The Bath Christmas Market returns on Thursday 26 November 2026 and runs until Sunday 13 December, with wooden chalets spread along the streets between Bath Abbey and Milsom Street. Around 245 traders take part, and most of them come from the South West, so you’ll find a lot of local food, drink and handmade gifts. Below are the 2026 dates and opening hours, the streets the market covers, what to eat, how to get there and where to leave your bags if you’re arriving by train or coach.
Bath Christmas Market 2026: Key Facts
| Dates | Thursday 26 November – Sunday 13 December 2026 |
| Opening hours | Monday to Wednesday 10:00–19:00; Thursday to Saturday 10:00–20:00; Sunday 10:00–18:00 |
| Location | Bath city centre: Abbeygate Street, Bath Street, Stall Street, Milsom Street and New Bond Street, around Bath Abbey |
| Traders | Around 245, about 80% from the South West |
| Entry | Free, no booking needed |
| Nearest station | Bath Spa, about a five-minute walk |
The council has confirmed the 2026 dates, and the hours above come from the official market website. Check it again before you travel in case anything changes closer to the opening day.
Where the Bath Christmas Market Is
The chalets run through the old centre, starting by Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths and continuing along Abbeygate Street, Bath Street and Stall Street, then north up Milsom Street and New Bond Street. Everything is walkable in a few minutes, though some lanes are cobbled, so wear shoes with a decent grip if it has been raining. In 2026 there’s also an indoor space with a bar on Stall Street, which is handy when the weather turns.
Stallholders sell handmade jewellery, ceramics, homeware, clothing, personalised presents and local food you can take home, like cheese and chutneys. Live music and street performers appear around the streets during the run.
What to Eat and Drink
- Mulled wine and mulled cider, plus hot chocolate for anyone not drinking.
- Street food and hearty winter dishes you can eat while you walk.
- Mince pies, fudge and other sweet treats from local bakers.
- Somerset cheese, cider and chutneys to take home as gifts.
Bring a reusable cup: participating stalls take 50p off hot drinks if you do.
Getting to the Bath Christmas Market
| From | How |
|---|---|
| Bath Spa station | Walk north up Manvers Street towards the Abbey, about five minutes |
| Bath bus station | Next to the train station, about five minutes on foot |
| Park & Ride | Three sites run later into the evening during the market, with extra services; the stop is at the edge of the market |
| Train from London, Bristol or Cardiff | Great Western Railway runs to Bath Spa and adds extra trains on market Saturdays |
| By car | Part of the centre is in the Clean Air Zone, so check whether your vehicle has to pay; Park & Ride is easier |
| By coach | Operators must book drop-off and pick-up slots on Royal Avenue in advance |
Day trips from London, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham are popular, either by train or on an organised coach tour. If you’re coming by coach, the drop-off on Royal Avenue is next to Royal Victoria Park, about 15 minutes’ walk from the Abbey.
Tips for Visiting
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, between 10am and noon, are the quietest times. Evenings and weekends get very busy.
- Sunday closes earlier, at 6pm, so plan a Sunday visit for the afternoon.
- Book a hotel early if you want to stay over on a weekend. Rooms in the centre go fast in late November and early December.
- Don’t bring a suitcase into the market. The streets are narrow and packed, especially on Saturdays.
- Visit Bath publishes accessibility information, with accessible routes, toilets and quieter shopping times.
Things to Do in Bath at Christmas
- Book an evening session at Thermae Bath Spa and look over the lit-up city from the rooftop pool.
- Go to a carol service or Christmas concert in Bath Abbey. Check the Abbey’s own listings for 2026 dates.
- Walk up to the Royal Crescent and the Circus after dark, when the streets are quieter.
- Visit the Roman Baths, which sit right next to the chalets around the Abbey.
Luggage Storage in Bath
Plenty of people visit the Bath Christmas Market on the way somewhere else, or arrive hours before hotel check-in. Pulling a case through the crowds on Stall Street is no fun. Radical Storage has luggage storage near Bath Spa station and around the centre, so you can drop your bags when you arrive and collect them before your train home.
You book online in a minute, with free cancellation. Every bag is protected up to €10,000, and travellers rate the service 4.8/5. Radical Storage has more than 16.5K locations in over 2.3K cities, so the same app works at your next stop too.
Bath Christmas Market FAQ
The Bath Christmas Market runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026 in Bath city centre.
Monday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm.
No. Entry is free and you don’t need to book. Coach operators do need to book a drop-off slot.
The chalets are around Bath Abbey and along Abbeygate Street, Bath Street, Stall Street, Milsom Street and New Bond Street.
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 10am and noon. Evenings and weekends are the busiest.
Radical Storage has luggage storage near Bath Spa station and in the city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the market. Book online, drop your bags and pick them up later. Each bag is protected up to €10,000.