The beautiful city of Bath is famous for its Roman baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Christmas Market, the city’s largest winter event.
Plan your visit with this guide, which is now updated with the confirmed 2024 dates.
Bath Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Bath Christmas market dates: 28th November to 15th December 2024 (confirmed).
Update: Dates were announced in February. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: In the streets around Bath Abbey.
Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm.
Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm.
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: City Walking Tour with entry to the Roman Baths.
Public transport: Buses stop directly in front of the abbey.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Hotel Eight is located directly across from the event.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 28th November (confirmed).
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: No.
Reason to visit: The historic Roman baths and spa experiences.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Mulled drinks, artisan cheese, craft desserts.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended.
Convenient Hotels
Bath’s Hotel Eight is an excellent choice for winter visitors, as it is steps from Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
Whether you’re visiting specifically for the market or just a regular weekend getaway, there’s something suitable for a range of budgets. Here’s the full list of hotels in Bath that I recommend.
If you want to visit other cities this year, read my UK Christmas Markets List for ideas on where to go.
Location Map
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
Bath at Christmas
Bath is known as a wellbeing city and has been for centuries. You can bathe in the hot springs, relax at a day spa and enjoy exceptional food from local producers.
Some of the great foodie experiences include freshly baked pastries for breakfast, classic afternoon tea and dinner at a gastropub with a craft beer or locally made gin.
The market is located between the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. More than 170 chalets line the Georgian streets, and a vintage carousel and live performances add to the atmosphere.
You can meet the makers and support businesses at the Makers Markets at Milsom Place.
Winter Events
- Artisan Market at The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells: 2nd and 3rd of November (unconfirmed) from 10am to 4pm, this two-day event brings together talented artisans showcasing their handcrafted goods like ceramics, glassware, fine art and gourmet food items.
- Christmas at Stourhead: 29th November to 1st January 2025 (confirmed) from 4:30pm to 10pm. The world-renowned landscape garden is transformed into a spectacle of shimmering lights and festive colours. Bookings are essential. Book here.
- Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury: 29th November to 31st December 2024 (confirmed). Known for its diverse collection of trees and shrubs, the Arboretum hosts an illuminated trail that guides visitors through the woodland. The event also features festive music and food stalls. Official Westonbirt event details.
- The Enchanted Garden of Light at The American Museum & Gardens in Claverton: 1st to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed). As the name suggests, a light installation within the garden illuminates the plants and structures.
At the Market Stalls
- Mince Pies: A festive favourite dating back to the Middle Ages.
- Bath Buns: Sweet breast rolls studded with currants and topped with crunchy sugar.
- Mulled Wine: The classic drink that many of us love. Look out for commemorative mugs you can keep as a souvenir.
- Bratwurst: Famous German sausages in a bun.
- Cheese Toasties: Vendors make toasties filled with Bath’s creamy cheese, often paired with locally sourced pickles or chutneys.
What to Buy
- Bath Gin: Locally distilled gin is available in beautifully designed bottles.
- Jewellery: Crafted by local artisans, interesting pieces range from minimalist silver designs to more intricate, gemstone-studded creations.
- Pottery and Ceramics: You might find a beautifully glazed mug, a decorative bowl, or a decorative piece.
- Knitted Items: When the winter chill sets in, nothing beats the warmth and comfort of knitted goods. Choose from scarves, hats, and mittens.
- Ornaments: A wide selection is available, including personalised ornaments.
Travel Information
Visit Bath has information regarding events and things to do if you’re looking to plan your itinerary this year.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Stay in hotels. Short-stay apartment accommodation can lead to a lack of affordable housing for locals.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Andree Heslop
It’s a great pity that the Christmas market is only on until 11th December, we only arrive on the 21st. Do you know of a market not too far away that we could visit?
Stephen S
pathetic comment “‘wellbeing’ city and has been for centuries”. Wellbeing is a modern word which wouldn’t have been used till the past couple of years!!
Andrea Anastasakis
You have failed to grasp the meaning of a simple statement.
Fran
I suggest putting the days of the week as well as start and end dates for any event would be helpful to save people having to leave your site to check a calendar eg to see whst day of the week 11th December is.
Andrea Anastasakis
Thanks for the feedback, I will keep this in mind with future updates.
niki
will the carousel be in bath this year ?
Andrea Anastasakis
Yes
Roxanna
Will the market be open all day on the 11th december?
Thanks so much
Andrea Anastasakis
From 10am to 6pm.