Bath Christmas Market 2025: The Complete Visitor Guide

“Last updated: 7 August 2025”

Bath Christmas Market 2025 lights up the city from 27 November to 14 December, turning Bath Abbey’s cobbled quarter into a maze of 200+ twinkling chalets.  Situated in the picturesque World Heritage City of Bath, the Christmas Market chalets span a majority of the city’s main shopping areas, including around Bath Abbey, Union Street, and Milsom Street.  Over 70% of stallholders are businesses from Bath and the surrounding region, and 60% of goods available at the market are handmade in the UK.

What’s New For The 25th Anniversay

• Silver‑anniversary sparkle: 2025 marks 25 years since the first handful of stalls set up by Bath Abbey. Expect commemorative decorations, a nightly light‑and‑music show on the Abbey façade and a limited‑edition “Bath Bauble” only available this season .

• Bigger than ever: 180 wooden chalets hosting 230+ traders, 80 % from the South‑West .

• National acclaim: Recently crowned “Best UK Christmas Market 2024” and again tipped by The Times for 2025 .

Hotels Near Bath Christmas Market 2025

Key Dates & Opening Hours

New this year: Quieter Shopping Hours (10 am‑12 pm Tue & Wed) with reduced entertainment – ideal for families, neurodiverse visitors or crowd‑dodgers .

What’s New in 2025

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Market Layout at a Glance

• Abbeygate & Kingston Parade: Crafts, jewellery, Bath Aqua Glass live blowing demos.

• Bath Street: Gastro zone – gourmet mac ’n’ cheese, Somerset cider donuts, vegan raclette.

• Milsom Street extension: Fashion, homeware and the new Community Chalet (rotating local charities) .

Tip: Download the interactive map from the official site a week before opening; locations sometimes shuffle in the final stall list.

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Food‑and‑Drink Highlights

• Mince Pie Croissants from Bertinet Bakery

• 14‑hour pulled‑turkey burgers at Smoke & Embers

• Bath Soft Cheese toasties (look for the queue!)

• Vegan win? Dark‑chocolate orange churros at Loop de Churro

• Mulled Somerset cider bars every 200 m – bring that reusable cup.

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Shopping for Gifts

Many micro‑businesses book short‑term lets, so the line‑up changes mid‑market – worth a second visit .

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Entertainment & Atmosphere

• Carol choirs under the Abbey every evening at 6 pm

• Roaming brass bands Friday & Saturday nights

• Free craft workshops (cookie decorating, wreath‑making) in the Festive Hub next to Kingston Buildings; pre‑book slots on the market website.

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Beyond the Chalets: Festive Bath in 2025

Bundle an evening skate, candlelit spa and late‑night market stroll for the ultimate festive triple‑hit.

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Getting There & Parking

• Rail: Bath Spa station is a 5‑minute stroll (trains from London Paddington 1 h 20 m).

• Park & Ride: Newbridge, Lansdown & Odd Down routes drop on the market perimeter; last bus ~10 pm.

• Clean Air Zone: Higher‑emission vans, coaches and taxis pay between £9–£100/day; private cars exempt .

• Cycling: Free secure cycle stands at Orange Grove.

Coach visitors

New in 2025: All coaches must use the Royal Avenue drop-off / pick-up zone (BA1 2NR), a 10-minute downhill walk to the northern end of the market. Dedicated toilets—including an accessible cubicle—are on-site.

• Pre-book a 30-minute slot (09:00 – 20:00) via the council’s online form. Need longer? Choose an all-day coach park during checkout.

• All-day coach parking – Odd Down Coach Park (BA2 8PA): 1,230 spaces, CCTV, marshalled, open 24 / 7.

• Clean Air Zone – Euro VI coaches are free; older vehicles pay £100/day. Check and pay online before arrival.

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Perfect day-trip itineraries

1. Spa + Market (Relaxing)
   • 10:00 – Thermae Bath Spa rooftop pool
   • 12:30 – Lunch at The Pump Room
   • 14:00 – Christmas Market browsing (start in Abbey Courtyard)
   • 17:00 – Sunset mulled cider on Milsom Street

2. Roman Baths + Lights (Culture)
   • 09:30 – Roman Baths audio tour
   • 11:00 – Bath Abbey tower climb
   • 12:30 – Bratwurst at York Street food stalls
   • 16:30 – Golden-hour photo walk on Pulteney Bridge & Christmas lights

3. Family Wildlife + Carousel (Kids)
   • 10:00 – Bath City Farm reindeer meet-and-greet
   • 12:00 – Picnic on Royal Crescent lawns (weather-permitting)
   • 13:30 – Victorian carousel rides on Stall Street
   • 15:00 – Hot-chocolate & gingerbread-decorating workshop

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Budget planner – typical 2025 prices

• Mulled cider / wine (12 oz): £ 6.50 – £ 7.00

• Park-and-Ride bus return: £ 3.60 (parking free; buses every 5 min)

• City-centre car park, 4 hrs (SouthGate): £ 6.90

• 3-star hotel, per night (weekend average): £ 160 – £ 180

• 4-star hotel, per night (weekend average): £ 240 – £ 260

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Accessibility & Families

• Step‑free routes marked on the downloadable market map.

• Wheelchair‑friendly toilets at Kingston Parade & Terrace Walk.

• Baby‑changing rooms in SouthGate Shopping Centre (opposite the chalets).

• Hidden‑disability lanyards accepted by stewards.

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Where to Stay

• Luxury: The Gainsborough Bath Spa – includes evening spa access.

• Mid‑range: Harington’s Hotel – 3 mins to Market, family rooms.

• Budget: YHA Bath Georgian mansion – bus 10 mins.

Book early – December weekend occupancy hit 95 % last year.

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Insider Tips for Beating the Crowds

1. Arrive before 10 am or after 7 pm on weekdays.

2. Target the quieter shopping hours Tue/Wed mornings.

3. Use the Newbridge Park & Ride – least busy route.

4. Friday 5 Dec is projected to be the peak footfall; avoid if possible.

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Sustainable & Responsible Visiting

• Bring a reusable cup for the 50 p discount on hot drinks.

• Use public transport or Park & Ride to reduce congestion.

• Recycle on the go – clearly labelled bins at every street corner.

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Final Thoughts

With its story‑book streets, chef‑led street food and glow of 25 years of festive cheer, Bath Christmas Market 2025 promises to be one for the memory books. Plan ahead using the tips above and you’ll spend less time queuing and more time clutching a steaming cup of mulled cider while snowflakes (real or projected) dance around Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Market 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Bath Christmas Market 2025 free to enter?
Yes – entry is completely free and no ticket is required.

2. What are the dates and opening hours?
The market runs Thursday 27 November – Sunday 14 December 2025. Hours: Mon–Wed 10 am‑7 pm, Thu–Sat 10 am‑8 pm, Sun 10 am‑6 pm.

3. Where is it held?
Chalets fill Bath city centre around Bath Abbey (official address: 36 Stall Street, BA1 1QH), five minutes on foot from Bath Spa rail station.

4. Are dogs allowed?
Well‑behaved dogs are welcome, but organisers suggest visiting on quieter weekday mornings for their comfort.

5. Is the market wheelchair‑friendly?
Yes. Step‑free routes, Blue‑Badge parking, accessible toilets (Terrace Walk, Bilbury Lane & Royal Avenue) and quiet shopping hours (Tue/Wed 10 am‑12 pm) are provided.

6. Do stalls take cash or card?
Most vendors accept contactless and chip‑and‑PIN, but carry some cash for small traders or in case of signal issues.

7. When’s the best time to avoid crowds?
Aim for before 11 am or after 7 pm on weekdays; Monday and Tuesday are quietest. Avoid mid‑afternoon weekends; quiet‑shopping slots run Tue/Wed 10 am‑12 pm.

8. Where can I park or catch Park & Ride?
Use Lansdown, Newbridge or Odd Down Park & Ride sites (buses every 5 min, extended evenings) instead of city‑centre car parks.

9. What food and drink will be on offer?
Expect 200 + stalls with mulled Somerset cider, Bath Soft Cheese toasties, vegan churros, craft gin, artisan bakes and more.

10. Is it family‑friendly?
Yes. Queen Square hosts a Festive Family Artisan Market on Saturdays (kids’ crafts, storytelling) and nearby Bath on Ice offers skating and glow‑golf.

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