On December 10th, Bristol’s boats will light up the river in a festive parade.

It's going to be lit.

Illuminated boats

It is a shame often remarked upon that, in the midst of a city’s dry-land Christmas illumination, its rivers are so brazenly neglected, left to wallow in watery darkness while shops and house are dressed up to the nines in neon finery. Not so in Bristol however, where the city’s boat owners have dreamt up an ingenious solution to this discrepancy.

On December 10th, the entire fleet of boats moored in Bristol’s will be draped in dazzling string-lights ready for a procession around the harbour. Beginning at 6.30pm, after the sun has well and truly set, the flotilla’s course will conclude with warming drinks on the deck of Sabrina 6, where a quiz may also take place.

Of the many vantage points along the river, we recommend taking in the action from either Spoke & Stringer, down on the docks themselves, or at The Golden Guinea, which sits at the other end of the water. Both will be serving drinks as usual and offer fabulous views of the spectacle.

If you are in need of address, the Arnolfini, which is very central to the action, can be found at 16 Narrow Quay, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 4QA