Bath's biggest-ever Christmas market is officially launched this evening when its 139 chalet-style stalls open to the public.
The market, which sells unique and handmade gifts, decorations and food, has become a magnet for visitors to the city over recent years by transforming the quaint streets and square between the Abbey and the Roman Baths into a haven for shoppers.
For the first time, the 18-day-long market is being expanded to include 15 new stalls in Bath Street and Milsom Place.
While some of the stalls have already started trading, today’s lantern parade, starting at 5pm from the Holburn
e Museum, officially launches the festivities.
Bath Tourism Plus estimates the market will have attracted 300,000-plus by the time it closes on December 9 giving a boost to local trade and benefitting local charities, who are allowed to collect at the market.
Bath Tourism Plus chief executive Nick Brooks-Sykes said: “Bath is an extremely popular Christmas shopping destination, attracting people from all over the region and the UK. To be in the position to be able to offer a prime site in the city centre to 18 worthwhile cause at a time of year synonymous with giving is just wonderful.”
The market, which will be open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, also offers residents the opportunity to pick up two-for-one deals on mulled wine, other drinks and hot chestnuts during the last hour of each trading day.
For this and other local offers (including free entry to the Roman Baths) residents need to show their Bath & North East Somerset Discovery Card, together with print offs of the special buy-one, get-one free vouchers from the Bath Tourist Information website.
