Celebrate in Bath, Eating and Drinking, Independent Bath
Christmas Cocktails with Green Park Brasserie
Green Park Brasserie’s General Manager, Alex Pitts, walks us through three of his favourite festive cocktails...
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Discover the Magic of Bath at Christmas
Every year at Christmas, Bath sparkles with glittering lights and the streets are filled with festive spirit. Soak up the festive atmosphere with Christmas lights, festive events, fantastic food and independent shopping.
From magical city illuminations to special artisan treats and a fantastic programme of festive events, the city has united across arts and culture, retail and hospitality, allowing you to discover the magic of Bath this Christmas.
Lighting up the City
This year Bath will light up with the festive spirit, with city centre illuminations, the Museum of the Moon at Bath Abbey, and The Enchanted Garden of Light at the American Museum & Gardens.
A world of enchantment, magic and good cheer awaits you at the American Museum & Gardens. Visitors will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spectacular light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour. Sparkling reindeer will guide your way as you enter mesmerising tunnels of light and are greeted with the delightful sights, smells and tastes of the most wonderful season of all.
Don't miss Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon lighting up Bath Abbey this December. There will be Christmas carols, magical storytelling and moon-gazing with the Bath Astronomers, all under the light of the Moon in the Abbey’s newly restored worship space.
Some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings will be brought to life with magical illuminations. There'll be extra sparkle in across the city centre, adding that festive magic as you explore all the city has to offer. Look out for the festive Victorian carousel in front of the Roman Baths.
While you’re exploring the Christmas lights, take a stroll around the city to find local musicians and entertainers providing some wonderful Christmas merriment!
Fantastically Festive Events
Bath's unique venues and iconic buildings will play host to a multitude of festive events this season.
Get your skates on at Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. With 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! Glowing in an array of atmospheric lights, with music to set the wintery scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland!
The festive season is ideal for nostalgia and introducing little ones to childhood favourites, so what better time to book for the Theatre Royal's pantomime classic Cinderella? This year, CBBC's Dani Harmer and Bath favourite Jon Monie are starring in the best-loved pantomime of all. Oh, yes they are!
Look out for the Natural Theatre Company's alternative take on the pantomime, The Panto and the Pea at the Rondo Theatre, a colourful, bouncy show that links all the pantomimes and Christmas tales into one fabulous family treat.
Don't miss Bath Bach Choir's uplifting Carols by Candlelight concerts either. A two-day takeover of The Pump Room, from 16th to 17th December, their music will bring the city together for some festive tranquility and calm.
Sample Bath's Foodie Scene
Bath's fantastic food and drink providers are ready to welcome you back for some festive feasting. From restaurants and gastropubs serving up warming seasonal fare, to cafés and tearooms perfect for afternoon tea, the city's foodie scene is well worth exploring this winter.
Why not tuck into some tasty street food whilst wandering around the city in December? Take your pick from the mobile food traders ready to keep you warm with succulent pulled pork, Christmas deli food and festive chocolate brownies!
You can also experience the best of Bath's food and drink scene courtesy of Savouring Bath. Discover the highlights of the city using your taste buds, whilst strolling through elegant eighteenth-century streets and alleyways.
Festive shopping in Bath
Whilst the award-winning Bath Christmas market will not be taking place in its usual festive form this year, there are still plenty of ways to get into the Christmas spirit and do a spot of shopping at the same time.
Look out for the Bath Artisan Market where local traders will be showcasing their crafts in Queen Square, just a stone’s throw away from the main shopping quarter in Bath. Browse their stalls and pick up some handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind treats, safe in the knowledge that you are buying local and helping small, independent businesses.
Several sparkling stalls will also surround Bath’s iconic Abbey quarter, complete with festive entertainment, a carousel, and a chance to pick up your favourite festive treats. The Bath Abbey chalets are open from Friday 26th November to Sunday 19th December (Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 19:00; Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00).
If you’re looking for some more traditional shopping, Bath has a range of high-street, luxury, and independent shops where you’re bound to find the perfect gift for that special someone.
Make the Most of Your Trip to Bath
Relax, unwind and soak in the atmosphere in a city made for Christmas.
Bath's stunning Georgian scenery makes the perfect backdrop for a festive getaway. Fill your itinerary with delicious food, warming pubs and the all-important Christmas shopping; where better to find unusual gifts than a city of artisans? With unique homewares, locally-made crafts, handmade jewellery and more, you’re guaranteed to find something special.
To really make the most of your visit, why not book a stay at one of Bath's luxurious hotels or charming guesthouses, and make your trip one to remember for years to come?
Enjoy a Short Break in Bath this Christmas
Bath at Christmas is the perfect excuse for a city break. Whether it’s to visit friends and family, spend some quality time with your partner, finish your Christmas shopping or just relax and get away from it all.
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.
Christmas can be a busy time of year so it’s the ideal opportunity to take some time out to de-stress. Check-in at one of the many luxury spa hotels in Bath and the surrounding area to unwind in the indulgent facilities and enjoy some pampering treatments.
With so much to see and do across the city at Christmas, book a stay at one of Bath’s hotels and make a trip of it.
Make Travelling Easy
Bath is a compact city, making it easy to navigate on foot, with a good selection of public transport options.
Bath Spa train station takes you right into the city, only a short walk from the main attractions - book your train tickets with Great Western Railway now.
Getting around Bath by bus is easy, with a number of routes from the centre to the city’s outer areas. First West of England is the largest operator, running from the bus station by Bath Spa train station.
Bath is just 20 miles from the M4 motorway, with excellent links from the North of England, Devon and Cornwall via the M5, whilst Wales is just a short drive west.
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Keeping Bath Safe
The health and safety of residents, visitors and staff in the city is of paramount importance to us all, and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that a visit to Bath this festive season is a safe one.
All Christmas events have been planned in accordance with the latest COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing where required, and increased hygiene.
Please bear in mind each venue and attraction may have differing guidelines to make your trip a safe one.
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