The best places to visit in Bristol this Christmas…
As the year draws to a close, most of us are getting ready to go home for the Christmas holidays. But we need to remember that Christmas this year won’t be the same for everyone.
In the haze of my festive excitement, I have definitely been guilty of talking about going home all day every day. I haven’t been home since I came to University and I’m looking forward to being looked after again. Without thinking, I expressed this to my international friends who explained to me that they can’t go home to see their families this year. The process of isolations and testing when travelling means that the short visit home wouldn’t be worth the time or the money. So instead of being welcomed by the warmth of a familiar environment, many people will stay at university throughout the break.
Alternative family structures also make Christmas different for different people. Although I’m looking forward to going home, there are things that I’m dreading. University provides an escape from my everyday reality. Here, because my problems are short-term self-centered. At home, this isn’t always the case. It is important that we are all mindful of the fact that not everyone has a peaceful environment to return to over the holidays.
This year has been undeniably difficult. All of us have had to adjust to a totally new way of living, and we made it through. Initially, I was concerned that I wouldn’t get the full university experience due to the pandemic. But everyone’s warmth and enthusiasm has made my experience incredible. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, I genuinely hope everyone has had a great year and will bring this resilient spirit into the new year.
For a bit of uplifting over the next few days, here’s a little guide of the best places to go in Bristol this Christmas. Whether you are staying here or about to go home, we hope that this guide will bring you a bit of festive cheer! We would love it if you tag us in your trips to these places, our instagram is @theaurorabristol!
Take a walk through the Bristol Christmas Market in City Centre…
Bristol’s famous Christmas market is located in Broadmead, only a short walk from the university, and is home to over 40 unique stores. They are selling a variety of items such as seasonal gifts, crafts and jewellery. As well as the stalls there are many places selling hot food such as traditional Bratwurst sausages and churros. To top it off there are two bars selling seasonal drinks such as mulled wine, mulled cider and Bailey’s hot chocolate. It will be sure to get you in festive spirit!
Go Christmas shopping on Gloucester Road…
Still haven’t sorted your Christmas gifts for your family and friends? Gloucester Road is the perfect place to get unique and personal gifts without the hassle of ordering online. It is the longest road of independent shops in the U.K so is great for supporting Bristol businesses as well as getting individual gifts. As well as shopping it also has great bars and restaurants including, in true Bristol fashion, copious Vegan and Vegetarian options. It’s great for a day out as we get near to Christmas!
Have coffee and cakes in Ahh Toots cafe located very appropriately on the Christmas steps…
Where better to go in Bristol than the area named after Christmas itself? The Christmas steps area has pubs and cafes which are perfect for the festive season. There’s even a board game cafe! However, I would personally recommend Ahh Toots Cafe at the bottom of the Christmas steps as it has lovely cakes and drinks and the Christmas decorations will leave you feeling festive despite those end of term deadlines!
Grab a bite to eat and some last minute presents in Clifton Village…
If you’re panicking that you haven’t bought all your Christmas presents, or you want a nice place to go for lunch with your family or friends then Clifton Village is the perfect location. There are lots of independent shops as well as all day brunch so it's perfect for these last few days of term!
Have a Sunday Roast at Hope and Anchor…
Hope and Anchor, located by Brandon Hill, serves roast dinners every Sunday with vegan, vegetarian and meat options so there’s something for everyone. It’s ideal if you don’t feel like cooking and are craving a Christmas dinner. It’s perfect for this time of year but also lovely all year around.
By Emannuela Adebisi, Theatre Pathway, Commissioning Editor and Isobel Turner, History Pathway, Editor
Cover Photo by Marina Khrapova on Unsplash
Photography by @dissonantrosephotography