Bath Christmas Market 2022 hailed as a resounding success

Bath Christmas Market 2022 attracted an estimated half a million visitors and provided a significant boost to the local economy, making it one of the most successful markets in the event's 20-year history, according to initial figures announced today (9 February 2023). 

The return of the market in 2022 has been hailed a resounding success by visitors and stallholders.  

After a two-year break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the market welcomed an estimated half a million visitors over eighteen days between 24 November and 8 December 2022.

Building on the experience of previous markets, Bath & North East Somerset Council, which took over responsibility for running the event in 2020, made a number of changes to the 20th anniversary event.

The layout of the 178 chalets selling seasonal gifts, food and drink was altered to reduce overcrowding in areas of high footfall, and for the first time carts were introduced, to enable more micro-businesses to sell their wares at a reduced rate.

Feedback from both visitors and stallholders has been overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of stallholders reporting a successful market and 95% of visitors saying they’d now consider returning to visit Bath at another point in the year.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Council leader, said: “Bath’s Christmas Market has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in Europe for a number of years and for many people it’s a highlight of their festive calendar. After a two-year break caused by Covid, it was wonderful to dust off the chalets and welcome back the stallholders and visitors."

“Running the market for the first time as part of the ‘Bath at Christmas’ campaign worked incredibly well, the illuminations added to the festive atmosphere created by the market and after the dark days of the pandemic, the city really felt alive again."

“The market really is a fantastic draw which boosts our local economy including hotels, pubs and restaurants. It’s also really encouraging to hear the majority of visitors enjoyed their time here so much they are considering coming back."

“We’re always looking to improve though and planning is already under way to make this year’s Christmas market even better.”

More than 200 traders and 36 charities took part in the market.

Zoe from Zoe Rose Art said: “As a local artist, having the opportunity to trade at Bath Christmas Market was a bucket list moment and the experience did not disappoint. The organisation, planning and support of the events team were second to none, every detail was thoroughly planned and executed.”

Initial data from an independent survey of visitors to the market commissioned by the council reveals almost half come every year. The data also showed the following: 

• 75% who visited Bath over the period came solely because of the Christmas Market.
• 37% stayed for an average of 2.4 nights.
• 74% shopped outside the market.
• 79% ate a meal in a local restaurant.
• 48% came on foot or used public transport.

Bath Christmas Market has been shortlisted for Best Event at the Bath Life Awards, the winner of which will be announced on 23 March.