Christmas events near you that are free of charge

The festive season is approaching, and a variety of events are lined up to keep the holiday spirit alive. Christmas can often be costly, but there are plenty of free opportunities to enjoy the celebrations this year.

Bristol Highlights

Advent Procession: Bristol Cathedral will host an Advent Procession to mark the start of the Christmas season.

Childrens Movie Nights: City Farm Cafe is offering free weekday film screenings for kids at 15:45 GMT. No booking is neededjust drop in and enjoy the films.

Santa Float: A festive Santa float will travel through different areas of Bristol every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Christmas. Details can be found on its social media channels.

Midnight Mass: On December 24th at 23:00, Bristol Cathedral will hold a Christmas Eve Mass celebrating the birth of Jesus. All visitors are welcome and entry is free.

Somerset Festivities

Light up the Lake: On December 6th at Clevedon seafront, a winter procession will start at 16:00. Guests are invited to bring lanterns, torches, or glow sticks. The event features fire dancers, illuminated paddleboards, and decorated model boats. Admission is free, though donations to local charity Marlens are welcome.

Carols at the Rec: Bath Recreational Ground will host carol singing on December 10th from 18:30-19:30. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available. Doors open at 18:00, tickets are free, but pre-booking is required.

Family Nativity Service: Children can dress as shepherds, stars, angels, or wise men and participate in a Nativity scene at Bath Abbey on December 21st at 15:30. A real donkey will be part of the experience.

Wiltshire Experiences

Santa Storytelling Sessions: Swindon Designer Outlet is hosting free 30-minute interactive story sessions with Santa every Thursday and Friday in December at 13:00 and 13:45. A 2.50 booking fee applies but can be refunded or donated to Julias House Hospice.

A Journey to Christmas: Also at Swindon Designer Outlet, a free 25-minute session allows children to send wishes to Santa on a magical train. Multiple time slots are available on weekends and December 22-24, with the same 2.50 refundable booking fee.

Salisbury Cathedral Late Night: On November 11th from 18:30-20:30, families can explore Salisbury Cathedral after dark. Free candle decorating and a nativity display will be available.

Gloucestershire Highlights

Santa Letters and Trails: Gloucester Cathedral offers a festive trail with decorations and the chance to write letters to Santa. The trail is open until January 4th. St Nicholas will visit on December 13th and 20th to give children a small gift.

Home Activity: Families can send letters to Santa via Royal Mail at Santas Grotto, Reindeerland XM4 5HQ. Letters must be posted before December 10th to ensure a reply.

Brockworth Tesco Santas Grotto: Children can meet Santa at Tesco Extra Brockworth and receive a small gift. Open December 5, 12, 13, 18 from 17:00-20:00 and December 6, 19, 20 from 09:00-15:00.

These free festive events offer a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas without breaking the bank.

Author's Opinion: Free Festive Events Make the Season Brighter

The holiday season often comes with a hefty price tag, but this year, there are numerous free events in Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire that offer the opportunity to celebrate Christmas without spending a fortune. From Advent processions to children's movie nights, these activities ensure that everyone, regardless of budget, can enjoy the festive spirit.

The Advent Procession at Bristol Cathedral, which marks the start of the Christmas season, is a perfect example of how traditions can be maintained without a cost. It’s an event that brings the community together, creating a sense of unity and celebration as the holiday season officially begins.

Similarly, events like the Santa Float and the Children’s Movie Nights at City Farm Café reflect the local efforts to create accessible celebrations. These gatherings, while free, still manage to offer quality experiences, showcasing that joy and merriment don't have to come with an expensive price tag.

These types of free activities also promote inclusivity, allowing families with varying financial means to participate in the season's festivities. The focus on community, togetherness, and charitable initiatives, such as donations to local causes, provides a meaningful way to celebrate while helping others.

With so many free options available, it's clear that you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the magic of Christmas. These events provide an excellent opportunity to share in the holiday spirit, create lasting memories, and support local communities—all at no cost.

Sources:

• Free festive events near you this Christmas