Things to do with the kids in Bristol this Winter

Christmas Nights Light Trail at Avon Valley (Image: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park)

Brrrr! Winter has arrived so it's time for another of our Raised in Bristol seasonal guides to keep you and the family busy with things to do in the lead up to Christmas in and around Bristol!

The Vintage Winter Wonderland in Millennium Square

There’s lots of different vintage fairground rides at The Vintage Winter Wonderland as well as a roller disco. (Image: Pexels)

Head to the winter playground on Bristol's Harbourside this December, with a roller disco, big wheel, film screenings, Christmas market and more! Visit Santa in his Grotto on weekdays from 4–8pm, or in the school holidays the hours will be extended to 11am–9pm. No booking necessary. There is a range of rides and activities for little ones, from the big ferris wheel to dodgems, smaller rides and games to win prizes! On until the 2nd January.

Christmas Nights Light Trail at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

Ice Skating at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park (Image: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park)

Explore the light trail around the park as Avon Valley uses its lake and trees to create a spectacular backdrop. The park has collaborated with an award winning event lighting specialist to illuminate your Christmas at Avon Valley. With amazing light installations and play areas creatively lit up bringing you a family focused, fun light trail as well as the playbarn being open for a festive disco.

The Polar Express Miniature Steam Train is ready to take you on a festive ride and look out as you may even bump into the Grinch who is trying to ruin Christmas again! There will also be Ice Skating alongside the 'Christmas Experience' Santa's Sleigh Surprise Show. Although it's worth noting that Ice Skating or the Christmas Experience show are not included within tickets for Christmas Nights.

There is free car parking on-site and the attraction is well-connected to both Bristol and Bath via the X39 bus route which drops you a 10 minute walk away from the park.

Winter Solstice Live at Bricks

On 21st December at from 6–9pm Celebrate the end of 2022 and welcome in the Winter Solstice! Bricks are excited to share that Madame Ceski (Francesca Simmons) will be hosting a winter celebration alongside her musical installation Sound Henge. An artwork inspired by the history, archaeology and folklore of the stone circles.

The event hosted at St Anne's House, will include: morris dancing and music from Stroud’s incredible all-female side Boss Morris, an improvised live set by Madame Ceski, a talk by British archaeologist Susan Greaney about Bristol's Stone Circle Stanton Drew, 'The Forgotten Stone Circle of Stanton Drew', delicious hot food and drink, from The Orchard Bakery & Co. and a pop up shop with The Flushrooms, a mushroom farm running out of St Anne's House.

BS3 Santa at Tobacco Factory Theatres

BS3 Santa at Tobacco Factory Theatres. (Image: Tobacco Factory)

Come and see Santa live on stage in this enchanting, interactive show. Fresh off a sell out run of Ben Elton’s West End comedy The Upstart Crow, established British comic actor Stewart Wright is returning home to bring the Father of Christmas to life. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, it’s where theatre meets ‘An audience with’ Father Christmas. This year he’s reunited with the actor, circus artist & singer-songwriter Ben Kirby as Sven the Reindeer Handler. Guaranteed to bring a sense of fun, laughter and anticipation to all. There’ll be music, sleigh bells, magic and bucket loads of Christmas spirit. Santa can only bring the gift of laughter, joy and bedtime ruining excitement on the day of your visit. They will be noting as many of the childrens Christmas wishes as they can, and will do their best to deliver them on Christmas Eve….with your assistance. 13th–23rd December (Various times see website) | Tickets £10.

Christmas Tales with Granddad at The Wardrobe Theatre

(Image: Wardrobe Theatre)

Running from 16th December–2nd January at 11.00am–12.00pm. Exquisite puppets and captivating storytelling combine to create an enchanting and magical Christmas show guaranteed to spark the imagination of years 3-8 and their families, presented by Pickled Image. Bursting with heart-warming storytelling and festive cheer, Christmas Tales With Granddad creates the sense of an intimate fireside in the theatre, with Granddad welcoming imaginative input from the audience as he weaves 3 brand new tales. A magical a feast of festive stories including a special pair of Christmas pants, the mystery of the snowflake necklace and the mischievous shenanigans of the Tomten – a feisty Gnome, who loves the chance to swap gossip with woodland creatures, and who might just be the reason Granddad can't find his favourite tree decoration.

Winterland at Propyard

The Destination for all things Winter… This Winter Propyard is transforming the Studio into a haven to enjoy all things winter; a space for festive fun in the warmth of their warehouse. Bristol’s only indoor Christmas Ice Rink will feature ice skating, ice training dolphins and ice bumper cars! The friendly polar bear Bjorn will be making special appearances throughout the festive season. Their new Apres Skate Bar will be serving up extra special hot chocolate and winter warming drinks and special cocktails. There will be seasonal inspired Crafts as well as pop up Winter Markets. Food will be provided by seasonal guest vendors from the PY Kitchen. Runs til 4th January.

Space Jungle New Years Day Family Friendly Rave at Trinity

Celebrate the first day of the year with the whole family, dressed as your favourite Space Animal! With a line up from Junior Jungle, Simon Panrucker - Live, Dj Cheeba + Family with a Silent Disco Feat. Kids Vs Parents. Hosted by Ready, Sheady Dis-Go with crafts from Lets Make Art. Sound will be monitored to stay at safe levels, but this is a 'rave'. But ear defenders are recommended for children who are sensitive to loud music. Tickets are £15 per person with discounted rates for groups and its Free to children under 1 years old.