Discover the Magic of Bath at Christmas
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 dedicated shopping days to lantern processions, and from magical city illuminations to a selection of Bath Christmas Market chalets dotted around the streets, plus a fantastic programme of festive events, the city is uniting 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.
Things to Do in Bath this Christmas
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Bath Preservation Trust
Through conservation, education and museums, Bath Preservation Trust ensures the future success of our beautiful heritage city.
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Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Explore the life of William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus in 1781.
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Bath Adventures – River and Walking Tours
Walking tours, boat tours, prosecco and canapés, and gin-tasting tours.
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Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Experience Bath's oldest house, serving the famous Sally Lunn bun. Now open.
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Pick up Your Presents
Get prepared early this year and plan your present-buying in advance. To make things easy, Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) will begin the festivities with two Early Bird Christmas Shopping days, on Thursday 12th November and Thursday 19th November. Entertainment around the city centre, and a range of promotions and deals, will help you get into the seasonal spirit.
People with dementia and other invisible illnesses and their carers will also be given an extra welcome in Bath for Compassionate Christmas Shopping days. From 10am to 12pm on Tuesday 10th November and Tuesday 17th November, those in need of a little more time and quiet will be able to shop at their leisure.
What's on in Bath this Christmas?
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Bad Manners Christmas Tour with Max Splodge
at Komedia BathBuster and co. are back by popular demand for their 2020 Christmas tour.
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The Ministry of Burlesque: Christmas Cabaret
at Komedia BathAn uproarious revue of camp Christmas comedy and festive friskiness.
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Christmas at the Palace
at The Bishop's PalaceBrighten up your winter and find some festive cheer.
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Christmas Dinner and Disco Parties
at Green Park BrasserieGet into the festive spirit with a three-course Christmas dinner and disco until late.
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Christmas Lunch Parties
at Green Park BrasserieEnjoy a fantastic two or three-course Christmas lunch in Bath.
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Flavours of Christmas
at Savouring BathTake a festive-themed culinary sampling tour of Bath with all the flavours of Christmas!
Read more Guided Walks and Visits
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Santa Special
at Avon Valley RailwayEnjoy a festive six-mile round trip on Santa's train this season.
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Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years
at The Holburne MuseumA celebration of Grayson Perry's earliest works, made between 1982 and 1994.
Read more Exhibition
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The Play That Goes Wrong
at Theatre Royal BathComedy chaos coming this Christmas with original West End cast.
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Bath Christmas Market
Whilst 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, with 12 chalets dotted around the city streets from Friday 27th November to Sunday 20th December, and with some of Bath’s most iconic buildings being brought to life with magical illuminations.
Selling locally made gifts and treats – the perfect reason to pick up some presents – 12 chalets is the same number that came together to form the very first Christmas market in Bath in 2000!
Stock up on treats from:
Abbey Churchyard
Georgie Porgie's Puddings
In a Pickle
Pollyfields
Somerset Lavender
The Bath Distillery
The Bath Soft Cheese Company
Upton Cheyney Chilli Company
York Street
Hoyti Toyti
Abbeygate Street
Lick The Spoon (Friday 27th November to Tuesday 8th December)
Limelight Bath
Straysparks
Ubiety (Wednesday 9th December to Sunday 20th December)
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.
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?
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Fantastically Festive Events
Each weekend from Friday 27th November to Sunday 20th December, different arts organisations in the city will run events in Bath's unique buildings and beautiful open spaces.
Kicking things off, Bath Festivals, in partnership with The Holburne Museum, will welcome artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry for an In Conversation event at The Forum Bath, to talk about his remarkable career.
The Forum will also host Bath Philharmonia on the weekend of 19th to 20th December, as they perform The Snowman to accompany Raymond Briggs' animated masterpiece, for a moment of charm and beauty in the run-up to the holiday season.
All events will be planned following government guidelines on the coronavirus pandemic.
Bringing the Streets to Life
To really bring Bath's streets to life, Bath Carnival and 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 also take place around the streets, with illuminated lanterns attached to rickshaws sharing the festive spirit.
Keep an eye and an ear out too for local musicians, students, storytellers and poets taking to open-air stages on the streets to provide some wonderful Christmas entertainment.
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.