It starts with the Grand Illumination - children singing, music playing, Santa arriving from the North Pole and the lighting of the town's Christmas Tree and Hope Street in downtown Bristol.  It's a magical moment. And then our 2-day Bristol Christmas Festival with entertainment, carollers, Christmas huts offering unique food and holiday items, and indoor venues with crafters selling a variety of wares, wreath-making and children's activities. Santa can be seen greeting visitors, checking out the venues, talking with children (have they been naughty or nice? and posing for pictures.

The Committee isn't done after the Illumination & the Festival. During the following year, Committee Members volunteer in our Community focusing on our Seniors, Veterans, children, town activities, and other non-profits.

Schedule of Events:

November 18, 2023

6pm - 9pm: Reception - Borealis Coffee Company

Join us to welcome in the Christmas Season, meet this year's Spirit of Christmas Award Recipient, enjoy a Complimentary Drink, Hors d'oeuvres and Sweet Treats, and bid on Silent Auction items.

Tickets: $50 per person - inc. one free drink

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December 2, 2023

5:30pm: Grand Illumination - The Burnside Building

The signature event of Bristol's Christmas Season is the Grand Illumination. You, your family and your friends won't want to miss the fun. The festivities kick off with area students and artists performing along Hope Street. And, just before 6pm the "Man in Red" makes a surprise entrance from the North Pole to flip the switch that lights our Town Christmas Tree and Giant Snowflake. 

It's non-stop excitement and the perfect start to another Christmas Season "Bristol-style."

Tickets: This is a FREE event.

December 9 and 10, 2023 -  The Burnside Building

Festival

We are excited to announce that, as we celebrate our 36th year, the Bristol Christmas Festival Committee is hosting a European-style Christmas Market.

We bring the entire Town of Bristol together to host an immersive celebration of Christmas.  We have it all - rustic huts where vendors sell holiday pastries pretzels and holiday wine, to vendors selling holiday gifts and crafts, to entertainment on the stage and in the street on both days.  You will see Santa strolling through the venues greeting our guests and you can enjoy wreath decorating and children can get creative with do-it-yourself craft projects.  There will be plenty of opportunities to photograph special moments with family and friends.  Plus...the town's businesses are open - ready to showcase their wares and talents.

These are only a few of the many activities that will transport you to simpler times while embracing the essence of the Holiday Season.

Tickets: This is a FREE event.

Date: December 9 - 10, 2023

Time:

Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 12-6pm

Location: Burnside Building, 400 Hope St, Bristol, RI

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