Zoo deal A money-saving deal worth knowing about this Christmas involves the Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Zoo. The two are joining forces this Christmas to offer families in Bristol the opportunity for an extra day out. ‘Christmas special’ vouchers will offer zoo visitors discounts on tickets to the Old Vic's Christmas show Aladdin, of up to £4 off a family ticket, and alternatively, Bristol Old Vic visitors can get a child goes free voucher for Bristol Zoo. And don't forget the Festive Carol Evenings at the zoo, with festive singing and a bonfire on the 20th, 21st and 22nd December. Santa has agreed to stay on late and will be in his Grotto between 6pm and 8pm following the carol concerts, while visitors will also get a chance to visit the aquarium and reptile house which will be open until 8pm as well. Christmas Carnival There's an afternoon of music for all the family at St George's, Bristol on December 23rd with the Children's Christmas Carnival.
 | | Piano duo Micallef Inanga at St George's |
Presented by David Collins the concert includes some great seasonal music for youngsters and opportunities for the young to help out the orchestra. Meanwhile, acclaimed piano duo Micallef Inanga finish off the season of Family Concerts at St George's Bristol for 2005 with a performance of piano playing on Sunday December 11th. Introduced by BBC Radio 3 presenter Chris de Souza, the Family Concerts are designed to appeal to young people of varying ages with talks with the artists and explanations of the music. Victorian Christmas Visitors to Blaise Castle House Museum are in for a Christmas treat, as the museum steps back in time to the Victorian era for two days of Christmas activities. During Victorian times the Christmas tree and the Christmas card were introduced to this country and the Christmas stories of Charles Dickens captured the imagination with tales that portrayed the holiday as a season of good cheer, charity and present-giving. Visitors will be able to find out more about these traditions at the 19th century mansion, which will be dressed for the season with decorated trees, evergreen wreaths and swags, ribbons, and winter blooms. On Sunday 11 and Sunday 18 December children will be able to make their own edible tree decorations, join in with carols and festive songs with a professional choir and listen to tales of Christmas long ago with storyteller, Michael Loader as Charles Dickens. Visitors can also feast on a range of seasonal refreshments. Cinema workshop The Watershed's new monthly event for eight- 12 year olds, Cinekids, takes a look at the wildlife film, March of the Penguins, in December. The film tells the story of the remarkable journey of a group of Emperor Penguins as they endure winds of up to 100mph and sub-zero temperatures to make it to their ancestral breeding grounds. and is narrated by Morgan Freeman.
 | | March of the Penguins |
The Cinekids event on Saturday 10 December features a screening of March of the Penguins plus a workshop on how to write a good film review. It starts at 1pm and costs £2 per child. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Christmas through the ages Visitors to Bristol's Red Lodge in Park Row this Christmas will have the opportunity to experience the festive season through the ages, when the Elizabethan house will be decorated to illustrate how people celebrated in the past. The Great Oak Room, considered to be one of the finest Elizabethan rooms in the West Country, will be set for a Tudor Banquet; the reception room will be the backdrop for a Georgian Twelfth Night Party and the Mary Carpenter Room will be decorated with a Victorian table tree. The special display takes place from Saturday, December 10 to Tuesday, December 20 and entrance is free. To coincide with these displays, nearby Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery will be hosting a series of free weekend activities for all the family on Saturday 10 and Saturday 17 December from 10am-4pm. Be inspired by the banquet table at the Red Lodge and make a Tudor Roundel, a decorated plate for serving your sweets. Or discover the art of decoupage and make your own Victorian-style Christmas card. Bluebeard’s Christmas The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum at Temple Meads is offering an exciting treasure hunt adventure for youngsters this Christmas.
 | | Pirate tricks for Christmas fun |
The mischievous pirate Bluebeard just loves Christmas but this year he's been too greedy and has taken all the children's Christmas treasure for himself! The museum needs children to track him down and make him share the booty. Can you solve the clues, climb the riggings, rescue teddy and uncover his whereabouts? Find Bluebeard and they'll reward you...in gold!
The adventure is aimed at children aged three - ten years and takes place from 21st December 2005 – 3rd January 2006 with search parties at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance booking is essential as each child receives a personalised invitation prior to their visit. To book telephone 0117 925 4980. Christmas in 3D Don't miss some classic animated 3D festive cheer at the IMAX Theatre at At-Bristol this Christmas.
 | | 3D fun with The Polar Express |
With the very funny Santa vs. the Snowman 3D and the enchanting film The Polar Express: an IMAX 3D Experience, you can’t fail to get into the festive spirit. Featuring a lonely snowman who devises a plan to take over Santa’s empire, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D transports viewers to the North Pole for an hilarious polar war with hot chocolate squirt guns and giant igloo Robot Walkers! And for all those who believe in Santa Claus, hop on-board The Polar Express, which is just amazing to see in 3D on a huge screen. The film, featuring Tom Hanks, follows the magical story of one doubting boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, discovering that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Other child-friendly events at At-Bristol this winter include Wildwalk’s new fun-packed exhibition, Great Apes - How great are you? which will send kids bananas with interactive activities and challenges about the great apes. And over in Explore, the Animated Adventures exhibition featuring Wallace and Gromit, is a must for all fans of the Aardman duo and anyone who has seen their first feature film The Curse of the Were-Rabbit and wants to take a look behind the scenes at some of the sets from the film.
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