Festive magic for Christmas 2026 already on the horizon in Bath

Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to announce that the internationally-acclaimed Bath Christmas Market will once again bring festive cheer to the city from November 26 to December 13, 2026.

The council is announcing the dates for the magical event following the final day of the 25th anniversary event on Sunday (December 14) which early data shows saw higher footfall than 2024, when an estimated 444,000 visitors flocked to Bath to enjoy the Christmas magic.

More than 250 businesses – 65% of which were from Bath and surrounding areas – joined 32 community groups for this year’s milestone event, which for the first time offered a reindeer trail around the city to encourage visitors to explore more of everything Bath has to offer.

Christmas in Bath is still in full swing with the Victorian carousel arriving on Stall Street on December 18 and Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park continuing to delight.

Councillor Manda Rigby said: “I have been to this year’s Christmas Market every day and it’s been absolutely wonderful to chat with stallholders who come back year after year, and visitors who have absolutely loved the experience. The council is so proud that ours is one of the most successful Christmas markets in Europe, supporting hundreds of jobs and local businesses and attracting international interest. We are very much looking forward to once again spreading the festive cheer and welcoming stallholders, charities and visitors from near and far in 2026.”

Katie, Founder & Designer at Pattern & Pearl in Bath, said: “Bath Christmas Market is the pivotal event of my year and plays a significant role in the growth of my business. The opportunity to connect directly with customers, many of whom return year after year, has had a lasting impact on my brand’s development. One of the aspects I value most about the market is the sense of community it fosters and the event improves every year. I feel genuinely supported by the council’s events team, whose dedication and behind the scenes work to coordinate the market is outstanding – it shows in every detail.”

The council is also announcing that local events company Muddy Dog has been awarded a renewed contract to deliver Bath Christmas Market up until 2030.

Alex Clarke, co-director of Muddy Dog, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the production tender for Bath Christmas Market after proudly working alongside the event for over a decade. As a local company, being a part of this flagship event is something we are extremely proud of and we’re committed to supporting the local economy. We look forward to continuing this journey and are excited to see how the market evolves in the years ahead.”

The 2024 Bath Christmas Market saw an estimated 444,000 visitors create a £60.4m turnover for businesses, support for more than 500 jobs and a £48.9m associated spend in the city.

Visit the market’s social media accounts for updates about the Christmas Market:

• Facebook

• Instagram