There’s a Masquerade Ball and Murder Mystery event coming up
Brunel’s SS Great Britain (Image: David Noton Photography)
Bristol’s iconic SS Great Britain is hosting a number of Christmas events this year, including its iconic Christmas tree lights switch-on event to mark the launch of the attraction’s festive campaign. Described as a ‘special community event’, the landmark attraction’s Christmas lights switch on will take place on Thursday, November 27 at 6pm in Brunel Square.
According to organisers, this year’s event has a unique theme – Golden Glow – which is tied to the SS Great Britain’s Golden Ticket education programme that provides learning experiences for primary schools most affected by deprivation in Bristol, as well as local SEND schools. The aim is to engage students and their families in the arts, heritage and STEM.
Since 2011, 60 schools have been initiated into the scheme, with the 10,000th Golden Ticket issued to Easton CE Academy in 2021. Engineering company Renishaw will deliver workshops in the run up to the festive period and will also provide Christmas decorations for those schools to display in their buildings.
The Christmas lights switch on will feature a stunning tree with festoon lighting and a snow machine, while there will also be performances from a local choir to really get locals in the festive mood.
This is just one of the Christmas events taking place at the SS Great Britain this year. Here are a couple more to sink your teeth into…
Masquerade Ball
When: December 6, 2025 at 6pm until midnight
According to the event description: “Don your finest attire and most elaborate mask for an evening steeped in enchantment.” You’ll be able to wander the decks, sip on a sparkling arrival drink and enjoy a festive three course dinner accompanied by a string quartet.
There will also be a magician roaming the ship and performing illusions and you’ll be able to explore the ship after-hours. Tickets cost £99 per person with bookings closing on Saturday, November 22. Book here.
Christmas Murder Mystery
When: December 13, 2025, 6.30pm until midnight
This murder mystery event includes an arrival drink, three-course dinner and will see guests embark on an ‘exhilarating evening of entertainment’ onboard, where they must keep eyes open for clues during dinner and help solve a mysterious crime.
Tickets cost £99 per person. Book here.