From how many stalls there will be and the food and drink to try, to how to get there and where to park
Christmas shoppers browse stalls at the Bath Christmas market (Image: Getty Images)
While Bristol is home to a pretty festive Christmas market in Broadmead each year – filled with artisan stalls, twinkling lights, a huge Christmas tree and plenty of food and drink – when many in the local area think of the biggest and most famous Christmas market in our region, minds will no doubt think of Bath.
This year the destination Christmas market, which sees thousands of visitors each year, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2024, it was named the ‘Best UK Christmas Market’ in the UK and one of the best in Europe, according to its website.
Founded in 2001, Bath Christmas Market started as a collection of local businesses and artisans who came together to ‘welcome in the festive period’. Since then, the market event has evolved and now spans from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north, showcasing more than 250 traders from the South West and beyond.
It is now run by Bath & North East Somerset Council with the aim of creating a festive event that benefits local residents and businesses.
When and where is Bath Christmas Market?
Bath Christmas Market will run from Thursday, November 27, to Sunday, December 14 this year. It’s located in the heart of Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage city, specifically spanning from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north. It doesn’t have a specific location but names its central point as being Stall Street (BA1 1QH).
Opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Christmas shoppers browse stalls in the Abbey Courtyard(Image: Matt Cardy/Getty Images)What stalls can you find at Bath Christmas Market?
According to its official description, visitors can: “Soak in the festive cheer while exploring independent boutiques, designer stores, and high street brands, nestled among the cobbled streets and historic landmarks like Bath Abbey”. There will be stall holders selling everything from jewellery and clothing, toiletries and home decor, to art, toys, cheeses, Christmas decorations, preserves, stationery, ceramics, chocolate, and much much more.
The majority of the 250 independent stall holders taking up shop at the market are from the South West – you can find a full list of them here.
Food and drink
In amongst the stalls, you’ll find a vast array of food and drink options – both hot and cold, sweet and savoury. There’s everything from burgers and hotdogs, doughnuts and coffee, to fresh pancakes, Greek cuisine, Italian dishes, tacos, waffles, hot chocolate, and – of course – bars aplenty, serving up alcohol and mulled wines and ciders.
Travel options and how to get there
Road closures
It’s worth noting that road closures are in place throughout the event and no unauthorised vehicles are permitted on site. But, fortunately, there is a train station, central bus routes and several car parks within walking distance of the market.
Park & Ride
Bath is well served by three Park & Ride services that run every 15 minutes, seven days a week. The Park & Ride stations are located at Odd Down (South of Bath), Newbridge (West of Bath), and Lansdown (North of Bath).
Bath’s Park & Ride will be running additional services during the market during the following times:
- Monday to Saturday: Every five minutes from 9.30am to 11.30pm
- Sunday: Every five minutes from 9.30am to 6pm
Train travel
Bath Spa train station is located in the centre of Bath, only a short walk from the market and the city’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. There are regular train services from London Paddington and London Waterloo.
Bristol Temple Meads is just 15 minutes away by train and is a major hub for national rail travel, including links to South Wales and the North. You can book tickets via GWR here.
Crowds flock towards the 2019 Bath Christmas Market moving down Stall Street from Upper Burrough Walls(Image: Paul Gillis)
Bus and coach travel
First West of England operates many bus routes from the bus station located on Dorchester Street by Bath Spa train station. Buses cover routes from the centre and outwards, with other bus operators also covering certain routes in the city – find out more about them here.
One option is to purchase a BathRider ticket, a multi-operator ticket that gives you ‘virtually unlimited’ travel on buses in the Bath urban area. Meanwhile, there’s a dedicated coach drop-off and pick-up zone situated on Royal Avenue, close to the Royal Crescent and Bath on Ice – a 10-minute walk from Milsom Street, the northern zone of the market with dedicated toilet facilities for visitors.
The coach parking is 15 minutes away from the furthest point of the market.
Cars, parking and the Clean Air Zone
Bath is just 10 miles from junction 18 of the M4 motorway and there are also good links from the North and Devon and Cornwall via the M5. And Wales is just a short drive west on the M4.
You can find car parking in Bath via the Parkopedia website. There is also a range of on-street parking options, however it’s worth noting that some areas are reserved for permit holders. Traffic is also bad during the event, so it’s worth bearing that in mind before you travel.
Another aspect of driving in Bath to be aware of is the city’s Clean Air Zone. You can check whether your vehicle will be charged via this link.
Bikes and motorcycles
There are plenty of places to park your bike in the city centre, including under the arch by the Bath Spa railway station. You can check here to plan your cycle route to the market.
Meanwhile, parking your motorbike in designated on-street locations is free, with maximum stay restrictions still applying during the market’s run. There is also a number of motorcycle spaces on Saracen Street, as well as Trim Bridge – find motorcycle parking here.