Bath’s hospitality and leisure sectors are getting into the festive spirit this weekend following the opening of the city’s iconic Christmas Market last night.
With many retail, food and drink businesses still being affected by the cost of living crisis, Bath’s pubs, cafés and shops are looking to the Christmas trading period for a much-needed boost.
Bath’s 18-day Christmas Market, which is regularly named among the UK’s best, last year contributed an estimated £50m-plus to the city’s economy – a 61% increase on the last time it was held pre-pandemic in 2019 and making it the most successful in its 20-year history.
This year it has more than 200 traders and 36 community groups offering a range of gifts, crafts and food and drink.
Residents were treated to a special preview on Wednesday evening ahead of yesterday’s opening – with stand-out products on offer from stallholders including metal garden art, planet-conscious accessories for dogs, goat’s milk skincare and handmade educational toys.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which took over the running of the event in 2020, said food and drink options are broader than ever this year, suiting a wide range of dietary requirements and including specific gluten-free and vegan catering outlets, as well as traditional Christmas fare of mulled wine and mince pies.
The event this year will have a bigger emphasis on sustainability. The generator supplying its power was selected for its environmentally friendly industry standard and uses no fossil fuels, while single-use plastics are not permitted.
All stallholders must use environmentally friendly biodegradable alternatives for product packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery while visitors are encouraged to travel by train, bus and park & ride where possible.
Most stallholders are Bath area business people selling products made locally.
Among them is Pattern and Pearl, a luxury homeware and accessories company with products designed and made in Bath.
Owner Katie Hanney said: “I’m Bath born and bred and have loved coming to the Christmas Market every year so it is really special to be here with my business. Residents’ night went well and I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks.”
Council cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Cllr Paul Roper, said: “Bath Christmas Market is simply not to be missed! Embrace the festive atmosphere and enjoy browsing hundreds of stalls selling local and regional products, handmade crafts, unique gifts and a wide range of the best food and drink you’ll find locally.
“There’s nothing like the charm of Bath Christmas Market to get you into the holiday spirit.
“So much hard work goes into the market and we work closely with our stallholders and local shops to make sure it’s an event you’ll remember.”
Meanwhile, the Abbey Hotel's popular Apres Ski Bar is back this year offering winter cocktails, luxury hot chocolates and locally sourced mulled wine.
Also returning are the igloos at The Bird, Bath, where festive lunches and afternoon teas will be served.
