WHAT’S ON

Glad tidings we bring in the form of a super-festive round-up of events happening around Bristol this month to get you in the Christmas spirit...

n Until 21 December, Westonbirt,

This month at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, visitors will be taken on a journey through beautiful woodland, and transported into a magical world surrounded by colourful twinkling lights. Witness the wonder and general commotion that comes with playful elves creating Westonbirt’s spectacular illuminated trail. There will be special ‘relaxed sessions’ on 3 December from 4pm–5pm, when the trail will be adapted to suit those with additional needs such as autism –strong flashing lights, loud sound effects and smoke effects will be temporarily turned off. Tickets available through advance booking only: forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchantedchristmas

n Until 23 December, Broadmead Located in the very heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 40 unique stalls where you’ll find an array of traders selling seasonal delights,

n 3 December, 12 –5pm, Harvey Nichols Bristol Visit Harvey Nichols Bristol for a day of festive beauty, in collaboration with The Bristol Magazine. Enjoy complimentary skincare treatments, hair styling, mini makeovers and exclusive beauty masterclasses. You will also be treated to a glass of prosecco, live music throughout the afternoon and a goody bag to take home. Tickets £10, redeemable on beauty purchases made during the event. Sessions are available to book on the day. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

crafts and unique items which are perfect for those hunting for that special Christmas gift. There is also a wide range of delicious food available, from traditional Bratwurst to crepes, churros and plenty of sweet treats.

n Until 2 January, Millennium Square Head to the winter playground on Bristol's Harbourside this winter. The Après Bar is back, supplying a warming selection of drinks for those cold wintery nights. During the weekend, events will be DJ led running late into the night. Throughout December, food will be taken care of by Pepe Nero upholding an independent vibe with this family-run business who brought Bristol their first vegan pizza. There is a range of rides and activities for little ones. Plus, Santa will be in his Grotto on weekdays from 4pm - 8pm.

Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol have announced their Christmas cast for The Snow Queen, which runs at the venue from 1 December to 15 January. The production is being co-produced with New International Encounter (NIE) and Cambridge Junction. Natisha Williams will take on the lead role of Gerda in her professional stage debut, with cast members Joey Hickman, Stefanie Mueller, Alex Murdoch and Abayomi Oniyide returning to TFT having performed in Snow White in 2019. Samantha Sutherland returns having performed in Beauty and The Beast in 2018. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

n 2 –31 December, Bristol Hippodrome You shall go to the ball. Next Christmas with this spectacular family pantomime of Cinderella. Starring Craig Revel Horwood, and packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients. The Bristol Hippodrome audiences can expect, Cinderella features, laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming. atgtickets.com/shows/cinderella

n 2 December –8 January,

A Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic coproduction based on Belle and Sebastien by Cecile Aubry. Much-loved Bristol actor Felix Hayes (A Christmas Carol, Bristol Old Vic) will play Belle –the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and best friend to Sebastien, played by Mogali Masuku, who is welcomed to Bristol for the first time. bristololdvic.org.uk

n 2 –11 December, various locations This year’s festival will feature a comedy show for the first time in its 11-year history, alongside 10 feature-length films and two shortfilm nights, showcasing a range of contemporary stories and experiences from Palestine and the region.

The festival will take place over two weekends, kicking off on 2 December with the film Boycott, followed by a Stand Up for Palestine comedy night at the Folk House on 3 December starring Mark Thomas, Nick Revell, and Esther Manito. Proceeds from the comedy night will go towards two hard to fund charities: MAP, which provides medical aid for Palestinians, and the Bristol Palestine Film Festival. bristolpff.org.uk

n 10 December, St George’s Bristol The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started as Bristol Bach Choir presents its ever-popular Christmas concert at St George’s. Conducted this term by David Bednall, and accompanied as ever by Nigel Nash, Bristol Bach Choir are acknowledging the 150th anniversary of Vaughan-William’s birth by performing his ever-popular Fantasia on Christmas Carols. In addition, the choir’s usual mixture of familiar and less familiar carols, audience participation and a variety of readings from the sublime to the ridiculous, ensure that this is the perfect musical start to the festive season. Tickets (from £12); bristolbach.org.uk

Enjoy Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas!

n 10 December at 4pm & 7pm,

Exultate Singers performs an exquisite programme of Christmas music, the perfect preparation for the festive season. Enjoy a wonderfully atmospheric evening in the beautiful surroundings of Bristol's oldest building, St James Priory. Tickets £13 to £17 from Opus 13 music shop. exultatesingers.org

n 13 –23 December, Tobacco

Bristol actor Stewart Wright is back in his home city by popular demand this December, offering families the opportunity

Escape your everyday and visit Exeter this winter. Our city has all you need for a 2023 short break, with cosy accommodation, fantastic local eateries, historic attractions and more, all within a short walking distance.

Exeter’s location in the heart of Devon, surrounded by glorious rolling hills and close to the stunning coastline, means that we aren’t short of locally-sourced food and drink. It’s easy to see why our city has been voted one of the top places to eat out in the UK, by Which Good Food Guide.

Visit popular brands on the High Street including John Lewis and in Princesshay and the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Discover friendly, independent shops in surrounding streets offering products for all tastes. InExeter’s brand-new digital independent gift card supports ‘indies’ across the city –the first of its kind in the UK!

Our city is surrounded by green open spaces, which means it’s packed with exciting activities for all abilities. Fancy a breath of fresh air? Rent a bike and explore the Exe Estuary to Topsham or get your walking boots on and follow the trails at Haldon Forest Park.

Exeter quayside is a must-visit any time of year. Shop at independent boutiques, discover the quay’s fascinating history at the Custom House and sit back, relax and enjoy a meal with loved-ones, sat beside the water, watching the world go by.

Exeter’s historic attractions are open yearround, including the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Red Coat Guides and the Underground Passages. When you’ve finished exploring, put your feet up and experience the ultimate in relaxation at the St Sidwell’s Point Spa in the heart of the city.

Catch comedy shows, live music and more at eclectic venues across the city including Exeter Corn Exchange and Exeter Phoenix. Visit Exeter Northcott, Exeter Barnfield Theatre and Exeter Cygnet Theatre for touring theatre productions throughout the year.

In Exeter we’re passionate about sport. Home to Premiership Rugby team the Exeter Chiefs, football fixtures at Exeter City FC, and exciting competitive horse racing at Exeter Racecourse.

Exeter is a short train journey away from the historic port of Topsham - a quaint, idyllic town bursting with local food & drink, independent shops and scenic walks.

Exeter is just 1 hour by train from Bristol with Great Western Railway.

Escape to the beautiful and historic city of Exeter this winter for the ultimate weekend break

Win a 3-night winter break in Exeter this January, staying at city centre Exeter Self Catering apartment with luxury food and drink experiences included. Competition closes 15th December.

Scan code or enter online at: www.visitexeter.com/januarybreak

Belle and Sebastien at Bristol Old Vic

to make this festive season unforgettable as he returns with a newly reworked production of BS3 Santa. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, theatre meets ‘An Audience with Father Christmas’ in BS3 Santa. From 13 –23 December (excluding 19 December) there will be two shows of BS3 Santa a day (10.15am and 11.30am) at Tobacco Factory Theatres. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

n 17 & 19 December at 7.30pm,

Bristol Ensemble takes to the stage with City of Bristol Choir (Saturday 17th) and Exultate Singers (Monday 19th) to bring Christmas cheer and festivities in this Christmas Spectacular. Under the baton of the inimitable David Ogden, this is always a wonderfully entertaining and uplifting evening of Christmas music and readings, with some wonderful Christmas music with choir items, audience participation and festive orchestral music. Tickets £15 to £30 for adults, concessions available for students and under 18s. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

n 19 December,

Step inside Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for your very own “Night at the Museum” to enjoy a truly special movie screening. To get you in the Christmas spirit the museum is bringing Will Ferrell’s infectiously cheery outing as Buddy in Elf to its screens. It’s a perfect way to prepare for the festive weekend if, like us, it’s not truly Christmas until you’ve seen this film again… bristolfilmfestival.com

n 19 December at 2pm & 4pm,

Get Christmas off to a brilliant start with this entertaining children's Christmas concert featuring Prokofiev’s well-loved musical tale, Peter and the Wolf. With plenty of audience participation in festive favourites, this is a seasonal delight for all the family. Family tickets from £19, available from St George’s box office. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

n 20 December at 7.30pm,

There will be plenty of audience participation in this sparkling festive concert featuring all your favourite carols, Christmas choral works and orchestral pieces. Enjoy a brilliantly festive and fun evening under the baton of David Ogden, with City of Bristol Choir and the Bristol Ensemble, certain to put you in the Christmas mood. Tickets £15 to £30 for adults, concessions available for students and under 18s, from St George’s box office. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

n 21 December at 7pm,

Bristol Ensemble and the Choir of Royal Holloway return to St George's Bristol to bring to life Handel's masterpiece, Messiah, in a semi-staged performance. Tickets £15 to £30 for adults, concessions available for students and under 18s, from St George’s box office. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

n 28 January,

Cadbury House Hotel invites you to its Burns Night. The bar will be open from 6:30pm, followed by three Course Banquet Dinner with Tea and Coffee, and the Resident DJ and Disco for Evening Entertainment. Tables are booked on a ‘Join a table’ basis and will be set up banquet style for the event. Ticket cost £49 per person. To book, call 01934834343 and press option 1, or email info@cadburyhouse.com. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Guide Dogs Association. cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/burns-night