Whether we like it or not, it’s time to welcome the return of Bristol’s annual festive events – starting with the beloved Christmas markets, with Bristol Christmas Market back for 2023. Making its grand return on November 3, the sprawling annual event has taken over the Broadmead shopping district in Bristol City Centre, alongside plenty of festive events and entertainment for locals to enjoy. Bigger and better than ever before, this year’s market will expand to Quakers Friars too.
When will the Bristol Christmas Market take place?
Spanning an incredible seven very festive weeks- that’s 51 days of non-stop Christmas shopping – Bristol Christmas Market won’t come to an official close until December 23. During its run, visitors will get to peruse the offerings of over 35 unique festive stalls packed full of gifts, festive treats, unique crafts, and more, alongside numerous bars and food stalls. With festive stalls open from 10am to 7pm, and food stalls and bars open from 10am to 10pm. The market will close at 6pm on the final day.
What traders are there this year?
This year’s bar offerings include the Jäger Barn Bar on Broadmead Piazza, which will be complete with proper Bavarian vibes, and stocked with festive tipples such as German Glühwein and boozy hot chocolates. Additionally, the bar will play host to plenty of live music, so guests can get the proper Bavarian experience. Visitors will also be able to visit alongside the twinkling Alpine Huette on the opposite side of the market – where you can grab a mulled cider or Bailey’s hot chocolate.
When comes to gift shopping, just some of the traders this year include: Millys Fudge, All Out Sweets, Best Olives & Co, Cheshire Cheese, Eyelussion Adventure, From The Olive Tree, Wye Valley Meadery, Illumination Lights and plenty more – selling everything from wooden chess sets to Turkish ornaments, Christmas tree baubles and personalised surname histories. Fancy a bite to eat? Tuck into traditional German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, crêpes and more.
This year, the market will also be home to Christmas Igloos and Ski Gondolas – which guests can book out with their friends to enjoy Bratwurst platters, charcuterie boards, cheese boards, and festive tipples. These cost £10 to hire in the week, £20 on Friday evenings and weekends – plus extra if you decide to add food and drink packages.
What entertainment is at Bristol Christmas Market?
New this year at Bristol Christmas Market 2023 is a 15m high Ferris wheel, letting you rise above it all and witness the glittery sights of the market down below. Plus, there is also a candy-themed escape room and a reindeer sleigh ride, as well as two large snow machines guaranteeing Bristol has a white Christmas this year.
Throughout the festivities, visitors will also be able to immerse themselves in plenty of live entertainment, with multiple appearances from the Big Man himself (Santa, that is, not The Rock), elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists, and Christmas choirs. Every Thursday to Sunday, the Jäger Barn Bar will host a variety of live music from local performers.
How do I get there?
Bristol Christmas Market slots pretty neatly into Bristol’s shopping district at the centre of the city. So getting there shouldn’t be too much of a faff. If coming from out of town, we suggest taking the train to Temples Meads; from there, just hop on a No. 8 or 72 bus to take you directly to Broadmead. If you plan on driving, however, these are the closest car parks:
- Cabot Circus Car Park, Dale Street BS2 9AB
- JustPark, Union Gallery, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3XD
- NCP Bristol Nelson Street MSCP, Nelson St, Bristol BS1 3DB
- NCP Bristol Broadmead, Lower Castle St, Bristol BS1 3AF
- NCP Bristol St James Barton, Bond St, St Paul’s, Bristol BS1 3LJ