The date is set for Bath Christmas Market

Bath Christmas Market, the internationally renowned festive gift market is set to go ahead in its seventh year from 29th November – 9th December 2007, and with the event growing in popularity year on year, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit.

117 wooden chalets full of everything you’ll need to prepare for the perfect Christmas will occupy the Abbey Churchyard area, a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey and next to the Roman Baths right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city’s shopping district and just five minutes easy walk from Bath Spa train station.

If you are looking for something extra special to make your Christmas perfect, Bath Christmas Market is the place you’ll find it, with all of the retailers selling unique, handcrafted items, many of which are made in the local area and the South West, giving the event a very individual identity.

Festive food and drink, decorations, jewellery, accessories, crafts and children’s toys are all abundant, and with such a huge range of gift ideas any prospective present buyer will be spoilt for choice – even for those family members who are normally impossible to buy for!

Visitors to the market will love the festive atmosphere, created by the hustle and bustle of the market and added to by aromas of festive, warming food, served at the event to give weary shoppers a boost. Whether a mulled wine and minced pie as a warming snack, or something more substantial, there will be something to suit all tastes.

Bath Abbey, next to the market, is a stunning building, which hosts a full programme of Christmas services, including special, shorter ‘shoppers services’. The sound of carols echoing around the Abbey and drifting through the market creates an extra special atmosphere. This is complimented by a full programme of entertainment at the event – carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that add to the festive ambience.

With the market as the highlight, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath is fast becoming known as ‘the Christmas City’ – the perfect place to visit in the run up to Christmas. As well as fantastic shopping with a great mix of high street stores and a high proportion of individual independent shops, Bath offers a number of events providing even more reasons to come again or to plan to stay longer.

Alongside Bath Christmas Market, the Guildhall market in Bath is holding its own Christmas themed market (29th November – 9th December). Jane Austen fans will love the Regency Christmas at the Jane Austen Centre (1st – 30th November), and Chocoholics will be in their element at the Chocolate Festival at Shire’s Yard Shopping Centre (8th December - TBC). If you are seeking traditional festivities, the Roman Baths provide this in a unique setting with ‘Carols by Candlelight’ (19th-21st December).

Families are well catered for at this special time of year, with special celebrations happening at many of the visitor attractions in the city and surrounding area. Children are invited to take part in a lantern procession on 6th December, making a stunning sight for any visitors as they make their way to Bath Abbey from the Holburne Museum.

Santa specials are taking place on the Avon Valley Railway during December and Christmas at Claverton is the fantastic event at the American Museum in Britain, which is perfect for children (24th November – 16th December).

There are even more reasons to stay longer in Bath. Why not combine your visit to Bath Christmas Market with a session at the new Thermae Bath Spa? This is a great way to relax, recharge and warm up in the natural thermal waters that feed the springs in the city centre. Bathing in the rooftop pool, which overlooks the beautifully lit city as the steam rises from the water truly is a unique experience.

Booking your accommodation in the city is easy - dedicated, helpful staff man Bath Tourist Information Centre’s accommodation booking line seven days a week: 0906 7112000 (50p per minute), or you can book online at any time of day or night, using the easy, free booking service at Visitbath.co.uk.

For more information about Bath Christmas Market see Bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.