Please remember face coverings are compulsory in shops, on public transport, and in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship.

How can you best enjoy all the magical merriment on offer in Bath this Christmas? We’ve got some insider tips to help you make the most of it…

Plan Ahead 

As accommodation is in high demand over the Christmas period, especially at weekends, we suggest booking your accommodation as far ahead as you can. From boutique bed and breakfasts and grand guesthouses to stylish self-catering apartments and affordable hotels, you certainly won’t be disappointed with Bath’s excellent selection of accommodation.  

Image - Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Travel by Public Transport 

Make the most of the brilliant public transport links into the city. Bath Spa train station is in the centre of the city and travelling by train with Great Western Railway takes just 90 minutes from London, 15 minutes from Bristol and 65 minutes from Cardiff.

Bath is well served by three Park and Ride services (the number 21, 31 and 41) that run seven days a week. These each run at least every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just ten minutes.

Several bus operators provide services in and around Bath. First West of England is the largest, operating from the bus station in Dorchester Street, by Bath Spa train station. A group ticket, which is available after 9:30am on weekdays and all day at weekends, allows up to five adults or children to travel around Bath until 4:29am the next morning. Group tickets cost £9 on the bus, or £8.60 on the First Bus app. 

From 22nd November 2021, First's new single evening ticket promotion means people can travel for just £1 on any First Bus in the Bath Zone excluding journeys to/from Bath Park & Ride sites. The £1 single evening ticket is available all week from 7pm until 4.29am, from 22nd November up to and including New Year’s Eve. More information is available here.

Image - GWR

Respect Covid-19 Guidelines

Remember to respect any local Covid-19 restrictions, to help everyone have a safe and stress-free Christmas in Bath. Check our information and advice page before you visit, stay at home if you have symptoms, wear a mask indoors and in crowded places, and respect others by distancing where possible.

Visit Midweek 

Weekends in Bath during the festive season can be busy and bustling. For a more relaxed shopping experience, plan a midweek visit. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit, when you can enjoy the same festive atmosphere with fewer people around.

Enjoy Enchanting Entertainment

There’s a dazzling selection of theatre, panto, carols, music and comedy in Bath this Christmas, as well as other festive events from wreathmaking to meet and greets with Santa. Plan your visit in time for those that take your fancy with help from our calendar of seasonal events.

Highlights include panto favourite Cinderella at Bath Theatre Royal, and Bath Bach Choir’s Carols by Candlelight in the atmospheric Pump Room.

Image - The Coconut Tree

In between festivities, relax over some Christmassy food and drink at Bath’s brilliant restaurants. Sri Lankan street food restaurant The Coconut Tree and British brasserie The Ivy are among those who have announced special festive dishes.

Be Sure to Explore

There are pockets of Christmas magic to uncover right across the city, so while it might be your first stop, be sure to explore beyond the Artisan Makers around Bath Abbey Quarter. 

Head to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park to take a twirl around the rink and play a round of glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, and experience the traditions and décor of a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent.

Image - Bath on Ice

Shop around in the different districts, such as indie quarter Walcot and high street complex SouthGate. Stroll up the grand thoroughfare of Milsom Street for high-end fashion shops, luxury interiors and the UK’s oldest department store. Artisan makers will also fill nearby Queen Square from 20 November.

Take advantage of late night shopping on Thursdays from 25th November.

Follow the Christmas Light Trail

Some of the city’s most iconic buildings and streets will be lit up with spectacular festive illuminations, forming the Bath Christmas Light Trail. They’ll be switched on at 3:30pm every day from Thursday 25^th November until the new year. Browse the interactive Christmas Light Trail map and see how many you can spot. 

There are more twinkly lights and festive trails to seek out across the city too. Embark on an after-dark adventure through The Enchanted Garden of Light at the American Museum, where glittering displays will emblazon the entire house, gardens, and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. 

Image - American Museum & Gardens

Join The Royal Crescent Hotel for a ‘Hunt the Nutcracker’ trail in their gardens, which will be dressed in lights. You can also marvel at Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon, which will fill Bath Abbey with moonlight while a coinciding programme of events takes place, including carols, family-friendly crafts and star-gazing.

Receive a Warm Welcome 

While you’re wandering around the city, you’ll no doubt spot the Bath BID Welcome Ambassadors, who will be wearing bright blue jackets emblazoned ‘Ask Me!’, who will provide a warm and informed welcome to visitors and be able to help you with any queries you may have. 

Image - Bath Christmas Market

Familiarise Yourself with the Facilities

There’s nothing worse than not knowing where to find a public toilet. This year, extra loos will be available at the aptly named Bog Island on Terrace Walk, near the Artisan Makers. Bookmark this handy map of other public toilets around the city too, so you can quickly and easily find your nearest.

Follow Us for Updates

We’ll be highlighting the best of Bath at Christmas here on the blog as well as across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow us for more festive inspiration and don’t forget to use #BathAtChristmas to show us how you’re enjoying the most wonderful time of the year in Bath.

Start planning your Christmas shopping in Bath next with our 2021 gift guide.