SUMMER might only just be drawing to a close but bosses at the Broadmead shopping centre are already gearing up for the all-important festive season.

And the centrepiece of the Christmas plans is an ice-skating rink in the heart of Cabot Circus.

Talks are under way to bring the rink to the Quakers Friars square – the up-market hub of Bristol's main shopping area – and are believed to be at an advanced stage.

The ice rink will be similar to the ones that have been set up at Weston-super-Mare and Cribbs Causeway with great success.

The city came in for criticism three years ago for its lack of Christmas spirit and efforts were made last year to bring back the sparkle to Bristol.

Management at Broadmead are determined to make this year even bigger and better than last year's efforts with more decorations, events and attractions planned for the vital weeks leading up to Christmas.

Last year's popular German Christmas market is set for a return and the plan is to have even more stalls.

Around 30 traders have signed up and the stands will be a permanent feature in Broadmead throughout November and December.

Shoppers will get the chance to tuck into bratwurst and sauerkraut while enjoying a touch of festive sparkle at the traditional open air German market.

The German market complete with wooden chalets has been brought to Bristol by Cabot Circus, the council and German company Wela Markte, which is run by childhood friends Harry Wegener and Andree Langenscheidt, whose families have been running Christmas markets for five generations.

There is also an artisan's market planned for Broadmead, which will be selling gifts and seasonal crafts.

Bristol's Christmas season will officially get under way on Thursday, November 11, when the festive decorations will be turned on by a guest who is still to be confirmed. More money has been spent this time around to bring in extra decorations.

Other plans for the festive season in Bristol include a family funfair on Anchor Square and Millennium Square at the Harbourside.

After protests about the lack of a tree three years ago, the council has decided to once more plant Bristol's tree next to the Cascade Steps on the Centre.

Talks are also under way to bring a family circus to the Castle Park and free coach parking has been agreed for Castle Street throughout the whole of December.

Cabot Circus centre manager James Bailey said: "The weeks leading up to Christmas are always full of excitement and Cabot Circus aims to reflect this with an engaging Christmas lights display and entertainment for shoppers.

"We are very keen to build on the success that we achieved at Cabot Circus during Christmas 2009, when we saw footfall rise significantly and 125,000 people visiting the centre on our busiest shopping day of the year.

"With this in mind, we are currently in discussions with a skate rink operator, that if successful, could see a new dimension added to this year's celebrations. However, plans are yet to be finalised – we hope to announce further details soon."

A spokesman for Broadmead said: "This year will be the biggest and best Christmas in Bristol for many years. We are really excited about the variety and quality of attractions on offer. We are expecting one of our busiest festive seasons for many years."

● A CHRISTMAS shop is one of more than a dozen new stores set to open for business in the city centre in the next month.

The Cadbury Garden Leisure Christmas shop is opening at the Mall Bristol precinct, formerly known as the Galleries.

It is being joined by Family Bargains in former Woolworths store, Past Times, Paperbox, Acuherbs, The Calendar Club, Aura and Oxygen. Another new arrival likely to attract attention is the Dr Spafish store, which will be next door to the new Family Bargains on the ground floor of the shopping centre.

Dr Spafish offers the chance for people to have their toes nibbled by tiny fish. The fish eat away hard skin and the unusual beauty treatment is fast becoming a hit across the country.

Other imminent openings include Cotswold Outdoor in the former Next store on Union Street, Berghaus on Broadmead East, Kick on The Horsefair, and a new underwear and lingerie store in The Arcade.