festivities

Extraordinary event will take place later this month and will be a ‘special community event’ with more than just switching on Christmas lights

Christmas is just around the corner and while cities all over the UK get ready to switch on the Christmas lights – one city has gone a step further.

Bristol’s SS Great Britain is set to host a variety of Christmas events this year, including the much-anticipated Christmas tree lights switch-on event.

The landmark’s Christmas lights switch on, described as a ‘special community event’, will take place on Thursday, 27 November at 6pm in Brunel Square.

Organisers have revealed that this year’s event has a unique theme – Golden Glow – which is linked to the SS Great Britain’s Golden Ticket education programme.

This initiative provides enriching learning experiences for primary schools most affected by deprivation in Bristol, as well as local SEND schools.

The Christmas lights switch on will showcase a beautiful tree adorned with festoon lighting and a snow machine, while performances from a local choir will certainly get locals into the festive spirit.

But it’s just one of the many Christmas events happening at the SS Great Britain this year.

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Here are a few more you might want to check out…, according to Bristol Live.

Masquerade Ball

When: 6 December, 2025 at 6pm until midnight.

According to the event’s details: “Don your finest attire and most elaborate mask for an evening steeped in enchantment.”

You’ll have the chance to stroll around the decks, enjoy a bubbly welcome drink and tuck into a festive three-course dinner accompanied by a string quartet.

A magician will be wandering the ship, performing tricks and illusions, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ship after dark. Tickets are priced at £99 per person with bookings closing on Saturday, 22 November.

Christmas Murder Mystery

When: 13 December 2025, 6.30pm until midnight.

This murder mystery event includes a welcome drink, a three-course dinner and promises guests an ‘exhilarating evening of entertainment’ onboard, where they must keep their eyes peeled for clues during dinner and help solve a mysterious crime – tickets are priced at £99 per person.

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WHILE some shops are already thinking about Christmas, others are preparing for a different holiday first.

Now that we’re in September, it means that Halloween is just a matter of weeks away and some shops are already making a huge drive.

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Home Bargains is no different as they have the perfect product for your home, and it won’t break the bank either.

You can light up your Halloween with the Scream Iridescent Pumpkin light.

This ‘simple’ and eye-catching decorative light will add a fun yet simultaneously spooky glow to any festivity you have planned.

The retailer advertises the product as being ‘perfect for a fun and festive vibe,’ and it certainly looks that way.

According to snaps listed on the website, the transparent pumpkin shaped light will glow up in different colours.

If you want to dance to Michael Jackson‘s Thriller or host a Hocus Pocus themed party, this decoration will put a spell on any dancefloor that awaits.

This Battery Operated light is self standing and it will set you back just £4.99.

It also has a generous height of 14cm with an approximate width of 16cm.

But Home Bargains is also offering even more bargains with their range of decorations.

If you want a more chilled vibe or plan to host your party outdoors, the retailer is selling a special lantern.

You can get a pumpkin themed light for just £1.49 which the shop advertises as being a ‘bewitching addition to your eerie decorations’.

It has been advertised to provide a flickering glow and spooky charm to any space it is positioned in.

For extra convenience, it is also collapsible so you can easily pack it up and use it again at appropriate times.

With an orange colour and the pumpkin shape and printed design, you can go all out for your haunted house ambience.

Cheap decorations

The retailer has plenty of other pumpkin-themed decorations for the autumn holiday.

You can add the charming and simple Hallow Scream Decorative Pumpkin for that touch of fun.

The 12cm decoration is available in two colours with multiple designs.

You can get your hands on a black design which has the words ‘trick or treat’ emblazoned in a fun orange font on the front.

The orange design is different as it comes with ghost shapes and the word ‘Boo!’ for that a bold and eerie twist.

The dramatic finish contains chilling details like engraved faces and gothic patterns, which will make it a standout piece in any haunted display.

You can get your hands on this decoration for the small price of just £1.99.

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