Christmas

Bristol Shopping Quarter, comprising Broadmead, The Galleries, The Arcade and Cabot Circus, has everything you need for the perfect Christmas shopping trip from high street names such as TK Maxx, Boots and Superdrug to independent shops, cafes and restaurants (over 110 of them) and fabulous festive markets. After shopping, you can relax over a drink, enjoy dinner with friends, go to the cinema, play adventure golf, or even experience virtual reality – check out our leisure and eating out pages for more ideas.

Bristol Christmas Market

Bristol Christmas Market is open from Friday 7 November until Tuesday 23 December. Follow them on Instagram

Bristol Christmas Village

Bristol Christmas Village is back in Castle Park  until 27 December!
Get ready for a magical experience packed with:
Rollahub Roller Rink,
Curling,
Christmas Escape Room,
Waltzers, Dodgems & more, Light Projection Show,
Marshmallow Toasting & Cosy Bar.
Free entry | Perfect for families, friends & festive parties.
Book your experience now at www.christmasinbristol.uk
Let the lights, laughter, and roller-skating begin!
Follow them on Facebook for updates!

Get your Christmas cards at New Room!

The Cards for Good Causes pop-up shop opened its doors at John Wesley’s New Room! The pop-up shop is located in the chapel from 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday and will be with us until 23 December, so come by and help make a difference with your Christmas shopping by buying cards, gifts and more while helping to support charities and community spaces.

Santa O’Clock Christmas Grotto

Running until 24 December 2025, Cabot Circus hosts Santa O’Clock, an up to 30-minute immersive family adventure.

Step into a world where Christmas runs on time until one clock stops, and it’s down to you to restart the Wishmas Clock. Learn more at santa-oclock-christmas-grotto

Christmas Activities: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Join John Wesley’s New Room for their festive activities: Christmas Crafts and UV Angel trail! Learn more on this page.

Lidl Christmas Toy Bank

Through their Toy Banks, shoppers can donate unopened toys and gifts, from stocking fillers to something bigger. They’ll make sure your gift is donated to children in your area through their store partnerships with charities, food banks and community groups. You will find the Toy Bank near the exit in their Broadmead store, just past the tills. Donations can be made at any time during opening hours until 15 December.

Hope Against Suicide’s Listening Hub

Their Listening Hub in The Arcade is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30–14:30. As their volunteer team grows, they’re hoping to gently build up the days and hours they can offer.
Anyone aged 18+ is welcome to come in, the space has been set up to feel homely, calm and safe. They take both walk-ins and appointments, though they do recommend booking ahead where possible, as it’s a small space and can fill up quite quickly. Book online and learn more about what they do on their website.

The Giving Tree at Cabot Circus

Christmas at Cabot Circus is all about the magic of giving and The Giving Tree is back until 24 December.

How does it work:

  • Pick a name tag from the tree
  • Choose a gift for someone in need
  • Return it (unwrapped) to their Donation Box.

Their team will wrap and deliver your present to those who need it most.

Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. They’re so grateful to their community for keeping the giving spirit alive this Christmas.

Visit Santa!

Visit Santa for free in the Arcade on Sunday 21 December!

Salvation Army Band

The Salvation Army Band will be providing some festive music for the Broadmead shoppers on 29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December. They will start around 10:30 in the morning with the second band taking over at 12:30 until 2:30pm.

1625 Independent People’s Christmas Choir

Looking to enjoy some Christmas music for a good cause?
Join them at Cabot Circus for a special performance from local choirs, spreading festive cheer and raising funds to support young people facing homelessness this winter.
Saturday 6 December, 1–3pm & Saturday 13 December, 12–2pm
Upper Ground, above Tortilla and Typo.

Winter Well-Being Hub

This December YCYS is hosting a Winter Well-being Hub at The Galleries on the second floor on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 20 December between 11am and 3pm. This space will be a community connection point for those who may find the festive season challenging.

Christmas has landed at Card Shack!

Within foot steps of the Christmas market, Card Shack in The Arcade will be staying open for longer throughout November and December, with most evenings until 7pm!

Once again, Card Shack will be offering their famous Gift-Wrapping Service for only £1 per gift wrapped. (note: based on a shoe box size, anything bigger will be a tad more expensive).

This includes festive kraft paper, a tied ribbon and gift tag. You are welcome to bring in gifts bought elsewhere and they’d be happy to get wrapping. Learn more on this page.

Marmalade Trust

Marmalade Trust don’t want anyone to spend Christmas Day alone if they don’t want to, so they invite them to join them for a free festive lunch on the big day, or a doorstep visit. You can refer yourself or someone you know. They are also delighted to be accepting volunteer applications and referrals for Christmas Cheer this year. Find out more on this page.

A woman with a blue paper crown, laughing, is sitting at a Christmas table with an elderly man with a yellow paper crown. There's a Christmas tree in the background.

Christmas Parties at Future Inn

Celebrate the festive season in style with an unforgettable Christmas Party at Future Inn Bristol. Located in the heart of the city centre, enjoy a warm and welcoming festive event space, complete with a delicious traditional three-course dinner.

Whether you’re planning a private celebration during the week or want to join the fun at one of their lively shared party nights on a Friday or Saturday, their party packages offer something for everyone. When it comes to Christmas 2025, they’ve got you covered!

To book your space or for further information, please contact:
Tel: 0117 304 1010
Email: meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk
And visit futureinns.co.uk/bristol/christmas/party-nights/

The Love Bristol gift card

Bristol is home to an incredibly diverse shopping, dining and entertainment scene. Take the guesswork out of present-buying and give the gift of Bristol city centre. From independents to well-known brands, there’s something for everyone.

With over 190 venues accepting the Love Bristol Gift Card you’ll be spoilt for choice!

You can buy the Love Bristol gift card online or call into Trespass on Merchant Street South or in Prior in Quakers Friars, where you can pick up a card, then load it at loadthiscard.com, and gift it.

12 days of Bristmas

Win a piece of the city: ‘12 Days of Bristmas’ competition launches with exclusive, money-can’t-buy Bristol experiences! Learn more at 12-days-of-bristmas/

Further information about Christmas 2025 will be published here when available, meanwhile, visit our News & Events page to find out what’s happening throughout the year.