Bath Christmas Market is one of the UK’s most celebrated festive events, returning to the city’s Georgian streets in 2026 for another magical season. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a festive weekend away, here’s everything you need to know, including the best place to stay during the market.
When Is Bath Christmas Market 2026?
Bath Christmas Market runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026. Opening hours are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
For a quieter experience, organisers recommend visiting on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between 10:00am and 12:00pm. These sessions feature less entertainment and smaller crowds, making them ideal for families with young children or visitors with sensory sensitivities.
Where Is Bath Christmas Market?
The market stretches through Bath’s historic city centre, with chalets lining Abbeygate Street, Bath Street and Milsom Street, surrounding Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. Entry is completely free, and no advance booking is required.
What to Expect
In 2025, Bath Christmas Market welcomed an estimated 444,000 visitors and generated approximately £60.4 million for local businesses. More than 200 festive chalets fill the city, with around 80% of stallholders based in the South West. This gives the market a distinctly local character that sets it apart from many larger Christmas markets.
You’ll find artisan jewellery, handmade gifts, local food producers, homeware, festive decorations and a wide selection of food and drink, including mulled wine, hot chocolate, bratwurst and Somerset cider. Throughout the event, choirs, carol singers and street performers help create a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
Getting to Bath Christmas Market
Bath Spa railway station is around a five-minute walk from the market. Direct trains from London Paddington take approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. If you’re travelling by car, Bath’s park and ride services provide a convenient way to reach the city centre. Bath also operates a Clean Air Zone, so it’s worth checking whether your vehicle is subject to charges before travelling.
Where to Stay During Bath Christmas Market 2026
Accommodation in Bath fills up quickly during the Christmas Market, especially at weekends. Staying in the city centre allows you to enjoy the market without worrying about parking, transport or queues for the park and ride services.
Westgate Apartments is just moments from Abbeygate Street, one of the market’s main shopping areas. Trim Street is equally well located, around 200 yards from Bath Abbey and the heart of the festivities. Both properties offer a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, giving you the space and comfort to relax between visits to the market.
If you’re planning to visit Bath Christmas Market, booking your accommodation early is highly recommended. Demand is consistently high from late November through to mid-December, and availability becomes limited well in advance.
