Date published: 2024-11-21 | Category: Bath, Business support , Delivering for local residents, Events, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage
The most magical time of the year is set to return to Bath and North East Somerset with only one week to go until the much-loved Bath Christmas Market opens once more.
From November 28 until December 15, Bath city centre will transform into a winter wonderland for 18 days with more than 180 twinkling chalets nestled amongst some of the iconic landmarks, including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Bath’s historic Milsom Street.
Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are invited to Bath Christmas Market one day early to explore the market at an exclusive preview event as the chalets open for the evening, alongside live entertainment, and festive food and drink. The annual residents’ preview evening takes place on Wednesday, November 27 between 5pm and 7pm.
Discovery Card holders in B&NES can also benefit from a range of discounts that are on offer every Monday to Friday during the market.
New to the market this year are quieter shopping times between the hours of 10am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering visitors a calmer experience at the market with a limited entertainment schedule.
The market is also aiming to reduce the number of single-use cups by offering a 50p reduction in the price of hot drinks from any of the market’s catering outlets, for anyone bringing a reusable cup.
This year the market has been shortlisted for ‘Best European Christmas Market’ by travel destination website European Best Destinations. Voting is open until November 27. The event was also named this month as being among eight of the UK’s best Christmas markets by Which? magazine, whose readers also voted Bath their favourite medium sized city earlier this year.
Visitors to Bath Christmas Market are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport, like the city’s three Park & Ride services which are providing additional services during the event. Occupancy levels of all council-owned car parks can be found on the council website and travel information will be displayed on the council’s variable messaging signs.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “With twinkling lights, unique artisan gifts and festive treats, Bath Christmas Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in holiday cheer. This year we have committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable experience with the addition of quiet hours for people who might find busier periods overwhelming, as well as discounts for bringing reusable cups for hot drinks.
“The market will be a boost for local and regional businesses, with 85% of the 230 traders this year based in the South West and 40% of the traders who have signed up for first time based in Bath. We are excited to see everyone come together as a community to celebrate the magic of the season at the market.”
Returning stallholder Orlando Partner, founder of Bath’s Choux Box Patisserie, said: “We love being a part of the festive atmosphere at the Bath Christmas Market! Connecting with our existing customers and introducing ourselves to new people from all over the world in the centre of our beautiful city, it's Bath at its best.”
The opening hours of the market are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Visit the market’s social media accounts for updates about the Christmas Market:
Visit the Bath Christmas Market website: https://bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/
ENDS