Festive drone shows and Christmas Candlelight concerts will be shining this December, but the star atop Bristol’s biggest annual festive events tree returns this November. Of course, we could only be talking about our beloved Bristol Christmas Market. Back for 2024 – with thousands of glittering lights, festive ornaments and a 30ft Christmas tree at its heart – the sprawling annual event will take over the Broadmead shopping district, alongside festive food, gift stalls and entertainment for all.
When will the Bristol Christmas Market take place?
Spanning more than seven very festive weeks, or 53 days to be exact, of non-stop Christmas shopping, Bristol Christmas Market will run from November 1 to December 23. During that time, you can 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.
What time is it open?
The festive stalls will open 10am to 7pm everyday, while food stalls and bars will stay open until 10pm. On December 23, Bristol Christmas Market closes at 6pm.
What will I find at this year’s market?
In need of a unique gift? 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… noodles!
If just looking to stop by and soak up the atmosphere, Bristol Christmas Market has plenty of bars to choose from. The Jäger Barn Bar will provide proper Bavarian vibes, as it stays stocked up with festive tipples such as German Glühwein and boozy hot chocolates. Plus, the bar will play host to plenty of live music, so guests can get the proper Christmas experience. On the opposite side of the market, grab a mulled cider and more from the twinkling Alpine Hütte. Plus, the private Christmas Iglus and Ski Gondolas will also return.
What entertainment is at Bristol Christmas Market?
Throughout the festivities, visitors will 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 live music from local performers too.
We’re yet to learn whether last year’s debutants – the 15m high Ferris wheel, candy-themed escape room, a reindeer sleigh ride, and snow machines – will also be returning for 2024. But we’ll update when we know more!
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