Bristol Christmas Market: The Complete Guide

Flying into Bristol Airport for holidays in the city? Browsing a Christmas market in Bristol is a wonderful way to get into the festive spirit! Meander through the large city-wide Bristol Christmas Market to find the ideal gift. There are also a few smaller Christmas markets that are perfect for those looking for a low-key place to get their gifts for loved ones.

The glitz and glitter of Christmas are on full display in Bristol, from restaurants offering yummy seasonal treats to shops and boutiques putting up Christmas displays and discounting just-right gift items. Kids will love all the lights and winter activities offered at these amazing markets. With so many fabulous booths to visit, you will surely check everyone off your list in no time.

Filling your arms with shopping purchases? Drop your bags with a Bounce luggage locker in Bristol for safekeeping. The Christmas markets in Bristol can get crowded, so don’t drag your large bags through the crowds.

Bristol Christmas Market

Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Bristol Christmas Market where you will find a wide array of seasonal items from a variety of vendors. When you are hunting for unique one-of-a-kind gifts, this is the place to go, right in the heart of the City Centre of Bristol.

The market is held from the first weekend of November through December 23rd and draws huge crowds throughout the season. With over 50 different stalls selling Christmas items, crafts, and other items, you can do a little shopping and then enjoy live music, drinks, and heated seating in the Jager Barn Bar. Or rent one of the Igloos for a quieter experience.

Take your picture with the sparkling Christmas tree in all its finery while sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep warm. Bring along a few bags to easily carry any items you buy at the Bristol Christmas Market. Get into a festive spirit and enjoy seasonal delights while here.

What to do near Bristol's Christmas Market

Once you have visited the Christmas market, plan to watch a lively performance at the Watershed or the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery where there are some fabulous collections of natural history, Egyptology, art, and archaeology.

Head to Roxy Lanes where you can play shuffleboard, ice-free curling, or pool. Step into the batting cages for tennis or baseball. You can even challenge friends to a friendly game of bowling. Beer pong is another popular game to enjoy in the bar.

Christmas Trading at St. Nicholas Market

Located near the Corn Exchange on Corn Street, St. Nicholas Market is one of the biggest indoor and outdoor independent market traders in the city where you will find traders selling seasonal delights. Like the Bristol Christmas Market, St. Nicholas Market is in the Bristol City Centre, making it easy to explore both markets on the same day to find unique gifts.

Christmas Trading at St. Nicholas Market is not your traditional Christmas market, but you can still find fantastic items offered for sale, many Christmas-themed. The opening of Christmas Trading is Sunday, November 13, which is the normal day the indoor market opens. Christmas Trading runs for six Fridays, six Saturdays, and six Sundays, with the final market being on Christmas Eve.

What to do near St. Nicholas Market

Being in Bristol’s City Centre, there are plenty of interesting and fun things to do nearby after you have spent time exploring this quirky market. If you are still searching for gifts, Bristol Blue Glass offers fun and interesting items and is in the Bristol shopping quarter. The Gold Bar is a great place to grab a quick snack and drink.

Try your hand at axe throwing at Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing, challenge your friends to see who can hit the bullseye. For something more sedate, the Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre has beautiful collections that tell the story of the Palestinian people.

Made in Bristol Gift Fair

Held for three weekends, usually, the last weekend in November and then the first two weekends in December, the Made in Bristol Gift Fair is in the foyer of the Bristol Beacon. It is one of the best places to find homemade gifts. While not called a Christmas market, this fair has all the festive highlights that a typical Christmas market does.

With about 200 different designers showcasing their items, you will probably want to spend several hours checking out the vendors in such a fun and festive atmosphere. From ceramicists and printmakers to weavers and carpenters you will find a little bit of everything, including leather goods and jewelry.

What to do near Made in Bristol Gift Fair

Take a stroll along Pero’s Bridge, one of the coolest suspension bridges, or take a ride on one of the Bristol Ferry Boats. Grab a snack or dine at one of the restaurants in Queen Square. Spend an hour or two nosing around the Bristol Aquarium and seeing the native and exotic creatures on display.

Redcatch Community Garden Christmas Market

This local Christmas market is generally held the last weekend in November and is one of the best places to find that special Christmas gift for that one person on your list that is impossible to shop for. The Redcatch Community Garden is located inside Redcatch Park along Broadwalk.

This Christmas market promotes local artisans and gives you the opportunity to shop for unique gifts that are handmade. It is a lesser-known market, but the quality of the goods for sale is marvelous. Stroll through and enjoy the festive spirit. Enjoy food and drink from some of the street food vendors that come in for the Christmas market.

What to do near Redcatch Community Garden Christmas Market

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is nearby and is 245 feet in the air over the Avon Gorge. Step aboard the SS Great Britain, a navy ship that was built in 1856 and has been in Bristol Harbor since 1970. There are several cafes and restaurants near Redcatch Park.

The holidays in Bristol City Centre and beyond

This festive season is filled with amazing Christmas markets in Bristol as well as the occasional winter fair. From festive food and drink to crafts and visits from Santa, the Christmas season is in full swing when the Christmas markets start throwing open their doors.

Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas markets in Bristol. For more things to do in Bristol, check out these other guides.

Wine Tasting in Bristol: 12 Places You Have to Try
What to Eat in Bristol: 13 Treats You Should Not Miss
3 Days in Bristol: Everything You Should Know