A city renowned for its hustle, bustle and thriving independent identity, Bristol is a wonderfully vibrant place to be during the Christmas period. Filled to the brim with local sellers, extraordinary finds and the dichotomy of opulent architecture against striking graffiti, you can see why many students, young professionals and families flock to this city no matter the time of year.
If you are a Bristol local, you may be familiar with the pulsating and extremely busy large Christmas market in Broadmead. Perfectly pastiche and kitsch, it is a mixture of tantalising smells of Bratwurst, big plastic tumblers filled with beer, and over 50 mock-Germanic style wooden chalets, selling a whole host of treats, eats and gifts. Although this is one of Bristol’s larger Christmas markets, there are plenty more throughout the city home to independent sellers showcasing their homemade art, toiletries, jewellery, and edible treats!
It is always important to support small businesses, and even more so during the Christmas period. Supporting an independent seller, whether it is a coffee shop or retail business, means that you are helping to grow and nurture the local economy and community. Plus, you are enriching the lives of the business owner, helping them to put food on the table for Christmas time and pay their dedicated staff.
With this in mind, we decided to collate together the best independent Christmas markets in Bristol, hosting a variety of talented sellers, so you can get all of your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop!
Christmas Market at Arnos Vale
December 1st 2019
A unique heritage site in the heart of Bristol, Arnos Vale is a beautiful Victorian Garden cemetery, a popular choice for weddings and country walks throughout the year. Renowned for its graceful Gothic buildings, Arnos Vale is more than just a cemetery - offering talks, tours, exercise and art classes. Once the evenings darken and a distinct chill pervades through the air, Arnos Vale opens it’s gates and hosts a stunning Christmas market in their regal Grade II-listed Anglican chapel and contemporary Spielman centre.
St Nick’s Night Market
December 6th 2019
Nestled within a glass Georgian arcade in the old city, St Nick’s is known for its popular day time antiques market and fragrant food stalls. Yet, for one night only, this space becomes alive once more, creating a delicious feast for all senses! Featuring local food produce, live music, dancing and late-night shopping pursuits, this is a wonderful place to buy presents and dive into the Christmas spirit, all underneath glittering Christmas lights.
Wapping Wharf Christmas Market
November 14th 2019
Tucked behind the M-shed and just metres away from the cities historic harbour is Wapping Wharf, a lovely cosmopolitan space featuring trendy independent eateries housed inside shipping containers and newly built metropolises. Written as ‘one of the final pieces in the jigsaw’ of Bristol’s iconic floating harbour, Wapping Wharf was intended to convey Bristol’s ever-growing and flourishing independent urban identity and also aims to restore previously derelict buildings to enhance the cities’ dock conservation area.
During this Christmas market, the stunning lights will be switched on and audiences can watch the Tobacco Factories cast of Snow White perform classic musical numbers. Each independent business will have their own take on this Christmas market, offering you toffee apples, mulled cider, festive cheese nibbles and much more - the perfect place for a foodie!
Tobacco Factory Christmas Market
1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of December 2019.
BS3 residents won’t be a stranger to the weekly Tobacco Factory market, yet on Sundays throughout December, this historic industrial space is transformed into a winter wonderland. Plus, they accept Bristol Pounds at every stall, helping to boost Bristol’s local economy! This Christmas market prides themselves on offering ethical, eco-friendly, fairtrade, organic and local sellers - so you can shop with a clear conscience, especially if you are planning on having a sustainable Christmas this year!
Made in Bristol Gift Fair
23rd & 24th November, 30th November & 1st December, 7th December & 8th December 2019
Priding themselves on offering colourful pieces, creative sellers and a community ethos, the Made in Bristol Gift Fair brings together some of Bristol’s most talented local makers, helping to support independent businesses. Filling the foyer of the Colston Hall, this is a wonderful place if you are looking for truly original and unique Christmas gifts.
Bristol Etsy Made Local
30th November & 1st December 2019
Here at Lillicoco, you may be aware that we have a flourishing Etsy site as well as our main website. Etsy is a great platform for local makers to exhibit their pieces both nationally and internationally, plus they also host great fairs too in major cities with local sellers. Securing City Hall on College Green, this a great place to pop into and peruse to tick off Christmas gifts.
Shopping locally at Christmas time can truly make a difference, not only can you be assured to receive rare, well-made and one-of-a-kind pieces, but you can also feel good about where you are spending your pennies. Plus, small brands doesn’t equate to big budget, there are many affordable pieces you can find from local sellers too, great if you concerned about overspending at this time of year!
If you are searching for antique jewellery in Bristol, then here at Lillicoco, we are the perfect brand for you. We hand-select only the finest pieces from various periods in European history, giving you the confidence that they can last for the centuries to come. In fact, some of our gorgeous one-offs date all the way back to the Georgian era! Whether you are looking for something exceptional like a Diamond engagement ring, or you think your loved one would adore a dainty Gold stick pin, we have an array of beautiful pieces to choose from.
To see our delectable delights, simply browse our website and our Etsy pages, if you have any questions do not hesitate to email us enquiries@lillicoco.com or give us a ring on +44(0)117 925 4798.