Ahead of the return of Bath’s Christmas Market later this month, residents across the area are being invited to a special preview evening on Wednesday 23rd November.
Photo © Bath Christmas Market / B&NES Council
The market, which is ranked in the top ten of European festive markets, will feature over 170 stalls across the city centre.
On Wednesday 23rd November, stalls will be opened early between 5pm and 7pm to give residents a chance to explore the festive gifts and food and drink on offer.
Stallholders will all offer discounts for anyone who holds a Discovery Card during the residents’ preview evening and throughout the Christmas market.
Discounts vary by trader but typically include 10% off or money off if spending over a certain amount.
Bath Christmas Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and will run for 18 days from 24th November to 11th December as part of the wider ‘Bath at Christmas’ events.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is advising residents and visitors to the market to plan their journeys in advance and where they can access live information about public transport, including three different Park and Ride services, and car parking.
Motorists are being advised that Royal Avenue will be closed to public traffic during the event.
Variable message signs will be in place for the duration of the market to let motorists know how full car parks are on approach.
Live occupancy levels are available at most car parks and can be checked online here.
Extra staff will also be on hand with ticket machines at Park & Ride sites to speed up boarding. Buses will be running for longer hours into the evening throughout the market.
Parking at the Park and Ride sites is free if taking the service into or out of the city.
Councillor Kevin Guy, council Leader, said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing both residents and visitors from further afield returning to this year’s Bath Christmas Market.
“The residents’ preview evening is the perfect opportunity to meander through the market streets before bigger crowds start to gather and enjoy a festive evening for the whole family, so please do join us.
“It’s fantastic that the market is so popular and we are keen to welcome an increased number of visitors to see everything our World Heritage city has to offer.
“However, I’d like to highlight the public transport and parking options there are available.
“Bath is well-served by bus services including three different Park and Ride services and by regular train services, and our car parks in the city are well signposted with occupancy levels updated in real time.”
This year the market will also debut Christmas Carts on a three or four-day let to twenty local micro-businesses, which for many of the traders will provide an opportunity to launch their fledgling businesses.
