Sadly, the Bath Christmas Market 2020 is cancelled in its usual form, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means no twinkling chalets of artisan goodies spread out across the city centre, which of course is hugely disappointing for fans of Bath’s famous festive markets. 

But don’t worry – the organisers of the Bath Christmas markets have other plans up their sleeves! 

So that you can still shop from the city’s incredible selection of talented makers, chefs, artisans and producers, this year’s markets are going virtual. Here’s all you need to know to start making your Christmas shopping list…

Shop online, directly from local stallholders 

Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on many small businesses, especially those that rely on public events like the Bath markets for income. This is why the organisers of the Bath Christmas Market have made it possible – and super easy – to shop local and support Bath’s best small businesses.  

They’ve created a virtual Christmas market, available on the usual Bath Christmas Market website. There’s a full listing of fabulous stallholders, selling everything from handmade Christmas decorations and handcrafted jewellery to personalised presents. 

The full list of Bath independents, creatives and producers includes:

• Grown Up Marshmallows
• The Bath Soft Cheese Company
• Sprout and Gherkin
• Black Bee Honey 
• Bohobo Aromatherapy 
• Jo Duck Ceramics
• Upton Cheyney Chilli Company
• William and the Wolf
• Bollywood Christmas
• Gemma Atwell Jewellery
• Go Wild Preserves.

There’s also the opportunity to support charities in Bath through the virtual market. You can buy gifts or sign up for subscriptions to the likes of The Woodland Trust, Cards for Good Causes, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Bath Child Contact Centre and many more. 

The Bath Christmas Market website has all the details for each virtual stallholder, including a link to each of their webshops. There are even exciting special offers available, to encourage people to start shopping online. 

This means you can tick everything off your Christmas list from the comfort of your own home, and support local Bath businesses at the same time.  

Will there be any Christmas events in Bath this year? 

Visit Bath, the organisers of the Bath Christmas Markets, had planned to have a limited number of individual city centre stalls throughout November. There were also plans for live music and other COVID-safe Christmas entertainment, along with compassionate shopping days for people needing quiet shopping time. 

But unfortunately, the latest coronavirus lockdown in England has put paid to these plans. But fingers crossed the city can still hold some Christmas celebrations this December, if the lockdown is lifted before the festive season begins in earnest. 

Looking ahead to the Bath Christmas Market 2021

The 2020 Christmas celebrations may be rather muted this year, but there’s plenty to look forward to in 2021. This is a major landmark for the event, as it will be celebrating its 20th anniversary! We expect the markets to be back better and bigger than ever, with lots of festive entertainment and special events. 

And if you’re already planning a 2021 trip to Bath, make sure to check out our fantastic choice of elegant city centre apartments. Book nice and early to avoid disappointment!