Christmas Markets

The Christmas Markets return to Gloucester Quays and the historic docks from Saturday 7 November, running every weekend through to Sunday 20 December. It's become a bit of a fixture here, with thousands of people drifting down to the quayside each weekend across November and December.

There are more than 120 traders from across the South West, with the quayside filled with wooden chalets and market stalls. You'll find festive gifts, locally produced foodie products, street food and pop-up bars. A good number of the regulars from the monthly Orchard St Market come back with seasonal specials, and they're joined by new companies bringing artisan crafts, homewares and Christmas decorations. Festoon lighting and Christmas decor dress the site, and the ice rink opens from mid-November, which usually draws crowds beyond the shopping.

It's a weekend-only affair, so you've got plenty of dates to choose from. The markets run every Saturday and Sunday from 7-8 November right through to 19-20 December. On Saturdays they're open 10am to 6pm, and on Sundays 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, so you can just turn up whenever suits you best. If you're coming as part of a coach party, they ask that you book in advance.