Bristol Christmas Market Opens Friday

Visitors to Bristol can access the annual Christmas Market starting Friday, November 6, and continuing through Wednesday, December 23. The event transforms the Broadmead area into a seasonal hub for shopping and dining. The market occupies the heart of the city’s Shopping Quarter, extending from Cabot Circus to a section of Merchant Street.

Approximately 40 stalls will operate within the venue. These vendors include local artisans, independent businesses, and food providers. The exact number of stalls has not been confirmed for 2026. An interactive map is available on the official website to help attendees locate specific shops and attractions.

The market features two primary bars: the Alpine Hutte and the Jäger Barn Bar. Both locations offer heated seating areas. The Jäger Barn Bar serves live music from local performers around 6 p.m. daily. It also offers pizza, charcuterie boards, cheese platters, fondue, and hot brie in bread. Tables at this bar are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food stalls throughout the market serve a variety of items. Menu options include German Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, hog roast, noodles, coffee, doughnuts, churros, crepes, and crumble. Stalls operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Food and bar areas remain open until 10 p.m. daily.

New attractions for 2026 include a Christmas tree ride and a Ferris wheel. Both rides operate daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Ferris wheel, described as a Christmas observation wheel, offers views of the city. The Christmas tree ride allows passengers to travel high in a bauble. Both attractions are located next to the Jäger Barn Bar.

Attendees can book private seating in ski gondolas or hot air balloon baskets. Ski gondolas seat up to six people, while hot air balloon baskets accommodate up to eight. Each booking lasts 90 minutes. A 30-minute interval separates groups to prepare the attractions. The last booking time is 8 p.m. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted in these areas.

Bookings for the gondolas and balloons are non-refundable. Customers may request a date change by contacting staff at least 48 hours in advance, though new availability is not guaranteed. Additional drinks must be ordered upon arrival, as table service is not guaranteed during peak times. Parking is available nearby, and the site is accessible via bus, taxi, e-bike, scooter, and Temple Meads train station.