Date published: 2026-06-24 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Preparing for the Future
Bath & North East Somerset Council has submitted a planning application to secure the long-term future of the successful Bath Christmas Market.
None of the proposals in the planning application are intended for use in the short-term but would provide flexibility to improve the market in future, by encouraging more people to discover what the city has to offer and supporting trade.
The aim of the application is to future-proof Bath Christmas Market, one of the UK’s most popular festive events which in 2025 attracted more than 439,000 visitors to Bath and boosted business turnover in the city by £64million, with a £50.7m associated spend
These figures are an increase on 2024 when there was a £48.9 associated spend and £60.4m turnover for businesses, created by an estimated 444,000 visitors to the market.
Although no short-term changes are planned, approvals are being sought for the event to occupy a larger area of Bath city centre for possible new uses.
These could include dining, entertainment, family activities and retail opportunities to support local businesses.
The application also seeks permission for the market to continue as a temporary annual event for up to 25 days each year if needed from 2027 onwards, although the council has no current plans to extend the event from its current 18 days.
This year’s Bath Christmas Market returns from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December, for which planning permission was already granted in 2022.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community said: “Bath Christmas Market brings a unique atmosphere to the festive season in Bath and supports local businesses. This application is designed to ensure its success could grow in future, not make changes to the way it operates in the short-term. A larger footprint and 25 days instead of 18 days would give us the flexibility to make improvements at the right time with parameters already having been established.
“The idea of extending the market into wider locations including Queen Square, Kingsmead Square and Parade Gardens could enable us to offer entertainment, food and drink options and more opportunities for smaller businesses. However, traders in these areas of the city would be consulted before any new activities are introduced.”
Feedback from visitors, Bath Christmas Market traders, businesses and key stakeholders across the city shape the market each year and has helped inform this planning application. The feedback is gathered through surveys and in-person events with local businesses.
The council will continue to work with residents, businesses and stakeholders as part of the planning and ongoing delivery of the event.
The planning reference is 26/02250/REG03 and the deadline for comments is 30 July.
ENDS