The Bristol Christmas Festival, described as a "European-style Christmas Market – Through the eyes of a child," will fill the downtown district with vendors, singers, dancers, carolers and more for two days this weekend. 

Enjoy sweet and savory treats such as apple cakes, German pretzels, bratwurst, cheese, and specialty meats along with, other delectable European styled fares in our expanded European style huts in front of the Burnside Building on Hope Street.

Next door at the St. Michael's Parish House, children and families can decorate their own balsam Christmas wreaths. Children can also tap into their creative skills as they turn a wooden Christmas Tree into a treasured Christmas decoration.

Capture joyful moments as you experience the many photo opportunities that include Santa and his reindeer flying off a rooftop, wander through a winter wonderland, be in awe as you enter a whimsical candy land. Have your photo taken in a snow globe. These are just some of the photo opportunities available throughout the festival.

Stroll to the historic Bristol Maritime Center on Bristol Harbor and enjoy holiday shopping with 26 different vendors in the large indoor market. While there you can grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks that will be in the area. Marvel at an Old-World Santa living demonstration, wonder what will appear during wood carving exhibitions, be on the lookout for roaming period dressed carolers. 

The Santa House will be open to visitors all weekend at the corner of State and Thames streets. Linden Place Mansion will host live carolers. Unity Park on Wood Street has its own attractions. And the entire region will be closed to vehicles, creating a large, safe space for pedestrians to shop, dine and enjoy.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Get the complete schedule of events and activities here.