Why not fill the gap between Christmas and New Year by exploring Bath and its surrounding area? The city has plenty to keep you entertained long after the presents have been opened and the Christmas lunches eaten. Read on for some of our top picks… 

Soak up the history of The Roman Baths

Where better to visit in the cool midwinter than the home of Bath’s steaming natural spring water? Discover treasures from throughout the Baths’ history in the interactive museum, and walk in the footsteps of Romans around the 2,000 year old complex, where you can explore ancient chambers which once housed changing rooms and plunge pools. Young history enthusiasts can follow a special Saturnalia trail and learn more about the traditions of the Romans' favourite holiday, including gift-giving, home decorating, and festive feasting. 

Image: The Roman Baths, credit Colin Hawkins

Discover Bath’s award-winning indoor museums and galleries

Stay warm while learning more about Bath’s rich history or taking in local artwork in the city’s award-winning museums and galleries. Find out how fashionable Georgian families lived at No.1 Royal Crescent, decorated as the house may have been back in the 1770s, or delve into the worlds of the city's two most famous female residents at The Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. If you fancy it, you can also try tackling one of the latter's escape rooms, including 'The Gift,' a festive-themed challenge in which you'll have just 45 minutes to discover the dark secret hidden within the titular package. 

Marvel at the talent of local Bath artists at the Bath Society of Artists Annual Open Exhibition, then head across Pulteney Bridge to The Holburne Museum, where you'll be greeted by the glittering spectacle of Chila Kumari Singh Burman's Neon Dreams. You can also dive into the world of the uncanny through the work of Francisco de Goya y Lucientes and Paula Rego at the Uncanny Visions exhibition, before finishing up with a light lunch or slice of cake in the garden cafe. 

Please refer to the Jane Austen Centre website and the House of Frankenstein website for both attractions' opening times over the Twixmas period. 

Image: No.1 Royal Crescent, credit Bath Preservation Trust

Enjoy a festive show at the Theatre Royal

Bath’s Theatre Royal is presenting a range of festive productions through to the New Year, from its annual pantomime to magical children's shows. Audiences young and old will love local legend Jon Monie's latest pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Main House, featuring seasoned panto star Olivia Birchenough, EastEnders' Nick Wilton, Emma Norman and George Olney. 

Next door at The Egg, beloved family show Snow Mouse is returning by popular demand for its 10th anniversary. The heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a mouse and a child in a winter wonderland, brought to life by playful puppetry and magical music. Also gracing the Egg's stage over the Twixmas period is writer Daniel Bye's new adaptation of Robin Hood, pulsing with the irrepressible spirit of youthful friendships and the quest for a fairer world. 

Upstairs in the Ustinov Studio, don't miss the hilarious Olivier-award winning comedy Jeeves Takes Charge, revolving around the antics of the classic PG Wodehouse characters. 

Image: Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal, credit Theatre Royal Bath

Dine out to live music at Green Park Brasserie & Bath Pizza Co

Feast on a mouth-watering selection of locally-sourced seasonal dishes and award-winning pizza at these popular sister restaurants, based in the former Green Park railway station in the heart of Bath. Both are open from midday seven days a week over the festive period, with live jazz, funk, soul and swing music four evenings a week from Wednesday to Saturday. You'll also find two buzzing outdoor terraces, as well as a brand new speakeasy-style bar and kitchen, Upstairs at Bath Pizza Co, in the station loft. 

Image: Live music at Green Park Brasserie, credit Green Park Brasserie

Go for a spin on the rink at Bath on Ice

Bath on Ice will be in residence at the Royal Victoria Park until 5 January, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a session on the huge outdoor rink. With plenty of space to learn without clinging to the perimeter, or to show off your skating prowess, Bath on Ice is perfect for skaters of all skill levels. After spending some time out on the rink, make for the Moguls Alpine Bar and savour a selection of fabulously festive food and drink, or head to the mini glow golf course to cap off the perfect winter experience. 

Image: Skaters at Bath on Ice, credit Bath on Ice 

Party your way into the New Year at Komedia Bath

Head to Komedia Bath for the ultimate New Year celebration. Kick your night off with a good laugh at the Krater Comedy Club New Year's special, then welcome in 2025 to the tune of classic pop anthems and guilty pleasures which will have you stomping your feet until the early hours at The Big New Year's Eve Disco Party. Expect glitz, glamour, and plenty of surprises, with a professional photographer on hand to capture your midnight moments. 

Image: The Big Disco, credit Komedia Bath 

Meet Paddington at Wookey Hole

Head out of the city to Wookey Hole Caves, where you'll not only find a range of fun festive experiences, as well as a chance to meet the world's favourite bear. Start by exploring the ancient caves, bedecked with a spectacular display of 100,000 lights, then enjoy a show in the on-site circus. After the performance, Paddington Bear will make an appearance, offering you the chance to capture some memorable family photos. 

All of Wookey's other fabulous attractions are open as usual, including a special Christmas film screening in the 4D cinema, vintage penny arcades, soft play areas, adventure golf, and many more. 

Image: Twixmas with Paddington at Wookey Hole Caves

Visit a Winter Wonderland at the American Museum & Gardens

Immerse yourself in a stunning Winter Wonderland in and around Bath this Twixmas. Embark on a hand-crafted festive experience at the American Museum & Gardens, where you'll find the Georgian Manor House festooned in hundreds of handmade decorations, and an 18-foot Nordmann fir Christmas tree bedecked with thousands of lights and unique ornaments taking pride of place in Central Hall.

Families can also enjoy a wintry walk outside in the beautiful gardens overlooking the Limpley Stoke valley, with a festive trail for kids inspired by the characters of Alice Tait's storybook 'No, Nancy, No!' Participants will need to find photos of dogs wearing Santa hats scattered across the site, with fun, story themed activities at each one. 

There's also one last chance to enjoy the 'Unforgettable Behaviour' exhibition before it closes on the 31 December, which features stunning images from previous Wildlife Photographer of the Year collections, and savour festive treats in the Deli. 

Image: American Museum & Gardens 

Explore Bath's National Trust properties 

There's plenty to see and do with all the family at Bath's National Trust properties this Twixmas, offering the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs after your Christmas indulgence! 

Explore the Georgian charm of Prior Park together on the ever-popular annual advent trail, which this year features charming interpretations of the 12 days of Christmas waiting to be discovered across the grounds. Elsewhere, the gorgeous Palladian Bridge provides the perfect seasonal photo opportunity, dressed in its festive finery from end to end. 

North of the city at Dyrham Park, there's still a chance to step back in time and witness Christmas through the ages, with the house dressed in the style of five different eras. Start your journey in Tudor times, then work your way through to the 20th century. Outside, the 270-acre grounds will be peppered with Christmas trees adorned with golden pears to admire, as well as a reindeer discovery trail. 

On the opposite side of Bath, follow an unforgettable light trail through the grounds at Stourhead, where you'll experience everything from twinkling tunnels of light to breathtaking illuminations filling the night sky. 

Image: Christmas Through the Ages at Dyrham Park, credit National Trust 

Go for a magical journey through time at Longleat

What better way to spend a winter's evening than witnessing the sights and sounds of the Ice Age, Viking era, and ancient dynasties, among many others? At Longleat's annual Festival of Light, which this year runs until 5 January, thousands of interactive lanterns will bring the history of our world to life before your eyes. 

Image: The Festival of Light at Longleat, credit Emma Frayling

Get stuck in to some Twixmas sport 

Looking to put the Christmas stress behind you? Head to one of the Twixmas sporting fixtures in Bath and immerse yourself in the action! Bath Rugby Club take on Saracens at The Rec in the ninth round of the Gallagher premiership on 28 December, while Bath City FC go up against Farnborough at their home ground of Twerton Park on New Year's Day. 

Image: Bath Rugby

Go for a wintry walk around Bath 

Revel in Bath’s beauty with one of Bathscape’s scenic local walking routes, which take in most of the city’s key sights. Many routes encompass some of Bath’s finest pubs, where you can take a break for a hearty winter meal, such as The Pig & Fiddle, The Griffin or The Bath Townhouse. 

Image: The Royal Crescent in snow 

Discover more Things to Do in Bath:

• Where to feast on a Sunday roast in Bath
• Four country walks in and around Bath