Christmas Lights Switch On

This event has now passed. Thank you to everybody who joined us!

Don’t miss our spectacular Christmas light switch on in Brunel Square this year where we’ll have a 26ft tree generously sponsored by our corporate partner, Renishaw.

The big reveal, Victorian style with a contemporary engineering twist!

Join us as the Christmas tree lights are switched on and we bring Victorian festive scenes to the harbourside. Expect falling snow, costumed characters, choir singers and even Old Father Christmas wearing his traditional green robes. Mr Brunel, of course, will oversee proceedings. The spectacle is a taste of what will be on offer at the Victorian Christmas Weekend in December.

Save on Christmas shopping

The free event to see the tree’s lights switched on marks the start of the festive season in the SS Great Britain Shop. It’ll be open until 6pm that day, giving the perfect opportunity to get started on your Christmas shopping.

Best of all, get 15% off when you spend £30 or more on the day. Browse from our range of bespoke gifts and carefully curated items from local makers ahead of the event by visiting our online shop.

Festive treats at Harbourside Kitchen

Mulled wine, mince pies and seasonal hot chocolates and coffees are welcome additions at the popular café which overlooks Bristol’s Floating Harbour and Brunel Square. Harbourside Kitchen will be open throughout the event to serve up festive treats and winter warmers.

Thank you, Renishaw

The 26ft Christmas Tree is generously sponsored by Renishaw, who also support the SS Great Britain Trust’s STEM learning programmes.

Providing a contemporary engineering twist, this year’s tree has additional decorations in the form of 3D printed baubles created by some of the SS Great Britain Trust’s Future Brunels. Twelve Year 10 students visited Renishaw’s state of the art headquarters as part of a five year STEM learning programme which aims to address inequality and barriers into engineering and STEM careers.