Each year, Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum transforms into a sparkling display of Christmas magic to celebrate the season. Wander the elaborately decorated rooms and enjoy a glimpse into the family's Christmas and New Years traditions. (Closed December 24th and 25th)

Don't Miss: Stroll the grounds at night to catch Blithewold's newest holiday display, Sparkle! Explore the beautifully lit gardens and grounds with custom light displays, handmade bamboo ornaments, “selfie” photo opportunities, and a scavenger hunt with clues hidden throughout. Finish the night around cozy fires, s'mores kits, seasonal music, hot drinks, and so much more! 

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File under: places that make you feel like a kid again.

The Bristol Santa House is an inclusive experience for children with disabilities and their families to visit with Santa Claus. The Bristol Santa House welcomes the public, but please know that the core mission is serving families with special needs children, who schedule private visits to ensure an accessible experience. 

THE SCHEDULE

• 11/23: Santa Claus Party
• 11/28: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving
• 12/1: Open to the Public
• 12/5: Open to the Public
• 12/7 & 12/8: Bristol Christmas Festival
• 12/7: Bristol Grand Illumination
• 12/12: Open to the Public
• 12/14: Open to the Public
• 12/15: Open to the Public
• 12/19: Open to the Public
• 12/20: Open to the Public
• 12/21: Open to the Public
• 12/22: Open to the Public
• 12/23: Open to the Public

Public visits are always free, wait times may vary. For the full schedule, and hours of operation, click here. 

Shop, Stroll & Be Merry!

The BMA (Bristol Merchants Association) is hosting their 29th annual Holiday Preview Weekend. Starting on Friday, followed by all-day strolling on Saturday.

Follow the luminaries to stores participating in the Holiday Preview! Find unique gifts, sip refreshments and delight in the sights & sounds of the season. Bring a friend or two along and make an evening of it!

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Bristol's Tree Lighting and Grand Illumination heralds the arrival of the holidays in downtown Bristol with live music and entertainment, a Christmas sing-a-long, a visit from Santa, the Grand Illumination of the town tree and more. 

This year will feature a parade in celebration of the 37th Grand Illumination beginning at 5:30 PM, with live music from the local school choruses and a talented soloist.

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A European-style Christmas market in downtown Bristol makes its return December 7th and 8th.

This two-day festival will feature rustic huts, festival foods like holiday pastries, wine, and pretzels, live music, craft vendors and so many more seasonal favorites. 

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Celebrate Christmas at Linden Place.

Experience a decorated mansion with a knowledgeable docent available to share insights into the mansion's rich history. Don't forget to stop in the gift shop for holiday shopping, with no ticket required to browse and purchase. Tickets for the full house experience are available for advance purchase at standard admission pricing, but visitors are welcome to shop without a ticket.

Head to the farm to get into the holiday spirit.

Frolic through our pathway of trees, play some traditional games, and listen to a story with our life-size Christmas tree, Tinsel. Take a turn in our larger-than-life candy world game. View handmade ornaments on close to 20 trees found throughout the farm, and make a few ornaments of your own to bring home. Enjoy a gingerbread display, music, and more!

On December 21 and 22, Mason and Twine will be on the farm with their amazing mobile coffee shop, serving up delicately composed chocolates & craft espresso beverages.

Pre-registration is recommended for this event due to limited spaces. Early pre-registration by December 1 receives $2 off per person.

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