Christmas in Bristol
Bristol has a lot to offer those who are looking for something different this Christmas. People who have never been to Bristol before would find out that this city has several surprises up its sleeve for the Christmas season.
Enchanted Wood
Christmas is all about wondrously enchanting evenings. What better way to experience an enchanting Christmas than to walk in an Enchanted Wood? Children and adults alike will surely enjoy magical nights enhanced by the wonderfully lit up trees. Of course, there is a host of other activities such as Christmas carol singing, roasting chestnuts, and drinking mulled wine. The Enchanted Wood is open from Friday to Sunday, 5.00 to 8.30 in the evening. This event runs from 30 November 2007 till 23 December 2007.
Bristol Zoo Winter Ice Rink
For those who love going to the zoo and ice skating, the Bristol Zoo gives them the chance to combine these two activities in one venue. From 16 November 2007 to 13 January 2008, visitors to the zoo can take breaks from visiting the zoo animals and go ice skating in the meantime. The zoo has more than 400 species of animals ranging from penguins and seals to gorillas. They also have a bug house, aviaries, an aquarium, and a reptile house. If you merely want to ice skate in a different ambiance, you can opt to do so after zoo hours.
Winter Wonderland at The Mall
Enjoy the festive season by visiting the very popular Winter Wonderland at The Mall at Cribb’s Causeway. It opened on 15 November of this year and will run through 6 January of the next. Snow lovers will definitely enjoy the experience as they visit Santa (in his castle no less!), go skating on the outdoor skating rink, and take ride (or two) in a traditional carousel. Of course, snow will be all around the place.
Where to Find Santa
Santa may call the North Pole his home but come Christmas time, you can find him in various places around Bristol. Here are a few venues where you can visit him if you suddenly feel the need to:
- Santa’s Grotto, The Mall Galleries – 24-25 November, 1,2,8,9, 15 December to 6 January
- Santaland, Wookey Hole Caves – 25 November, 1,2,3,8,9,15,16,22,23,24 December
- Santa Specials, Avon Valley Railway – 30 November, 1,2,7,8,9,14,15,16,21,22,23 December
- Father Christmas, Tyntesfield – 1,2,8,9,15-23 December
- Sail with Santa, Bristol Ferry Boat Company
Photo of the Bristol Cathedral by Gunter Hofer.