Total Guide to Bath Christmas Market

If British Vogue says that The Bath Christmas Market is one of the best in the U.K. then you can believe its as good as they say. The numbers of visitors arriving in the city hoping to whizz through their Christmas shopping lists, grab a mulled wine or two and enjoy Bath as its twinkly best is growing year on year.

Image via bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

No FOMO (fear of missing out) here; use our handy Total Guide to Bath guide to ensure you have the very best festive trip to Bath this winter.

Firstly, let’s lay down some basics: The Bath Christmas Market, is open air, and starts 22nd November and closes two and a half weeks later on 9th December.

It’s free to get in and the opening times change throughout the week:

• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am–7pm
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am–8:30pm
• Sunday, 10am–6pm

For places to stay, see our curated listings page with apartments, self-catering properties, and hotels to suit all budgets, size of your group and party members.

The weekends and lunchtimes whilst atmospheric, be warned, they can be very busy. However, weekday evenings and mornings are quieter if you want a slower paced shopping experience. The organisers says it is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies.

Where is it?!

Head for The Bath Abbey, The Roman Baths or The Thermae Spa (all of course signposted) in central Bath and you’ll be sure to find the myriad of Christmas chalets.

Last year the area in Southgate, Union Street and Hot Bath Street saw the market grow here hand this year the chalets will also include the top of town on Milsom Street.

Each year there is a handy map showing where each chalet sits and which trader is in which chalet, but at the time of going to press this wasn’t yet available. We will let you know when it is! Paper versions will be available too to collect from the Visitor Centre on Terrace Walk, which is where you’ll also find some public toilets.

What can you expect?

Over 200 chalets selling a wide range of gifts, crafts and fare. The stallholders are selected by the organisers to find a wide range of offers as well as a high standardof trader, with a high percentage (circa 80%) being based right here in Bath or the South West. And with each new year, this being its 18th, new stallholders are introduced, meaning that even if you’ve been before you’re sure to find something new to tempt you with.

Do take plenty of cash, whilst most stallholder do have chip and pin machines some might take cash only. There are near cash machines, but these often have queues, so make that cashpoint trip early!

And things aren’t just confined to the chalets either, keep an eye out for in-store pop up’s and promotions as shop owners and businesses get creative, knowing that YOU are in town.

There are pop-up chalets too, smaller businesses who want a more flexible time at the market and who might only appear for a few days; which basically means you have to keep popping back to making sure you get the full Bath Christmas Market experience!

The Lodge is but one place you’ll find festive fare and drinks to keep your energy levels up and hydrated ahead of tackling your shopping lists. Either that or a reward for all your hard work as it’s a cosy and warm place to stop a while, or to meet with friends.

And be sure to watch for the Charities Chalet where a different charity pops up each day and looks for your support with their own individual offering.

Getting there...

Bath Christmas Market is located in the city centre, only a short walk from Bath Spa train station and various car parks. Bath is a compact city, so festive shoppers are able to visit the Market and all other shops and attractions by foot.

• Travelling by Train - Bath Spa train station is located in the centre of Bath, only a short walk from the Market and the city’s shops and attractions. Book your train tickets with Great Western Railway now
• Travelling by Coach - There are a number of organised coach trips to Bath during Bath Christmas Market. Book your coach tickets with the National Express now.
• Park and Ride - Bath is well served by three Park and Ride services that run seven days a week. This operates until 9:30pm (except Sundays) during the Market. For more information click here.
• Travelling by Bus -  Several bus operators provide services in and around Bath. First West of England is the largest, operating from the bus station in Dorchester Street, by Bath Spa train station.
• Travelling by Car - To download a parking map click here. You can view a live update here of the spaces that are currently available at Bath’s main car parks.

Most importantly, have a great time! We’d love to see your pictures, so please tag us on Instagram and we will #repost the best ones! @totalguidetobath

Happy Bath Christmas Market shopping.

Here's a look at last year's Christmas Market:

By Sarah Baker