Free Christmas events across the West this winter

The Christmas countdown has begun and a range of festive events have been planned to keep you occupied for the merry season.

Christmas can get expensive, so here is a list of all the free events to keep the cheer alive this year.

There are numerous free and affordable events for families happening in Bristol.

Seasonal Children’s Cinema: City Farm Cafe will host free children’s movie nights every weekday at 15:45 GMT in their cafe. Booking is not required, you can just come along.

Original Santa Float: A Santa float will be returning this year to local areas in Bristol. The float will take a different route through streets every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. More information is available on its social media pages.

Midnight Mass: Bristol Cathedral will host a mass to welcome you into Christmas morning on 24 December at 23:00. The service will remember the birth of Jesus Christ and visitors can share in the first Eucharist of Christmas. There is no charge and all are welcome.

As Somerset is the home of the renowned Bath Christmas markets, it makes a perfect stop for making the festive season special.

Light up the Lake: A winter celebration will happen at Clevedon seafront on Saturday 6 December 2025 beginning at 16:00. You are invited to bring a lantern, torch, or glow stick and join in with the procession.

There will be fire dancers, decorated paddle boards and illuminated model boats. It is a free event, but visitors are able to give to Marlens, the local volunteer-run charity.

Carols at the Rec: On Wednesday 10 December, from 18:30-19:30, there will be carols at Bath Recreational Ground. Mince pies and mulled wine will also be available. Doors open from 18:00 and tickets are free, but must be pre-booked.

Family Nativity service: Children are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, star, wise man or angel to Bath Abbey and take part in a Nativity scene – with a real donkey. It will get under way on 21 December at 15:30.

Wiltshire offers a nice blend of traditional carol singing and festive Christmas markets to cherish this season.

Santa Storytelling Sessions: Swindon Designer Outlet are hosting a free 30 minute group experience where Santa will tell an interactive story. There is a £2.50 booking fee, however this is refundable or alternatively can be donated to Julia’s House Hospice. Hosted every Thursday and Friday in December until Christmas at 13:00 and 13:45.

A Journey to Christmas: Swindon Designer Outlet is hosting a free 25 minute group experience. You can send your wishes all the way to Santa on the magical train.

There is a £2.50 booking fee, however this is refundable or alternatively can be donated to Julia’s House Hospice. There are multiple slots available on Saturdays, Sundays and on the 22, 23 and 24 December.

Salisbury Cathedral Late Night Opening: On Thursday 11 November from 18:30 until 20:30, Salisbury Cathedral will be keeping their doors open late, allowing families to explore the grounds after dark.

The nativity scene will be on display, with free candle decorating also available.

In Gloucestershire you can write a letter to Santa and follow a special trail of decorations around the grounds of the Cathedral.

Cosy at-home activity: Fancy staying in? The Royal Mail are offering a free letter from Santa this Christmas.

Simply write a letter to addressed to Santa/Father Christmas with your wishes and post them to Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ. Make sure to post them before December 10th, or else Santa will be too busy with prep for the big day.

Gloucester Cathedral: There are many free events happening at the cathedral this festive season, including a trail walk where you can discover all the decorations along the way. The trail is open until 4 January.

St Nicholas will also be visiting on 13 and 20 December to give children a special gift to take home. These events do not need pre-booking, but operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Brockworth Tesco Santa’s Grotto: Returning this year, there will be a free Santa’s grotto at Tesco Extra Brockworth, offering every child the opportunity to meet Santa.

Each child will receive a small gift. On December 5, 12, 13 and 18 it will be open from 17:00 to 20:00 and on December 6,19 and 20 it will be open 09:00 to 15:00.