Christmas at Avon Valley
There’s snow place like Avon Valley this Christmas: Festive season kicks off with triple offerings spanning night and day.
Father Christmas is making a detour on his world tour landing in Avon Valley on the 30th November, filling the park with festive cheer alongside his entourage of elves and reindeer.
We are stepping into Christmas this holiday season with the ultimate festive takeover, immersing guests into a truly magical experience. With a sprinkling of magic around every corner, Avon Valley offers everything from ice skating and light trail to a theatrical Santa Show and The Grinch, showcasing why Avon Valley is like No-el where else in the southwest. For over four weeks of enchantment and wonder, the doors to a fantastically festive, full day of family fun on Saturday November 30th for Christmas Days and Ice Skating and on Friday December 6th for Christmas Nights.
During the day, Avon Valley shifts into a magical winter realm, where elves, reindeer and Father Christmas invite all those on the naughty and nice list to explore Bristol’s slice of the North Pole. Guests will have an opportunity to see the big man himself, with those on the nice list being gifted a golden ticket from the elves to select a gift from the toy factory. Visitors entering the Toy Factory, who should take care not to disrupt the hardworking elves as they fulfil last-minute Christmas orders, will be offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the enchanting world where holiday magic is made before choosing their own gift.
Back again with his signature Christmas cynicism and snide wit, The Grinch is returning to Avon Valley for Christmas and this year he’s stepping up his game (and house!). With his blend of green grumpiness and holiday hijinks, he’ll be putting on a new-for-2024 show, challenging guests to help grow his heart three sizes!
All aboard the Elf Express, as you explore the park on a charming miniature railway before visiting the Post Room to use Santa’s SMS (that’s Santa messaging service, of course), make reindeer food to take home and visit the magical forest! Afterwards, warm up with some holiday cheer at Mrs Claus’s Gingerbread Parlour, where guests can decorate their very own festive gingerbread creations before tucking into some s’mores and festive drinks at one of the many food stalls.
Taking place throughout the day and into the evening, Avon Valley is offering a shimmering outdoor ice skating experience, with 300sqm of real ice. Whether a seasoned skater or a bambi-on-ice, the rink offers a chance to skate under the stars and under winter sun rays, positioned against the magical backdrop of Avon Valley. After skating, the apres-ski bar is open for seasonal drinks and festive treats.
As the day turns to dusk, the park is blanketed by frosty charm, with twinkling lights and glittering walkways. At Christmas Nights, guests can enjoy an interactive family-friendly light trail around the park, glistening with light installations accompanied by suitably festive live music.
It’s not just two legged guests that will be able to revel in the magic of the holiday season! On Sunday 22nd December, Avon Valley is hosting Santa Paws, where guests are encouraged to bring their dogs, in their best holiday outfits, to have the opportunity to take a truly Christmas Card-worthy photo with Father Christmas himself.
Doug Douglas, owner of Avon Valley Wildlife & Adventure Park, said: ‘We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Avon Valley for this festive season. Our experience offers a truly magical escape, where families immerse themselves in the wintery-wonder of the park. Whether that is with the magic of seeing Father Christmas, or in the enjoyment of some live Christmas tunes, there is something for everyone. The team and I love Christmas, and bringing an extra sprinkling of festive magic to the South West – there truly is nothing else like it. Avon Valley is the perfect place to create lasting memories and get into the true holiday spirit.
Avon Valley’s Christmas Experience and Ice Skating kick off on Saturday, 30th November at 10:00 AM, with the first Santa Show starting at 9:15 AM. Christmas Nights will begin on Friday, 6th December at 5:30 PM. Tickets for the Christmas Experience start at £40, with Christmas Nights tickets available for £13.95 and Ice Skating tickets priced at £14.95, and can be brought on the Avon Valley website: Please note that tickets for the daytime Christmas Experience do not include access to Christmas Nights or Ice Skating, which must be booked separately.