Date published: 2025-10-30 | Category: Bath, Delivering for local residents, Events
Bath is preparing to celebrate 25 years of festive cheer, community spirit and local enterprise with just four weeks to go until Bath Christmas Market 2025.
The milestone event which runs from November 27 to December 14 highlights the market’s growth from its humble beginnings with 40 stalls in Kingston Parade in 2001 to more than 250 traders today, as well as the stories of the original stallholders who helped shape its success.
In 2001, Bath & North East Somerset Council worked with local traders to create the Christmas Market with principles that still stand in 2025: to showcase independent retailers in Bath at a destination event that encourages repeat visits to the city.
As still happens today, traders used the market to test the success of their products before expanding their business, some going on to rent shops from the council as a result.
Former councillors Marian McNeir MBE and Gitte Dawson were instrumental in getting the market off the ground. Marian said: “Locally, foot and mouth had had disastrous effects on the livelihoods of local businesses and we all agreed we needed something to attract visitors in November, not just in summer. The essence of our vision is still there today and the market has become a model for other cities - Gitte and I are very proud of that.”
Rachel Charlton of Cherry Tree Preserves is trading at this year’s market and was also an original stallholder in 2001. She said: “Over the years, Bath has played a key role in supporting our business and we have a larger following of Cherry Tree lovers due to - we believe! - them finding us at the market, year upon year. The market brings substantial benefits to the wider Bath area and adds a special atmosphere to the city, creating that magical sense of the start of Christmas.”
John Rennie of Silkwood Traders has traded at every Bath Christmas Market since 2003 and said: “We nervously came to the exhibitors meeting for the third Bath Christmas Market with no idea how it was going to go. We almost sold out after 11 days and it was the making of us. The market is a very special place to be and we feel very lucky to get in for the last 22 years. This year for the first time we will be in Milsom St, so see you there!”
The 2024 Bath Christmas Market saw an estimated 444,000 visitors create a £60.4m turnover for businesses, support for more than 500 jobs and a £48.9m associated spend in the city.
Alex Peters from Green Park Brasserie, Bath Pizza Co and Bath Sausage Co said: “As a local business involved in Bath Christmas Market since the early 2000s I’m delighted to see the event celebrate a landmark anniversary. The market has enabled us to reinvest in our business, creating sustained growth and permanent job opportunities. The £60m economic value the market generates for the region doesn’t just sit within the 18 days it operates - the event positions Bath as a globally recognised destination year round.”
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “Bath Christmas Market is cherished tradition that brings joy to residents and visitors year on year. A true celebration of our city’s creativity, hospitality and heritage, we’re proud to be marking 25 years of the event and honour the traders who helped shape its success.”
The special preview evening for residents returns on Wednesday, November 26 from 5pm to 7pm. Residents who hold a Discovery Card are eligible for discount at all chalets, Monday to Friday.
Visit the market’s social media accounts for updates about the Christmas Market:
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