Bath Christmas Market will extend onto New Bond Street for the first time when it returns on Thursday, 26 November. The market will run until Sunday, 13 December, featuring 245 traders, including 61 newcomers, and is expected to attract around 440,000 visitors to the city centre.
Bath and North East Somerset Council revealed the expansion on Thursday, 1 October, highlighting new entertainment options and the return of an indoor space on Stall Street. Accessibility improvements include new accessible routes, toilets, and designated quiet shopping periods to enhance visitor experience.
Councillor Manda Rigby said the market remains a highlight of the festive season, bringing joy to both residents and visitors while supporting local traders and businesses. She noted that last year the event generated an estimated £50.7 million in visitor spending and boosted business turnover by £64 million, showcasing the best of Bath at Christmas.
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The expansion follows recent planning permission allowing the market to operate over a longer period and to include new areas such as Queen’s Square, Kingsmead Square, and Parade Gardens starting in 2027. However, the council does not currently plan to extend the market duration to the full 25 days permitted.
Council cabinet member Paul Roper emphasised that the added space aims to foster creativity and new ideas rather than saturate the city with chalets. He also explained that the market is not a profit-driven initiative and that the council has been working to adjust its operating model to at least break even.
Environmental measures remain a priority, with commitments to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of reusable cups among visitors.
Bath Christmas Market will also feature a residents-only day on Wednesday, 25 November, ahead of its official opening. The event continues to be a major attraction, combining festive spirit with economic and cultural benefits for Bath.