not one to miss!
Shine Bright for Bristol’s Children’s Hospital
So, this one is as magical as it gets! Bristol Children’s Hospital dedicated charity, The Grand Appeal, is encouraging people to Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital and turn their windows or gardens into a winter wonderland from 1 November – 31 December. You can mark your display on their interactive map for people to visit. The Grand Appeal will also be projecting festive displays onto the hospital building from 30 November – 31 December as part of their ‘Light Up Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign.
Clifton Village
Last, but certainly not least…Clifton Village looks DAZZLING this time of year. The lights switched on earlier this month so can be assured a magical view, with the magnificent Christmas Tree in The Mall Gardens being a highlight.
Take a stroll around the pretty streets, make the most of late-night shopping, then stop into one of the local bars or restaurants to warm up afterwards. It’s also perfectly located to walk from our luxury apartments. Perfect!
It’s looking like a very #MerryBrismas , right?
Published: Tuesday 21st November 2023 by Phoebe Clutton