The festive season is now in full swing with Christmas Day quickly approaching, and many are wanting to soak up the magical atmosphere. If it’s picking up gifts for loved ones, sampling new foods or spending time with your pals, Christmas markets are a great way to get into the seasonal spirit.

Markets have been popping up in towns and cities across the UK in recent weeks, and now it is the return of one classed as a top contender. Bath’s Christmas market will be opening this week as the historic city gets a fairytale makeover. The globally celebrated market opened its doors to local residents on Wednesday, November 26 and welcomes the wider public from Thursday, November 27.

The market attracts roughly 444,000 visitors to Bath, and it generated £60.4million in revenue for local enterprises in 2024. There are over 250 stalls to explore in the historic city, surrounded by golden Georgian architecture.

Bath’s cobbled streets and crescents have a makeover with festive lights, adding a greater charm to the city’s beauty. The city has even been voted Which? readers’ favourite medium-sized city.

They got four stars for both their food and drink offerings and cultural sights in the consumer publication’s survey. Now, Bath is set to get even better for Christmas time, as the market celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Chalets have been set up against the backdrop of the historic Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. There are rows of stalls selling everything from artisan gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious festive treats.

Expect carol singers and the scent of mulled wine, as you explore stalls from local traders. Most of those working at the market are from the South West and have their finest goods on display.

You can buy anything from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture, knitwear to fragrances, and even gifts for pets. The activities don’t stop there, as there is also an ice rink in Royal Victoria Park.

Rachel Charlton of Cherry Tree Preserves, which is trading at this year’s market, was also an original stallholder in 2001. She told Somerset Live: “Over the years, Bath has played a key role in supporting our business and we have a larger following of Cherry Tree lovers due to – we believe! – them finding us at the market, year after year.

“The market brings substantial benefits to the wider Bath area and adds a special atmosphere to the city, creating that magical sense of the start of Christmas.”

John Rennie of Silkwood Traders, who has participated in every Bath Christmas Market since 2003, added: “We nervously came to the exhibitors’ meeting for the third Bath Christmas Market with no idea how it was going to go.

“We almost sold out after 11 days, and it was the making of us. The market is a very special place to be, and we feel very lucky to have been in it for the last 22 years. This year, for the first time, we will be in Milsom St, so see you there.”