Bath’s iconic Christmas Market, widely recognised as one of the best in the UK, has again been rated a success as the dates for this year are released.
While official figures for the economic impact of 2024’s market on the city will not be released for several months, organiser Bath & North East Somerset Council said feedback from traders and visitors had been excellent.
The market, which will be staged between November 27 to December 14 this year, was again ranked among the leaders in a number of surveys in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.
An analysis of Google search trends by SEO agency Nomada Digital for Christmas markets in October placed Bath, which had 60,500 searches in joint third place with Birmingham and behind York and long-time rival Edinburgh in first and second spot respectively.
A similar survey by London Northwestern Railway (LNR) explored popular TikTok hashtags and posts to see which cities were capturing the festive imagination online. It also found Bath to be the third most popular – this time behind Edinburgh and Manchester.
Bath’s 2024 market again had 180 chalets showcasing more than 230 traders – 80% based in the South West. Some 40% of the 80 traders signed up for the first time were based in Bath and the surrounding area.
Council cabinet member for economic & cultural sustainable development Cllr Paul Roper said: “This year’s market has once again been a great success and received excellent feedback from local traders.
“Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this year’s market a triumph.
“We’re excited to be able to confirm the 2025 dates already – the 25th anniversary of the event – so that residents, international visitors and traders can plan your return. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.”
Stallholder Sandy Luck of North Somerset-based vineyard Aldwick Estate said: “’The Bath Market is so well organised and planned and gives our product fantastic exposure.
“We love the festive feel, the brilliant staff that organise the event and love meeting and talking to all the visitors that come to Bath to experience this wonderful market.’’
Handmade Christmas decorations and gifts retailer Sparkorium also gave the market a bug thumbs up, with directors Daran and Victoria Bevan describing the first weekend was the busiest ever.
“This year’s has been amazing, full of lovely people enjoying all that is Christmas,” they added.
“Thank you Bath Christmas Market team, you are fantastic, see you next year.”
Figures for 2023’s Christmas Market from an independent survey commissioned by the council revealed it contributed £47m to the city’s economy – a 37% increase on 2022 and the highest-ever achieved in its history.
The figure was based on additional spend in the city by visitors to the market rather than the total amount which went into the economy during the 18 days it took place.
The number of people attending the market also hit a new high of 450,000 in 2023 – up from 426,000 in 2022 and 2019’s figure of 403,000.
