A Guide to Christmas Shopping in Bristol

Christmas shopping doesn't have to be stressful. Follow our guide and let us help you find those perfect gifts.

A vibrant indoor market corridor with a glass ceiling, flanked by shops and decorated with string lights. The scene is viewed from the top of a staircase that splits into two. Potted plants and signs adorn the walkway, with numerous shoppers in the distance.
Image © The Clifton Arcade via Facebook

Whether you’re looking for a tiny pop-up selling locally designed fashion or a whopping great mall with everything under one roof – this city really is the shopping capital of the South West. Shopping in Bristol comes in all shapes and sizes and this is your guide for the best shopping experience this Christmas in Bristol.


The Bristol Pop-Up Shop at The Galleries

Open for Christmas on Thursday 13th November 2025

We are filling the shelves in our NEW unit on the Ground Floor of The Galleries Shopping Centre, near Boswells Cafe, beautifully packed with the most wonderful gifts.

Whether you're searching for luxury gifts for someone special, creative stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts or just looking for a special treat for yourself, your perfect present awaits! The Bristol Pop-Up Shop is back for yet another year of festivities. The shop will be bursting with gifts from talented local makers, artists and designers; the perfect place to get started on your Christmas shopping! Customers can shop 7 days a week for all their gifts and Christmas treats from a huge range of products by some of Bristol's best creative businesses.

From luxury gifts for someone special, to fun and creative stocking fillers, you'll find something for everyone on your Christmas shopping list. The Bristol Pop-Up Shop's mission is to offer an exciting, unique shopping experience that truly makes a difference to both the local businesses they bring together and the customers who buy from them.


Christmas Shopping at Old Down Estate

Wednesday 26th November: 10am-8pm; Thursday 27th November: 10am-4pm

Head along to this exclusive Christmas shopping event in the Manor, Old Down Country Park, Tockington, Bristol where you'll discover a treasure trove of unique presents for your loved ones. From handcrafted ornaments to fashion accessories, there's something special for everyone on your list.

Discover a fantastic line up of local stallholders offering handmade Christmas decorations, beautiful jewellery, children’s toys, original art and unique gifts you won’t find on the high street. Treat your tastebuds to festive bakes and seasonal goodies. And don’t forget your four-legged friends as there will be some gorgeous dog accessories too! As we’re a dog friendly venue, you’re more than welcome to bring them along.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the cosy indoor market, browse unique gifts and support local and independent businesses this Christmas. The market is free to attend and there's free parking.

We look forward to seeing you there!


Bristol Christmas Market

November 7th  2025 - December 23rd 2025; Festive Stalls 10am - 7pm

This year, the Bristol Christmas Market, Broadmead, BS1 1UX will be better than ever. Alongside all the bars and stalls we know and love there will be some brand new spots for enjoying some fantastic festive food and drink. And of course there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family including that all important visit from Santa himself. More than 40 stalls are expected this year selling an array of unique gifts, crafts and seasonal treats. The food offerings will feature customer favourites from German Bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, hog roast and even noodles, to coffee and doughnuts, churros, crepes, crumble, and more.

If you're a music lover, the Jäger Barn Bar will host a selection of live music from local performers from Thursdays to Sundays and the brand-new Glissè Bar, located at the opposite end of the market will offers a range of festive drinks. Or why not 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 festive food platter and drinks. 

Check out the many other Christmas Markets Bristol has to offer HERE


Bristol Shopping Quarter 2025

In the heart of the city centre, Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to hundreds of shops, from high street favourites and designer names to independent boutiques, plus great restaurants, cinemas and bars. Centred around Broadmead, The Galleries, The Arcade, Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars, this huge shopping area has high street names and independents aplenty, a diverse range of stores that's difficult to beat. There is also a great selection of cafes and restaurants serving such a wide variety of cuisines you can eat your way around the world!

This Christmas, Cabot Circus is bursting with festive fun and unexpected surprises. Running from 28 November to 24 December 2025, Cabot Circus hosts Santa O’Clock, an up to 30-minute immersive family adventure,  where Christmas runs on time until one clock stops, and then it’s down to you to restart the Wishmas Clock. Even four-legged friends can join the fun! 

From high street heroes to local independents they are all here. It's so much more than a just a shopping centre — it’s a slice of Bristol life. From bold art installations and surprise performances, Kin Pins to Tree Top Golf  there’s always something new to see and do this Christmas. 


Clifton Village

Clifton Village Christmas shopping

Celebrate the most magical time of the year in Clifton Village, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and community spirit fill the streets. It is the most beautiful shopping quarter in Bristol. Stroll amongst wonderful Georgian architecture and take your pick from any one of the many up-market independent shops and boutiques selling jewellery, art, gifts, furniture, fashion, good food and more. Appreciate the area's fine Georgian and Victorian architecture and enjoy its cozy cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs. Join Clifton Village or a season of joy and celebration with a programme of events that captures the heart of Christmas. Enjoy the sound of carol singers bringing festive favourites to life, gather for the enchanting Christmas Light Switch On at The Mall Gardens, and don’t miss the much-loved Christmas Dubs, where beautifully decorated VW vans light up the night in aid of The Grand Appeal.

  • Christmas Lights Switch On - Wed 12th Nov
  • Christmas Dubs: Volkswagen Christmas Light Show - Fri 28th Nov
  • Christmas Tree Trail - Mon 1st Dec - Tue 23rd Dec
  • Live Carol Singing - Sat 13th Dec; Sat 20th Dec  & Sun 21st Dec          

With sparkling shop windows, independent boutiques, and cosy cafés serving winter treats, Clifton Village is the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere this Christmas.


Christmas Steps Arts Quarter

The Christmas Steps Arts Quarter nestles in a historic part of Bristol City Centre - Perry Rd, Lower Park Row, Colston St, St Michael's Hill, Upper Maudlin St and the Christmas Steps themselves. In ancient times, nautical types would make their way through the narrow alleyways and down the Christmas Steps to sup cider in one of its (then) 6 Inns before setting sail from the quay that was once at the foot of the steps… These days you're more likely to see city workers on their lunch break, grabbing something from one of the many cafes, or popping by to pick up a last minute birthday gift. At weekends, you'll often overhear tourists comparing the Steps to Diagon Alley and Bristolians reminiscing about the joke shop that they used to visit here 40 years ago!

Nowadays, this is the location of unique shops, art galleries, potteries, makers of dresses, shoes, musical instruments, furniture and so much more. You might want to select a locally produced piece of artwork from one of the many galleries, That Art Gallery, Art Rabbit or the Christmas Steps Gallery or even buy an investment piece from Clifton Fine Art. Why not browse the beautiful ceramics and pottery in Blaze and parents with young musical prodigies must take a trip to Bristol Violin Shop. If you want to watch/hire a film then how about a visit the smallest multiplex cinema/video rental shop in the world! After all that shopping a must is a visit the Christmas Steps Pub that sits at the bottom of the hill as well as serving up pub favourites it has its own range of local beers and ales called ‘Crack’. The Christmas Steps Quarter is a great area to shop, relax, indulge and be inspired this Christmas.


Made in Bristol Gift Fair 2025

Made in Bristol Gift Fair 2025

Saturday 22 & 29 November - 10:00-16:00: Sunday 14 December - 10:00-16:00

Set against the backdrop of the Bristol Beacon, the Made in Bristol Gift Fair will transform the foyer, Lantern Hall and Simons’ Bar into a bustling marketplace this Christmas. Imagine strolling through a beautiful, independent department store, filled with unique gifts and treasures. You'll find everything you need to make this winter season special. Some 200 talented designers and makers from across Bristol will showcase their work, providing visitors with a wonderful opportunity to shop local and support the city’s artistic community.

Made in Bristol curates a diverse array of handcrafted products from talented local artisans, featuring designers, knitters, woodworkers and ceramicists. Each stall bursts with personality, inviting shoppers to discover individual, special gifts whilst engaging directly with the makers. The fair boasts a lively atmosphere filled with live demonstrations and interactive workshops, ensuring that the quest for unique gifts this Christmas is enjoyable and memorable.