After a two-year hiatus, Bath Christmas Market is back this year to entice Christmas shoppers and merrymakers with a glittering winter wonderland. From 23rd November to 12th December 2023, you can step into a world of magic, where the scents of pines and spices mingle in the air and makers and producers from all over the South West sell their traditional and artisanal goods. Filled with cheer, it’s bound to inspire a delightful festive spirit in all generations.
With over 170 chalets, each hand-picked and selling local and artisan gifts from Bath and the South West, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for unique, beautiful gifts this Christmas. Alongside stalls selling delicious food and drink (mulled wine and a mince pie, anyone?) and the oh-so-pretty architecture of Bath as your backdrop, we couldn’t think of a nicer way to start the Christmas countdown.
About the Market
Food and Drink
Opening Times and Tickets
Facilities and Transport
Nearby Attractions
Bath on Ice
About the Market
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One of the best Christmas markets in Somerset, Bath Christmas Market will line the streets of central Bath over several weeks this winter and transform the city into a festive wonderland. Pull on your woolly layers and peruse the dozens upon dozens of decorated Christmas stalls, wooden huts and pop-up chalets for that perfect gift or keepsake. Each manned by the finest crafters, producers and makers from Bath, the South West and beyond, the market’s stalls promise everything from unique homeware to handmade jewellery to ornate decorations and more.
If you’re in a quandary over what to buy for your loved ones this Christmas, you couldn’t find anywhere better to spend time looking for gifts than the market’s picture-postcard avenues of Christmas cabins and stalls. What’s more, you’ll also be able to enjoy the knowledge that this Christmas market champions small businesses and local charities, with over £26,000 being raised for charity in 2019 alone through the market. With sustainability being a core focus for the Bath Christmas Market, plastic and single-use is being boycotted wherever possible in favour of eco-friendly alternatives, which is a big tick for us!
Food and Drink
As the scent of spices and tasty tipples dance in the air, the temptation of festive treats will be seriously hard to resist at Bath Christmas Market. For the foodie fans, head over to the dedicated food stands selling everything from pretzels to mince pies, and from bratwurst to chocolate-covered fruit sticks. The perfect winter warmer, you’ll find mulled wine by the urnful, as well as speciality hot chocolates and boozy coffees that’ll be sure to deliciously warm the belly. Grab your go-to seasonal favourites or try something completely new and enjoy bite-size tastes of heaven as you wander around the market.
Opening Times and Tickets
One of the best things about Bath Christmas Market is that you don’t need to pre-book or buy tickets to go. This free-to-explore market takes place on the Georgian streets of Bath’s historic city centre, meaning that all you have to do is turn up. And, surrounded by some of the most famous sites in Bath, there are few other locations that can rival Bath Christmas Market for beauty. Enjoy the Christmassy atmosphere from 23rd November to 12th December 2023 and make the most of the festive calendar. Running seven days a week, the market is open 10am to 7pm from Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm from Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sunday.
Facilities and Transport
The family-friendly Bath Christmas Market is served by a wide number of facilities and amenities around the city itself, including toilets and world-class eateries. Bath has great transport links with many major cities including Bristol, Cardiff, Southampton and London, as well as smaller towns across the South West. If you wish to travel by car, Bath’s Park and Ride services are increased throughout the event and there are car parks a short distance from the market. There are also bus stops throughout the city, including a bus station next to Bath Spa train station.
Nearby Attractions
Bath Christmas Market is spread out across the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath. A wonderful event that transforms the city’s streets into a kaleidoscope of colour and twinkling lights, it’s the kind of festive celebration that’ll enchant all ages. That said, if you’d like to branch out for a while and explore the iconic architecture and sites of the city, you’ll also find a huge array of attractions in Bath within a stone’s throw of the market.
Must-sees are the 2,000-year-old Roman Baths and the fantastic 16th Century Bath Abbey, two incredible attractions full of intrigue and history. For unmissable walking opportunities and stunning views in the city, pop Prior Park Landscape Garden and Bath Skyline Walk on your list. Or, if your feet are aching from all that exploring, you can also take time out at the famous Thermae Bath Spa for a bit of a pre-Christmas pamper. Well, why not?
Bath On Ice
Should you be looking to burn off the mince pies or the whiff of mulled wine has made you extra confident, then Bath’s seasonal ice rink is a must-visit. Home to an open-air ice skating rink and an alpine bar stocked with seasonal specialities, Bath on Ice encourages you to unleash your inner child and wobble, zip and skate your way to creating unforgettable memories. For even more fun, Bath’s Glow Golf is situated next door to the ice rink, featuring an adventure golf course illuminated with multi-coloured bulbs, glow-in-the-dark golf balls and strings of fairy lights for a truly magical, if not slightly competitive, experience.
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Bath Christmas Market, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HA | www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk
