Bath Christmas Market is one of the biggest and best in the UK – and this year marks its 25th anniversary
Many people are already starting to make festive plans. While Wales boasts some fantastic markets – from Cardiff to Swansea – many people love hopping across the border to Bath to one of the UK’s most iconic festive events, the city’s Christmas market.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the destination market, which draws thousands of visitors annually. In 2024, it was crowned the ‘Best UK Christmas Market’ and its website boasts it is ranked among the best in Europe.
Launched in 2001, the market began as a small gathering of local businesses and artisans to celebrate the start of the festive period. Today, it spans from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north, with over 250 stalls showcasing traders from the South West and beyond.
Now managed by Bath and North East Somerset Council, the market continues to grow in scale and reputation, all while supporting local residents and businesses through a truly magical festive experience Here is everything you need to know, as reported by Bristol Live.
When and where is Bath Christmas Market?
Bath Christmas Market will take place from Thursday, November 27, 2025, to Sunday, December 14, 2025. The stalls are all in the heart of Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage city, specifically extending from Abbeygate Street in the south to Milsom Street in the north.
If you’re following a map, there isn’t just one location but its central point as Stall Street (BA1 1QH).
The opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sunday: 10am to 6pm
What can you see at Bath Christmas Market?
Visitors are invited to: “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”. The market will feature stalls selling a wide range of items including jewellery, clothing, toiletries, home decor, art, toys, cheeses, Christmas decorations, preserves, stationery, ceramics, chocolate, and much more.
The majority of the 250 independent stall holders setting up shop at the market hail from the south west of England – a full list of them can be found here.
Food and drink
There’s a vast selection of food and drink options – both hot and cold, sweet and savoury. Offerings range from burgers and hotdogs, doughnuts and coffee, to fresh pancakes, Greek cuisine, Italian dishes, tacos, waffles, hot chocolate, and – naturally – plenty of bars serving mulled wines and ciders. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
Travel options and how to get there
It’s important to note that road closures are in effect throughout the event and no unauthorised vehicles are allowed on site. However, there is access via train, central bus routes and several car parks within walking distance of the market.
Bath also has three Park and Ride services, operating every 15 minutes, seven days a week. These are conveniently located at Odd Down (south of Bath), Newbridge (west of Bath), and Lansdown (north of Bath). During the market season, additional services will be provided by Bath’s Park and Ride.
Bath’s park and 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
For those travelling by train, Bath Spa railway station is centrally located, just a short stroll from the market and city’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. Regular train services run from London Paddington and London Waterloo.
Just a 15-minute train ride away is Bristol Temple Meads with links from south Wales and north England Tickets can be booked via GWR, which can be found here.
Bus and coach travel is also an option, with First West of England operating numerous bus routes from the bus station on Dorchester Street, adjacent to Bath Spa railway station.
Buses cover routes from the centre and outwards, with other bus operators also covering certain routes in the city. There are also various bus .operators offering specific Christmas excursions – including Bath Christmas Market.
A BathRider ticket is available for purchase, providing ‘virtually unlimited’ travel on buses in the Bath urban area. A dedicated coach drop-off and pick-up zone is situated on Royal Avenue, near 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 a mere 15-minute walk from the furthest point of the market.
Cars, parking and the Clean Air Zone
Bath is conveniently located just 10 miles from junction 18 of the M4 motorway, with Wales merely a short drive west on the M4.
Car parking in Bath can be found through the Parkopedia website. There’s also a variety of on-street parking options available, although it’s worth noting that some areas are reserved for permit holders.
Traffic tends to worsen during the event, so do keep this in mind when planning your journey.
Another factor to consider when driving in Bath is the city’s Clean Air Zone. You can verify whether your vehicle will incur charges via this link.
