Bristol, a city known for its vibrant culture and historic charm, truly comes alive during the festive season. At the heart of festive things to do in Bristol is the annual Christmas Market, transforming the city centre into a magical winter wonderland. If you’re planning a visit to Bristol Christmas Market, here is a practical guide to what you can expect.
📍 Where and When to Find the Christmas Market
The main market is centrally located in the Bristol Shopping Quarter, specifically on Broadmead and extending into the surrounding area. It’s easily accessible on foot from Bristol Temple Meads train station (about a 15-20 minute walk) or via the city’s extensive bus network.
The market typically runs from early November right up until Christmas Eve, though specific dates can vary each year. It’s a good idea to check the official Bristol Shopping Quarter website for the exact opening hours closer to your planned visit, but expect it to be open daily, usually from 10 am to late evening. Here are some details.
Dates Friday, November 7, 2025 – Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Festive Stalls (Gifts & Crafts) 10:00 am – 7:00 pm daily
Food Stalls & Bar (Jägerhaus) 10:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Closing Day (Dec 23rd) The market closes earlier, at 6:00 pm.
🎁 Shopping: Gifts and Craftsmanship
One of the primary draws to Bristol Christmas market is the variety of goods available from independent traders housed in charming wooden chalets. The focus is often on artisan and handcrafted items, making it an excellent spot for finding unique Christmas gifts.
You’ll find stalls selling:
- Jewellery: Often locally designed and made.
- Homeware: Including ceramics, textiles, and festive decorations.
- Art and Prints: Featuring local artists and Bristol-themed designs.
- Speciality Food Gifts: Such as jams, chutneys, and artisanal chocolates.
It offers a tangible difference from high-street shopping, providing an opportunity to support smaller businesses and purchase items with a distinct local flavour.
☕ Food and Drink Highlights
No Christmas market is complete without warming refreshments, and Bristol’s offerings are robust. There’s a strong focus on quality street food and seasonal drinks.
Savoury favourites
- German Bratwurst: A cornerstone of any good European-style market. You’ll find stalls dedicated to authentic German sausages (Bratwurst, Krakauer, and Currywurst) served in a bun with various toppings.
- Yorkshire Pudding Wraps: A unique and highly popular British addition. These stalls serve a full roast dinner (usually turkey, beef, or pork) wrapped up snugly inside a large Yorkshire pudding, smothered in gravy and vegetables. It’s a significant and hearty meal.
- Other Street Food: Look out for other hearty street food options, including hog roasts, Asian noodles, and newer offerings like Chicken and Waffles (often served with maple syrup and gravy).
☕ Sweet Treats
- Churros and Crêpes: You can find freshly made sweet treats, including churros (often served with chocolate dipping sauce) and crêpes with a variety of fillings.
- Sweet Confectionery: Expect plenty of stalls selling pick ‘n’ mix, fudge, and other artisanal sweet gifts.
🍻 Bar and Drink Highlights
- The market is known for having large, lively, and well-themed bar areas:
- The Jäger Barn Bar: This is the main, large Alpine-style bar with a cosy, Bavarian feel. It offers heated seating and usually hosts live music from Thursday to Sunday evenings, creating a very festive social hub.
- Bar Glissè (New for 2025): A second, often slightly more intimate bar located near the Cabot Circus end of the market, offering a similar range of festive drinks with a more low-key, après-ski vibe.
- Signature Drinks:
- Glühwein (Mulled Wine): The essential warm, spiced wine.
- Mulled Cider: A great local alternative to mulled wine.
- Baileys Hot Chocolate: A popular, indulgent spiked hot chocolate option.
🛎️ Unique Dining Experiences
- For a more private, group dining experience, the market often offers:
- Private Ski Gondolas / Hot Air Balloon Booths: You can hire beautifully decorated private pods (like converted ski gondolas or life-sized hot air balloon baskets) to enjoy a drink package and a food platter (such as charcuterie or bratwurst) in a secluded, cosy setting. These must be booked in advance. Booking is recommended.
💡 Practical Tips for Visiting This Christmas Attraction in Bristol
- Crowds: As it’s in a busy shopping area, the market can get very crowded, especially on weekend afternoons and evenings. If you prefer a quieter visit, try going on a weekday morning.
- Payment: While many traders accept card payments, it’s always useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases, especially at the food and drink stalls.
- Accessibility: The market is set up on the main pedestrianised thoroughfare of Broadmead, which is generally flat and accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
🎶 Live Entertainment
The Jäger Barn Bar is the main hub for live music, creating a lively, festive atmosphere well into the evening.
- When: Live performances are typically scheduled every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening.
- What to Expect: The acts are usually local and feature a mix of musical styles designed to keep the mood celebratory.
- Swing and Crooners: Acts like John Prescott (a swing sensation influenced by Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé) often feature heavily, providing smooth, classic festive sounds.
- Bavarian Oompah: High-energy Oompah bands (like the WunderBar Oompah Band) often appear early in the market run, blending traditional brass with pop covers and singalongs.
- International performers like the acoustic guitarist Ben Foulds.
In summary, the Bristol Christmas Market provides a well-rounded and atmospheric experience. It serves as a reliable spot for seasonal shopping and enjoying traditional European-style market food and drink. It integrates seamlessly with the city’s established shopping
- Odeon Luxe open in Cabot Circus – February 13, 2026
- Best walk in restuarants for large groups Bristol – February 8, 2026
- Bristol Old Vic Shows 2026 – January 27, 2026
