The Bath Christmas Market is one of the few UK markets where nearly 80% of stallholders come from the surrounding South West region, giving it a distinctly local feel you won’t find at most city markets. Over 200 chalets wind through the Georgian streets around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, and the setting alone makes it one of the most photographed Christmas markets in England.
Bath Christmas Market 2026
Dates
Status: Confirmed
Bath dates: 26th November to 13th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Dates were announced in February. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via the Bath City Council.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: In the streets around Bath Abbey, stretching from Abbeygate Street south to Milsom Street north.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Quieter shopping: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm (reduced entertainment, ideal for those with sensory sensitivities).
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: City Walking Tour with entry to the Roman Baths.
Public transport: Bath Spa railway station is a 5 minute walk. Regular services run from London Paddington, London Waterloo and Bristol Temple Meads. Great Western Railway adds extra Saturday services during the market.
Park and Ride: Three sites at Lansdown, Newbridge, and Odd Down run extended hours during the market.
Parking: Driving into the city centre is strongly discouraged. Use Park and Ride or public transport.
Where to stay: Hotel Eight is located directly across from the event.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Lights: Switch on date: Find all event details.
Santa: Yes, Father Christmas grotto at Milsom Place.
Ice skating: No.
Carousel: A vintage carousel operates on Stall Street.
Reusable cup discount: Bring your own cup for 50p off hot drinks at participating stalls.
Reason to visit: A distinctly British artisan market set against UNESCO World Heritage architecture, with the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa minutes away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Plenty of options.
Vegan: Limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Bath Buns, Sally Lunn buns, local Somerset cheeses, artisan ciders, craft gins from Bath distilleries.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, though the narrow Georgian streets become very congested on weekends. For a calmer experience, visit during the designated quieter shopping hours on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are technically allowed but not recommended due to the dense crowds.
Convenient Hotels
Bath’s Hotel Eight is an excellent choice for winter visitors, as it is steps from Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. Whether you’re visiting specifically for the market or just for a regular weekend getaway, there’s something suitable for every budget. Here’s the complete list of hotels in Bath that I recommend.
Read our complete list of UK Christmas Markets.
Visitor Feedback
What Visitors Loved
- The setting is genuinely special. Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and the Georgian architecture create a backdrop that regularly earns this market “best in the UK” accolades.
- Around 80% of stallholders are from Bath and the wider South West, giving the market a more local and artisan feel than many UK competitors. Visitors frequently note the high proportion of genuinely handmade goods.
- Weekday visits, particularly mornings, are a completely different experience. Visitors who arrive before noon on a Tuesday or Wednesday consistently describe the market as peaceful and enjoyable.
- The live entertainment is a highlight, with choirs performing in and around Bath Abbey, buskers along the streets, and the Shoppers’ Carols sessions on Saturday afternoons.
Common Complaints
- Weekend crowds are the number one issue. Bath’s narrow Georgian streets were not designed for nearly half a million visitors over 18 days, and Saturday afternoons in particular can feel uncomfortably packed.
- Prices draw frequent criticism, both at the stalls and for food and drink. Several visitors have described items as overpriced compared to other UK markets.
- Some repeat visitors feel the variety of stalls has narrowed in recent years, with a heavy concentration of cheese, gin, jewellery and chutney stalls and less of the quirky variety the market once had.
- Getting in and out of Bath on market weekends is a challenge. Park and Ride queues can be long, car parks fill early, and trains are often at capacity.
The Bottom Line
The market is at its best on a weekday, ideally before noon, when you can actually browse the stalls and enjoy the stunning setting without the crush. If you can only visit on a weekend, arrive early, use the Park and Ride, and plan to explore the wider city rather than spending the entire visit in the market streets.
Location Map
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
What to Expect
Bath has been a wellbeing destination for centuries, from the Roman temple of Sulis Minerva to the modern Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in naturally heated rooftop pools overlooking the city. The food scene is equally strong, with local producers, craft breweries and Bath’s own gin distilleries all well represented.
The market is centred around Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, with more than 170 chalets lining the Georgian streets. A vintage carousel, live performances and choirs singing by candlelight in the Abbey add to the atmosphere. For independent makers beyond the main market, check out the Makers Markets at Milsom Place and the Independent Market at Green Park Station.
Additional Events
- Artisan Market at The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells:
7th and 8th November 2026 (unconfirmed) – 10am to 4pm.
This two-day event brings together talented artisans who showcase their handcrafted goods, including ceramics, glassware, fine art, and gourmet foods. - Christmas at Stourhead:
27th November to 29th November 2026 (unconfirmed) – 4:15pm to 9:30pm.
The world-renowned landscape garden is transformed into a spectacle of shimmering lights and festive colours. Bookings are essential. Book here. - Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury:
27th November to 31st December 2026 (unconfirmed).
Known for its diverse collection of trees and shrubs, the Arboretum hosts an illuminated trail that guides visitors through the woodland. The event also features festive music and food stalls. Official Westonbirt event details.
At the Market Stalls
- Bath Buns: Sweet enriched rolls studded with currants and topped with crushed sugar nibs. A Bath original since the 18th century.
- Sally Lunn Buns: Large, brioche-style buns from Bath’s oldest house. Sally Lunn’s Eating House on North Parade Passage is just steps from the market and still bakes them to the original recipe.
- Somerset Cheese Toasties: Vendors use local creamery cheeses, often paired with chutneys and pickles from nearby producers.
- Mulled Wine and Cider: The cider here is worth trying, made with Somerset apples. Look out for commemorative mugs you can keep as a souvenir.
- Mince Pies: A classic, and several stalls offer handmade versions with homemade pastry and spiced fillings.
What to Buy
- Bath Gin: Several local distilleries sell directly at the market. Bottles make excellent gifts and are unique to the region.
- Handmade Jewellery: Bath has a strong artisan jewellery scene, and many of the makers at the market are local silversmiths and goldsmiths selling pieces you won’t find elsewhere.
- Locally Made Candles: Brands like Limelight Bath produce hand-poured soy candles in scents inspired by the South West.
- Ceramics and Pottery: Look for pieces by South West ceramicists, including hand-thrown mugs and glazed bowls.
- Personalised Gifts: Several stalls offer custom engraving, hand-lettering, and bespoke items made to order while you wait.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Use Park and Ride or the train. Bath Spa station is a five minute walk from the market.
- Bring a reusable cup for a 50p discount on hot drinks at participating stalls.
- Shop mindfully. The market’s strength is local, handmade goods. Support the makers rather than buying items you could find anywhere.
- Stay in a hotel rather than a short-stay apartment to help keep housing affordable for locals.
- Visit midweek to reduce pressure on the city’s narrow streets and public transport.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Is this a German Christmas market, or more of an English artisan market. Are tehre things to suit all budgets or is it more high end?
It’s a great pity that the Christmas market is only on until 11th December, we only arrive on the 21st. Do you know of a market not too far away that we could visit?
pathetic comment “‘wellbeing’ city and has been for centuries”. Wellbeing is a modern word which wouldn’t have been used till the past couple of years!!
You have failed to grasp the meaning of a simple statement.
I suggest putting the days of the week as well as start and end dates for any event would be helpful to save people having to leave your site to check a calendar eg to see whst day of the week 11th December is.
Thanks for the feedback, I will keep this in mind with future updates.
will the carousel be in bath this year ?
Yes
Will the market be open all day on the 11th december?
Thanks so much
From 10am to 6pm.