4.30pm: Festive Illumination Trail at Old Down Country Park
Old Down Estate, Tockington
6–28 December 2025 | 4:30–7:30pm
The festive season is about to sparkle again as Old Down Estate prepares to light up the countryside for its fourth annual Illumination Trail, running from Friday 6th December to Saturday 28th December 2025.
The trail has grown to become one of the most loved Christmas experiences in the Bristol area, full of magic, creativity, and community spirit.
This year, visitors can expect a brand-new route winding through glowing walkways and dazzling light installations, plus a few new surprises along the way. The Adventure Park will also be lit up for even more twilight fun, perfect for families with little explorers.
After your walk, stop by the Christmas Village to toast free marshmallows over the fire... Read more >>
9am: Visit The "Feed the Birds" Christmas Tree
Thornbury Town Hall
Thornbury Town Council is getting the festive season underway with its "Feed the Birds" Christmas tree.
The tree has been decorated with fully biodegradable decorations, many of which are tasty treats for wild birds to enjoy. From popcorn and cranberry garlands to holly berry-themed decorations, the display includes plenty of creative ideas to inspire others, along with information on how to support wild birds in gardens and green spaces throughout the winter.
Visitors are invited to come along, see the tree, and pick up a free starter packet of wild bird seed or some festive stickers.
Christmas Eve
Breakfast with Santa
Old Down Estate, Tockington
Old Down Estate will host its much loved Breakfast with Santa from 20–24 December in the cosy Barn. Guests can enjoy a festive breakfast before Santa arrives to share stories, spread Christmas cheer, and give gifts to the children. After the visit, families will have the chance to meet one of the Estate’s animals and enjoy the day in the Country Park.
Tickets include breakfast, a gift and storytime with Santa for children, and an animal encounter with full Country Park entry for all guests. Prices are £24.95 per person, or £19.95 for members.
Sessions run daily: 8:30–10am or 10:30am–12pm. Advance booking required.
To book and find out more about Old Down’s Festive Events click the link below.
Santa's Breakfast
Dobbies Garden Centre
Selected dates and times 29 Nov - 24 Dec
From £18 - £20 per child, date dependant and from £9 per adult
Start the festive season with a morning full of magic, memories and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer at our Santa’s Breakfast event – plus a very special hands-on activity for your little ones.
Each child will get to build their very own soft toy to take home, meet Santa and take part in family-friendly activities and games.
You'll start with a tasty breakfast before your little ones are gifted their special toy from Santa and then encouraged by him and his elves to fluff, stuff and name their toy to take home.
Please note that due to safety concerns, the build-a-buddy activity is only suitable for over 3s, Santa will provide... Read more >>
11am: Crib Service Rehearsal
St Mary's Church, Thornbury
Rehearsal for those that can make it, where parts and costumes are handed out.
Santa's Grotto
Dobbies Garden Centre
Selected dates and times from 23 Nov - 24 Dec* | From £14 - £16 per child, date dependant - please click the link below for more information and to book.
Santa’s Grotto is always one of our most popular experiences at Dobbies, and this year it’s our best yet!
You’ll receive a warm welcome from the elves before you take part in our North Pole adventure. Children will get to experience snowy scenes, ice fish with the penguins, help the polar bears improve their ice hockey skills, shoot some snowball hoops and see where Santa’s reindeer live, all before getting the chance to meet Santa himself.
Event highlights:
Magical adventure: our elves have been working hard to create a theatrical experience for your little ones involving... Read more >>
Visit Santa at Old Down Country Park
Old Down Estate, Tockington
Adults: Free | Children: £15
Old Down Estate will welcome families to Santa’s Grotto from 20–24 December. Children can meet Santa, receive a hand-picked gift, and capture the moment with a family photograph.
New for 2025, entry for adults is free, and the grotto will be set within Pets Corner, where visitors can also meet and feed the animals.
Tickets include a visit to Santa in his festive grotto, a special present for children, a family photo, and Pets Corner access. Please note this experience does not include full Country Park entry.
To book and find out more about Old Down’s Festive Events click the link below.
2pm: Carol Service
St Arilda's Church, Oldbury-on-Severn
4pm: Crib Service
St Mary's Church, Thornbury
4-5pm
Family friendly service. Children are welcomed to join in and act out the Christmas story. Rehearsal in the morning for those that can make it, where parts and costumes are handed out. Very welcome to join in even if it is the afternoon only. There is room in the stable for unicorns and dinosaurs too! Traditional carols and fun for all the family.
Rehearsal is at 11am!
6pm: Christmas Music in aid of Charlie Froud Foundation
Thornbury Town Band are a friendly and welcoming brass band, who play at a number of events throughout the year for the local and outlying community of Thornbury.
The band are playing Christmas carols and festive music at the Almondsbury Bowl raising money for Charlie Froud.
7pm: Carols and First Mass of Christmas
Christ The King Church, Thornbury
First Mass of Christmas at 19.30pm in CTK Church, preceded by Carols at 19.00hrs.
11.15pm: Midnight Mass
St Mary's Church, Thornbury
Wednesday 24 December 23:15 - Thursday 25 December 00:15
Christmas Day
Merry Christmas!
Bank Holiday: Christmas Day
9am: Christmas Day Masses
Christ The King Church, Thornbury
“Quiet” Mass at 9.00am and Mass with “Living Crib” at 10.30am
9am: Christmas Day Holy Communion Service
St Paul's Church, The Hackett
10.30am: Christmas Day All Age Communion Service
St Arilda's Church, Oldbury-on-Severn
10:30-11:30am
10.30am: Christmas Day All Age Communion Service
St Mary's Church, Thornbury
All are welcome.
11am: Christmas Day Drinks
The Swan, Thornbury
11am-1.30pm
Pop in to celebrate the big day...
12noon: Christmas Day Lunch
The Gables Hotel
Enjoy a traditional three course Christmas Day lunch with the whole family in a lively and festive atmosphere.
Arrival: 12pm for lunch at 12.30pm
Price: £77 per adult | £38 per child
Click below to book online or contact our events team, or call 01454 260502.
Boxing Day
Bank Holiday: Boxing Day
10am: Boxing Day Mass
Christ The King Church, Thornbury
St Stephen “Boxing Day” (Fri 26th December) – Mass at
10.00am in CTK Church
Christmas at The Royal George
The Royal George
Celebrate the festive season with our delicious Christmas Set Menu. Choose from: 2 Courses or 3 Courses
Live entertainment every Friday & Saturday throughout December – the perfect festive night out!
Call us on 01454 416223 to book your table or click below to reserve online today. A £10pp deposit is required at the time of booking.
Make this Christmas one to remember at The Royal George!
Christmas at The Royal George
The Royal George
Celebrate the festive season with our delicious Christmas Set Menu. Choose from: 2 Courses or 3 Courses
Live entertainment every Friday & Saturday throughout December – the perfect festive night out!
Call us on 01454 416223 to book your table or click below to reserve online today. A £10pp deposit is required at the time of booking.
Make this Christmas one to remember at The Royal George!
New Year's Eve
10am: New Year's Eve Bougee Brunch
Berkeley Castle
10am-2pm, in the Kitchen Garden Restaurant within the walled gardens of Berkeley Castle
Booking essential
1pm: Kids Daytime NYE
Almondsbury Creative
1pm – 3pm
Let the little ones ring in the New Year in style at our Kids Daytime NYE Party!
Expect a fun-filled afternoon packed with disco tunes, games, mascots, and a special “Midnight Countdown” just for kids — all before bedtime!
Parents can relax with a drink while the kids dance, laugh, and celebrate in true party style. It’s the perfect way for families to say goodbye to 2025 together!
Tickets £3 Adult £8 Child
7pm: Glitter and Gold: A Sparkling New Years Eve
Almondsbury Creative
7pm – 2am
Step into the sparkle this New Year’s Eve as Almondsbury Creative transforms into a glittering gold wonderland!
Enjoy a dazzling evening of music, cocktails, and celebration in our candle-lit cocktail lounge, complete with a glitter bar, confetti cannons, and a fabulous glitter raffle to keep the night shining bright!
Sparkle Hour (7pm–8pm):
2-for-1 selected cocktails
Prosecco only £15 a bottle
Get ready to dance, toast, and countdown to midnight in pure style — this is your chance to dress to sparkle and welcome 2026 in unforgettable fashion.
Tickets £15 Adult £7 Child
7pm: New Year's Eve Buffet and DJ Evening
Thornbury Golf Centre
7pm-1am
Thornbury Golf Centre is set to welcome the new year with a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.
The evening has been designed to offer a relaxed and sociable way for families and friends to celebrate locally, providing an accessible alternative to city centre events.
Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet, live entertainment from a table magician, and a DJ playing through to the early hours, before raising a glass of bubbly at midnight to mark the start of 2026.
Caroline Williams, General Manager at Thornbury Golf Club & Lodge, said: “New Year’s Eve is about spending time together and enjoying the moment, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to offer. We’ve put together an evening that families can relax... Read more >>
7pm: New Year's Eve Party Night & Stay
The Gables Hotel
It’s the biggest night of the year, so welcome in 2026 in style with a sparkling reception followed by a delicious dinner and night of dancing!
Price: £316 for 2, based on 2 sharing. Includes 2 tickets to the event, an overnight stay for 2 sharing a room and full English breakfast.
Click below to book online or contact our events team, or call 01454 260502.
7.30pm: Glitter and Glam Year's Eve Party
The Royal George
Get ready to sparkle and shine at the Glitter & Glam New Year's Eve Party!
Join us at the Royal George Thornbury for a night of music, dancing, and celebration as we ring in the new year in style. Put on your fanciest outfit and get ready to dance the night away with friends old and new.
This is the party you don't want to miss, so mark your calendars and get ready to welcome the new year with a bang!
9.15pm: New Year's Eve Party with Free Spirit
The Swan, Thornbury
Experience a magical evening of music LIVE MUSIC WITH FREE SPIRIT! Join us at The Swan Thornbury for a night that will get you up and on your feet dancing the night away, delivering cover music all night long. Gather your friends and immerse yourself in this unforgettable night. FREE SPIRIT have supported the Swan will great music for many many years.
All welcome - free admission. Call 01454 413062 for more information.
Happy New Year!
Bank Holiday: New Year's Day
9am: My Winter 25 JAG Adventure
Thornbury Active Centre
9am-5pm
Monday 22nd December 2025 from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday 23rd December 2025 from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 2nd January 2026 from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable winter adventure - bringing winter wonder to life through games, crafts and festive fun!
Our Holiday HQ theme, Winter Fest, offers themed days packed with exciting experiences designed to keep children active, creative and connected. From the frost-filled Blizzard Bash and playful Elf Workshop to the energetic Reindeer Round-Up and feel-good Fresh Start Fiesta, each day is a new adventure full of discovery and delight.
7.30pm: 7-10th: Octopus Present 'Cinderella'
Christ the King Church Hall, Thornbury
From 7th to 10th January 2026 Octopus Drama Group will be performing their very own take on everyone’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella, which is written and directed by Abi Baskerville. There will be many new faces on stage and this pantomime is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
After Cinderella’s father remarries, his new wife (the elegant but jealous Baroness) and her two intriguing looking daughters move in. Life changes dramatically when the Baron dies, leaving Cinderella at the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters, who force her into a whirlwind of chores day and night. Cinderella is loved by everyone, even the mice, and gets by each day with the friendship of her fellow house staff and the ever-cheerful Buttons.
Meanwhile Prince... Read more >>
7.30pm: 7-10th: Octopus Present 'Cinderella'
Christ the King Church Hall, Thornbury
From 7th to 10th January 2026 Octopus Drama Group will be performing their very own take on everyone’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella, which is written and directed by Abi Baskerville. There will be many new faces on stage and this pantomime is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
After Cinderella’s father remarries, his new wife (the elegant but jealous Baroness) and her two intriguing looking daughters move in. Life changes dramatically when the Baron dies, leaving Cinderella at the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters, who force her into a whirlwind of chores day and night. Cinderella is loved by everyone, even the mice, and gets by each day with the friendship of her fellow house staff and the ever-cheerful Buttons.
Meanwhile Prince... Read more >>
7.30pm: 7-10th: Octopus Present 'Cinderella'
Christ the King Church Hall, Thornbury
From 7th to 10th January 2026 Octopus Drama Group will be performing their very own take on everyone’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella, which is written and directed by Abi Baskerville. There will be many new faces on stage and this pantomime is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
After Cinderella’s father remarries, his new wife (the elegant but jealous Baroness) and her two intriguing looking daughters move in. Life changes dramatically when the Baron dies, leaving Cinderella at the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters, who force her into a whirlwind of chores day and night. Cinderella is loved by everyone, even the mice, and gets by each day with the friendship of her fellow house staff and the ever-cheerful Buttons.
Meanwhile Prince... Read more >>
7-10th: Octopus Present 'Cinderella'
Christ the King Church Hall, Thornbury
From 7th to 10th January 2026 Octopus Drama Group will be performing their very own take on everyone’s favourite fairytale, Cinderella, which is written and directed by Abi Baskerville. There will be many new faces on stage and this pantomime is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
After Cinderella’s father remarries, his new wife (the elegant but jealous Baroness) and her two intriguing looking daughters move in. Life changes dramatically when the Baron dies, leaving Cinderella at the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters, who force her into a whirlwind of chores day and night. Cinderella is loved by everyone, even the mice, and gets by each day with the friendship of her fellow house staff and the ever-cheerful Buttons.
Meanwhile Prince... Read more >>
7.30pm: Magic Makers Theatre Company: Aladdin
Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall
22nd-24th January
Performed by the Magic Makers Theatre Company, written by Ross Brown.
The Magic Makers Theatre Company invites you on a magic carpet ride full of laughs, songs, and panto fun with Aladdin!
A hilarious traditional Pantomime, suitable for all ages, with song and dance and some very corny jokes!
Performances 7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Matinee performance Saturday at 2.00pm
Tickets are selling fast – grab yours before they disappear like Genie’s last wish!
All proceeds go towards Gympanzees, helping to build an accessible leisure centre for children and young people with disabilities.
Click the link below to book your tickets. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a panto-tastic night!
7.30pm: Magic Makers Theatre Company: Aladdin
Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall
22nd-24th January
Performed by the Magic Makers Theatre Company, written by Ross Brown.
The Magic Makers Theatre Company invites you on a magic carpet ride full of laughs, songs, and panto fun with Aladdin!
A hilarious traditional Pantomime, suitable for all ages, with song and dance and some very corny jokes!
Performances 7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Matinee performance Saturday at 2.00pm
Tickets are selling fast – grab yours before they disappear like Genie’s last wish!
All proceeds go towards Gympanzees, helping to build an accessible leisure centre for children and young people with disabilities.
Click the link below to book your tickets. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a panto-tastic night!
Magic Makers Theatre Company: Aladdin
Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall
22nd-24th January
Performed by the Magic Makers Theatre Company, written by Ross Brown.
The Magic Makers Theatre Company invites you on a magic carpet ride full of laughs, songs, and panto fun with Aladdin!
A hilarious traditional Pantomime, suitable for all ages, with song and dance and some very corny jokes!
Performances 7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Matinee performance Saturday at 2.00pm
Tickets are selling fast – grab yours before they disappear like Genie’s last wish!
All proceeds go towards Gympanzees, helping to build an accessible leisure centre for children and young people with disabilities.
Click the link below to book your tickets. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a panto-tastic night!
