Bath’s Christmas Market will return in 2026, with Bath & North East Somerset Council confirming it will run from 26th November to 13th December.
Photo © B&NES Council
The announcement comes hot on the heels of this year’s 25th anniversary market, which finished on Sunday, 14th December. Early data suggests footfall was higher than in 2024, when an estimated 444,000 people visited Bath to enjoy the festive celebrations.
This year’s milestone event saw more than 250 businesses take part, 65% of them from Bath and the surrounding area, alongside 32 community groups.
Festive activities in the city are continuing, with the Victorian carousel arriving on Stall Street and Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park still welcoming skaters.
Councillor Manda Rigby said: “I have been to this year’s Christmas Market every day and it’s been absolutely wonderful to chat with stallholders who come back year after year, and visitors who have absolutely loved the experience.
“The council is so proud that ours is one of the most successful Christmas markets in Europe, supporting hundreds of jobs and local businesses and attracting international interest.
“We are very much looking forward to once again spreading the festive cheer and welcoming stallholders, charities and visitors from near and far in 2026.”
Local traders say the event plays a key role in their year.
Katie, founder and designer at Pattern & Pearl in Bath, said: “Bath Christmas Market is the pivotal event of my year and plays a significant role in the growth of my business.
“The opportunity to connect directly with customers, many of whom return year after year, has had a lasting impact on my brand’s development. One of the aspects I value most about the market is the sense of community it fosters and the event improves every year.
“I feel genuinely supported by the council’s events team, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work to coordinate the market is outstanding – it shows in every detail.”
The council has also confirmed that local events company Muddy Dog has been awarded a contract to deliver Bath Christmas Market up to 2030.
Alex Clarke, co-director of Muddy Dog, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the production tender for Bath Christmas Market after proudly working alongside the event for over a decade.”
