• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday March 24 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bath Christmas Market gives city £60 million spending boost

Bath’s Christmas Market added £60 million to the city’s economy, according to a new report.

The 18-day event, which ran from November 28 to December 15, saw an estimated 444,000 visitors spend an average of £31 a day – up from £27 in 2023.

Business turnover hit £41.5 million, while associated spend reached £60.4 million.

Seventy-three per cent of the visitors surveyed said the market was their main reason for visiting the city.

Visitors staying overnight in Bath during their visit to the Christmas Market stayed for an average of at least two nights. Ninety-one per cent of these said they would consider returning to Bath for a short break at another time of year.

Twenty-three per cent of visitors were local to the Bath area, with 58 per cent of all visitors coming from the South West. Thirteen per cent of visitors came from Bristol, and eight per cent visited from Swindon. Four per cent came from overseas.

Two hundred and thirty traders attended, 85 per cent of whom were from the South West. The event supported more than 500 jobs.

The report found that whilst attendance was slightly lower in 2024 compared to the 451,000 visitors in 2023, a peak day’s trading was lost when the market was forced to close on December 7 due to Storm Darragh.

Under normal circumstances, attendance – according to the report’s authors – would have been above 2023 levels.

The report, by the South West Research Company, said: “Another successful year in 2024 for Bath Christmas Market which was, once again, hugely influential in attracting visitors and bringing new money into Bath in the run-up to Christmas.

“The economic importance of the event should not be understated.

“The positive images of the city displayed in the media as a result of the event, along with the free word of mouth advertising from satisfied Christmas Market visitors will undoubtedly also go on to generate further visits to the city in the future.”

Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development at Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “We are delighted to receive these results showing another successful and popular Bath Christmas Market which brings new money into the city and supports local trade.

“The overall £41.5 million turnover for businesses and more than 500 jobs supported wouldn’t have happened without this magical event taking place.

“Despite the loss of a peak Saturday’s trading due to storm events, it’s clear that the market continues to grow and we are looking forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary.

“Planning for Bath Christmas Market 2025 is already well underway and we hope to welcome many residents once again, as well as visitors from further afield. We have received some fantastic feedback from both visitors and traders alike and look forward to repeating this success next year.”

The 2025 Bath Christmas Market will run between November 27 and December 14.