Guides · Bath
Bath Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Parking & Tips
By Viktorija Dvariskyte · Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
The Bath Christmas Market returns from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council. That is just 18 days, much shorter than the big city markets, so timing a visit matters. The 2024 edition drew an estimated 444,000 visitors, and the 2025 market, its 25th anniversary, reported even higher footfall.
This guide covers the Bath Christmas Market and 4 of the best festive things to do around it, from Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths to Thermae Bath Spa's rooftop pool and the Royal Crescent. Each entry has the address, the nearest station or Park and Ride, and a Pro Tip. The market is free to enter and set in the streets of a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.
Everything in central Bath is walkable. The order starts at Bath Abbey and the main market streets, moves to the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa a few minutes away, then heads uphill to the Circus and the Royal Crescent.
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1Bath Christmas Market Around Bath Abbey - The Main Chalets
The heart of the Bath Christmas Market is the cluster of wooden chalets around Bath Abbey, spreading through the Abbey Churchyard, Kingston Parade and the surrounding streets. The honey-coloured Georgian buildings and the abbey's Gothic west front make it one of the prettiest Christmas markets in the UK.
The chalets focus on independent makers, many from Bath and the West Country, selling crafts, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, food and drink. The market runs from 26 November to 13 December 2026, and local businesses say it is the most important trading period of their year.
Bath Christmas Market is extremely busy at weekends, when coach parties and day-trippers arrive. The narrow lanes around the abbey fill quickly from late morning.
2Bath Abbey - Carols, Concerts and the Tower
Bath Abbey, rebuilt from the late 15th century on a site of worship that dates back more than a thousand years, stands at the centre of the Bath Christmas Market. Its fan-vaulted ceiling and great east window are among the finest in England.
During Advent, the abbey hosts carol services and Christmas concerts, many of them open to the public. Tower tours take visitors up 212 steps to the roof for a view over the market chalets and the city, though they depend on weather and availability.
Visiting the abbey is a good way to step out of the crowds for a while. Check the abbey's own programme for 2026 service and concert times, which are published closer to Christmas.
3The Roman Baths - Ancient Bath at Christmas
The Roman Baths sit right next to Bath Abbey and the Christmas market, and they are the reason the city exists. Built around natural hot springs nearly 2,000 years ago, the complex includes the Great Bath, a temple courtyard and a museum of Roman finds.
In December the light fades early, and the steam rising from the Great Bath under the evening lamps is especially atmospheric. In past years the Roman Baths have held special late or torchlit evening openings in the festive season; check the official website for 2026 dates and times.
Entry is ticketed and can sell out at busy times during the Bath Christmas Market, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
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4Thermae Bath Spa - Rooftop Pool Above the City
Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in naturally warm spring water, and its open-air rooftop pool is one of the most memorable things to do during a Bath Christmas Market visit. The water stays warm while the winter air is cold, and the view takes in the abbey and the surrounding hills.
The spa has a session-based entry system, and December is one of its busiest months. Expect queues at weekends, especially during the market weeks, unless you book a spa package in advance.
Swimwear is required, and robes, towels and slippers are provided as part of the entry price. Children under 16 are not admitted to the main spa.
5The Circus and Royal Crescent - Georgian Bath After Dark
The Circus, a ring of 33 Georgian townhouses designed by John Wood the Elder, and the sweeping Royal Crescent nearby are the most famous pieces of architecture in Bath. A walk between them is free and makes a good break from the Bath Christmas Market crowds.
In December, many of the grand houses put up festive wreaths and lights in their windows, and the lawn in front of the Royal Crescent gives a wide view over Royal Victoria Park. Number 1 Royal Crescent, a museum furnished as a Georgian home, offers a glimpse of how Bath's wealthy residents lived.
The walk uphill from the abbey takes about 15 to 20 minutes, passing Milsom Street and the Assembly Rooms on the way.
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Bath Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Parking & Tips - FAQ
The Bath Christmas Market runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council. That is just 18 days, so plan ahead.
Yes, the market is free to enter. You pay for food, drinks and gifts, and separately for attractions such as the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa and ice skating.
Take the train to Bath Spa station, a short walk from the market. If you drive, use one of the Park and Ride sites at Lansdown, Newbridge or Odd Down, as city-centre car parks fill quickly on market days.
No. The Bath Christmas Market closes on 13 December 2026, well before Christmas.
No. The chalets are gone by mid-December. If you visit Bath after the market, the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa and the Georgian streets still make for a festive day out.
The market is in the city centre around Bath Abbey, including the Abbey Churchyard and Kingston Parade, with chalets spreading into nearby streets such as Milsom Street. Check the official map for the exact 2026 layout.
Weekday mornings, especially Thursdays and Fridays in the first week, are the quietest. Weekends are the busiest, with coach parties and day-trippers, as the market draws well over 400,000 visitors.
The chalets around Bath Abbey are the heart of the market, with more stalls along Milsom Street. For year-round independent traders, the indoor Guildhall Market near Pulteney Bridge is worth a stop.
Yes. Bath on Ice is an outdoor rink in Royal Victoria Park, a short walk from the Royal Crescent. It uses timed skating sessions, so book ahead, especially for weekends during the market.
Yes. The rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, filled with natural thermal water, is a highlight of a winter visit, especially after dark. Sessions are very popular during the market weeks, so book in advance.
