The festive season is here, meaning Christmas shopping is around the corner. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, stocking up on holiday treats, or simply soaking in the festivities, Bristol has a range of fantastic shopping spots to make you feel extra festive and help you tick off your Christmas shopping list. Here’s our guide to the best places to do your Christmas shopping in Bristol…
Bristol Christmas Markets (Broadmead)
No guide to Christmas shopping in Bristol would be complete without mentioning the Bristol Christmas Markets. Held annually in Broadmead, It’s the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit with its wooden chalets and twinkling lights. A good place for a mulled wine amidst the Christmas shopping chaos.
What you will find:
- Handcrafted Gifts: The Christmas markets are filled with individual sellers, selling anything from unique handmade jewellery and art to locally made candles, soaps, and home decor.
- Treats: Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. There are also food stalls offering everything from German bratwurst to sweet festive pastries, delish!
- Entertainment: With live music, street performers, and the iconic carousel, the Bristol Christmas Market is a fun place to do your Christmas shopping.
If you’re looking for a unique, handmade gift, or just a festive break, this is the place to be.
For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Cabot Circus, one of Bristol’s larger shopping centres. It’s home to a mix of high-street brands and designer stores all under one roof. Cabot Circus is known for its stunning Christmas decorations, which are also worth seeing!
- High-Street Brands: Cabot Circus has something for everyone, with stores like Harvey Nichols, Apple, Zara, and Levis (and a soon to be 3-storey M&S!)
- Holiday Promotions: Many of the stores offer exclusive Christmas discounts and promotions, so it’s a great spot to tick off your list at a bargain.
- Festive Treats and Drinks: Take a break from shopping with a festive coffee or hot chocolate at one of Cabots many food and drink spots!
Whether you’re looking for something in particular for a gift or simply want to enjoy the decorations, Cabot Circus is a go-to.
This shopping mall is slightly outside of the centre in the north of Bristol, but a trip to Cribbs Causeway is always great – especially at Christmas, where they are known to be great at decorations. If you have little ones, there is also a Santas Grotto where you can meet Father Christmas himself and an ice-skating rink!
- Huge Variety of Shops: Cribbs Causeway has a mix of department stores, fashion and jewellery retailers, and specialty shops. Popular stores include John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Next,Harrods Beauty, Lush, Apple, Kurt Geiger and Oliver Bonas.
- Christmas Events: Look out for festive events and pop-up shops offering everything from Christmas cards and wrapping paper to Christmas-themed treats and gifts.
- Food Quarter: There are plenty of food places to choose from, such as Wagamamas, Gormet Burger Kitchen and Carluccios.
Whether you’re shopping for the family or just getting into the Christmas spirit, Cribbs Causeway has it all.
For a more traditional and independent Christmas shopping experience, St Nicholas Market in the heart of Bristol is an absolute gem. This historic market is the perfect place to find unique gifts, artisanal products, and local goodies that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Independent Stalls: From quirky jewellery and handcrafted homeware to vintage clothing and collectibles, St Nicholas Market offers a wide range of unique gifts perfect for the holidays.
- Local Designers: Discover beautifully crafted items from local artists and makers, such as handmade candles, pottery, and prints.
- Festive Food and Drink: Don’t miss the delicious food stalls where you can sample everything from warm mince pies and mulled wine to cheeses and homemade chutneys.
St Nicholas Market is ideal if you’re looking for something truly special and want to support independent local businesses.
For a more picturesque shopping experience, head to Park Street, one of Bristol’s oldest and charming shopping areas. Visit a mix of independent shops, art galleries, and independent clothes stores, perfect for finding unique gifts with a bit of flair.
- Independent Boutiques: Shop at local boutiques for stylish fashion pieces, home decor, and unique accessories. Shops like Cow Vintage and Sobeys are great for quirky and individual finds. If you’re looking for a more expensive but meaningful gift, check out late Bristolian jeweller Diana Porter’s shop on Park Street.
- Festive Window Displays: During the Christmas season, the storefronts along Park Street and The Triangle are adorned with stunning festive window displays, making the shopping experience feel even more magical. The Christmas lights are already up!
Note: Park Street is also home to our Urban Apartments office, so why not pop in and say hello!
Whether you’re looking for something artsy, chic, or just a bit different, Park Street and The Triangle are a must-visit.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Clifton Village offers a more relaxed shopping experience. This charming area of Bristol is packed with quaint independent shops and boutiques, making it a lovely spot to shop for something special.
- Local Boutiques and Shops: Discover everything from bespoke homewares and stylish fashion boutiques to deli foods. Don’t miss shops like The Clifton Village Store and Papadeli for gifts with a local twist.
- Cosy Cafes: After shopping, warm up with a festive coffee or mulled wine at one of the village’s charming cafes, such as The Primrose Café.
Clifton Village is perfect if you want a more peaceful and boutique shopping experience.
‘Wrapping’ Up:
Whether you’re after handcrafted gifts, high-street fashion, or something unique, the city has something for everyone.
Grab your shopping bags, and explore these wonderful Christmas shopping destinations in Bristol. Merry Bristmas from Urban Apartments.
Published: 19.11.24 by Phoebe Clutton
