Located in the heart of Bristol with more than 50 stalls, Bristol Christmas Market is returning to the city centre in 2023. The event is known for its cosy igloos, Bavarian bar and the stunningly decorated Christmas tree on Broadmead.
In this guide, I share with you the confirmed 2023 dates, location details, opening times during the Christmas season and how to book a private igloo.
Bristol Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Bristol is one of the most festive events of the year, a great time for family and friends to gather for mulled wine, hot chocolate and classic Christmas treats like bratwurst and gingerbread.
You’ll find handmade, unique gifts on offer that are made locally, and you can buy Christmas ornaments, lights and trees. Full details of the Christmas stalls can be found below.
Dates and Location
Bristol Christmas Market dates: 3rd November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Bristol Shopping Quarter, 69 Broadmead, in front of The Galleries.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm. Food and drink stalls close at 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Home to 50 Christmas stalls, Bavarian alpine bar, Santa and reindeer meetups, igloo hire.
Specialities: Mulled cider, Somerset Brie bites, Bristolian sausage rolls, local chutney and jams, Clifton Seafood.
Where to stay: Hotel du Vin is one of the best hotels in Bristol and it is less than a 10-minute walk to the Christmas markets.
Hotels near Bristol Christmas Market
I suggest staying at Hotel du Vin as it’s one of Bristol’s best hotels and is less than a 10-minute walk to the Christmas markets.
Alternatively, Hampton by Hilton is an excellent budget hotel that is even closer to the markets, located 5 minutes from Broadmead.
There are a handful of other places to stay that you can find in my guide to hotels near Bristol Christmas Market. These are all within walking distance of Broadmead and other sights and attractions in the city centre.
Location of Bristol Christmas Market
Christmas in Bristol
Book an Igloo
Delight in a private Igloo experience, a unique offering at the Bristol Christmas Market. Reserve your igloo online and curate your perfect experience before visiting the market.
Each igloo booking lasts for 90 minutes, providing a cosy and intimate setting to savour the festive atmosphere. You can pre-order your refreshments to optimise your time and avoid the busy crowds that often frequent the food and drink stalls.
Bristol Christmas Market offers two distinct Igloo packages to suit different group sizes. The Medium Package is designed for smaller gatherings of up to four guests, ensuring a snug and personal experience. The Large Package is ideal for bigger groups of up to eight guests, allowing for a more social and vibrant experience.
With both packages, you’ll have a variety of delicious food and drink options at your disposal. Immerse yourself in the European festive tradition with a Bratwurst Platter heaped with succulent German sausages.
If you’re a lover of fine foods, opt for the Charcuterie Board or the Cheese Board, both boasting a selection of quality artisanal products.
Round off your Igloo experience with a choice of festive beverages. Choose from the warming German glühwein, a festive favourite, a hot cider that encapsulates the essence of winter, or a bubbly Prosecco for a sparkling toast to the holiday season.
To further enhance your Christmas market experience, Bristol offers some unique attractions. Venture to the Ski Gondola for a snowy Alpine adventure right in the heart of Bristol, and then head over to the Jager Barn to warm up with a selection of flavourful Jagermeister-based cocktails.
Book your Igloo or Ski Gondola online before you go.
These experiences are exclusively found at the Bristol Christmas Market, adding to its charm and uniqueness.
If you’re interested in more places to visit this Christmas, read my Christmas markets 2023 UK guide for ideas and planning tips.
Food at the Christmas Market
Cider Braised Pulled Pork: You’ll likely be lured towards this stall by the irresistible aroma alone. Locals queue up for this mouth-watering dish – pork slow-cooked in cider until it’s tender and falling apart, then served in a fresh bun.
Bristol Blue Cheese: An iconic staple of the region, this blue-veined cheese is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy and has a slightly tangy taste. You’ll find it incorporated in several dishes or buy a piece to take home.
Fish and Chips: No visit to any UK market is complete without indulging in this classic British dish. The hot, crispy battered fish and chunky chips at Bristol’s market are particularly satisfying in the cold winter weather.
German Bratwurst: Embrace the international flavour of the market by tucking into a succulent German Bratwurst. It’s usually grilled to perfection and served in a crispy roll with a selection of sauces.
Mince Pies: A festive treat, fruit mince pies are a traditional Christmas sweet you’ll find all over the UK. The version at the Bristol market usually features a rich, fruity filling wrapped in a buttery pastry.
Dutch Pancakes: These small, fluffy pancakes are a festive favourite. Topped with powdered sugar or Nutella, they provide a sweet contrast to the hearty, savoury options at the market.
Mulled Wine: To warm you up as you explore the market, I’d recommend a cup of mulled Wine. This hot drink is a blend of red wine, spices, and fruits – a traditional Christmas market staple across Europe.
Craft Beers: Bristol is known for its thriving craft beer scene. At the Christmas market in Bristol, you’ll get the opportunity to sample locally brewed ales, perfect for washing down your food.
What to Buy
Bristol Blue Glass: Renowned worldwide for its striking cobalt blue colour, Bristol Blue Glass makes a distinctive gift. Each piece is handmade, from vases to baubles, making it a unique souvenir of your visit.
Locally Made Jewellery: Bristol’s artisans showcase their creativity through unique handmade jewellery. Whether it’s earrings made from local gemstones or necklaces with sterling silver, you’ll find a wide range to choose from.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Souvenirs: The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge is a symbol of Bristol. You’ll find various souvenirs depicting it, from postcards to fridge magnets and prints, perfect for a Bristol memento.
Banksy Art Prints: Bristol is the home of the elusive street artist Banksy. Replicas of his thought-provoking work are available in the form of prints, providing an edgy touch to your art collection.
Local Gin: Bristol’s burgeoning gin scene is represented in the market. Distilleries sell small-batch gin with unique flavours like elderflower or rhubarb, which you can buy for yourself or as a gift.
Hand-knitted Scarves and Hats: Keep the cold at bay with hand-knitted scarves and hats made by local crafters. These cosy accessories come in an array of colours and patterns.
Organic Skincare Products: A range of stalls sell organic skincare products made in the local area. These items, from hand creams to soaps, are created with natural ingredients and essential oils.
Traditional Christmas Decorations: A Christmas market wouldn’t be complete without traditional decorations. Handcrafted ornaments, festive wreaths, and delicate tree decorations are aplenty, bringing the holiday spirit into your home.
Visit Bristol has further information regarding events and the best ways to experience the city at Christmas.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. When visiting the Christmas markets, keeping sustainability in mind is important. Implement some or all of these responsible travel measures during your visit.
Choosing Green Accommodations: Bristol has a range of eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable energy. Look for those that employ solar panels, or use a green tariff for their electricity supply.
Minimising Food Waste: Avoid ordering or buying what you can eat at the Christmas market to avoid unnecessary waste.
Shopping at Ethical Retailers: Bristol is home to a host of ethical retailers that support local artisans and fair trade principles. Stores like Better Food and Fig sell ethically sourced products, making your shopping spree a more sustainable activity. Look for similar retailers at the Christmas markets, and be sure to only buy what you need and will use.
Eating Sustainably: Opt for food stalls at the Christmas market that use local, organic ingredients to support sustainable farming practices. Outside of the Christmas market, establishments like Cafe Kino and The Canteen are well-known for their commitment to local, organic and vegetarian cuisine.
Using Sustainable Transport: Reduce your carbon footprint by using Bristol’s extensive public transport network, or consider riding a bike to get around. Cycling is hugely popular due to Bristol’s investment in bike-friendly infrastructure.
Recycling On-The-Go: Be sure to use the recycling bins that can be found throughout Bristol. The city has made significant efforts to improve waste management, and you can contribute by ensuring you dispose of any waste responsibly. These bins can also be found around the Broadmead Christmas Market.
FAQ
Bristol Christmas Market starts on the 3rd November until the 23rd December 2023.
The Christmas market in Bristol is located in the city centre at Broadmead.
Bristol Christmas Market opens daily at 10am.
Bristol Christmas Market closes at 7pm with the food and drink stalls closing at 10pm.
If you have visited Bristol in winter or want to leave a review of the Xmas market, please comment below. This helps others interested in visiting and trying to plan their holiday.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Bristol, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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