Best dressed chalets named at Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market traders’ fantastic efforts to make their chalets as festive as possible saw four businesses pick up titles in the annual Best Dressed Chalet Awards.

The contest was judged by Councillor Sarah Moore, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, and the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Dine Romero. Both toured the market, which features 200 traders and 36 community groups offering delightful gifts, crafts, and delicious food and drink, before announcing the winners below: 

• Mayor of Bath, Best Dressed Chalet: Bath Carnival in Orange Grove
• Chair of Bath & North East Somerset, Best Dressed Chalet: Felt So Good, in Kingston Parade
• Mayor and Chair Runner Up: Pollyfields, in Kingston Parade
• Mayor and Chair Highly Commended: The Sparkorium, in Milsom Street

The hugely popular 18-day market, which closes on Sunday 10 December has attracted thousands of visitors each day. Now in its 21^st year, the market’s gift, food and drink options are broader than ever.  

Councillor Sarah Moore, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It was fantastic to wander around all the chalets and see the huge efforts traders go to, to dress their chalets. Our council team works closely with all stallholders to make sure the market is a great event at this special time of year and so it wasn’t an easy task picking out just four winners when there are so many great chalets to choose from.”

Councillor Dine Romero, Mayor of Bath, said: “It’s great that so many of the traders at the Bath Christmas Market are selling local and regional products including handmade crafts, unique gifts and a wide range of the best food and drink you’ll find locally - well done to the four award winners!” 

For visitors yet to come and enjoy the market the council is reminding people to plan their journeys in advance. Royal Avenue will be closed to public traffic during the event. Parking at the Park and Ride sites is free if taking the service into or out of the city. Variable message signs will be in place for the duration of the market to let people know how full car parks are on approach. Live occupancy levels are available at most car parks and can be checked online here. 

Useful links to help people plan their journeys are:

• First Bus’s journey planner
• Information on Park & Ride sites  
• GWR ticket booker to visit Bath by train
• All the on and off-street parking in Bath