Bristol’s best Christmas markets 2018

There’s no better way to spend the run-up to the festive season than immersed in one of the many Christmas markets that are already beginning to pop up as we start the countdown to December 25. Here’s a selection of the best markets to visit this year, where you can sample locally-made festive food and mulled wine while searching for that perfect handmade gift.

Broadmead Christmas market
November 9-December 23
Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DX
The Christmas shopping period commences with the opening of Broadmead’s Christmas market and this year’s Christmas lights switch on: a Brazilian-inspired carnival party. Home to numerous stalls that travel all the way to Bristol for the occasion, long-standing market attractions such as the Jägerbarn bar and beer garden will run alongside a brand new Santa’s Grotto at Quakers Friars and reindeer visits. Plennty for all the family in between some serious shopping.
www.bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk/plan-your-visit/christmas-in-bristol-shopping-quarter

St Nicholas Market
Daily from November 18
Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JQ
The historic market celebrates its 275th anniversary this year, making it even more worth a visit than usual. The traditional indoor market is home to over 60 stalls covering everything on your Christmas shopping list, and will be open daily in the run-up to Christmas. Themed outdoor markets, from vegan street food to gift stalls, will be running on Corn Street every day from December 12.
www.stnicholasmarketbristol.co.uk

Bath Christmas Market
November 22-December 9
Bath city centre
Just a short hop from Bristol, Bath’s Christmas Market is long established as one of the premier festive locations in the region. Hosting over 180 chalets, the majority selling locally-made goods, this is an ideal location to purchase a personalised present for a loved one. Alternatively, there will be an excellent range of food and as-to-be-announced live entertainment. This year, for the first time, the market will be expanding into Milsom Street as well as taking up its picturesque pitch by the Abbey.
www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Bath Christmas Market

Made in Bristol Gift Fair
November 24-25 and December 1 & 8
Colston Hall Foyer, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Returning for the tenth year (turn to page 74 to read about how Bristol’s creative scene has changed in that decade, according to founder Bryony Morgan), Colston Hall’s Foyer offers a golden opportunity to purchase a lovingly-made hand-crafted gift or stocking filler. Promoting the unique and diverse selection of the region’s leading designers and makers, the gift fair is home to thousands of high quality items ranging from prints to jewellery.
www.madeinbristolshop.co.uk/gift-fair-1/

Made in Bristol Gift Fair credit Jo Hounsome Photography

The Harbourside Christmas Market
November 24-December 16
Canon’s Road, Bristol, BS1 5UH
Taking place over four weekends in the run-up to the big day (from 11am-5pm), Bristol’s biggest independent Christmas market promises live music, mulled wine and the perfect festive atmosphere. New this year, an open area near Cascade Steps will become home to a changing roster of musicians and up to 20 street food stalls selling food from around the world. There will be seating for 100 people, mulled drinks and all-round merriment.
www.facebook.com/events/488200108330363

Arnos Vale Christmas Market
December 2
Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS4 3EW
With free entry all day, this one-day- festive market will showcase a diverse range of local crafts and produce from across the region. From Gingerbeard Preserves and Boulton Spirit for the adults to a Christmas trail and storyteller for the children, this market promises to fill you with Christmas spirit in the impressive setting of the sprawling Victorian graveyard.
www.arnosvale.org.uk/events/christmas-market-2018