Bath looks as photogenic as ever at Christmas time. The city is dressed head to toe in festive finery: glimmering lights hang over the pretty streets; eye-catching illuminations shine on iconic buildings and landmarks; and exquisite decorations adorn shops and stalls.

All of this makes Bath the perfect backdrop for a Christmas selfie or snap for your Insta grid. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots for festive photos this year – show us which you capture by using the #BathAtChristmas hashtag.

1. Abbey Churchyard Christmas Tree

Step outside Bath Abbey and you’re greeted with this year’s giant fir draped in twinkly lights. Depending on where you stand, you can get a selfie with the tree and the Abbey or the entrance to the Roman Baths in the background.   

This is a perfect place to start your tour of the Bath Christmas Light Trail - you can view a map here.

Image - Bath Abbey and Christmas tree

2. Bath Street

Heading away from the Abbey and Roman Baths, cross over Stall Street to browse the market stalls dotted along Bath Street, and take in the latest illuminations.

Image - Bath Street

3. The Victorian Carousel

In town from 19 December until 5 January on Stall Street, you may hear the traditional jolly tunes playing out from the Victorian carousel before you see it. When you do set eyes on the bright lights and colourful vintage-style hobby horses, you’ll be snapping away in no time.

• Christmas events in Bath

4. York Street

Get snap happy on York Street. With Bath Abbey in the background and Bath Christmas Market stalls lining the road from 28 November until 15 December, it’s a typically festive Bath scene, framed by the arch from the Roman Baths building.

• A Guide to Christmas Markets in Bath  

5. Pulteney Bridge

Bath's iconic Pulteney Bridge is the perfect spot to get some seasonal selfies - try to frame your shot with the beautiful reflections of the lights in the water.

Image - Pulteney Bridge

6. Green Street

With a fantastic view of St Michael’s Church, this side street is always a photo-worthy spot, but especially at Christmas time when illuminated by pretty lights.  

7. Milsom Place

Explore the hidden terraces, courtyards and side alleys of this shopping area which is beautifully decorated for Christmas. The area is home to several boutique shops as well as bars and restaurants, such as Bandook Indian Kitchen, Bosco Pizzeria, Côte Brasserie and The Botanist.

Image - Milsom Place

8. SouthGate

There are plenty of photo opportunities around the SouthGate shopping district, from posing underneath the Christmas lights to getting a selfie with Pippin the Penguin!

9. The Abbey Hotel

Take a seat on the heated terrace or lounge in their cosy and festively decorated lounge after a day of Christmas shopping, and tuck into an array of seasonal treats, including mulled wine, seasonal cocktails, hot chocolate, festive sharing boards, or a Camembert Loaf. On your way out, get a photo in front of the hotel, decked out with all of its Christmas decorations.

Image - Abbey Hotel

10. Brunel Square

If you're arriving into Bath by train or bus, take a moment to get a photo with the skiing polar bear in Brunel Square, located between the train station and bus station.

11. Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park

A corner of Royal Victoria Park is transformed into a winter wonderland for Bath on Ice, complete with 1000 square metres of smooth ice and atmospheric glowing lights. Hone your skating skills and ask a friend to capture a photo of you in action.

Image - Bath on Ice

More ways to experience #BathAtChristmas:

• Bath at Christmas
• Indulge in a Festive or New Yeart Break in Bath
• The Bath Christmas gift guide