Bath Christmas Market to return after two year absence
Covid saw it cancelled in 2020 and 2021
Last updated 9th Feb 2022
If all goes to plan, Bath's Christmas Market will be back next winter after a two year absence.
Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council has announced the news, saying it will run from November 24 to December 11.
The market was cancelled in both 2021 and 2020 because of coronavirus, but organisers say it will be back this year, featuring more than 170 chalet stalls.
This year's event will mark its 20th anniversary.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, said: “I am so pleased to be able to announce our traditional Bath Christmas Market is back and that we’ll be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“Planning is already under way to make it a very special anniversary year.
"The market gives a huge boost not just to the stall holders, many of which are local businesses, but also to our retail, accommodation, hospitality and tourism sectors.
"It will play a crucial role in helping both hospitality and retail after a such a tough time and we hope everyone will get behind it and support Bath Christmas Market 2022.”
Bath's Christmas Market has been ranked in the top 10 in Europe and attracts around 400,000 visitors each year.
In 2019 an estimated £32.5 million was spent in the city during the event.
Allison Herbert, chief executive Bath BID said: “We are really pleased that Bath and North East Somerset Council has taken this decision and we are looking forward to working closely together, to ensure this year’s Christmas Market is one that everyone can be proud of.”
Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism at Visit West said; “We are delighted that Bath Christmas Market will be returning to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
"This is a huge lift for the industry, and we are looking forward to maximising the opportunities to work with our partners locally to showcase Bath at Christmas to our domestic and international audiences."
Whilst this news is entirely positive, it may be met with some trepidation as it was initially claimed the 2021 event would be the biggest ever, only for it to be cancelled months later.
In June 2021 it was announced the market that year would run for a record 25 days, only for it to be called off in September when organisers said there was a recruitment crisis in key areas.
This year it will run for a shorter period of 18 days.
For businesses wishing to host a stall at the market, rates are being held at the 2019 level.
Short term lets will also be available for traders who are unable to attend for the whole market.
Single-use plastics are banned at the market and all stallholders must use environmentally-friendly biodegradable alternatives for product packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups and cutlery.