This wonderful city is set to become even more magical this Christmas as its picturesque Georgian streets twinkle with decorations, merry choirs sing carols by candlelight and mouth-watering aromas of roasted chestnuts fill the air
There are so many ways you can embrace the spirit of Christmas in Bath; get all your shopping wrapped up early at Bath Christmas Market which celebrates its 20th year, go for a spin on the outdoor rink at Bath on Ice, indulge in a festive afternoon catch a lively matinee of Aladdin at Theatre Royal Bath and much more.
1. Festive shopping
Until December 11, the award-winning Bath Christmas Market returns for 18 days of festive cheer.
Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas as you browse more than 150 chalets. With handmade Christmas decorations, bespoke jewellery, artisan food and drink, toys, accessories and even gifts for pets, you will be sure to find the perfect presents for friends and family or perhaps even a little treat for yourself. More than 80 per cent of the chalets at Bath Christmas Market are local makers and designers so you can feel reassured that you’re supporting Bath’s independent businesses.
Filling the streets with music and festive joy during Bath Christmas Market will be various entertainers from community choirs to brass bands. Local school children will be singing their favourite Christmas songs and Bath Abbey will be opening their doors for shoppers’ carols.
Wander off the beaten track along the many cobbled side streets to explore independent shops such as Honey Willow Jewellery, Always Sunday Townhouse (an emporium of homeware and gifts), The Silver Shop of Bath, The San Francisco Fudge Company and Topping & Company booksellers. Look out for Miss Mistletoe welcoming visitors at Milsom Place – a hidden oasis of boutique shopping and restaurants away from the bustling festive crowds.
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas experience in Bath
Take a break from shopping with a visit to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. Big kids and little ones can go for a skate on the outdoor rink or play a few rounds of Glow in the Dark Mini Golf until January 3. Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious wood-fired pizza or a mug of indulgent hot chocolate at Moguls Alpine Bar. If you’re feeling creative, try a Christmas candle-pouring workshop with PaddyWax Candle Bar - all sessions will include a complimentary glass of mulled wine, or festive bauble blowing at Bath Aqua Glass on Walcot Street.
The American Museum & Gardens presents its Enchanted Garden of Light trail through the spectacular grounds. Be transported into a magical after-dark adventure with light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour.
The 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas returns to No. 1 Royal Crescent – step inside this beautiful museum and see all the rooms dressed-up for the festive season. Enjoy all the cerebrations a family would experience through storytelling and poems as part of the house’s immersive experience.
On December 10 children can enjoy an ‘all wrapped up’ creative art session to make a self-portrait with hats, gloves and scarves at Victoria Art Gallery .
3. Eat, drink and be merry!
At Green Park Brasserie in the distinctive setting of the old railway station at Green Park you will find Bath Pizza Company and an independent casual-dining restaurant serving local produce and cocktails. Look out for the live jazz nights and Christmas party menu.
Stop by The Bird, Bath where the snowy woodland sprigs strewn with fairy lights, flickering candelabra and draped Bavarian rugs at the Alpine Lodge and Bar tucked behind the hotel are guaranteed to put you in a festive frame of mind.
Rest weary feet after a busy day of shopping and exploring at the snow-topped Après Ski Bar outside Abbey Hotel Bath, where they will be serving aromatic mulled wine and authentic Alpine appetisers, or try new restaurants Coppa Club and The Architect for festive set menus full of seasonal fayre.
For an elegant evening dining, book a festive candle-lit dinner at the Pump Room Restaurant or for a classic Bath foodie experience treat yourself to a Christmas afternoon tea at Roseate Villa, Sweet Little Things, The Ivy Bath Brasserie or The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
4. Stay a while
There really is no better place to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year than Bath so why not stay overnight at one of the city’s hotels, guest houses or self-catering apartments? Choose from five star luxury at the Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel and Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa to Tyndall Villa, Brooks Guest House and Broadstreet Townhouse where cosy, stylish rooms welcome you. For larger groups and families, Bath Luxury Rentals or Bath Apartment Breaks offer spacious living. Spend an evening relaxing in the thermal waters of Thermae Bath Spa with views of the twinkling lights from the roof-top pool, or chill-out at The Soul Spa with a drop-in guided meditation session and sound bath.
- Plan your visit at visitbath.co.uk
