When you think of Christmas, you probably think about delicious food, gifts under the tree, and a small child savagely injuring would-be burglars. Of course, you might also conjure up images of Christmas shopping. You might be going here to try and find bargains on gift options, or you might be flipping through endless catalogs trying to find something unique. Either way you’re on the hunt. No doubt that can be one of the more stressful parts of the Christmas period because of wishlists and budgets.If your family hasn’t been hinting ideas for ideal gifts then it can feel less like a fun exercise and more like a stressful tour trying to pick something they like.

But it doesn’t have to be this way, why notconsider visiting another city to turn your Christmas shopping from a chore into a fun trip?

Here are just a few reasons why Bristol is the ideal place for your Christmas shopping trip.

Extensive Shopping Options

The first thing you need to think about when looking at Christmas shopping locations is just what kind of retailers you’ll find in each potential spot. Bristol is a relatively small city, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to shopping opportunities. Offering everything from high-street favourites to independent stores, often at competitive prices to online gift shops. It’s a shopper’s dream location.

Fabulous Christmas Market

Christmas shopping doesn’t just mean heading to your favourite stores. Christmas markets across the country offer handcrafted gifts and delicious snacks and drinks. Bristol hosts one of the best around, with over 50 unique stalls, reindeer petting, and even visits from Santa himself!

Easily Walkable

You might think a larger city like London or Manchester would be your best bet for Christmas shopping. Problem is, you can’t really walk around those cities unless you want to get very sore feet. Instead, you’ll be packed into public transportation – getting the tube at Oxford Circus is no joke during the Christmas shopping period. Bristol is relatively small, so you can walk around most shopping districts without wearing yourself out.

Fantastic Christmas Atmosphere

Finally, Bristol tends to feel more Christmassy than other cities. It has retained much of its Regency and Georgian architecture, and there’s usually a good chance of snow. Look up from your smartphone and you’ll feel like you’re strolling through a Victorian Christmas scene.