The festive event opens officially next week (November 7)
The Bristol Christmas Market started taking shape this week as work to set it up began. Officially marking the countdown to Christmas in the city, the market will open next Friday (November 7) and run right up until December 23.
Photos captured by BristolLive on Tuesday (October 28) show famous stalls like the popular Yorkshire Pudding Wraps stall already in place, as well as workers in hi-vis jackets and vests setting up the other wooden market cabins and decorations which will be home to independent traders selling everything from crafts and gifts, to food and drink. More photos show a fairground ride with a festive tree, and crowds of passers by already taking peeks at the work in progress.
As in previous years, the market will be located in the heart of Bristol’s Shopping Quarter in Broadmead and stretches just over the road from Cabot Circus, and down one section of Merchant Street. More than 40 stalls are expected at this year’s Bristol Christmas Market, too.
They will include local artisans and independent businesses selling an array of unique gifts, crafts and seasonal treats. Visitors will be able to pick up a traditional festive drink, like a mulled cider or Bailey’s hot chocolate, from the brand new Glissè Bar, as well as the ever popular Jäger Barn Bar, which has heated seating areas to keep you cosy.
If you’re a music lover, the Jäger Barn Bar will host a selection of live music from local performers from Thursdays to Sundays. Guests can also enjoy a tempting selection of charcuterie and cheese boards, rich fondue, and hot, melting brie served in crispy bread.
Bristol Christmas Market set up 2025(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
The brand-new Glissè Bar, located at the opposite end of the market, offers the same festive range of drinks but in a more intimate setting. There’s also a selection of food stalls dotted around the market, serving up everything from German Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, hog roast and even noodles, to coffee and doughnuts, churros, crepes, crumble, and more.
You can book a classic ski gondola and one of the brand new hot air balloon booths nestled within the Jäger Barn Bar where you can enjoy a food platter and drinks. The ski gondolas have been in service at one of Europe’s largest ski resorts before being transformed into a perfect cosy spot for a group of up to six to sit inside.
Meanwhile, the ‘festive balloon dining’ experience sees diners sit inside a life-sized hot air balloon basket for between 6-8 people.
Workers were spotted setting up the Christmas Market in Bristol on October 28, 2025(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)
As well as the live music at the Jäger Barn Bar, there will be plenty of entertainment across the market’s 2025 run for all ages to enjoy. Santa will himself be making multiple appearances, along with elves on stilts, bubble-blowing soldiers, balloon artists and Christmas choirs aplenty.
There will also be plenty of selfie opportunities with the Jäger Barn Bar’s wooden Weihnactsmann, as well as the market’s twinkling 30ft Christmas tree and festive selfie frame. Plus, the market itself will be illuminated by thousands of lights and adorned with festive ornaments.
Find out everything you need to know about this year’s Bristol Christmas Market – from what you can see and do, to how to get there and parking availability – in our handy guide here.