Christmas is our favourite time of year, and once you have little ones it can be truly magical! Part of the fun is the build up to the big day so we have put together our list of top family friendly things to do in Bristol at Christmas!
Christmas light trails near Bristol
December would no feel quite right in our house without a visit to either Westonbirt or the Ashton Court Light Trail!
Although Westonbirt is not in Bristol, it’s light trail is legendary! With little legs it takes around an hour but there are the usual festive treats to keep the children entertained before your time slot (super important for planning) but a sling might be easier than a pram or pushchair! There are refreshments, including the obligatory hot chocolate or mulled wine, and often interactive moments with Santa himself!
Ashton Court is relatively new but promises to be no less spectacular. Around a mile there are SEN slots for little ones who need it and part way there are refreshments and even a marshmallow toasting it! This will be a new one for us so I am excited to see how it compares!
Christmas days out
Bristol Zoo Project is hosting their Big Gift Hunt where you can find the gifts, solve the riddles all while seeing their animals!
The SS Great Britain takes you back in time with it’s themed Christmas visits! You can also book breakfast with Old Father Christmas on 6 & 13 December and there is Festive music in the dockyard 6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December.
Planet Ice have an enchanted Christmas where you can help the Christmas elves by solving tricky puzzles and taking part in an exciting snowball fight – the VR experience is suitable for little ones 4 and older.
Avon Valley always have a fabulous Christmas experience and this year promises to be no different! You can expect Stardust’s Adventure & Santa Show, Operation Mincepie, Santa’s Cabin, Toy Factory, The Grinch, Mrs Claus’ Gingerbread Parlour, The Magical Forest, Santa’s Post Room, The Elf Express and more!
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm might not have quite the immersive adventures as others but Santa will be visiting and this might be suited to younger little ones or those who find the immersive activities a bit too much!
For something festive, but a little different, consider Mendip Activity centre’s Twilight Tobogganing where you can toast marshmallows round a campfire, and enjoy sparklers and hot chocolate! Suitable for little ones 4 and older.
Tyntesfield have a ‘Once Upon A Reindeer’ trail which is suitable for all little ones old enough to understand but, even if your little one is not, it is always a love place to visit and get some fresh air in beautiful surroundings!
Puxton Park have their annual Magical Christmas with Santa’s grotto, Snowy Christmas Tree Village with Magical Wish Granting Tree! You can decorate Gingerbread with Mrs Claus, make baubles in the Elves Workshop and see some festive animal shows.
Hopefully these Christmas adventures will be enough to tire your little ones out but if you need any help with sleep around the Christmas period check out our blog on sleep and the festive period. And if you are not spending Christmas in Bristol, you will need our blog on managing going away during the festive season!
As always, if you need any help with sleep please just get in touch!
