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, to allow you to discover the magic of Bath this Christmas.

From hunting unique gifts from the Artisan Makers in Bath Abbey Quarter, to exploring the Christmas Light Trail that illuminates the city, plus many more events and festivities throughout the festive period, there are so many ways to enjoy Bath at Christmas this year.

Click 'Read More' to make the most of Bath at Christmas!

Lighting up the City

Some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings will be brought to life with magical illuminations. From 25th November, there'll be extra sparkle in across the city centre, adding that festive magic as you explore all the city has to offer. Explore the interactive map here. 

A world of enchantment, magic and good cheer awaits you at The Enchanted Garden of Light 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.

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.

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!

Father Christmas and his elves have joined the upcycling revolution! This year, they invite children to visit the fascinating Elves’ Swapshop in the Milsom Street area, where they are training the Share and Repair volunteers how to mend toys and give them a new, loving home. Children are welcomed along to see the fabulous Elf-O-Matic toy upcycler in action by bringing an old toy to be shared with another lucky child.

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.

Marvellous Makers and Markets

From Friday 26^th November until Sunday 19^th December, a selection of local artisan makers will be on show at Bath’s iconic Abbey Quarter, displaying their unique crafts. From blankets and Christmas decorations, to brownies and jewellery, grab a gift for the whole family!

Complete with a Victorian carousel, festive food and drink, and live entertainment, browse Bath’s skilled makers and enjoy the sights and smells of a traditional Christmas.

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.

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. 

Plan a Festive Getaway

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. Relax, unwind and soak in the atmosphere in a city made for Christmas. 

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, and make your trip one to remember for years to come? 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.

The city has three Park and Ride services, which operate seven days a week. Buses run into the city from all three Park and Ride sites at least every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just ten minutes. All buses are wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

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.

Keeping Bath Safe

The health and safety of residents, visitors and staff in the city is of paramount importance. All Christmas events have been planned in accordance with the latest COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing where required, and increased hygiene measures. Please bear in mind each event, venue or attraction may have differing safety guidelines and requirements. It is recommended that visitors take an LFD test prior to their visit, and remember to make space, wash hands regularly and wear a face covering in crowded spaces. If you have COVID-19 symptoms self isolate and get tested and stay home if you have cold or flu like symptoms. These measures will help protect yourself and others this winter.