Bath at Christmas - Bath Sparkles this Festive Season!

This Christmas Bath will be full of festive magic to keep you entertained. From twinkling lights among the world-famous cobbled streets and striking illumination trails, to street theatre, artisan markets, carol concerts, fabulous shopping, delicious food and drink and cosy winter hotel packages, Bath has Christmas all wrapped up!

Image - The Enchanted Garden of Light at The American Museum & Gardens

Lighting up the city!

Some of the city’s most iconic buildings and streets will be lit up with spectacular festive illuminations. The Bath Christmas Light Trail will take place every day until the new year. Browse the interactive Christmas Light Trail map and see how many you can spot. 

From December 9-31, The Enchanted Garden of Light at the American Museum will illuminate the museum’s dramatic hillside setting with a sparkling route winding throughout the gardens and parkland. Embark on an after-dark adventure through glittering displays that will emblazon the entire house, gardens, and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. 

Luke Jerram’s incredible touring exhibition, Museum of the Moon lands at Bath Abbey from November 19 – December 26. Come and see this amazing artwork or join one of the many events that will take place during the exhibition. There will be Christmas carols, magical storytelling and moon-gazing with the Bath Astronomers, all under the light of the Moon in the Abbey’s newly restored worship space. 

The Bath Festival will present a unique experience for Christmas in Bath Abbey as the acclaimed Paraorchestra performs Symphony of Sorrowful Songs by Henryk Gorecki in the round under the magical giant moon. 

Image - Shopping in Bath

Festive Shopping Haven 

Bath’s show-stopping retail scene brimming with independent stores and high-street brands is enhanced this Christmas with a range of local artisans showcasing their handmade produce. Look out for Bath Artisan Market in Queen Square from November 20 and pick up some handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind treats, while several artisans will also surround Bath’s iconic Abbey quarter, complete with festive street entertainment and a wonderful vintage carousel. The Artisan Makers at Bath Abbey Quarter will be open daily from November 26 – December 19. 

Southgate, the contemporary shopping area opposite Bath Spa train station is full of well-known brands or head north to Milsom Street – one of the finest streets for shopping in the city with luxury fashion and interior stores and Milsom Place where you will discover a carefully curated collection of stylish independents alongside prestigious brands, Christmas pop-ups and eateries. 

Image - Bath on Ice

Festive fun for all the family…

Get your skates on! Bath’s favourite ice rink Bath on Ice returns to Victoria Park with 1000 square meters of smooth ice, a glowing array of atmospheric lights with music to set the wintery scene, and a cosy bar area with seasonal drinks to transport you to a dreamy winter wonderland. 

Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent and see the rooms dressed for the festival season. Enjoy the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas told through stories and poems throughout the house as part of a new ‘Tales of Christmas’ Immersive Tour. Father Christmas will also be making a special stop at No.1 Royal Crescent this year. Children will be greeted by Christmas helpers and led into the room where Father Christmas will read them a story. 

The Christmas experience at Avon Valley promises to be magical with ice skating, an adventure through the enchanted land, reindeer to feed, mini-train rides and tractor rides through the snowy forest – watch out for the Grinch who plans to cause a whole heap of mischief! 

Image - The Elves Swapshop

Father Christmas and his elves join the upcycling revolution! 

Visit the fascinating Elves’ Swapshop in the Milsom Street area from November 26 – December 19, where they are training the Share and Repair volunteers how to mend toys and give them a new, loving home. Children are welcomed along to see the fabulous Elf-O-Matic toy upcycler in action by bringing an old toy to be shared with another lucky child. With the help of the Elf-O-Matic technology, the elves will make sure that the toy is safe and clean and ready for its new home. Everyone who brings in a toy can see the machine in action and will be invited to take home a new toy of their choice. 

Show Time! 

Cinderella, the best-loved pantomime of them all, is back at the Theatre Royal Bath with a brand-new joke-filled script by Bath’s own award-winning writer and all-round pantomime legend Jon Monie, promising the best family fun and festive frivolity you’ll find this Christmas. This spectacular production will delight with its enchanting story, side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies. The Natural Theatre Company bring their bonkers Christmas show ‘The Panto and the Pea’ to the Rondo Theatre while at Komedia, Bath’s leading entertainment and comedy venue, various Christmas Cabaret and comedy shows are on the line-up in December. 

Let Bath entertain you with carols and Christmas music! 

The Forum presents three spectacular musical performances this Christmas season with Love Actually Live in Concert, Christmas with Ill Divo and Kate Rusby – Christmas 2021 and Bath Bach Choir celebrates the true start of Christmas with a weekend takeover of The Pump Room on the December 16 and 17. 

Image - Nutcrackers at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Hunt the Nutcracker! 

From December 1 festive Nutcrackers will be hiding around the twinkling gardens of the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Each Nutcracker has a letter tied to his or her wrist; solve the puzzle and you'll be rewarded with a festive treat. Residents and non-residents welcome.  Also look out for several festive cheese and wine tasting sessions at the hotel during December – not to be missed by cheese lovers!

Festive feasting 

Bath’s food scene is perfect for foodie lovers – from lavish afternoon teas with a festive theme to seasonal dishes in gastropubs, cafes and independent restaurants, or take your pick from all the tasty food traders scattered among the city centre and artisan traders. 

Image - Christmas at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Stay a while…

Relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere with a festive break in a city made for Christmas. Stay in a luxury spa hotel, a more intimate boutique hotel or opt for a charming guest house or self-catering property. The Francis Hotel on Queen Square offers Regency elegance with sumptuous interiors and a range of festive dining experiences, while No. 15 Great Pulteney by Guesthouse Hotels will be full of festive cheer – the Christmas package includes breakfast with Buck’s Fizz and tickets to the panto at Theatre Royal Bath on Boxing Day. Enjoy a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine with every stay booked in December at Brooks Guest House or just outside of the city experience country walks, blazing log fires and outdoor dining domes at country spa hotel Homewood. 

Explore Bath at Christmas.