Christmas events in Bristol

Shoppers browse the stalls at the 2008 Christmas market in Bath

A touch of festive sparkle is coming Bristol and Bath, in the shape of traditional Christmas markets.

Some 123 wooden chalets will be open at the 2009 Bath Christmas Market, from 26 November to 6 December.

One with a German flavour will opening at Bristol's Quakers Friars, and Broadmead, from 10am on 12 November until 20 December.

The trading chalets will sell everything from food and drink to arts and crafts.

A key feature of Bristol's market will be a huge, 13-metre high 'Christmas pyramid', which will be the focal point of the market's location at the Podium site in Broadmead.

CHRISTMAS PYRAMID Christmas pyramids are traditional German table decorations They are similar to carousels in their operation The pyramids usually have a nativity scene The hot air from the candles turn a propeller attached to the pyramid - this then rotates the nativity scene The Bristol Christmas pyramid will have four levels It will be the biggest Christmas pyramid in the UK

The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is also getting in on the act with its Winter Wonderland, where a traditional Christmas market will feature alongside an outdoor ice rink and Santa's castle.

Staff will be flicking the Christmas lights switch at 5.45pm on Thursday, 12 November and events will run until 6 January 2010.

St Nicholas Market in Bristol will also be getting in on the festive fun, with hundreds of Christmas market stalls on show from 28 November until Christmas Eve - Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm and from 11am until 5pm in Sundays - the market will close for Christmas at 4pm on Christmas Eve.