Everything you need to know about Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market will return for another year this November, promising all kinds of festive treats to get you in the yuletide spirit.
Every year, around 500,000 visitors flock to the free event, which features 200 independent sellers offering a range of seasonal gifts, food and drink. It’s a sight to behold too, as the market spans the historic centre of the city – from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street – stretching out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian architecture.
If you’re planning to visit in 2024, these are the key things to know in advance...
When is Bath Christmas Market 2024?
This year, the festive event will take place from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 15th December 2024. From Monday to Wednesday, the market will be open from 10am to 7pm – and from Thursday to Saturday it’ll run from 10am to 8pm. Opening hours on Sundays, however, will be from 10 am to 6pm.
What to expect
There’s a reason Bath is one the best-loved Christmas markets in the UK and that comes down to, not just the historic setting, but also the wide variety of stalls.
This year more than 200 stallholders will offer everything from personalised presents and artisan cheese, to handmade jewellery and festive trinkets – plus plenty more. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink, with vendors offering lashings of mulled wine and festive favourites – alongside treats to take home.
How to get to Bath Christmas Market
Event organisers recommend getting to Bath by train, as the city has direct transport links to many major cities including Reading, Southampton, Cardiff, London, and Bristol. For those wanting to come by car, the city’s Park and Ride services run throughout the winter event – with a bus stop conveniently located outside the market itself.
What are some of the highlights for this year?
Pick up some of Elsa Rose Frere’s playful stationary and prints for Christmas cards or presents, or stop by Treasure Gardens for gifts for the green-fingered enthusiast in your life, including rustic outdoor accessories, birdfeeders, birdhouses and more.
Bath-based artist Georgia Cox will also be showcasing her intricate flower compositions made with oil and gold leaf, while you’ll find hand-painted stoneware ceramics at Jo Duck’s stand, with mugs, jugs, bowls, salt pigs and platters inspired by local architecture and nature.
Local food and drink always shines at the Bath Christmas Market. For 2024, drop by Honey's Cider - made on a family farm just two miles away from the city centre - as well as Black Cow, for a truly unique gift of vodka made from milk, and the Pudding Wagon for some delicious gooey brownies.
Why is the normal Bath Christmas Market so popular?
Aside from its stunning location on the picturesque streets of Bath, the Christmas market usually has 200 cute chalets dotted around for shoppers to browse and buy Christmas delights that range from festive decorations to handcrafted jewellery.
Nearly 90% of stallholders are from Bath and the surrounding area, so you can support local traders while picking up high-quality handmade produce.
Gifts at the usual market include blown glass baubles and paperweights, environmentally-friendly and vegan perfumes, ethically-sourced timber products that make lovely plastic-free alternatives in the home, such as crates for Christmas hampers and kitchen herb planters - plus loads more.
On a Christmas market break in the enchanting city, you can soak up the yuletide spirit as you take to the Georgian streets and explore Bath at Christmas. With the best of local produce on offer, you'll experience a real taste of Somerset, while enjoying the German tradition of visiting a festive market.
From caramelised nuts and mulled wine to hog roast and bratwurst, there are plenty of foodie treats available for you to feast on as you stroll the city's sparkling masterpiece in the run-up to the big day.
Where to stay?
If you're visiting for the weekend, be sure to check into the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa for a luxury escape. Read our full review here
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