Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market is among the best Christmas markets in the UK. In this article, we will tell you about the history of the Christmas market, the entertainment available to visitors, and how to get there.

History of Bath Christmas Market

The history of Bath Christmas Market began in 2001. Initially, it was a gathering of local businesses and artisans who wanted to welcome the festive season. They sought to bring the community together, but the market quickly became popular with the local population.

Over time, it expanded: several dozen stalls grew to 150 wooden chalets. Every Bath at Christmas is transformed, with artisans showcasing their wares, highlighting local talent.

The first stalls appeared at Bath Abbey. In 2025, a night-time light and music show is planned on the facade of the abbey, along with other events.

Entertainment

The main attractions of the Bath Christmas Market are music, live performances and, of course, delicious food. Visitors are enveloped in a festive mood. Concerts are often held in the city centre, near historic buildings and streets, with street musicians and choirs performing. This creates a Christmas atmosphere.

Families and children are offered entertainment such as ‘deer hunting’. This game involves walking around the city and looking for ‘deer’ in shop windows and among decorations.

In addition, market visitors have the opportunity to enjoy shopping, buy gifts for loved ones, handicrafts and handmade goods. Bath Christmas Market introduces visitors to local producers, and a visit promises an interesting cultural and gastronomic experience.

Ice skating will also be available. Bath on Ice is a temporary open-air ice rink, which will open in 2025 at the same time as the Christmas market. The cost of a ticket for one session for adults is £16.

Bath Christmas Market locations

Bath Christmas Market covers several locations in the central part of the city, from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north, including the historic centre:

1. Abbey Green & Abbey Churchyard — the central square near the famous Bath Abbey: this is where the main tents and street food areas are located.
2. High Street — one of the city's central streets, with numerous market stalls.
3. Stall Street — a small pedestrian street with souvenir and craft shops.
4. SouthGate & SouthGate Street — part of the shopping area connecting the centre with the southern part of the city.
5. Milsom Street — the northern border of the market, where there are also retail outlets.
6. Bath Street, Union Street, Abbey Quarter — side streets where there are also chalets, street cafes and entertainment areas.

Map

The official website of the fair has an interactive map of the market showing the exact location of all the stalls, Abbeygate Street, Bath Street, Milsom Street, and the Abbey Quarter, from south to north. It makes it easier to find specific chalets, food areas, and souvenirs.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Bath Christmas Market — choose the one that is most convenient for you.

By bus

The city of Bath has a well-developed bus network. Public transport covers the entire city centre. The main routes run near Bath Abbey/High Street, not far from all market areas.

National Express and Megabus intercity buses run to Bath from London, Bristol, and other cities. The bus station near Manvers Street is located in the centre, a 5-10 minute walk from the market.

By car

Bath city centre is a pedestrian zone, so parking is limited. It is best to arrive early in the morning to find a parking space, as the market attracts many people.

Address for navigation: Bath Abbey, Bath, BA1 1LT

By train

The main railway station, Bath Spa Station, has connections to London, Bristol, and the South of England. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the station to the market. A walk through the city streets leads to Abbey and High Street, where the fair area begins.

By underground

There is no underground in Bath, so consider other means of transport.

Information for visitors

The Bath Christmas markets are open from 27 November to 14 December 2025. Before your trip, take the time to find out what time the market is open (usually from 10:00 to 18:00-20:00 in the evening, depending on the day of the week) and what hotels are nearby.

Hotels nearby

There are several good hotels near the market where you can stay:

1. Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel. A 5-star hotel with high-class service, spa facilities and the opportunity to relax after a busy day. It is located not far from the centre, which is convenient if you want to stay within walking distance of the market.
2. The Queensberry Hotel. A boutique hotel with cosy and comfortable rooms. It is close to the market, which is convenient for walking.
3. Butcombe Pubs & Inns. Staying at this hotel allows you to be at the centre of the festivities.
4. Hampton by Hilton Bath City. A more budget-friendly option — inexpensive accommodation not far from the centre.

Those who want maximum comfort and relaxation after visiting the markets should choose the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel or the Queensberry Hotel. If you need a compact hotel in the centre, Broad Street Townhouse or Hampton by Hilton Bath City offer the best value for money.

Food at Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market is not only a rich entertainment programme and shopping, but also delicious food. In 2025, the cuisine will be traditional for a winter fair, including:

1. Mince pies. A festive dish, the recipe for which was invented in the Middle Ages.
2. Bath buns. Sweet bread rolls with dried apricots and a crispy sugar coating.
3. Mulled wine. A classic winter drink, for which commemorative mugs are sold.
4. Bratwurst. Famous German sausages in a bun.
5. Toasts with cream cheese, which are usually eaten with local pickles or chutney.
6. Vegan churros with dark chocolate.

Mulled wine is always sold at Christmas markets, with kiosks selling this drink located every 200 metres. In addition, visitors can enjoy an abundance of street food: sausages, burgers, hot dogs, a variety of street food dishes, and wood-fired pizza. There is also a wide selection of desserts.

Parking

Upon arrival at the Christmas market, you can park your car at Charlotte Street Car Park. This is the largest car park in the city centre, open 24 hours a day, convenient for cars, vans and cars with luggage.

There is also the Avon Street Car Park, open 24 hours a day, with 299 spaces, including spaces for people with disabilities. It is a little further away, but still within the city centre.

Manvers Street Car Park is a more compact car park. SouthGate Car Park is located within the shopping/hotel district and is suitable for those who plan to combine a visit to the market with shopping and evening strolls in the city centre.

Podium Shopping Centre Car Park is suitable for short-term parking. As an alternative, you can consider Park & Ride + bus. This will save you the hassle of looking for a parking space in the city centre. There are three car parks outside the city centre that connect to the market: Odd Down, Newbridge, and Lansdown. Leave your car at Park & Ride and take the bus to the market.

Tickets

Entrance to the market itself is free, but food and entertainment are paid. The cost of mulled wine at kiosks, for example, varies from £3-5. Burgers cost £6, sausages cost about the same, but there may be an additional charge for toppings. A pork roll will cost £7-8, four doughnuts £4, churros with chocolate £6-9.5, and fish and chips £6-10.

On average, visitors to the fair in 2024 spent £31.60 per day on food and drink. Such purchases can be paid for almost everywhere by card or cash. But it is better to have ‘real’ money with you.

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