Bath Christmas Market: Top Stalls, Food and Festivities to Check Out
- GirlWellTravelled
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
You know, I have always wanted to do a Christmas market. Nuremberg, Salzburg, Bruges. Not once did I think Bath. Yet here we are. Google 'best Christmas markets UK' and there it is, proudly celebrating its 25th year. And as one stallholder said, if Bath is my first Christmas market, apparently I’ve peaked. He then suggested Winchester’s next. And he should know. They have a stand there too.
Now, it helps that we’ve got boots on the ground. Our starting point already decided: the top of Milsom Street, just off George Street. Then wandered our way back towards Abbey Green. If you want to follow a similar route, here’s the official map.
But first, the big decision: do you make Bath Christmas Market a weekend away or a simple day trip? We made ours a late-afternoon-into-evening outing, but here’s a little guidance to help you weigh it up.
While daylight lets you see better, handy when you’re scanning for gifts, after dark is when the market truly permeates with festive cheer. Hones in on your sense of smell. It is when it felt most what I thought Christmas Markets were really about. The mood, warm. Lights twinkling everywhere, couples strolling arm in arm, groups of friends juggling hot chocolates and mulled wine and that unmistakable festive buzz rolling through the streets.
Must-See Stalls to Check Out
Pollyfields
A favourite for many regulars, you'll find them in Kingston Parade.
Think handmade wreaths, scents of winter spices and plenty of gifting ideas. Ones that won't feel mass-produced. One of those stands you spot by smell before sight.
Ezpresso: A new discovery for us and ideal for the coffee lover in your life. Beans, blends, kits… all the good stuff. If you’ve got someone who can’t function without their morning brew, this is your stop.
Shires Yard
Shires Yard (Just Off Milsom Place): Not a stall, but absolutely worth detouring through. This little courtyard is lined with independents and small eateries. A relaxed vibe and too, where you’ll grab one of the best photos of Bath Abbey’s spire. A quick wander, but definitely memorable.
What to Eat While You Explore
Bath Christmas Market is a mission for your taste buds as much as your gift list.
Ciccio’s Kitchen
Cannoli you won’t want to share. They even have vegan options, so no one gets left out. The smell alone lures you in from metres away. And I'm particularly enticed by the pistachio flavour.
And who says you've got to eat your cannoli on the spot? The cannoli from Ciccio's Kitchen has so much crunch that two days on, they still eat as the day I bought them. Well, what's left of them.
Colombian Company Café
At the end of Milsom Place and on the corner of New Bond Street, this tiny café gives you a great view for people-watching from its bonsai-sized upstairs floor. A little break before heading deeper into the crowds.
The Christmas Courtyard
Then we found this place. Well, we stumbled upon it, The Christmas Courtyard. Wandered a little off the path, towards the south eastern corner of Bath Abbey. And tucked out of the way from the madding crowd.
So if you or your party is a little gaga for some warming mulled wine or toasty hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream, bookmark The Christmas Courtyard.
Why You Should Stay Into the Evening
When daylight fades, the whole market shifts gear. Lights twinkle, the Abbey towers above everything like a storybook backdrop and musicians start popping up. It’s relaxed, warm (in mood if not in temperature) and very easy to get swept up in.
You'll simply miss Bath Abbey's showstopping light projection if you don't.
This is also when you really notice how many independent makers set up here. You’ll see glasswork, woodcraft, local spirits, handmade skincare, art prints, textiles and all sorts of pieces with actual character. You arrive with one or two people in mind and then you’re ticking off half your Christmas list.
When Is the Market On?
If Bath is on your list this year, the market runs Thursday 27th November to Sunday 14th December. It’s free to enter and with around 250 stallholders, you’ll want to give yourself a good chunk of time to take it all in. Even with a planned route, you’ll likely stumble upon unexpected corners pulling you in.
So… Day Trip or Weekend Away?
If you’re nearby, a day is enough to enjoy the market itself. If you’re travelling in or have never been to Bath, a weekend lets you:
Browse the stalls without rushing
Explore Bath’s other highlights (Thermae Spa, Roman Baths, indie shops, riverside walk and more)
Dip back into the market at night, even if you’ve already visited in daylight
Either way, go with comfy shoes, layers, and some spare bag space. You’ll most probably need it.
Bath Christmas Market, sincerely Christmassy...
What to Know Before You Go
Dates: Thursday 27th November to Sunday 14th December
Entry: Free
Stalls: Around 250 across the city centre
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into evening
Footwear: Comfortable shoes — you’ll cover more ground than expected
Weather Prep: Layers, gloves, maybe an umbrella
Payment: Most stalls take card, but bring a little cash
Bags: Bring a tote or backpack for your finds
Map: Use the official market map to avoid missing corners
Parking: Park & Ride is often easier than city-centre parking
And if Bath has sparked your Christmas Market wanderlust…
Book your flights here. The world is full of glittering Christmas markets waiting to be explored, each with its own wintery magic. Whether you dream of sipping mulled wine beneath Vienna City Hall, wandering the twinkling stalls along London’s Southbank, discovering delicious treats at Brussels Winter Wonders, ice-skating through New York’s Bryant Park Winter Village or soaking up the tradition of Nuremberg’s iconic Christkindlesmarkt—I can help you get there.
If any of these festive destinations are calling your name, get in touch and I’ll create a tailor-made Christmas market getaway just for you.
Comments