Bath Tourism Plus is pleased to announce the confirmed dates for the 2011 Bath Christmas Market.  The event - which was extended for the first time last year - will run for 18 days taking place from 24 November to 11 December in the usual beautiful setting around the Abbey.  Over 120 traditional wooden chalets will feature at the market selling a selection of unique gifts, with plenty of new retailers to offer returning shoppers a fantastic choice.

Stalls confirmed so far will be selling a good mix of high quality products including Christmas decorations, gifts, toys, clothing, household and food products, all at a range of prices.  Bath Tourism Plus has reviewed new trader applications for retail stalls, with preference given to local, handmade, ethically sourced or fair-trade products and will be confirming the new retailers for 2011 over the next few weeks.

Bath Christmas Market was extended for the first time last year and received around 300,000 visitors over the 18 days.  Charlotte Buckley, organiser of the Christmas Market, says, “We were very pleased with the number of visitors that came to the market last year despite the really cold weather.  The event has an excellent reputation and continues to attract shoppers from the local area as well as across the country.  We will be planning our 11th Christmas Market this year and will be working hard to ensure it retains its appeal locally and also nationally”.

Bath Christmas Market has become an important event bringing a huge economic benefit to the city and surrounding area.  Robin Bischert, chief executive at Bath Tourism Plus, says, “Thousands of visitors are drawn to Bath during the Christmas Market with last year’s research showing that over 60% of people come to Bath specifically for the event.  The market brings a large economic benefit to the area with every visitor spending around £40 outside of the market benefiting local shops, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs and other businesses”.