With warm temperatures and (mostly) good weather, the Bristol Christmas Festival brought festive fun — and by all accounts, record crowds — to the downtown last weekend.

Festival Committee members welcomed visitors to European-style food vendors, artisans selling products perfect for holiday giving, and a special venue focused on activities for families and children. Performers including school choirs, dance studios, high school soloists, and community-based ensembles shined a bright light on the talented youth of our community.

Local small businesses were packed with busy shoppers and restaurants enjoyed a steady stream of hungry festival goers. One visitor commented on the Christmas Festival’s social media that she did 90% of her Christmas shopping in town. The vendors at the Maritime Center also enjoyed brisk business.

“Special thanks to town officials and town departments, especially the Bristol Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Works for their support,” said Christmas Festival Committee Chairman Dave Scarpino.