Seasonal Events
In Bristol Rhode Island, the magic of Christmas begins early and lasts and lasts. the bristol christmas festival's mission is focused on: children & families, veterans, senior citizens, community business, not-for-profit organizations and the bristol community.
children & families
There is no greater joy than viewing the Holiday Celebrations through the eyes of a child. Faces light up when the see Santa, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree or the holiday decorations in a store window. The ember of holiday joy that resides in our hearts, sparked by our own childhood memories, glows anew. Every year we see the multi-generational participation in our events grow. The spirit lives on.
veterans
No group of heroes deserves a heartfelt thank you more than the men and women who risked their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. The Committee's annual planning focuses on recognizing their service and, while we can never truly repay them for what they have done, it is imperative that we never forget.
senior citizens
Bristol's Senior Citizens devoted many years of their lives selflessly sharing their time and talents to serve others. They've contributed in making Bristol the special community that it is today. The Christmas Festival Committee recognizes their their many contributions by hosting an event to simply say "Thank you!"
business & non-profits
To have a vibrant and thriving Christmas Festival we need an infrastructure of small businesses, hospitality establishments, and a host of not-for-profits organizations...such as The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society and Linden Place. Hosting an event that brings thousands of people to our town, who visit these community-based establishments, accomplishes two goals. First, it allows visitors to enjoy and experience our slice of Americana that Bristol is know for.
2023 EVENTS
JULY 27 - CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Held at the Franklin Court Assisted & Independent Living Campus. Residents enjoyed an Ice Cream Social, with all the fixings, sang Holiday tunes accompanied by the fabulous INSERT NAME HERE, and chatted with Santa Claus.
TBA - VETERANS' CELEBRATION
Our Veterans' Celebration is still in the "planning stage." It promises to be a memorable event!
NOVEMBER 18 - THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS RECEPTION
The Dottie Cordeiro Spirit of Christmas Award is pre-sented annually to a person or persons who exemplify the meaning of Christmas year-round. Award recipients give their time, effort & generosity of spirit and compassion towards others.
DATES - DOOR DECORATING CONTEST
Homeowners & businesses go all out decorating the front of their homes and businesses. Our town possesses a unique sense of Holiday creativeness and competitiveness. Town residents, joined by Guest Judges, pick the winners. Winners are announced during the Bristol Merchants Snowflake Raffle.
DECEMBER 2 - GRAND ILLUMINATION
On the first Saturday of December, we kick off the Holiday Season with the Grand Illumination - the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. It's a magical evening with entertainment, the arrival and Santa & Mrs. Claus, and momentous moment - lighting the tree.
DECEMBER 9 & 10 - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
This year, our 35th, we are hosting a European-style Christmas Market replete with European-style huts and traditional Holiday fare. Of course, there will be carolers, entertainment, free photos with Santa and much, much, more.
Even more events…
Looking for the best that Bristol has to offer? Visit the Explore Bristol events calendar to find current and upcoming events.
