The most magical time of year returns to Bristol very soon. Christmas is set to light up the whole city as the beloved market kicks off the festivities in the Broadmead shopping district—including thousands of glittering lights, festive ornaments and a 30ft Christmas tree at its heart. The sprawling annual event will once again bring festive food, gift stalls and entertainment for all, while new this year, Bristol Christmas Market has a new bar and VR experiences.
When is the Bristol Christmas Market?
Just under seven weeks, Bristol Christmas Market returns from Friday, November 7 to Tuesday, December 23. The food stalls and bars will be open from 10am to 10pm every day, while festive stalls will be open from 10am to 7pm. The market will close at 6pm on Christmas Eve, however.
What will I find at the market?
You can peruse the offerings of over 40 unique festive stalls packed full of gifts, festive treats, unique crafts, and more, alongside numerous bars and food stalls, at Bristol Christmas Market—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, hog roast, Asian noodles, before a sweet treat of churros, crepes or crumble.
If just looking to soak up the atmosphere, Bristol Christmas Market has plenty of bars to choose from, too. The Jäger Barn Bar is once more providing proper Bavarian vibes, as it stays stocked up with festive tipples such as German Glühwein and boozy hot chocolates. At the end of the market, the brand-new Glissè Bar offers similarly festive drinks in a more intimate setting. Or, book your spot in a romantic ski gondola or a life-sized hot air balloon basket for a wintery experience like no other.
What entertainment is at the Bristol Christmas Market?
Every Thursday to Sunday, the Jäger Barn Bar will host live music from a variety of local performers. You can also expect multiple appearances from Santa himself, alongside elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists, and Christmas choirs. This year, Bristol Christmas Market introduces the VR Sledge Ride, where visitors will be able to don VR goggles and take a virtual sleigh ride through winter scenery.
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 Bristol 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