Bath Christmas Market planning application

Bath & North East Somerset Council has submitted a planning application to support the long-term future of the Bath Christmas Market.

The application is focused on providing flexibility for future improvements. It does not propose significant changes to how the market will operate in 2026.

What is being proposed

We are applying for planning permission to continue running Bath Christmas Market as a temporary annual event on a permanent planning basis.

The application includes:

• A maximum of 260 chalets and units across the event. In 2026, there will be no more than 210.
• The option for the market to run for up to 25 days each year in November and December. In 2026, it will run for 18 days, as in previous years.
• The potential to use additional locations in future, including Parade Gardens, Queen Square and Kingsmead Square.

We are not planning to use these additional areas in 2026. Including them in the application now means they could be considered for future years, if appropriate.

Why we are doing this

Bath Christmas Market plays an important role in supporting local businesses and bringing people into the city during the festive season.

This application will help us to:

• support the long-term future of the market
• allow for improvements over time
• spread visitors more evenly across the city centre
• create opportunities for more activities and local traders in future

By planning ahead now, we can make changes more easily in future, where needed and following further engagement.

Have your say

You can comment on the planning application using the button below. The application is open for comments until Thursday 30 July 2026.

What happens next

All comments from residents, businesses and stakeholders will be reviewed by the council's planning case officer. Comments must relate to relevant planning considerations.

Feedback will be summarised and considered as part of the officer's report. This report will inform the final decision on the application.

For 2026, the market will operate largely within the same footprint as 2025, with a small increase in chalets and the addition of The Lodge bar.

We will continue to work closely with residents, businesses and stakeholders. Any future use of additional spaces would be carefully considered and consulted on, with the aim of enhancing the visitor experience and supporting different parts of the city.