Marriotts Walk Christmas Market attracts record visitor numbers

Timed to coincide with the Witney Christmas light switch on, the festive event, run and managed by Cotswold Markets, showcased 40 high-quality stalls and operated across four days, drawing crowds from Witney and the wider region.

 This year’s celebrations were even more special, with stilt walkers entertaining the crowds and the Witney Town Band joining in the festive fun. Even the wet weather refused to dampen the enthusiasm and across the weekend, the market welcomed more than 32,000 visitors, marking a 50% increase year-on-year. The market delivered meaningful commercial value for tenants, with several reporting substantial week-on-week revenue uplifts in excess of 25%. These results demonstrate the positive impact of the Christmas Market on trading performance and reinforces Marriotts Walk’s growing position as a key seasonal destination in West Oxfordshire.

The success of this year’s market highlights Marriotts Walk’s ongoing commitment to delivering engaging, high-quality events that enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Witney’s position as a thriving retail and leisure destination. This season’s key moments included Santa’s wheelchair-accessible sleigh and a magical Snowglobe experience, giving visitors memorable photo opportunities complete with falling snow!

Praising the event’s impact and community value, Cllr Duncan Enright, Executive Member for Economic Development, said:

"The Marriotts Walk Christmas Market has become a standout feature of Witney’s festive season, bringing people together, supporting local traders and creating a truly magical atmosphere in the town centre. Looking back on our markets throughout the year, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

"This year’s turnout highlights just how much residents and visitors value events that celebrate our community and strengthen the local economy. Witney is thriving and we’re excited about the experiences and plans we have lined up for Marriotts Walk. We’ll continue working hard to fill the remaining units in 2026 and ensure the town centre remains vibrant for all."