Historic UK Christmas Market named one of the best in Europe returns ‘bigger than ever’

IT’S time to get into the Christmas spirit, and where better to do that than at one of the best festive markets?

Found in Bath, it’s considered the biggest Christmas shopping event in the South West with over 200 wooden chalet stalls across the city.

The Bath Christmas Market will reopen on November 26 and any fan of the festive season will want to visit.

It was even recently declared the best in the UK by European Best Destinations.

There are around 250 stalls in Bath dotted about through the cobbled areas of the Abbey Quarter, Bath Street, Union Street, and Milsom Street.

This year it will be even bigger than ever as it will expand onto New Bond Street for the first time.

There’s everything on offer from food like hot dogs and burgers to sweet treats like donuts and even crumble topped with melted chocolate.

Don’t forget the classic Christmas drinks too like mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate.

Other stalls will be selling gifts like baubles, festive socks and tree decorations.

The 250 stallholders and caterers are independently made up of local businesses with most hailing from the South West of England.

For anyone who lives in Bath and North East Somerset – there are discounts available with the Residents’ Discovery Card.

One of the offers is £1 off toasted marshmallows at one of the stalls, 10 per cent off all goods at Soul Fries and Flame and Dough.

Or enjoy the free lucky dip with every purchase at Let’s Get Scented which sells bath bombs and candles.

There are other offers at chocolate stalls and handmade jewellery counters.

For those who want to visit, this year Bath Christmas Market is being held between November 26 and December 13.

From Monday to Wednesday it’s open between 10am and 7pm.

Between Thursday and Saturday it’s open from 10am to 8pm.

On Sundays, it will be open between 10am and 6pm.

The market stalls are set in amongst Bath Abbey which has stood in the heart of the city for over a thousand years.

For those who want to learn more, there are free highlight tours of the abbey available at no extra cost.

Entry to Bath Abbey is £9 for adults, £7.50 for students and £5 for children (5-15).

Any fan of Jane Austen should head to the Jane Austen Centre which gives visitors a snapshot into her life – it even has a dress-up station so visitors can immerse themselves into the Regency era.

There’s also the famous curved street called Royal Crescent.

It’s also a a must-visit for Bridgerton fans because the city is used as a filming location.

The Abbey Deli is used as the Modiste dress shop in the show.