Cool Yule 2026

Holiday Happenings in Bristol: Your Guide to a Magical season

The twinkle lights are up, the cocoa is warm, and downtown Bristol is ready to shine. All month long, our community is hosting a festive lineup of beloved traditions, family activities, local shopping, and small-town magic you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re strolling Main Street with a chocolate in hand, gathering around the glow of the Memory Tree, or celebrating fire and light at Lumen, the holiday season in Bristol is wonderful and not to be missed!

Here’s everything happening this holiday season:

Small Business Saturday Giveaway!

This Small Business Saturday, we’re celebrating the shoppers who keep Bristol thriving! From Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, shop at any small business in Bristol and send us your receipts for a chance to snag an exclusive gift!

How to Enter

Shop small in Bristol anytime 11/27–11/29
Email a photo or screenshot of your receipt(s) to info@bristolcore.org
That’s it!

The First 20 Participants Win:

A limited-edition Bristol tote bag, designed by local artist Zarabeth Duell, MTN GRL Studio.

Support your favorite shops, discover new ones, and enjoy a little thank-you gift from Bristol CORE while supplies last.

Let’s show up for our small businesses all weekend long!

Brought to you by Bristol CORE.

The Holley Jolly Holiday Market

Saturday, November 28 and 29 • 10 am - 3 pm • Holley Hall

Holley Hall in Bristol will be bursting with makers and artisans from Addison County and beyond at the 4rd annual Holley Jolly Holiday Market. Showcasing a curated selection of high-end handmade goods, the market features an array of talented vendors from Addison County and beyond.

Memory Tree Lighting

Friday, December 4 • 5:00 pm • Town Green

The season begins with one of Bristol’s most cherished traditions: the annual Memory Tree Lighting. Join the Bristol Recreation Department to honor loved ones who hold a special place in our hearts.

To include a name, register online, at the Recreation Office, or at the Town Office. Each honoree is $5, with checks made payable to Bristol Recreation Department. Names will be collected through November 30.

The Chocolate Walk

Friday, December 4 • 5–8 pm • Downtown Bristol

A Bristol classic for over 15 years! The Chocolate Walk kicks off our month of festivities with an evening of sweet treats and small-town charm. Wander in and out of your favorite shops, enjoy chocolate samples from downtown businesses, and find gifts for everyone on your list.

Come for the chocolate… stay for the neighborly buzz, extended shopping hours, and the joy of supporting local all season long.

Brought to you by Bristol CORE.

Candy Cane Hunt with Santa

Friday, December 11 • 5:00 pm • Town Green

Santa needs your help! Kids under 12 are invited to search the Town Green for his lost candy canes. Find five and you win a prize—but keep your eyes peeled for the legendary rainbow candy cane, worth a special reward!

Santa will stick around afterward for photos, smiles, and last-minute gift requests. This event is free and open to the public.

Free Hot Chocolate on Main Street 5-7 pm.

After the Candy Cane Hunt, make your way to Main Street for a free cup of hot chocolate from Bristol CORE!

Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Sunday, December 13th • 12-3 pm • Holley Hall

$25 for one house, $40 for two houses, everything included. All proceeds go to the food shelf. To reserve a house please email Maura.Donnelly@MAUSD.org.

Hosted by the MAUSD Mentoring

SD Ireland Holiday Truck

Friday, December 18 • 6:00 pm • Town Green

The iconic SD Ireland Holiday Truck returns to Bristol! Catch this dazzling display of lights at the Town Green before it rolls through the streets of Bristol on its festive tour north. A quick moment of magic—not to be missed.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus

Saturday, December 12th • 11 am • Holley Hall

Gather little ones for a cozy holiday story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts, and cocoa.

Bristol CORE’s Lumen: Bristol’s Celebration of Fire & Light

Saturday, December 18 • 4–7 pm • Town Green & Holley Hall

Our most luminous event of the year returns to brighten the longest nights of winter. Lumen is all about warmth, creativity, and community—from lanterns to fire dancers to glowing art.

What to expect:
Lantern-Making Workshop at 3:30 pm in Holley Hall
Cirque de Feugo fire dancing at 6:15 pm
Fire pits, warm food, and glowing festivities throughout the evening

Dress warm, bring a friend, and step into the light with us.

Thank you to AllEarth Renewables for sponsorship this event and helping us light the night! Special thanks to the Bristol Rec Dept for their leadership, sharing the space, and keeping us safe throughout the night.

Brought to you by Bristol CORE.

As you make your way through the holiday season, we invite you to shop small, gather often, and savor the spirit of Bristol. Whether you’re celebrating a tradition or discovering something new, we’re grateful to have you as part of this warm and wonderful community.

Happy Holidays from Bristol CORE!
See you downtown.