As Christmas approaches and you get into the festive spirit, you might want to visit some local events with your family.
Here are five of the best Christmas markets to visit in our local area.
1. Bristol Christmas market
The Bristol Christmas market, running from 1 November to 23 December 2024, is one of the largest events in the area.
You can enjoy 35 stalls offering all manner of festive food and drink, and wonderful Christmas gifts all centred around the impressive 30-foot Christmas tree. Children will have the chance to meet Santa and his elves and enjoy the fairground rides, and there will be music and entertainment on for the adults too.
While there, you’ll want to visit the Candy Factory escape room experience where you’ll solve puzzles and help the factory mastermind create the ultimate Christmas treat. This is a popular attraction so it’s worth booking tickets on the Bristol Christmas market site to make sure you don’t miss out.
Also, if the hustle and bustle of the market is too much, you can book a private gondola where you can relax and enjoy some mulled wine or a hot chocolate.
2. New Manor Farm Shop Christmas market
New Manor Farm, on the outskirts of Bristol, is a quaint shop and restaurant, selling delicious locally produced goods year-round.
On 1 December 2024, the farm shop will host a Christmas market with lots of stalls selling the usual festive treats. You could even pick up some quality produce for your Christmas dinner at the butcher’s window. Later in the evening, you can enjoy some music and entertainment.
Although a much smaller market than the some of the large city offerings, New Manor Farm Christmas market is an excellent event to attend if you want to support local producers.
3. Cheltenham Christmas market
Cheltenham will play host to two Christmas gift markets this year. The first is the Christmas gift market taking place from 21 to 24 November 2024. This is your typical Christmas market with wooden chalets selling all manner of festive food and drink and decorations.
However, if you’re looking for some unique Christmas gifts, the arts and crafts Christmas market from 12 to 22 December is perfect. Local artists and craftspeople will be selling handmade jewellery, glassware, pottery and art.
Entrance to both Cheltenham Christmas markets is free.
4. Bath Christmas market
The historic streets of Bath are the perfect setting for the Christmas market, taking place between 28 November and 15 December 2024.
The many stalls in the city centre will be run by local food traders and creators, and there are some excellent festive activities to enjoy too.
Throughout November, you can visit the ice rink, complete with festive music and seasonal drinks served at the bar. There will be a Santa’s grotto open for the children on 28 November too.
The historic house at number 1 Royal Crescent will also be open for a themed 12 Days of Georgian Christmas tour between 15 November and 31 December. This seasonal event is a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and learn about the festive traditions of the past.
Finally, there are numerous music events on through the festive period. You can find details of all the different activities on the Bath Christmas market website.
5. Ramsbury Brewery Christmas food and artisan market
The Ramsbury Estate is a collection of farms dedicated to sustainable practices. To this end, they created a brewery and distillery, producing beer and gin with ingredients and waste materials sourced from their farms.
The Ramsbury Brewery Christmas food and artisan market is a brilliant opportunity to visit the site and sample their produce. There will also be more than 40 stalls with lots of local food and crafts.
As well as the market, the whole family can enjoy fairground rides and live music events at the brewery.
Which of these wonderful Christmas markets will you visit with your loved ones this year?