Bath at Christmas is utterly magical, the best Christmas market we’ve ever been to.

Draped in twinkling lights

This wonderful city with it’s Georgian architecture and abundance of wonderful independent shops and cafes, is transformed for nearly 3 weeks in December, draped in twinkling lights and enveloped in the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine, and the joyful sounds of carolers on many of the street corners.

The words ‘winter wonderland’ are seriously overused when describing events in December, but in this case, it’s really the best way to describe it.

Cute little chalets fill the city

The market itself will take your breath away. It’s massive! Cute wooden chalets overflowing with unique gifts, crafts, knitwear, food, sweets, and treats, line every street. Every single street! The images you most circulated of Bath’s Christmas market (like the two below here) make it look like one large, contained space, but in reality, the market fills every square, every main street, every side street, and every corner.

Pure Christmas joy

And the atmosphere… is pure Christmas joy! A wonderful blend of excitement, anticipation, contentment, and happiness.

What truly sets Bath Christmas Market apart is the incredible spirit of the people. From traders and visitors to locals and shop and cafe owners, the togetherness and friendliness fill the air and are infectious, making the whole experience even more magical.

The best in the country

It’s no wonder Bath Christmas Market is consistently hailed as one of the best in the country. It truly is a must-visit for any Christmas lover.

See more on www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk – the dates this year (2024) were 28 November to 15 December. Bath at Christmas is a truly unforgettable experience. We’re already planning our return trip next year.

Our top tips for visiting Bath Christmas Market:

∙ Make an overnight visit of it ∙ We were there for just 3 or so hours, but we could have easily spent 3 more just in the market. So make a couple of days of it, book a hotel or B&B in advance and stay a while, then you can experience more of Bath’s other attractions too.

∙ If possible, go on a weekday ∙ The weekends are much busier than weekdays, so if you have the option, visit during the week. We were lucky, we were able to go on a Friday and it was busy but not crowded.

∙ Wear comfortable shoes ∙ You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.

∙ Embrace the crowds ∙ The market is incredibly popular, so be prepared for crowds and allow extra time for travel in and out plus parking.

∙ Chat with everyone ∙ Make a point of chatting with the friendly locals and the enthusiastic traders. You’ll be surprised how many interesting conversations you’ll have and these interactions will add a personal touch to your experience and make your visit even more memorable. The true magic of Bath’s Christmas Market lies in the warm and welcoming spirit of the people.

∙ Soak it all in ∙ Don’t rush your visit. Take your time, wander through the market, and really take in the festive atmosphere.

∙ Make sure you’re there when it gets dark ∙ There must be hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights all over the market, and they really add to the magic, so if possible, plan for some of the time you’re there to be when it’s dark.