Bath Christmas Market 2022 a resounding success with more festive events to look forward to

The 20th Bath Christmas Market has drawn to a close following 18 magical days that saw a busy time for traders and increased footfall on weekdays and evenings.

The 170 chalets are gone for another year after providing showcases for 200 traders, 36 charities and 20 smaller Christmas carts, many of whom return year after year to the market which is ranked in the top 10 of European Christmas Markets.

Residents and visitors are reminded that although the market ended yesterday (11 December) there is plenty more festive fun to discover in the city.

The highlights include Bath on Ice with 1,000 square metres of ice to enjoy along with atmospheric lights and a cosy bar, which opened on November 12 at Royal Victoria Park and runs until 3 January.

At the American Museum & Gardens, the Enchanted Garden of Light transports visitors into a sparkling Christmas adventure with a trail of illuminations emblazoning the house, gardens and woodland. The event runs until 31 December.

A traditional Victorian Christmas Carousel arrives on 16 December outside the Pump Rooms at Stall St which will be open until 31 December.

All the #BathAtChristmas events can be found on the Visit Bath website and on the Bath BID website.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council Leader, said: “We are delighted that the 20th Bath Christmas Market has been a resounding success. If you’ve been out and about in the city over the past couple of weeks, you’ll have seen for yourself how busy this hugely popular event has been and we have early indications that weekday and evening footfall was on the up. Thank you to everyone who has helped the Market rebuild after a three-year break and we look forward to welcoming the fantastic traders and visitors back to Bath again next year.”

Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism at Visit West, said: “We have been thrilled by the response from visitors to Bath Christmas Market this year. Its beautiful setting makes it one of the most iconic festive sights in the UK, and Bath one of the most festive break destinations. With just under two weeks still to go until the big day, there are still lots of festive activities taking place and plenty to continue to entice visitors to make the most of the season, with more than 90 events listed on the Visit Bath website as well as favourite museums, attractions and local shops.”

Allison Herbert, Chief Executive of Bath BID, commented: “The Bath BID invests in footfall counters across the city to help us and the business community to understand how the city is performing.  During the market period, footfall was very much in line with 2019 figures, particularly at weekends. The train strike on the first weekend may have impacted numbers on that Saturday, but the other weekends were up on 2019. We saw an increase in midweek visits compared to 2019 on some dates and an increase in the number of visitors who remained in the city after traditional shop closing time."

“Now that the city is a bit quieter, we really urge visitors and locals to come and shop local and have the satisfaction of choosing gifts for your family and friends which have been selected by the creative and hardworking retailers in the city centre. We would recommend that you have a browse of Indie Bath winter edition and tour your way round your high street favourites whilst you discover the fabulous independents in the city. You can pick up a copy of Indie Bath in independent shops and cafes throughout the city and from our Welcome Ambassadors or visit https://www.welcometobath.co.uk/independent-bath/indie-bath/.”

Andrew Davies, Manager at Milsom Place, said: “Overall, Milsom Place's businesses have been delighted by the return of the Bath Christmas Market, the associated increase in footfall and the positive economic effect it has brought to this part of the city. In particular our food and beverage establishments have reported a significant uplift in trading for the duration of the market's presence."

There are also events in Bath and North East Somerset Council’s parks and public spaces:

• Community Carol Service - St Andrews Green on December 15 from 17:30 -18:30
• Carols in the Circus on December 16 from 19:00 - 20:00
• Deep South Winter Series BMX Race on 15 January from 09:30 - 16:00 at the Tumps, Chelwood Drive, Bath BA2 2PR

Bath and North East Somerset’s libraries are offering plenty of family fun for people of all ages in their Christmas events calendar. There are festive story and activity sessions, a Lego Lab for free creative play, virtual games and the Sensory Space. Find out more on the Libraries’ blog or social media channels.

Bath Rotary Club is also carrying out charity collections in the city centre until 22 December.