The iconic Bath Christmas Market returns next month with more than 200 traders already signed up and with sustainability a priority.
Most of the stallholders at the market, which opens on 23 November, will be selling a wide range of festive gifts, food and drink – most of them locally sourced – during the 18-day event.
Last year’s Christmas Market, pictured, delivered a £50m-plus boost 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.
The independent survey carried out for Bath & North East Somerset Council, which took over the running of the event in 2020, revealed it attracted an estimated 426,000 visitors between 24 November and 8 December – up from 403,000 in 2019.
This year the event will have an emphasis on sustainability. The generator supplying power to the market – regarded as one of the UK’s best – has been 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.
There will also be pop-up entertainment across the site, sponsored by Bath on Ice. including community choirs, Bath’s Natural Theatre Company and live bands.
Council cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Cllr Paul Roper, said: “Bath’s Christmas Market has a place on the international stage and is a fantastic way to kick off your Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“It’s a first-class event for the community to enjoy while benefitting local retailers, restaurants and hotels by attracting extra footfall into the city.
“Bath has an excellent Christmas offering year on year and I’m delighted that the Christmas Market is an integral part of that. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the city centre looking festive and showcasing everything Bath has to offer.”
The market runs from Thursday, November 23, until Sunday, December 10, and the opening hours will be:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm
- Sundays: 10am to 6pm
Accessibility information for Bath Christmas Market can be found on the accessibility page, including a map of the Blue Badge parking available across the city.
People with specific access needs can contact the Christmas Market team to discuss arrangements.
For more information, including opening hours and travel instructions, visit bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.
For information on all the stallholders, go to www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk/stallholders
