The Best Christmas Markets In and Around Bristol

6TH NOVEMBER 2023

With the festive season fast approaching, Christmas markets and festive fairs become the ultimate destination for delightful experiences. They offer a feast for the senses, with live music, an endless selection of presents, delicious fudge and steaming mulled wine to keep you warm.

Whether you're eager to create magical memories with your little ones, plan a festive night out with your closest pals, or explore unique gift ideas while indulging in seasonal food and drink, we've got you covered! Read on for our list of the best Christmas markets in Bristol, and our pick of great Christmas markets near Bristol. Each promising a memorable winter experience.

Christmas Markets In Bristol

Bristol Christmas Market

Open between 3rd November and 23rd December 2023

The Bristol Christmas Market is well known for its giant Christmas tree, German-inspired bratwurst stalls, traditional wooden sheds, and a great selection of indie sellers.

With the variety of items sold, you’re sure to find the perfect Christmas gift, even for loved ones who may be hard to buy for. And at the heart of the market lies the Jager Barn Bar – offering everything from mulled cider to hot chocolate to keep you warm whilst you enjoy a few of your favourite festive carols! What’s more, the market is just 25 minutes from Brabazon.

For opening times, visit Bristol Christmas Market.

CHRISTMAS AT ST NICHOLAS MARKET 2023

Open between 14th November and 24th December 2023

A stone’s throw from the Bristol Christmas Market is St Nick’s Market - an iconic hub for indie sellers in Bristol, famous for its historic architecture, delicious variety of street food and fresh produce. 

Alongside the regular traders, the market will open its doors to an extra dose of local sellers throughout the festive period - so you can expect to see even more tasty food and unique gift options at the additional festive outdoor stalls!  

For more information, visit St Nicholas Market

Winterland at Propyard

Open between 25th November and 23rd December 2023

While this is not a traditional Christmas market, Winterland at Propyard is an unskippable festive destination for Bristol that we just had to include in our roundup! 

The studio space at the Propyard is once again being turned into a haven for all things winter - this time, with a nostalgic 80s twist. You’ll be able to enjoy a colourful winter roller disco, play some vintage arcade games, and finish off with a visit to the ski lodge where you can warm up and refuel. All of this is just 25 minutes by road from Brabazon!

To learn more, visit Propyard.

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 2023 AT BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE 

Open between 10th November 2023 and 2nd January 2024. Closed Christmas Day.

Millennium Square will once again embrace the Christmas spirit and house this year’s Vintage Christmas Wonderland at Bristol Harbourside. Prepare for a fabulously festive combo of rides, games, drinks and hot food - the perfect recipe for family fun this winter. Plus, to delight the little ones, Santa's Grotto will be open for visits during the week!

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR 2023

25th & 26th November: 10:00 - 17:00 and 9th & 10th December: 10:00 - 16:00.

The 15th annual Made in Bristol Gift Fair is set to return this Christmas, showcasing the creativity of up to 200 local designer-makers in Bristol and its vicinity.

The Bristol Beacon will transform into a vibrant marketplace over two weekends, offering a diverse range of unique products. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely shopping experience, sipping on coffee, mingling with artists, and discovering one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, with local talent taking centre stage!

For more information, visit Made In Bristol Gift Fair.

Christmas Markets Near Bristol

The fun doesn’t have to end once you’ve visited the best Christmas markets in Bristol as the city is just a short journey away from some of the UK’s best Christmas markets!

Bath Christmas Market 2023

Open between 23rd November and 10th December 2023

Take the 10-minute train ride from Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa Station to visit the famous Bath Christmas Market.

With over 170 twinkling chalets, the market features some of the best crafters that the South West has to offer. You’ll find stylish homeware, unique handmade jewellery, and personalised presents, along with great food stalls, live music, hot chocolate, mulled wine and more.

For more details, visit Bath Christmas Market.

Cardiff Christmas Market

Open between 9th November and 23rd December 2023

Known as one of the best Christmas Markets in Wales, the Cardiff Christmas Market is around a 30-minute journey by train from Bristol Parkway Station.

Among the wide variety of traditional wooden stalls selling authentic Christmas gifts, you will find homemade ceramic creations, festive novelties and decorations, and even Welsh chocolates. Don’t forget to visit Santa’s Grotto and the adorable Gingerbread Man House!

To find out more, go to the Cardiff Christmas Market website.

Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market

Open between 2nd November and 24th December 2023
Around 1 hour 12 minutes by train from Bristol Parkway Station

Birmingham is home to the Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German market outside of Austria or Germany.

You’ll find stalls selling traditional German food, offering mugs of strong gluhwein, or serving up a deliciously sweet hot chocolate to warm you up as the temperatures drop. By train, this beautiful authentic market is just over an hour away from Bristol Parkway station, so make sure you don’t miss it!

To learn more, visit Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas market.

Exeter Christmas Market

Open between 17th November and 17th December 2023
Around 1 hour 22 minutes by train from Bristol Parkway Station

Finishing this list off with a bang is Devon’s biggest Christmas market, which is just over an hour away from Bristol by train! 

Located in the heart of the city on Cathedral Green, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is the ultimate festive location for shoppers and tourists. With Bavarian-style chalets offering a fantastic variety of food, drinks, and live entertainment, this Christmas Market is a must-visit attraction! 

For more information, visit Exeter Cathedral.

And that’s a wrap to our list of the best Christmas markets in and around Bristol for 2023! With an array of unique entertainment and beautiful gift options, fairs and markets provide the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and find the perfect present with that special touch for your favourite person. Which ones will you visit this year?

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