As we start gearing up for Christmas, our thoughts inevitably move towards buying presents for friends and loved ones. Before you turn to online shopping or big department stores, don't forget that Bristol boasts a host of fantastic festive markets where you can buy handmade and homemade presents that you're unlikely to find on the high street.
Here's our guide to the many festivals, markets, fairs (and indeed fayres) where you can find something special and get into the Christmas spirit:
Bristol German Christmas Market
Shaun Curnow
Now in its seventh year, the Bristol German Christmas Market is a popular addition to Broadmead, featuring 38 traditional chalets, a nativity pyramid and a giant advent calendar. Plus, of course, the chance to quaff German ale in the beer garden, unwind with an alcoholic hot chocolate or chomp on a hot sausage.
German Christmas Market. November 6-December 22, 10am-8pm (beer garden 10am-10pm). Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3DX. More info here.
Longwell Christmas Craft and Gift Fair
With a tombola for charity and free parking the Longwell Green Community Centre Christmas Fair might be small, but you'll be able to find something for all the family.
Christmas Craft and Gift Fair. November 7, midday-4pm. Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road, Longwell Green, Bristol, BS30 9DU. More details here.
Bishopston Christmas Market
This late night shopping event will be packed with artisan, local producers and craftspeople who'll be selling personalised gifts and handmade treats.
Bishopston Christmas Market. November 19, 7.15-10pm. Bishop Road Primary School, Bristol, BS7 8LS. More information here.
Clifton Arcade Christmas Fayre
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The Clifton Arcade Christmas Fayre will bring Christmas goodies to the village, making it the perfect place for gift shopping. Shoppers will also be treated to live Christmas music and carols from a local children's choir.
The Clifton Arcade Christmas Fayre. November 28, 10am -9pm. Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4AA. More info here.
Medley Market Winter Weekender
A delightful local flea market, which will be celebrating the season with a special winter weekend market, where you'll find clothes, gifts, cards, art, vintage, collectables and more. There's also a festive cafe with homemade food to enjoy. More info here.
Medley Market Winter Weekender. November 28-29, midday-4pm. All Hallows Hall, All Hallows Road, Easton, Bristol BS5 0HH. More info here.
North Street Christmas Fair
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North Street in Bedminster will be taken over by a beautiful Christmas market showcasing a wide range of traders on the street with unique arts and crafts, festive food and drink, and music to encourage the festive spirit.
North Street Christmas Fair. November 28, 10am-4pm. North Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3. More info here.
Harbourside Christmas Market
Harbourside Christmas Market
Millennium Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with a festive artisan market, Christmas Speigeltent and the At Bristol ice rink nearby. The Harbourside Christmas Market will run for four weekends from the end of November, where you'll be able to buy gifts, decorations, festive lights, food and more.
Harbourside Christmas Market. November 28-29, December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 11am-5pm. 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5UH. More details here.
St. Werburghs Christmas Market
If you need a reason to shop local, the popular community led St. Werburghs Christmas Market will have original arts and crafts across 40 stall packed with gifts including art, cosmetics, wood carvings, toys and more. There'll also be live performances, a cafe and children's activities, too.
St Werburghs Christmas Market. December 4, 5pm-8pm. St Werburghs Community Centre, Horley Rd, Bristol, BS2 9TJ. More info here.
Brunel Square Christmas Market
Brunel Square Market
The Brunel Square Market, held next to the SS Great Britain, is holding a festive event on December 5, with steaming mulled wine, hot chestnuts, waffles, warming chai, local venison, live music and lots of opportunities to shop for gifts, both foodie and crafty.
Brunel Square Christmas Market. December 5, 10am-3pm. Gas Ferry Rd, Bristol BS1 6TY. More info here
Etsy Christmas Market & Pop-Up Shop
Creative sellers from craft website Etsy will be hosting an Etsy Made Local market event, in the outside courtyard of The Island, with a pop up shop inside. Expect festive music, decorations, food, drink and more.
Etsy Christmas Market & Pop-Up Shop. December 5-6 (market), December 5-11 (shop). The Island, Old Bridewell Police Station, Nelson Street, BS1 2LE. More info here.
Picton Street Fayre and Festival
A Christmas market with a nautical twist! While you'll be able to find festival stalls, fairy lights and the chance to meet Santa, there'll also be live music and a pantomime, with visitors are encouraged to dress up in fancy dress as a Picton Street pirate.
Picton Street Fayre and Festival. December 12, 11am-8pm. Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5PZ. More info here
East Street Christmas Fair
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Promising to be bigger and better than ever, the East Street Christmas Fair will feature interactive games dance performances, Christmas carols, mulled wine and a real life visit from Rudolph the reindeer, before leading into the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade.
East Street Christmas Fair. December 12, 10am-4pm. East Street, Bedminster, BS3. More details here.
Market at the Moon
Market at the Moon
Selling everything from records and soap, to candles and Christmas cookies, the Market at the Moon in Stokes Croft will have a festive flavour for every Saturday in November and December.
Market at the Moon. Every Saturday, midday-6pm. The Full Moon & Attic Bar, North Street, Stokes Croft, BS1 3PR. More info here.
Is there a Christmas market that we've missed? Let us know: bristolblognetwork@timeout.com
If you like to shop independent in Bristol, take a look at some of the city's best vintage furniture shops.