Christmas Lates

Spend a magical winter evening Sailing The Stars on our celestial light trail. Choose from four dates: 25 Nov or 5, 16, 23 Dec. Enjoy our Early Bird price of £13 (when you book before 11 Nov).

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"ONE OF THE MOST MAGICAL FESTIVE DAYS OUT IN THE UK" - THE TIMES

Back by popular demand: We're opening the gates after hours allowing you to chart a course to festive wonder for a starlit Christmas. Following last year's Times-hailed light installation, we're returning with a new immersive experience across Bristol Dockyards. Created in collaboration with artists Squidsoup, the ship and dockyards become a living map of the night sky, inspired by the stars that guided SS Great Britain's journeys across the globe.

From the familiar shape of the Plough illuminating the dockyard, to a shimmering aurora in the Promenade Deck, follow the same stars sailors once used to find their way home - and discover the true stories of passengers and crew who encountered them from the very deck you stand on.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Five installations, one epic journey across the hemispheres. Wander through, pause beneath or lie among some of the installations, as every celestial phenomenon is brought to life through its own unique visual and audio experience.

Looking to explore further? Recreate constellations with torches, discover hidden details through binoculars, and share your own stories beneath the stars as you journey through the trail together with family and friends.

You are also welcome to enjoy refreshments on site as you wander through the installations.

The Plough: the shape that points to the North Star, and the first pattern sailors learned to recognise.
Polaris: the constant, guiding North Star, glowing above the ship.
Orion: The Dry Dock sets the scene for Orion - one of Greek Mythology’s greatest hunters. Discover his downfall and legacy amongst the stars.
The Southern Cross: the constellation pointing to the south celestial pole, that told passengers they'd truly left home behind.
Aurora: the show-stopping centrepiece, rippling curtains of colour illuminating the ship’s Promenade Deck.

Key Info

Four Evenings

1. Wed 25 Nov

2. Sat 5 Dec

3. Wed 16 Dec

4. Wed 23 Dec

Time

5pm - 8pm

Tickets

£15

£13 Early Bird - Book Before 11 November.

Location

You can explore everywhere on site, except The Being Brunel Museum.

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Squid Soup Installation at Bristol Dockyards

T&Cs and FAQs

Christmas Lates tickets are non-refundable.
Christmas Lates tickets must be booked online in advance.
Christmas Lates tickets can be transferred to a new date up to 24 hours before your booking, subject to availability. If all other dates are sold out, transfers will not be possible. Please contact our crew at hello@bristoldockyards.org or call us on 0117 926 0680 to transfer the date of your booking.
Your Christmas Lates ticket includes entry to Bristol Dockyards for the duration of the Lates event only.
All admission tickets are subject to our Ticket Terms and Conditions.
Christmas Lates will go ahead in most weather conditions, please ensure you wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions.
If you arrive late or if you fail to attend, refunds and transfers will not be permitted.
If you have pre-booked food or drink, a token will be given to you for each item booked on arrival. Refunds will not be made for any unused tokens. Tokens can be used during Christmas Lates events only and cannot be redeemed at any other time.
Smoking or vaping are prohibited everywhere on site, including outdoor areas. If you wish to smoke or vape you must leave the premises and you will be granted re-entry with your ticket.
It is your responsibility to check the details of your booking as if you have made a mistake, it cannot always be rectified after purchase. Please email hello@bristoldockyards.org as soon as possible if there is a mistake on your booking.
Bristol Dockyards will take all reasonable measures to contact you when cancellation or postponement has occurred. Any contact will be made via email so you are advised to check your email before making the journey to us.