Welcome to Broke in Bristol – the blog that helps you save money, make money and live life to the full on a budget. I’m Ms Broke in Bristol and I’ve stumbled across 15 free events taking place this December in Bristol.
1. Are we there yet? This exhibition by photographer Barrie Cawston looks at Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition and people’s reaction to it. It will take place at The Pithay Building (off Nelson St) Wednesday to Saturday from 12 ‘til 7pm until 10 December.
2. Bristol artists and designers will be selling all sorts from art to jumpers at Bristol Bazaar – a Christmas pop-up shop at Bristol’s old police station in the city centre. Open every day in the three weeks leading up to Christmas, or pop along to the opening party on Tuesday 6th December from 6 ‘til 10pm. Refreshments provided.
3. At the Christmas Celebrations on Gloucester Rd there will be street performers, live music, Santa’s Grotto and children’s craft workshops running from 10 ‘til 4pm on 3rd and 4th Dec. Don’t worry if you can’t make the big launch weekend – the Grotto and market stalls will also be there on 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th December.
4. The Made in Bristol Gift Fair is ready to transform Colston Hall as it returns for its seasonal showcase of the best of the region’s artists. There will be 200 stalls selling hand-crafted gifts on Saturday 3 December, Saturday 10 December and Sunday 11 December from 10 ‘til 4pm.
5. The Pop-up Business School is coming to Cabot Circus for two weeks from 5 Dec. Sign up now for free business start-up workshops and support for local traders.
6. On the 20th December, the Wardrobe Theatre is hosting a Christmas special of interactive family gameshow Squeezy Green’s Compendium of Games. The audience is split into two teams and taken through a series of challenges suitable for the whole family. Pay what you think.
7. It’s not often there’s a free comedy night, but this Sunday 4 December you can check out Dear Harry/Spock at the Crofters Rights. There will be competitions and quizzes and the event starts at 7:30pm.
8. This Christmas, you can go shopping aboard a boat for one night only on the 9th December. Jump aboard one of Bristol’s most spectacular ships: the Kaskelot for its Christmas Night Market for a free night of live music, and entertainment.
9. Bedminster’s Winter Lantern Parade is back for a sixth year and it will be lighting up the streets with a record number of lanterns in the procession on Saturday 10 December. There will also be musical performances, dancing and street entertainment in the traffic free route along North Street, Cannon Street and British Road.
10. Get on yer bike on 18 Dec and be one of the first people to ride the new South Bristol link. Dress up in your Santa outfit for this family-friendly, traffic-free ride starting at 11am from the Gatehouse Centre in Bishopsworth, Bristol. Children will be able to see deer being fed, see this link for more details.
11. There are loads of Christmas Markets in Bristol this year. If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, head on down to the Christmas Market at Broadmead in Bristol Shopping Quarter where there are 40 chalet stalls selling homemade crafts and German food and drink. After a long day Christmas shopping, take a pew at the Jägerbarn bar and beer garden which will be open every day until Christmas Eve.
12. St Nick’s Night Market. On Friday 2 December, St Nick’s Night Market will be getting all Christmassy with live music, food, face painting, a paper chain workshop and the chance to hang a wish on the wishing tree in the foyer from 6:30 ‘til 10pm.
13. On Saturday 3 December, Indies in Bristol will take place at The Fire Station Courtyard where you can find street food, local beer, an interactive city trail, artisan market, DJs, industry talks. There will also be workshops, activities, experiential art and installations, Christmas gifts and mulled cocktails from 12pm – 8pm.
14. Arnos Vale’s Christmas Market on Sunday 4th December will showcase a host of local craft and produce suppliers from our region alongside some fantastic family fun. Time: 10am-4pm, free entry.
15. Browse stalls selling handbags, jewellery, preserves and homemade cakes at the Bristol Museum’s Christmas Fair on 4 Dec. Children’s and a raffle. Or visit Bristol Folk House for its annual festive Market where local and independent stall holders will be selling everythingactivities from vintage clothing and accessories, bric-a-brac and homewares on 10 December from 11 ‘til 5pm.
That’s it for this week folks, but please do check event details before setting out. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page to be the first to know about the best local deals and events happening in Brizzle.
