Bath Christmas Market 2026 runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December, and it's free to enter. Chalets spread across Bath's historic city centre, with opening hours varying by day: 10am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
2026 dates and hours
- Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00 - Thursday - Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00 - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 The market runs for just over two weeks, from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026. Entry is free - it's an open-air event with no ticket needed, though you'll pay for individual food, drink and gifts at the chalets themselves.
What to expect
Expect Bath's historic centre transformed with twinkling lights, wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations and gourmet food and drink, spread across several streets and squares in the World Heritage city centre rather than one single site. Because Bath's centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, the market feels woven into the everyday streets rather than fenced off, which is part of its appeal but also means it gets genuinely busy on weekend evenings and in the final week before Christmas.
Food, drink and gifts
Chalets typically mix independent gift stalls - jewellery, decorations, homeware and crafts - with food and drink traders serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal street food. It leans toward independent and local traders rather than chain stalls, which is part of why it's worth building time into a visit rather than rushing through; browsing the full run of chalets across the city centre streets easily takes an hour or two. If you want a fuller festive day out, pair the market with our Bath food and tearooms guide for a sit-down break away from the chalet queues.
Avoiding the crowds
Weekday mornings and early afternoons, especially in the market's first week, are your best bet for a calmer visit. Evenings and weekends, particularly the final weekend before it closes, draw the biggest crowds along with the busiest queues at food and drink chalets. If you're also planning to see Bath's regular sights, our things to do in Bath guide and what's on in Bath guide cover what else is running alongside the market that time of year.
Getting there and parking
Driving into the centre during the market isn't recommended, since city-centre parking is limited and demand is highest exactly when the market is busiest. Bath's park and ride services are the more reliable option - see our Bath park and ride guide for routes and how it works, or our parking guide if you do need to park in the city itself. Bath Spa station is a short, flat walk from the market streets if you're arriving by train.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bath Christmas Market free to enter?
Yes, it's a free, open-air event. You only pay for what you buy at individual chalets.
What are the dates for Bath Christmas Market 2026?
Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 8pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.
When is the quietest time to visit?
Weekday mornings and early afternoons, particularly in the market's first week, tend to be calmer than evenings and weekends.
Should I drive to the Christmas Market?
It's not recommended. City-centre parking is limited and busiest exactly when the market is, so the park and ride services or the train to Bath Spa station are more reliable options.
Is the market walkable from Bath Spa station?
Yes, it's a short, flat walk from the station into the historic centre where the market is held.
What can I buy at Bath Christmas Market?
A mix of independent gift stalls selling jewellery, decorations, homeware and crafts, alongside food and drink traders serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and seasonal street food.
Does it run every year?
Yes, Bath Christmas Market is an annual event in late November and December. Exact dates shift slightly each year, so always check the current year's dates rather than assuming they repeat exactly.