There are just days to go until the return of Bath’s much-loved Christmas Market, with residents and visitors gearing up for the festive season.
Visiting the Bath Christmas Market | Photo © B&NES Council
From Thursday 28th November to Sunday 15th December, the centre of Bath will transform into a winter wonderland for 18 days with more than 180 chalets.
Local residents are once again being invited to the market one day early for 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 27th November 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 27th November.
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 are being 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.
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
