From November 28 until December 15, B&NES Council has said that Bath city centre ‘will transform into a winter wonderland for 18 days with more than 180 twinkling chalets nestled amongst some of the iconic landmarks, including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Bath’s historic Milsom Street’.
Saltford residents along with all residents in Bath and North East Somerset are invited to Bath Christmas Market one day early to explore the market at an exclusive preview event as the chalets open for the evening, alongside live entertainment, and festive food and drink. The annual residents’ preview evening takes place on Wednesday, November 27 between 5pm and 7pm.
Discovery Card holders in B&NES can also benefit from a range of discounts that are on offer every Monday to Friday during the market. Saltford residents, as B&NES residents, are entitled to apply for Discovery Cards – these also get residents in for free at the Roman Baths etc., so well worth having.
Plus more good news for Saltford residents – an embargo on planned roadworks on the A4 Bath Road through the village will be in place, as well as on other major transport routes into Bath. This will be in place for the duration of the Bath Christmas Market to help ensure good traffic flow. Please be aware that emergency works on the highway may still take place. B&NES Council’s Highways and Traffic can be followed on X (formally Twitter) and also keep an eye on One.Network which aims to show information about emergency works if time permits. SPC will continue to look to post about other planned roadworks in our area via its social media, it’s Facebook feed can be found on the sidebar of our website.
Visitors to Bath Christmas Market are advised to plan their journeys in advance and use public transport, like the city’s three Park & Ride services which are providing additional services during the event. Occupancy levels of all council-owned car parks can be found on the B&NES council website and travel information will be displayed on the council’s variable messaging signs.
B&NES Council says new to the market this year are quieter shopping times between the hours of 10am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering visitors a calmer experience at the market with a limited entertainment schedule.
The market is also aiming to reduce the number of single-use cups by offering a 50p reduction in the price of hot drinks from any of the market’s catering outlets, for anyone bringing a reusable cup.
B&NES Council has shared that this year the market has been shortlisted for ‘Best European Christmas Market’ by travel destination website European Best Destinations. Voting is open until November 27. The event was also named this month as being among eight of the UK’s best Christmas markets by Which? magazine, whose readers also voted Bath their favourite medium sized city earlier this year.
Image of Bath Abbey and the Christmas Tree, taken at the Bath Christmas Market resident’s preview evening in November 2024