Walking past the security barrier installation work at the Abbey end of Cheap Street it did look as if the construction was coming to an end. I hear they are on track for completion before the arrival of this year’s Christmas Market.
Just as well as more than 200 traders are gearing up for the world-famous event which opens on November 23.
Most of the stall holders are based in the South West and will be selling a wide range of festive gifts, food and drink during the hugely popular 18-day run.
Residents are invited to a pre-opening night on Wednesday, November 22 from 5pm to 7pm and can make use of their Bath & North East Somerset Council Discovery Cards to get exclusive discounts and offers from Monday to Friday.
The Christmas Market spans the historic city centre from Abbeygate Street to Milsom Street and will also host 36 charities and community groups, who will be raising funds for their community activities using two community chalets, one of which has been sponsored by Midford Manor Care Home.
There will also be a range of pop-up entertainment across the site including community choirs, The Natural Theatre Company, and live bands with the entertainment sponsored by Bath on Ice.
The market runs from Thursday, November 23 until Sunday, December 10 and the opening hours are:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sundays: 10am to 6pm
Visitors can find out about all the stallholders they will discover at www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/stallholders
Sustainability measures have been important in the organisation of the market. The generator has been selected for its environmentally friendly industry standard and uses no fossil fuels. Single-use plastics by stallholders are not permitted and stallholders and visitors are encouraged to travel by train, bus and Park & Ride where possible.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath’s Christmas Market has a place on the international stage and is a fantastic way to kick off your Christmas and New Year celebrations. It’s a first-class event for the community to enjoy whilst benefitting local retailers, restaurants and hotels by attracting extra footfall into the city.
“Bath has an excellent Christmas offering year on year and I’m delighted that the Christmas Market is an integral part of that. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the city centre looking festive and showcasing everything Bath has to offer.”
There will also be more festive activities in the city to enjoy, including the return of Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park. More information will be updated on Visit’s Bath’s Bath at Christmas webpage.
Accessibility information for Bath Christmas Market can be found on the accessibility page, including a map of the Blue Badge parking available across the city. People with specific access needs can contact the Christmas Market team to discuss arrangements.
For more information, including opening hours and travel instructions, please visit bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.
Meanwhile, l know a bewhiskered jolly chap who is dusting off his red and white suit ready for the festive season.
Here’s an invite to come on a magical experience, receive a gift and meet Father Christmas!
It’s a meeting with a difference too as Father Christmas’ Grotto – which is coming to Milsom Place – is a fun interactive experience with professional actors in the heart of Bath.
A festive destination designed for the family to enjoy and escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. Help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story of how they plan to make this year the best Christmas ever.
The Father Christmas’ Grotto is at Milsom Place every weekend and selected weekdays from 23rd November – 24th December 2023.
What’s included
A 20-minute festive experience with professional actors and Father Christmas. Your child will meet Father Christmas, receive a special gift, and have a photo opportunity as well as a small gift for your grown-up.
Matthew Emeny, from The Production Garden, is very excited to welcome everyone to the Grotto this year at Milsom Place:
“We are very excited that Father Christmas and his Elves have chosen Bath and Milsom Place to set up their Workshop Grotto this year. We can’t wait to help all the children of Bath and their adults have a magical experience in the lead up to Christmas!”
2023 GROTTO SCHEDULE:
*Please visit our website for the full details of the individual performance Hmes
| Date | Performances |
| Thursday 23rd November | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday 24th November | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Saturday 25th November | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Sunday 26th November | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Monday 27th – Wednesday 29th November | Elves Days Off |
| Thursday 30th November | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday 1st December | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Saturday 2nd December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Sunday 3rd December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Monday 4th – Wednesday 6th December | Elves Days Off |
| Thursday 7th December | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday 8th December | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Saturday 9th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Sunday 10th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Monday 11th – Wednesday 13th December | Elves Days Off |
| Thursday 14th December | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday 15th December | AIer School from 16:00 – 17:30 |
| Saturday 16th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Sunday 17th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Monday 18th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Tuesday 19th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Wednesday 20th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Thursday 21st December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Friday 22nd December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Saturday 23rd December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
| Sunday 24th December | All Day from 10:00 – 17:30 |
TICKET PRICES
Child (under 16): £10.00 Adult: £10.00
LOCATION: Milsom Place – 41 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DN WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
For further booking information, please contact Father Christmas and his elves at fatherchristmasbath@gmail.co.uk
