Things To Do / Sponsored
27 things to do in Bristol this week, December 23-29 2024
Monday: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Sidney and Eden
The cinema club are bringing a free entry anti-Christmas movie, which re-imagines one of the most popular Christmas stories. Set in northern Finland on Christmas ever, the story is about an archaeological dig that unearths the ‘real’ Santa Claus who is seemingly different from his much-celebrated children-loving persona.
The cinema celebrates low-budget films at the Gloucester Road bar Sidney and Eden, every Monday – photo: Sidney and Eden
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Monday: Discover the Future of Green Mobility with BYD Bristol!
We are thrilled to announce that the BYD Bristol South store is now officially open, bringing cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles to local drivers. Explore our range of innovative models, including the fully electric BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, and BYD Atto 3, as well as the versatile hybrid BYD Seal U DM-i. Location: BYD Bristol South, 803-805 Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5HP
? Test Drive Availability: Year-round. Take the opportunity to experience the power, efficiency, and design of our next-generation vehicles firsthand. Reserve your test drive today by clicking the link below!
Grand Opening – photo: BYD Bristol
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Monday-January 5: ME, Tobacco Factory Theatres
This early year’s festive favourite is a touching story about a parent and their love for their child by much loved children’s author Emma Dodd. Performances at 11am and 2:30pm.
ME – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
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Monday-January 19: Hansel & Gretel, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Following last year’s record-breaking Christmas hit, Oliver Twist, TFT’s Factory Theatre has been transformed this year into a magical and mythical land in what Bristol 24/7 have described as “Tobacco Factory Theatres have another Christmas banger on their hands”.
Hansel & Gretel – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Monday: Bad Santa Bingo, Bristol Fringe
Jon Jones aka Bristol Fringe’s Bad Santa will be in the club for a night of bingo, laughter and booze that the club says will be unforgettable. Tickets are to be purchased through headfirst and there are no age restrictions for this event.
Jon Jones pictured as Bad Santa, waiting for his “misfits” to join the event – photo: Bristol Fringe
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Monday-January 5: Jack and the Beanstalk, Redgrave Theatre
Pantomime at the Redgrave Theatre is always the highlight of the festive calendar for the whole family. This year’s Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be bigger and better than ever! Get ready to roar with laughter and cheer on our hero Jack on his magical journey.
Jack and the Beanstalk – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Tuesday: Xmas Karaoke, The Love Inn
A free entry, Christmas-themed Karaoke night to bring in Christmas with your loved ones. All you need is your favourite Christmas track and a Santa hat to get the party started.
The Love Inn will be holding a Christmas karaoke on Christmas Eve – photo: The Love Inn
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Tuesday: Choker, The Fleece
Choker: The Bleeding Edge of Alternative Culture, is a brand new clubnight taking Bristol’s alt scene by storm with back-to-back sold out shows since September. On Friday 24th January, they’re serving ‘Broke AF Party’! Come along to celebrate the new year with us.
CHOKER – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Wednesday: Christmas Day
Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays to those who do not celebrate Christmas.
Thursday: BAD MANNERS, The Fleece
Returning for their traditional Boxing Day gig, BAD MANNERS will be taking over The Fleece on St Thomas Street. Tickets start at £23 with an additional booking fee.
BAD MANNERS will be performing at The Fleece on Boxing Day – photo: The Fleece
Friday & Saturday: The House Magicians Comedy & Magic Show, Smoke and Mirrors
85 minutes of magic and comedy to make sure you are mind-blown by their “wit, charm, and mind-boggling tricks”. Tickets start from £30 for this 1920s-style magic and comedy show.
The House Magicians will perform for two days at Smoke and Mirrors – photo: The House Magicians
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Friday: Soul Asylum, The Fleece
Looking for last minute Christmas present ideas? Soul Asylum are an American alternative rock band, known for their heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances. The band blends rock, punk, and folk influences, and they are coming to Bristol this January. Book tickets now!
Soul Asylum – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Friday: Bristol Bears Vs Sale Sharks, Ashton Gate
Bristol Bears will take on Sale Sharks a few days before New Year’s in what will be the Bears’ last match for the year. Get ready to witness a thrilling game, the perfect start to your New Year celebrations.
Bristol Bears will play against Sale Sharks on December 27 – photo: JMP
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Friday-January 2: Spirited Away, Watershed
Winner of the 2001 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Hayao Miyazaki’s wondrous fantasy adventure is a dazzling masterpiece from one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation.
Spirited Away – photo: Watershed
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Friday-January 2: How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Watershed
The surprise viral hit that has broken box office records across Asia, How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies delves into the complexity of family relationships, sacrifices, and the pursuit of happiness.
How to make millions – photo: Watershed
Saturday: 2024 Wrapped Brunch, Slug and Lettuce
To celebrate the end of the year, Slug and Lettuce are throwing an ultimate 2024 brunch. Expect delicious dishes and slurpy cocktails to set the mood right before 2025 comes our way. Tickets can be purchased from their website.
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Sunday: Bristol City Vs Portsmouth
Bristol City will battle Portsmouth on their home ground Ashton Gate, a few days before New Year’s. This is part of the Sky Bet Championship that the Robins are competing in.
Sunday: Cathedral Music Trail, Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral is bringing an interactive music trail for children and adults at the end of the year. With a map and musical kit bag available at the welcome desk, one should be equipped to embark on this musical journey.
Bristol Cathedral are hosting a music trail for children and adults – photo: Bristol Cathedral
And coming soon…
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December 31: Motion Presents – NYE w/ DJ Hype, Dillinja, Monrroe & More
This NYE, Motion hosts an unmissable night of bass music as a celebration of Bristol’s underground scene — marking what could be their final NYE at the iconic Avon Street venue. Welcome in 2025 with a line up of bass music heavyweights, unique back-to-back sets, and the unmistakable energy that defines Motion.
Motion presents NYE – photo: Alastair Brookes
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December 31: NYE Motion: Eats Everything Presents – History of Rave
Bristolian legend Eats Everything brings his History of Rave concept back to Motion for NYE – a party where no music is off limits & anyone and everyone is invited to revel in the ultimate rave experience. He’ll be joined on the night by Skream, SYREETA, DJ Die, Joshua James & Milly On Air.
History of Rave – photo: Eljay Briss
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January 5: A fun and transformative Workshop, Gus Hoyt
You’ll dive into the Three Pillars of The WHM: Breath, Cold, and Mindset, as well as discovering the scientific basis and how to implement them into your daily life. Gus is also a Functional Breathwork Coach and a Conscious Breathwork guide and incorporates this to his workshops.
Fundamental workshop – photo: Gus Hoyt
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January 14: Breath Led With Lucy At The Mount Without
Join Lucy for an immersion in transformational breathwork and Kundalini Global Yoga in the stunning candlelit setting of The Mount Without where we’ll be accessing altered states of being. Breath is a powerful tool we can harness to regulate the nervous system, release stress and tension in the body, and enter a deep state of calm and presence. These classes are music led and end with a crystal bowl sound bath to bring us into a deeper state of relaxation.
Breath Led With Lucy – photo: Lucy Spragge
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January 16: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Valentina Peleggi, Bristol Beacon
A ‘Strings Showcase’ including Vaughan Williams’ spirited tribute to Thomas Tallis, Tchaikovsky’s demanding concerto for the violin virtuoso and Scheherazade, a suite of pictures from The Arabian Nights bound together by a bewitching melody sung by the solo violin.
Orchestral season – photo: Bristol Beacon
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January 22: Jacob Collier and Chris Thile with Britten Sinfonia, Bristol Beacon
Grammy-winning musical phenomenon Jacob Collier will perform with a UK orchestra for the first time, joining forces with the 50-piece Britten Sinfonia. Collier will be joined by fellow Grammy award-winner Chris Thile – virtuoso mandolinist, singer and songwriter – and conductor Suzie Collier, Jacob’s mother and guiding light.
Jacob and Suzie – photo: Bristol Beacon
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January 28-30: Room on the Broom, Redgrave Theatre
Presented by Tall Stories. Iggety Ziggety Zaggety zoom! Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Room on the Broom – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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February 14: ABBA By Candlelight, St George’s
This Valentine’s Day, let the romance of ABBA’s unforgettable tunes set your heart dancing – because love deserves dramatic violins and epic crescendos! In a one-of-a-kind orchestral concert blending ABBA’s iconic pop sound with lush symphonic arrangements, expect hits that’ll have you crying into your champagne one moment and dancing in the aisles the next. The perfect soundtrack to your Valentine’s night!
ABBA by Candlelight – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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February 15: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons By Candlelight, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Immerse yourself in Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’, one of the best loved pieces of classical music, performed by the Bristol Ensemble at The Tobacco Factory Theatres with 400 candles adorning the stage. This intimate concert brings the iconic music to life, and will also feature favourites from Einaudi and Astor Piazolla.
Main photo: Xmas Karaoke, The Love Inn
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