Bath Christmas Market has been part of The Green’s story for considerably longer than we have been welcoming guests into our 17th-century country house.
Our owners, Aurelius and Claire Braunbarth, were actively part of the Market’s success during its first seven years, serving authentic German sausages to thousands of visitors daily. Now, we enjoy the market from the other side of the chalets and warmly recommend it to our guests.
It is a wonderful reason to plan a few nights away in the South West: discover the market, enjoy the heritage city of Bath at its most magical and then return to the peaceful surroundings of our luxury Wiltshire guest house.
The Story Of Bath Christmas Market
Founded twenty five years ago in 2001, Bath Christmas Market began as a gathering of local businesses and artisans. Aurelius and Claire remember its beginnings as a relatively small three-day event, inspired by Germany’s traditional Christmas markets.
The combination of independent traders, festive food and wooden chalets soon attracted visitors from across the UK, followed by an international audience. Today, hundreds of thousands attend annually, making it one of the country’s best-known and beloved Christmas markets.
Photo by Ross Sneddon
German Sausages, Mustard And Happy Memories
For Aurelius and Claire, those formative years meant long but satisfying days spent cooking and serving authentic German sausages accompanied by delicious German mustard. As the market grew, they sold around 10,000 sausages a day over ten days each year.
The experience was exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable, combining the challenge of keeping visitors well fed with the pleasure of meeting so many people and helping a new event to flourish.
A Christmas Market In A Beautiful Heritage City
Bath’s glorious setting is central to its appeal, with Bath Abbey providing a memorable backdrop to the festive shopping. Historic architecture and atmospheric lighting gives the occasion a character that is distinctly unique to Bath.
The market now extends across the city centre, introducing visitors to shops, cafés and restaurants along the way. This year, some chalets will appear on New Bond Street for the very first time.
We recommend experiencing Bath Christmas Market both in daylight and after dusk. A satisfying afternoon spent browsing at a leisurely pace can lead into an evening enjoying the lights and dinner before returning to The Green.
Christmas Gifts From Independent Makers
Meeting the people behind the products makes choosing presents at the Bath Christmas Market particularly enjoyable. Stalls offer jewellery, homeware, handcrafted gifts and artisan food and drink, with plenty of opportunities to find something individual while supporting small businesses.
Bath’s independent shops provide further festive gifting inspiration, making it easy to combine the market with a little more Christmas shopping along the way.
Food and drink is central to the Bath Christmas Market experience. Pause for hot chocolate or mulled wine, sample something delicious from the food traders or choose artisan treats to take home with you.
A Peaceful Base For A Longer Festive Break
A stay of several days gives you time to enjoy the market and explore beyond it. Spend a morning discovering the chalets and an afternoon visiting Bath’s galleries or historic attractions, then return another day for a favourite stall or the evening atmosphere.
You can also explore nearby Bradford on Avon and the Wiltshire countryside, while leaving time to enjoy The Green itself.
Our luxury country house bed and breakfast near Bradford on Avon is located closely to Bath: just a short train journey or taxi ride away. With five individually designed guest rooms and seven acres of gardens and woodland, it provides a peaceful retreat after a day exploring the busy festive treats.
For guests looking for somewhere to stay near Bath Christmas Market, it is a lovely combination: festive days exploring, followed by the comfort and tranquillity of a Wiltshire country house.
Bath Christmas Market 2026: Dates And Visitor Information
Bath Christmas Market runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December 2026.
Entry is free, with no ticket required. Weekday mornings generally offer a quieter experience.
Visit the Bath Christmas Market website for latest details and accessibility details.
Plan Your Festive Stay At The Green
Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside just a few miles from Bath, The Green is the perfect stay for visitors to the Bath Christmas Market and the ideal, tranquil retreat after a day of festive exploration.
Situated close to the picturesque Bradford-on-Avon train station, which runs regular direct services to Bath Spa Station, we always recommend to our visitors that the Bath Christmas Market is best enjoyed via a train ride in and out of the city centre.
Photo by Amy W
