Bath Christmas Market set to dazzle with 18 days of festive cheer

The most enchanting season is set to make a comeback in Bath and North East Somerset, with the beloved Bath Christmas Market reopening in just a few days time.

From November 28 to December 15, Bath city centre will morph into a winter wonderland for 18 days, featuring over 180 sparkling chalets nestled among iconic landmarks such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and historic Milsom Street.

Bath and North East Somerset residents are invited to an exclusive preview of the Bath Christmas Market a day early, where they can explore the market as the chalets open for the evening, accompanied by live entertainment and festive food and drink. This annual residents' preview evening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, from 5pm to 7pm.

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B&NES Discovery Card holders can also take advantage of various discounts available every Monday to Friday during the market. New this year are quieter shopping times between 10am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, providing visitors with a more tranquil market experience and a limited entertainment schedule.

The market is also striving to cut down on single-use cups by offering a 50p discount on hot drinks from any of the market's catering outlets to anyone bringing a reusable cup. .

This year, the market has received a nomination for 'Best European Christmas Market' by European Best Destinations, a travel destination website, with voting open until November 27. Additionally, it has been recognised by Which? magazine as one of the UK's top eight Christmas markets.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and utilise public transport, such as the city's three Park & Ride services, which will offer extra services during the event. For those driving, the council's website will display occupancy levels for all council-owned car parks, and travel updates will be shown on variable messaging signs.

Cllr Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, stated: "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."

Orlando Partner, founder of Bath’s Choux Box Patisserie and returning stallholder, expressed: "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 market's opening hours are as follows: Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm, Sunday: 10am to 6pm.