Private balloon flights, backstage passes and your own radio slot: Bristol’s ‘12 Days of Bristmas’ unveils four more money-can’t-buy prizes

Part of Bristol BID’s mission to spotlight local culture, the Christmas giveaway offers rare access to the city’s most iconic experiences

The festive prize draw that’s putting Bristol on everyone’s wishlist continues this week, with four more exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences revealed as part of the city’s 12 Days of Bristmas campaign.

Delivered by the newly unified Bristol BID, the competition offers residents and visitors the chance to win unforgettable access to the people, places and perspectives that define the city’s creative and independent spirit – simply by purchasing a Love Bristol Gift Card before Christmas Eve at lovebristolgiftcard.co.uk.

Following the first prize reveal – including a bespoke UPFEST mural and backstage access at Bristol Beacon – this second instalment keeps the festive buzz building. This week’s four newly unwrapped prizes are:

A private balloon flight above Bristol with The Hot Air Balloon Company, offering one winner the rare opportunity to drift peacefully over the city’s rooftops and green spaces – with panoramic views of your own neighbourhood from the sky. A true once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Bristol from above

A paddle-powered dinner party! See Bristol from the water with three friends with a private paddleboarding or kayak tour, guided by SUP Bristol. After you’ve worked up an appetite on the water, you’ll head to AQUA for a delicious two-course dinner for four at this much-loved waterside Italian restaurant

A behind-the-scenes pantomime experience at the Bristol Hippodrome, where one lucky winner will watch the 2026 Christmas pantomime from the fly floor – a vantage point no audience member ever sees. From scenery flying in and out to hearing the Stage Manager call the show over intercom, this is a rare chance to experience the magic from behind the curtain – with a go at flying some scenery yourself during the interval

Your own radio slot on Ujima Radio, where you’ll go behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most listened to local radio stations. You’ll take part in one of the station’s primetime shows as a Bristol Insider, sharing your favourite places, hidden gems and local loves with the city as part of this special one-off feature on Bristol’s iconic community-led station.

The 12 Days of Bristmas campaign supports over 190 local businesses who accept the Love Bristol Gift Card – from salons and boutiques to restaurants, bars and cultural venues – keeping the city centre vibrant at the most important time of year.

To enter, purchase a Love Bristol Gift Card between now and Wednesday 24 December and complete the entry form at checkout to enter. One gift card = one entry. Gift cards available at: lovebristolgiftcard.co.uk

12 Days of Bristmas is part of a wider festive programme from Bristol BID, including the Winter Lights trail, an expanded Christmas lights display across the city centre and family-friendly festivities such as the return of 15ft-tall Scout Elf®, Isambard Kingdom Brunelf in Broadmead.

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Anna Farthing, Interim Head of Place at Bristol BID, said

“This next round of prizes shows the breadth of what Bristol has to offer - from hot air balloon rides and harbourside adventures to unforgettable behind-the-scenes experiences. Each one is rooted in the city’s identity and brings our independent spirit to life. We’re so proud to be offering this magical mix of creativity, connection and celebration - all while supporting the city centre this Christmas.”

The final four prizes will be revealed later in December. Terms and conditions apply.