Marvellous markets, breathtaking light trails, ice skating, Father Christmas grottos, fabulous festive theatre shows for those of all ages, and much more - discover unmissable Christmas events and things to do in Bath over the festive period...
1. Make it more than a flying visit
With so much to experience in Bath this Christmas, you'll want to stay longer!
Accommodation in the city ranges from charming self-catering properties to luxury spa hotels, many of which offer lavish Christmas packages to help you have an extra special stay over the festive season. Hotel packages include The Royal Crescent Hotel's spectacular "Christmas at the Crescent," featuring full spa access alongside a festive afternoon tea, Champagne reception, and magnificent Christmas lunch, as well as The Bath Priory's opulent "Christmas Retreat," where you'll enjoy delectable food and drink treats in the tranquil surroundings of the Georgian house and its four acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.
You'll also find Christmas packages at the newly refurbished Francis Hotel and beloved boutique hotels such as The Queensberry, in addition to those at high-end accommodation options outside the city centre such as Lucknam Park and Homewood, among many others.
Everyone wants to be in Bath at Christmas, so we'd advise booking midweek to dodge the Christmas crowds, and enjoy the best rates!
Image: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
2. Explore the Christmas markets
The festive chalets are back lining the historic city centre streets, as the award-winning Bath Christmas Market makes a welcome return for its 25th anniversary edition, with the usual 18 days of shopping and eating from 27 November to 14 December. Browse over 250 chalets selling a variety of handmade local produce, from artisan foodie treats to bespoke homewares, jewellery, and clothing, among many others.
Younger market-goers will love the new Reindeer Trail, consisting of 25 reindeer stickers hidden across Bath. Follow along and see how many of the stickers you can find by the New Year, with the journey taking you to twinkling window displays and picturesque parks. There are some very special rewards to be claimed at many of the venues taking part too - simply show the trail webpage to members of staff at each participating business to enjoy some festive deals.
After you’ve finished making your way around Bath Christmas Market, head to the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution's Makers Market. Here, you'll find even more local makers selling their wares, with stalls changing every few days to ensure that there's always something new to see. Don't miss The Love Makers Cafe's new 'Bauble Bar,' where you can try fashioning your own Christmas gift, with a choice of crafts ranging from origami to himmeli.
For some last-minute Christmas shopping, the annual festive edition of the Bath Independent Market will take over Green Park Station on Sunday 21 December, where you can expect art, design, jewellery, eco-friendly gifts, superb local drinks, and live music, among many other treats!
Don't forget to check out the many wonderful independent shops and retailers across the city while you're here, from delicate silver creations at Icarus Jewellery, to the finest local beers and spirits at Independent Spirit of Bath, and handblown glassware at Bath Aqua Glass.
Image: Bath Christmas Market, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
3. Book a memorable experience
From wine tasting to comedy shows in the city's top restaurants, Yuup Bath have plenty of ways to keep you busy this winter! Try your hand at pottery, bauble making, gin blending, or even sheep herding! These experiences also make the perfect Christmas present, so nab your loved ones a voucher for an experience to remember.
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with a festive cooking class? Many of Bath's brilliant culinary schools are offering special courses to celebrate the season, whether it's learning to create the perfect stollen at The Bertinet Kitchen, becoming a Christmas biscuit artist at The Cookery Studio, or getting to grips with festive smoking and curing at Vale House Kitchen.
You'll also find a range of seasonal crafting workshops at stunning venues in and around the city, including opportunities to create a perfect festive wreath at The Royal Crescent Hotel, No.1 Royal Crescent, and The Roman Baths, or your own Christmas crackers at The PIG-near Bath.
Image: The Cookery Studio
4. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Seek out delectable festive dishes and treats at Bath’s restaurants and cafes, many of which have special seasonal menus running throughout December and through to the new year.
Sink your teeth into sumptuous seasonal dishes by candlelight at Green Park Brasserie and award-winning pizza on the heated outdoor terraces of neighbouring sister business Bath Pizza Co, accompanied by live jazz, funk, soul and swing music four nights a week. Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of both venues, and make festive memories you'll never forget with friends and family.
Image: Green Park Brasserie & Bath Pizza Co, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
No trip to Bath would be complete without an afternoon tea, and every Christmas, venues across the city serve up delightful festive twists on the classic. Some of our favourites include The Ivy Bath Brasserie, Montagu's Mews, and The Roseate Villa Bath. The Abbey Hotel will also be serving up an indulgent festive afternoon tea in their Tea Bar, alongside your choice of organic Hope & Glory teas, or a glass of fizz.
Book a meal with friends and family in one of The Bird's festive igloos, and step into a world of Christmas culinary delights surrounded by stunning views of the glittering Bath skyline. Or head to one of the city's other luxurious boutique hotels for more mouth-watering festive food options, from a French-inspired three course menu at the Hotel Indigo Bath's Brasserie Beau restaurant, to a spectacular seven-course "Taste of the Season" tasting menu at The Queensberry Hotel's Michelin-starred Olive Tree Restaurant.
Image: The Bird's Festive Igloos, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
We have plenty more festive dining inspiration in our guide on where to enjoy a Christmas meal out in Bath, so be sure to take a look!
5. See a pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath
For festive frivolity at its finest, book tickets for the Theatre Royal's family-friendly annual panto, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan, from 11 December - 11 January. This year's show is written by Jon Monie, who stars alongside stage and screen actor Tristan Gemmill and comedy acrobats The Nitwits, among many others. Expect a hilarious, action-packed addition to the classic story of a boy who never grew up, as Peter Pan is forced to question his past and face his future, all while rumours of an old enemy's return surface...
Image: The Further Adventures of Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal Bath
6. Celebrate the season, Roman Baths-style
There's plenty of festive fun to be had at The Roman Baths this Christmas. Young history lovers can learn more about the Roman holiday of Saturnalia with a special trail through the museum, where they'll discover how the Romans enjoyed holiday time, gift giving, and decorating. Meanwhile, adults can stop by a pop-up bar, which will be serving a selection of drinks including hot chocolate, mulled wine, spiced apple, Champagne and more. Plus, as night falls, there's a chance to take in the inimitable atmosphere of the Great Bath by torchlight, accompanied by the sound of local choirs in new 'Winter Warmer' sessions from 17-21 December.
Image: The Roman Baths, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
7. Meet Father Christmas at The Holburne Museum
Visit Father Christmas in his brand new grotto at The Holburne Museum, and step into an interactive experience that none of the family will forget! You'll hear joyous tales from the man himself and his trusty elves, with all children receiving their very own gift, and a chance to have their photo taken with Father Christmas.
Image: Bath Abbey, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
8. Follow a Magical Light Trail
See Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings in a whole new light, as magical illuminations take over the city from November until early January. Following the trail is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Bath at Christmas, with many of the displays based around the Christmas Market.
See British icons from Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to Stonehenge as you've never seen them before at Longleat's annual Festival of Light. You'll venture to some of Britain's most famous landmarks and meet some of its most beloved fictional characters, all reimagined in breathtaking lantern form. Elsewhere, get into the festive spirit with an enchanted Christmas tree show, and enjoy all of the park's usual attractions, including a chance to meet beautiful animals from across the world on a drive-through safari and boat trip across Half Mile Pond.
Image: Longleat Festival of Light 2025
On the opposite side of the city, the woodlands of Westonbirt Arboretum will be transformed into a glowing wonderland for the attraction's annual Christmas light trail, with dazzling new displays and installations. Follow the illuminated trail through the trees on a magical, after-dark adventure on selected dates between 28 November and 31 December, with relaxed sessions available on 29 November and 6, 11, and 17 December.
Image: Westonbirt Arboretum
Sticking with the outdoor theme, Bath's beautiful National Trust properties and gardens have a range of festive activities and trails running throughout the Christmas period. Discover the 12 days of Christmas on Prior Park Landscape Garden's advent trail, with interpretations of the classic carol's lyrics hidden throughout the grounds, as well as a chance to see the stunning Palladian Bridge dressed for Christmas.
North of the city at Dyrham Park, you'll find a deer discovery trail in the grounds, and Christmas choirs performing in the neighbouring village church of St Peter. Inside the house, festive decorations from through the ages await - you'll start in the Tudor era, then travel through time all the way to the cusp of the new millenium in 1999 as you move through the building.
Experience another stunning illuminated trail in the beautiful grounds of Stourhead to the south of Bath, which this year features completely new displays, including a mesmerising star show, 'sea of light,' and spectacular lasers piercing the night sky.
9. Go for a skating session and more at Bath on Ice
Bath on Ice returns to Victoria Park until 4 January, with 1000 square metres of smooth ice, an array of atmospheric lights with festive music to set the scene, and a cosy alpine bar area with seasonal drinks to transport you to a dreamy winter wonderland. After taking a spin on the rink, why not keep the fun going with a round of Glow Golf, or a wander around the brand new Christmas tree maze?
Image: Bath on Ice
10. Venture into a winter wonderland
Enjoy three Christmas experiences for the price of one at Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland. Enter the ancient cave network and be greeted by over 100,000 lights transforming the caverns into a sparkling festive paradise, then pay a visit to Father Christmas in his beautifully decorated grotto, where every child will get to meet the man himself and take home a present from his elves' Toy Factory. Families can also enjoy a spectacular festive show in the on-site circus, plus all the other usual attractions, including a 4D cinema, vintage penny arcades, crazy golf, and much more.
Image: Wookey Hole
Head to a winter wonderland of a different kind at the American Museum & Gardens on selected weekends in December, where the Georgian manor house will be festooned with beautiful decorations. Get the perfect Christmas family photo in front of the stunning 17-foot tree bedecked with thousands of lights and artisan decorations, be serenaded by local choirs, enjoy festive crafting sessions and storytelling performances, and savour festive food in the on-site Deli.
Jazz favourite Clare Teal will also be in residence at the museum on 6 December for a spectacular festive fiesta, promising a fabulous day of live Christmas concerts.
11. Meet Christmas characters at Avon Valley Adventure Park
The Christmas experience at Avon Valley promises to be one of the most magical in the region. See a live performance of 'Stardust's Adventure,' following the heartwarming journey of one ambitious young reindeer, visit Father Christmas' cabin and toy factory, hear enchanting stories in the 'Library of Christmastown,' wander through a magical forest, and much more.
Image: Avon Valley Adventure Park
12. Experience a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent
Experience the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas as the immersive experience at No.1 Royal Crescent returns from 22 November to 4 January. Wander the rooms, which will be dressed as they would have been during Christmases in the late eighteenth century.
Image: 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent
13. Head out on a festive tour
Go for a Christmas adventure with a day tour from Bath. Experience the yuletide magic of England on In & Beyond Bath's 'Christmas Lights & Festive Delights' tour, where you'll discover the cobbled streets and quirky independent shops of Frome before taking in the spectacular sights of Longleat's Festival of Light, followed by an exquisite festive dining experience en route back to Bath.
Rabbie's Tours, Bath Insider Tours, Galahad Tours, and are all operating their usual day tours from Bath. Discover destinations including Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Somerset villages, and many more! Or, go self-guided and explore Bath's beautiful surrounding towns and villages by train with GWR. Railcard holders enjoy 1/3 off the price of standard off-peak fares, as do groups of three or more with GWR's 'GroupSave' discount.
We'd certainly recommend taking the short hop east to the nearby town of Bradford-on-Avon, where you'll find The Hall Estate, a magificent Jacobean mansion. This Christmas, the estate is throwing open its doors for festive tours, allowing you to wander through exquisitely decorated rooms, each filled with plenty of seasonal charm, candlelight, and centuries of history. '
Image: GWR, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
Discover more ways to enjoy #BathAtChristmas:
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