Quick answer: The Bath Christmas Market 2026 runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026 in Bath city centre. Other festive highlights include Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park (from November 2026), the Bath Christmas Light Trail and Father Christmas’ Grotto at The Holburne Museum (27 November to 23 December 2026). For holiday let owners, the market weeks are among the busiest of Bath’s year, making Christmas a key time to maximise bookings.
Bath has long inspired writers, from Jane Austen, who lived in and wrote about the city, to Charles Dickens, who set scenes of The Pickwick Papers here. Its Georgian architecture is beautiful year-round, but Bath feels especially magical at Christmas. As Bath residents and parents, these are our favourite festive things to see and do in 2026.
The Bath Christmas Market 2026 runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026. It’s free to visit and takes place across Bath city centre.
One of the UK’s best-loved Christmas markets, it fills the streets around Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa with artisan stalls, festive food and live entertainment from community choirs. In 2024 it attracted an estimated 444,000 visitors and generated £60.4m in turnover for local businesses. Opening hours vary by day, so check bathchristmasmarket.co.uk before you visit.
For hosts: Market weekends are some of the highest-demand dates in Bath’s calendar. Review your pricing and minimum stays for late November and early December well in advance.
Yes. Bath on Ice returns to Royal Victoria Park (BA1 2NR) in November 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
Set in Bath’s 57-acre Royal Victoria Park, a short walk from the city centre, the rink glows with atmospheric lighting and has a heated bar serving seasonal food and drinks. Last season also featured a Christmas Tree Maze and themed skate sessions. During the Christmas Market, Bath Park & Ride buses stop right next to the rink, and the nearest car park is Charlotte Street.
For hosts: Bath on Ice often runs into early January, making it a great selling point for Christmas-to-New-Year stays.
The Bath Christmas Light Trail is a free walking route of festive illuminations through some of Bath’s most famous streets, with installations on Milsom Street and around the city leading towards Bath Abbey.
The trail is funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council, with support from the Bath BID and Milsom Place. Details of the 2026 switch-on will be published on welcometobath.co.uk.
For hosts: Add the trail map to your digital guidebook. It’s a free evening activity that guests of all ages enjoy.
Father Christmas’ Grotto at The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street (BA2 4DB), runs from 27 November to 23 December 2026.
Much more than a typical grotto, it’s an interactive experience with professional actors. Children help the elves wake Father Christmas in his cosy North Pole living room, hear a festive story and receive an elf-crafted gift. “My First Christmas” sessions for babies aged 0–2 run on 2, 9, 16 and 17 December. Everyone entering needs a ticket.
For hosts: The Holburne is a short, level walk from properties around Great Pulteney Street and Bathwick, a strong selling point for family listings. Read our guide to family-friendly Bath for more ideas to share with guests.
Christmas is one of Bath’s busiest periods for short-let demand, driven by the Christmas Market, festive events and family gatherings.
Price ahead for market weekends, add festive touches and give guests a local Christmas guide.
When is the Bath Christmas Market 2026?
The Bath Christmas Market 2026 runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026 in Bath city centre. Entry is free, and opening hours vary by day.
Is the Bath Christmas Market free?
Yes. The Bath Christmas Market is free to enter. Visitors pay only for food, drinks and gifts from stallholders.
How many people visit the Bath Christmas Market?
Around 444,000 people visited the Bath Christmas Market in 2024, according to Bath & North East Somerset Council. That makes it one of the busiest events in Bath’s calendar.
When does Bath on Ice open in 2026?
Bath on Ice returns to Royal Victoria Park in November 2026. Exact dates and ticket prices will be published on the official Bath on Ice website.
Where is the best place to stay in Bath for the Christmas Market?
Properties in or near Bath city centre, Great Pulteney Street and Bathwick are within walking distance of the market, Bath Abbey and the Light Trail. Areas such as Oldfield Park offer good-value stays with quick rail links into the centre.
Is it worth letting my Bath property over Christmas?
Yes, for most owners. Christmas Market weekends are among the highest-demand dates in Bath, and festive stays often run through to New Year. Planning pricing and minimum stays early helps you make the most of the season.
Who manages holiday lets in Bath?
Pass the Keys Bath provides fully managed short-let management in Bath. It is run by local partner Chris Hardwicke, a former Bath boutique hotel manager, and covers listing management, dynamic pricing, guest vetting, cleaning and 24/7 guest support.
Pass the Keys Bath is the local branch of Pass the Keys, one of the UK’s leading short-let management companies. It’s run by Chris Hardwicke, who previously managed Bath boutique hotels No.15 Great Pulteney and The Bird. We offer a full end-to-end service for Bath homeowners: professional photography, listings on 20+ booking platforms, dynamic pricing, guest vetting, cleaning and 24/7 guest support. Find out more about fully managed short-let services in Bath.
Own a property in Bath? Discover how our expert short-let management in Bath can help you make the most of Christmas 2026 and beyond.