Bristol Christmas Markets Guide 2024

Bristol is fast becoming one of our favourite cities in the UK to visit and take tours from, thanks to its diverse list of events and activities, not to mention its rich history and beautiful scenery. It’s no wonder we’ve made it a departure point for our tours! 

And for those who love travelling in winter (or are curious to try it), you’ll find the festive spirit is wholeheartedly embraced at the Bristol Christmas Market. 

Coming up in this article: 

• What Are the Dates for Bristol’s Christmas Markets?

• Where to Find the Christmas Markets in Bristol

• Make Your Winter Visit a Short Break with Rabbie’s

• Bristol’s Christmas Markets FAQs

What Are the Dates for Bristol’s Christmas Markets? 

The Bristol Christmas Markets will be open from 1st November until 23rd December 2024, giving you plenty of time to embrace your winter spirit and time to ponder what will make the perfect gift for your loved ones. 

And with so much time to explore the markets, you get the opportunity to extend your holiday in the city of Bristol, or even explore beyond.

Where to Find the Christmas Markets in Bristol 

The Bristol Christmas Markets will be located in the Bristol Shopping Quarter and trust us, it’ll be hard to miss given the 30ft Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights and colourful decorations, topped with the shine of a golden star.  

For more information, visit the market’s official website. 

Don your warmest scarf and bring your festive spirit, because Santa and his elves will expect nothing less. And with more than 35 unique stalls to keep you occupied, this is the ideal way to spend a winter evening, surrounded by lively music, chipper winter lovers, and the alluring scent of winter’s best treats. Mulled wine anyone? 

Make Your Winter Visit a Short Break with Rabbie’s 

What makes a trip special? Is it the place? The people? The experiences? We’d argue all of the above. And Bristol is the kind of city that opens up a world of possibilities – both within the city limits and outside of them too. Bet you didn’t know that you can easily pop over to Wales from Bristol and explore the rugged fantasy-scape of Eryri National Park, did you? Or coast along the windswept Cornish coastline?  

Even if all you have is one spare day, you’d be surprised what kinds of adventures you can embark upon... say being transported back in time as you gaze upon the stoic structure of Stonehenge? Or discovering your academic side among the glistening cobbled streets of Oxford? And when you travel in winter, not only do you get to enjoy these incredible places with fewer crowds and on cheaper tours, you bear witness to the landscape as it changes to the humbled shades of a winter wonderland.

All of this is possible on a day trip in winter with Rabbie’s, and right now we’re running a unique offer for autumn and winter with 10% off day trips when you travel between 1st of Oct and 17th Dec 2024.  

And for those of you who are looking for something extra special, you can create your ideal itinerary by organising a private tour with us.

Bristol’s Christmas Markets FAQs 

A little planning goes a long way, especially when travelling to a new and exciting city like Bristol! With so much to do, including the Christmas markets, why not do a bit of research beforehand, like looking at these 13 things to do in autumn and winter in Bristol? 

Do I Need Tickets for the Christmas Markets in Bristol? 

No, you do not need entry tickets for the Bristol Christmas Markets. Entry to the markets is free but rides and stalls will have their own associated costs. 

Is the Christmas Market Worth it in Bristol? 

Anywhere that has elves on stilts is definitely worth it to us! Not to mention bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists, Christmas choirs, an enormous glistening tree, enjoying a drink inside a ski gondola or private Iglu at the Jäger Barn Bar... not to mention indulging in all the Christmas treats and gifts (for you as well as others) that you could possibly justify? 

Not to mention that in 2024, they have a new children's train ride called the Christmas Express, as well as an exciting Escape Room called The Candy Factory.

Sounds great to us. 

What Can You Buy at the Markets? 

Christmas shopping is always a wee bit of a challenge – some find it fun; others find it stressful. You want to know the secret to easy Christmas shopping? Don’t go to the malls or to online stores... find yourself a Christmas market and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Bristol Christmas Markets will have over 35 stalls, bars and food stands, and will sell a range of unique gifts, handmade crafts, and quirky items, from fluffy hats to stunning ornaments, making gift buying that much easier. 

And while you shop, grab yourself a traditional German bratwurst, or maybe a Yorkshire pudding wrap, or any one of the tempting sweet treats. Paired with a mulled wine or hot chocolate, it truly refreshes the shopping experience.

Feel the Festive Spirit This Year on Tour 

If you can’t tell by now, we adore Bristol no matter the time of year. Bathing in the gentle English sunset or warming itself with a hot chocolate in the cooling winter winds, we want to see every side of this incredible city. 

While you’re embracing the festive spirit, why not embrace an adventure too by jumping on a Rabbie’s small-group tour, now a B Corp Certified Travel Company. Led by knowledgeable driver-guides in comfortable mini-coaches, see the UK’s landscapes in all their glory. Ensure you’re signed up to our newsletter and never miss out on updates about our new destinations or tour dates.