Everybody loves the Bath Christmas Markets, which pop up for 18 days of festive fun in the city centre from 22nd November until 9th December 2018. However, their popularity can actually be something of a problem if you’re thinking of visiting, as it just gets too crowded! But just how busy are Bath Christmas Markets and when’s the best time to go?

Busy times to avoid

As you may expect, weekends are the busiest time for the Bath Christmas Markets. This is peak time, with visitor numbers shooting right up. Unless there is no other time you can make it during the week, the crowds at the weekends are best avoided.

The organisers of the markets also advise that lunchtimes during the 18 days the market occupies the city centre are also very busy. You may want to avoid the streets surrounding Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa during lunchtimes if you don’t want to get caught up in the Christmas shopping mayhem!

Best times to visit the Bath Christmas Markets

Savvy shoppers will hit the markets on weekday mornings and evenings, when it’s not very crowded and you can take your time browsing over 160 fabulous chalet stalls. There’s still a great atmosphere, but without the pushing and shoving of the weekend crowds.

The markets are open from 10am every day of the week, closing at 7pm from Monday to Wednesday and 8.30pm from Thursday to Saturday. They shut a little earlier on Sunday, at 6pm. If you can, arrive at 10am sharp and get the first pick of all the best festive goodies!

Bath Christmas Markets – parking info

Finding the markets is relatively easy, as they’re right in the centre of Bath very close to major landmarks like Bath Abbey. However, driving there is not necessarily so simple, as parking is limited in the city centre and the roads can get very busy during peak times. You can use the Visit Bath website to access a parking map, or the Bath Christmas Market website for a link to a live update of parking spaces available in central Bath.

Or, you could save yourself the stress and make use of Bath’s excellent Park and Ride Services which run 7 days a week and take just 10 minutes to reach the middle of town. You can also visit the Bath Christmas Markets by rail, arriving at Bath Spa railway station, or by bus if travelling from the outskirts of the city.

Even better, why not stay in the heart of Bath itself?

Rather than battle the crowds on the roads or on public transport, why not make life easier by staying nearby? You can then take your time and stroll on foot to the Bath Christmas Markets from a gorgeous city centre apartment nearby.

Here at Bath Holiday Rentals we have lots of properties to choose from, whether you’re enjoying a romantic weekend away or are planning to hit the markets as a group. Take a look here at what’s available for December 2018.