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. 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.
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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, 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.
Things to Do in Bath this Christmas
Photo Tours in Bath
Tailor-made photo tours of Bath offering exceptional value for money and total commitment to customer satisfaction.
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Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House
Bath's oldest house, serving the famous Sally Lunn Bunn. Delivery available nationwide.
Read moreLighting up the City Streets
This 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!
Fantastically Festive Events
Different arts organisations in the city are running events in Bath's unique buildings and beautiful open spaces this Christmas.
The festive season is ideal for nostalgia and introducing little ones to childhood favourites, so what better time to book for Bath Philharmonia's The Snowman and The Bear? They'll be performing the magical soundtracks live, accompanying the classic films as they're shown on The Forum's big screen.
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.
Festive Highlights
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 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.
What's on in Bath this Christmas?
Bath Christmas Market
While 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!
Virtual Bath Christmas Market – A Selection of Stallholders
Go Wild Preserves
Seasonal jams, jellies and chutneys available individually and as gift packs.
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The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
A family-owned, independent and artisan cheesemaker based in Cheddar, Somerset.
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Honey’s Cider
Exceptional quality still and sparkling cider made using the finest West Country apples.
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Caws Teifi Cheese
Award-winning artisan cheeses made using organic raw milk in Ceredigion, Wales.
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The Cherry Tree
A one-stop deli experience of preserves, fine foods and Christmas hampers and gifts.
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Sprout and Gherkin
Sustainable family games from the West Country, ethically produced and plastic-free.
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Paperstarlights
Handmade and fairly traded Paper Star lanterns made from sustainable materials.
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Grown Up Marshmallows
Traditionally handmade, luxury marshmallows made with all natural ingredients.
Read moreMake 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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