Getting into the festive spirit: Five things to do in Bristol this Christmas

We’re reaching the end of the term – it’s deadline season, it’s cold, wet and everything is a little bit miserable. But it’s also a month until Christmas! It’s so important during the last few weeks of term to make sure you have something wholesome in your social calendar, and make the most of all of the festive activities that Bristol has to offer. Here is our guide to the top five Christmas activities in and around Bristol this year:

The Bristol Christmas Market

If you’re looking to spend a weekend in Bristol with any family or friends, one activity that you can’t miss is the Christmas market. Stretching from the top of Broadmead all the way to Cabot Circus, the Bristol Christmas market is a top attraction for anyone who visits Bristol. With a variety of food and drink, ranging from Yorkshire pudding wraps to smash burgers, from the Jager Barn Bar to hot chocolate stalls, the Christmas market really does have something for everyone.

The Christmas market is also open up until December 23rd, with the festive stools open from 10am – 7pm, and food from 10am-10pm. You can find more information about the Bristol Christmas Market here.

St Nicholas Market

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While Bristol’s unique indoor market of St Nick’s is open all year round, it’s perfect to offer tourists a taste of quintessential Bristolian vibes. Offering food from all different cuisines, its the perfect spot to grab a bite before wandering around the exchange hall to grab some presents. From hot sauce to vintage accessories, you can find everything you need here. St Nick’s Market has a really interesting history, stretching from being a popular corn market in the 1800s, to a popular concert venue in the 1960s.

You can find more information about St Nicks market here.

And if you want to impress your friends with some more fun facts, you can learn more about its history here.

Clifton Village

You can’t spend the festive season in Bristol without going to Clifton village. Home to the most beautiful shopping quarter in Bristol, if you visit Clifton with your guests you’ll be able to find plenty of up market independent shops, while exploring the huge variety of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. And, once you’ve warmed up, you can head over to the Clifton Observatory and show off the famous Clifton Suspension bridge in all its glory. Don’t forget to head into the Clifton Arcade – a victorian building, home to some quintessential Bristolian shops.

To find the full list of things to do, click here.

Bath Christmas Market

Although this one isn’t in Bristol, Bath is only a 10 minute train journey from Bristol Temple Meads and the Christmas market is completely free! Located in Bath’s Historical Centre, this market is free to enter and it turns the city into a true winter wonderland, with different food, drink, and retail stalls on each road. Heading to the Bath Christmas Market is always a great way to celebrate the festive season, but this market closes on 15th December, so don’t leave it too late!

You can also head to Bath on Ice and go ice skating on a real Ice Rink! Bath on Ice runs from November 15th – January 5th 2025 so you have plenty of time to head to this spectacle.

For more information on the Bath Christmas market click here.

For more information on Bath on Ice click here.

Bristol Cathedral

Every year, the award winning artistic collaboration known as Luxmuralis come to Bristol Cathedral to present a stunning light and sound display, which transforms the ancient building into a huge festive spectacle. This year, the Christmas celebrations can begin with a reimagining of the Nativity. This moving event is open to everyone, and creates an immersive experience for anyone who goes to visit.

This event is only running from 25th – 29th November so make sure to book your tickets here! For more information, click on this link.