Festive events in Bath

2nd November 2011

Bath is fast becoming known as the Christmas capital of the south west with the largest and most picturesque Christmas Market and a packed programme of festive events taking place throughout November and December.  A number of attractions in and around Bath will be celebrating the festive season in style as they switch on Christmas lights and hold special events for the holiday season.  Visit some of the area’s most beautiful and historical houses that will be adding some wonderful festive sparkle this winter…

Longleat
Longleat will be opening for the festive season this year with a number of special events for all the family to enjoy.  Grab a woolly hat, wrap up in a cosy scarf and glide round the shimmering ice rink or see hundreds of dazzling lights dance in time to much-loved festive tunes on Longleat’s 50 foot musical Christmas tree.  See favourite fairy tales and Christmas stories come to life in Longleat House - Sleeping Beauty dreams away 100 years in the Chinese bedroom, a hearty feast is set out in the Dining Room ready for when old Scrooge discovers the spirit of Christmas and in the Great Hall Cinderella is whirled across the dance floor by her handsome Prince Charming.  And, perhaps the most important visitor of all, Father Christmas, will be waiting in his log cabin to welcome every child with a special present.

Holburne Museum
1000s of tiny fibre optic lights will feature at the recently reopened Holburne Museum creating an impressive display that will spread out from the museum’s new extension into the back garden, shimmering and changing colour to provide a spectacle of sheer magic.  The display will run from 26 November 2011 to 8 January 2012.

American Museum in Britain
Christmas at Claverton - a favourite and long-running event at the American Museum in Britain will be returning for another year.  A wonderful event to start the festive season, and a fantastic experience for all the family, running from 25 November to 11 December, children will be awe inspired by the stunning decorations, and they may even learn something of American history at the same time!

No. 1 Royal Crescent
Celebrate the festive season with No.1 Royal Crescent this year by enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of the Georgian townhouse, traditionally decorated for Christmas.  Each room is an exquisite example of Georgian interior design and for two weeks will be dressed with garlands of holly and wreaths, accompanying a variety of beautiful floral displays.

Jane Austen Centre
At the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, the month leading up to Christmas is marked with seasonal additions to the exhibition.  Illustrating how the festive time of year was celebrated in the early 1800s the attraction will have a selection of specially chosen gifts in the shop and Regency style decorations throughout the house. (26 November – 31 December).

Christmas Lights switch on with John Cleese
On Thursday 17 November, one of Bath's most famous residents, John Cleese will be bringing festive cheer to Bath by switching on the city's Christmas lights and marking the start of late night shopping.  There will also be a programme of entertainment including local bands and artists.

Bath Christmas Market
Set in a unique location right next to Bath Abbey and the World renowned Roman Baths, Bath Christmas Market is the ‘not to be missed’ Christmas shopping event of the south west and this year will be running from 24 November to 11 December providing visitors with 18 days of magical shopping.

For more information on the above events as well as things to see and do during the festive period, see www.visitbath.co.uk or contact Bath Tourist Information Centre for expert advice on 0906 7112000.

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Notes to Editors:  
For further information please contact Lucy Ryder at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or email: lucy_ryder@bathtourism.co.uk or visit www.visitbath.co.uk, the official tourism website for Bath and the surrounding area.

Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors, Bath’s destination marketing organisation, Bath Tourism Plus, takes full responsibility for co-ordinating the work of a busy tourist information centre, the marketing of Bath and the surrounding area to leisure and business travellers, PR activity to attract the nation’s top travel writers, a conference office, and development of Bath’s official destination website www.visitbath.co.uk.

Bath Christmas Market
Bath Tourism Plus is the company responsible for the marketing and operation of Bath Christmas Market, which attracts approximately 300,000 visitors per year to Bath.  For more information about Bath Christmas Market, visit: www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.