Every year at Christmas, Bath sparkles with glittering lights and the streets are filled with festive spirit. Although this year looks slightly different, there is still a chance to soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
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, meaning you can still discover the magic of Bath this Christmas.
All events are subject to the latest government advice and restrictions, and may be subject to change.
We recommend double-checking directly with event organisers for any up-to-date information and details.
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, and will be carried out with all measures in place, including social distancing and increased hygiene.
Many of our festive highlights this year take place on the city streets, from street theatre to festive artisan shopping, but we have worked hard to ensure that there will be space to spread out, making it our priority that social distancing is maintained.
Help us to keep Bath safe by wearing a face covering (unless you’re exempt) at all times on public transport, in shops, at indoor visitor attractions and entertainment venues, and when walking around in accommodation and restaurants. Please also socially distance from anyone outside your household or support bubble, especially when visiting indoor spaces.
_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
Tailor-made photo tours of Bath offering exceptional value for money and total commitment to customer satisfaction.
Read more
Bath's oldest house, serving the famous Sally Lunn Bunn. Delivery available nationwide.
Read moreThis year we're all in need of a bit of festive cheer, so there is lots of lighting around the city centre to brighten up the dark days.
Some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings have been brought to life with magical illuminations, funded by Bath BID and designed and produced by Visit Bath and Fineline Lighting. There'll be extra sparkle in Abbey Green, Kingston Parade, Kingsmead Square, Old Bond Street, Northumberland Place, SouthGate Bath, outside Bath Abbey and in lots of other areas around the city centre.
There has never been a better moment to celebrate the NHS, and as such, the old Mineral Hospital building in Upper Borough Walls, which was home to the first national hospital in 1738, is also illuminated.
ArtSeen will be creating lanterns with community groups and schools, animating the city in a glittering and glowing celebration of colour. A cycle promenade will take place, 19th and 20th December, with illuminated lanterns attached to rickshaws sharing the festive spirit. Keep an eye and ear out too for Bath Carnival's colourful Musical Walkabouts.
While you’re exploring the Christmas Light Trail, take a socially distanced stroll around the city to find local musicians and entertainers providing some wonderful Christmas merriment!
Different arts organisations in the city are running events in Bath's unique buildings and beautiful open spaces this Christmas.
Bath Festivals welcome top comedian David Baddiel to the city to talk about his new book for young readers, Future Friend, and, in partnership with Bath Festivals, Bath Carnival's wreath-making workshops will get you into the festive spirit.
Look out for the Natural Theatre Company's wandering characters on the city streets too, as they put on Christmas Shows Without a Theatre, and Bath will be aglow later in the month with ArtSeen's illuminated lantern sculptures.
Don't miss Bath Bach Choir's uplifting Carols by Candlelight concerts either. A two-day takeover of the Assembly Rooms, from 18th to 19th December, their music will bring the city together for some festive tranquility and calm.
All events have been planned following Government guidelines on COVID-19, and safety measures will be in place.
Make a living Christmas wreath, with fresh foliage to last the full festive period.
Read more Christmas
Make a living Christmas wreath, with fresh foliage to last the full festive period.
Read more Christmas
Bath's acclaimed chamber choir, The Handful, in a Christmas treat of a concert.
Read more Christmas
Up-tempo musical walkabouts bringing a blend of Carnival beats and Jazz melodies to Bath.
Read more Christmas
A chamber orchestra highlighting the talent and energy of young musicians.
Read more
An evening of opera sung by a line-up of young singers, curated by conductor Oliver Gooch.
Read more Christmas
A triumphant return to indoor comedy, Bath Comedy Club welcomes three great stand-ups.
Read more Comedy
Frances McDormand stars in this Oscar frontrunner about neglected people with no home.
Read more Film
Frances McDormand stars in this Oscar frontrunner about neglected people with no home.
Read more Film
A single mother wants her daughter to become a beauty queen, but she just wants to dance.
Read more Film
After an artist's paintings are stolen, she befriends the thief in order to paint him.
Read more Film
The comedian introduces his brand-new blockbuster for young readers, Future Friend.
Read more Christmas
The Natural Theatre Company present wandering Christmas characters on Bath's streets!
Read more Christmas
Nora's life looks bleak until Romy appears, full of dazzle and fun – and romance.
Read more Film
Cosmo Jarvis is a star in the making – Mark Kermode compared him to a young Marlon Brando.
Read more Film
An Angolan family are reunited in New York after 17 years apart. Has time changed them?
Read more Film_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
A 15-year-old skiing star's relationship with her male coach begins to cross boundaries.
Read more Film
Nine great films over five days using cinema-grade equipment.
Read more Film
A group of men decide to fuel their life with alcohol. Mads Mikkelsen leads the adventure.
Read more Film
Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci star as a couple coping with a dementia diagnosis.
Read more Film
Six uplifting concerts of Christmas music to bring the city together.
Read more Christmas
Six uplifting concerts of Christmas music to bring the city together.
Read more Christmas
ArtSeen's illuminated lantern sculptures promenade Bath's streets and open spaces.
Read more Christmas_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
Bath Artisan Market traders selling a range of handmade treats every Saturday and Sunday.
Read more Christmas
Enjoy some festive treats as you walk around Bath, from pulled pork to chocolate brownies.
Read more Christmas
Father Christmas will be visiting a different business around the city every day.
Read more Christmas
Discover the citywide festive bunting display, featuring artwork designed by local people.
Read more Christmas
Spectacular festive lighting in some of Bath's iconic streets and buildings, by Bath BID.
Read more Christmas
Browse a range of Christmas stallholders and shop online this festive season.
Read more ChristmasBath'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, festive chocolate brownies, Christmas deli food and the all-important mulled wine and hot, roasted chestnuts!
You can also still experience Bath's food and drink scene courtesy of Savouring Bath, who are running Virtual Tours, enabling you to take a live, online look at Bath's culinary history. They also sell Gift Vouchers, if you're after the ideal present for the food lover in your life.
Take a live online tour of Bath's culinary history, with an option to include samples.
Read more Virtual Event_Cordelia_Williams_30ix15_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
A piano recital from the top musican, providing hope and solace in troubled times.
Read more Music
Modern ArtBuyer returns to Milsom Place in December for a pre-Christmas group show!
Read more
Handmade gifts by local artisans. Free entry.
Read more Christmas
Explore Christmas as experienced by some of the Regency era’s most notable figures.
Read more Christmas
Is there a chance for a positive digital future, and if so what will it look like?
Read more Christmas
Shop from the comfort of your home for beautiful Christmas gifts from artisan traders.
Read more Christmas_Peter_Hall_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
A glowing and twinkling light trail in the gardens, Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm to 8pm.
Read more Christmas_Peter_Hall_straightened_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
A 1930's-inspired festive season with a fashion exhibition displaying fabulous outfits.
Read more Christmas
Brighten up your winter and find some festive cheer.
Read more Christmas
Live music, award-winning food and cocktails.
Read more Food and Drink
Enjoy a fantastic two or three-course Christmas lunch in Bath.
Read more Christmas
Take a festive-themed culinary sampling tour of Bath with all the flavours of Christmas!
Read more Guided Walks and Visits
Champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a delicious three-course menu and music.
Read more Christmas
Enjoy a seasonal four-course dinner at The Pump Room accompanied by festive piano music.
Read more Christmas
Exclusive Christmas parties, perfect for groups of 50 to 130 people.
Read more Christmas
Enjoy a festive six-mile round trip on Santa's train this season.
Read more Christmas
For a fine dining experience this winter, try Henry's two-course lunch menu for only £20.
Read more Food and Drink_530_380_s_c1.JPEG)
Take a break from Christmas shopping and enjoy a festive afternoon tea with live music.
Read more Christmas
_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
Engines off, party on! A drive-in pantomime, Christmas cinema and car-aoke experience.
Read more Christmas
Browse a range of Christmas stallholders and shop online this festive season.
Read more Christmas_Grayson_Perry_Victoria_Miro_530_380_s_c1.jpg)
A celebration of Grayson Perry's earliest works, made between 1982 and 1994.
Read more Exhibition
Comedy chaos coming this Christmas with original West End cast.
Read more TheatreWhile the award-winning Bath Christmas Market will not be taking place in its usual festive form due to COVID-19, its spirit will still be celebrated this year.
Look out for the Bath Abbey Quarter Makers, in the city each weekend in December leading up to Christmas. A wonderful group of artisan traders, browse their stalls and pick up some handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind treats, safe in the knowledge that you're buying local and helping small, independent businesses at this difficult time.
You can also still shop from a range of local stallholders online this festive season. From unique homeware to personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and more, Bath Christmas Market's Virtual Market – a list of stallholders letting you shop virtually, direct from the makers – means you’re guaranteed to find something special for your loved ones, whilst supporting small businesses.
Whether it's handmade homeware from Priormade or seasonal Go Wild Preserves, moreish treats from Grown Up Marshmallows or personalised presents courtesy of La De Da Living, The Pudding Wagon brownies or ethical apparel from Mild West Heroes, you'll be sure to get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up with Bath Christmas Market!
Traditionally handmade, luxury marshmallows made with all natural ingredients.
Read more
Award-winning artisan cheeses made using organic raw milk in Ceredigion, Wales.
Read more
Exceptional quality still and sparkling cider made using the finest West Country apples.
Read more
A family-owned, independent and artisan cheesemaker based in Cheddar, Somerset.
Read more
Seasonal jams, jellies and chutneys available individually and as gift packs.
Read more
Handmade and fairly traded Paper Star lanterns made from sustainable materials.
Read more
Sustainable family games from the West Country, ethically produced and plastic-free.
Read more
A one-stop deli experience of preserves, fine foods and Christmas hampers and gifts.
Read moreRelax, 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?
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.
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.
Bath at Christmas, Eating and Drinking, Independent Bath
Alex Peters from Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie shares some of the city’s finest alfresco finds and lets us know what they've got in store this winter…
Read moreBath at Christmas, Fashionable Bath, Independent Bath
If you're unable to visit the city this winter, you can still get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up with our guide to the wonderful retail outlets selling their products online.
Read more
_780_485_s_c1.jpg)
