Marvellous markets, ice skating, winter wonderlands, light trails, and fabulous family-friendly theatre shows - it can only be Bath at Christmas. 

Discover unmissable Christmas events and things to do in the city over the festive period...

1. Stay the Night

With so much to see and do over the festive period, the best way to enjoy Bath at Christmas is to stay for longer! Accommodation in the city ranges from charming self-catering properties to luxury spa hotels, with many offering Christmas packages to help you have an extra special stay over the festive season. Hotel packages include an all-in spa break package at Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa with dinner from £155 per person; a Christmas shopping break at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa with spa access and a £50 Bath Gift Card; or a Champagne stay at Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.

Image: Spa at Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Book the three-day Christmas getaway package at The Bird, including a Buck's Fizz breakfast each morning, a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve, Champagne, canapés & four-course lunch on Christmas Day, a choice of ice skating or pantomime tickets on Boxing Day, and many more treats. Alternatively, book a meal with friends or family in one of the hotel's festive igloos, and step into a world of Christmas culinary delights surrounded by stunning views of the glittering Bath skyline. 

Image: Festive igloo at The Bird, Bath 

2. Explore the Christmas Markets

The festive chalets are back lining the historic city centre streets, as the award-winning Bath Christmas Market makes a welcome return for 17 days of shopping, eating and more from 23 November to 10 December. Browse over 200 stalls selling a variety of local, handmade prodce including bespoke jewellery, artisan foodie treats, homeware, accessories and many more. 

After you’ve finished making your way around Bath Christmas Market, take a ten-minute walk to the west of the city for a special edition of the Bath Independent Market on Sunday 17 December at Green Park Station. Art, design, jewellery, handmade products, eco-friendly gifts, Mother Christmas painting live potraits, superb local drinks and live music are just some of the treats you can expect! Younger visitors are welcome too, with a kids creative space and face painting. 

• Discover more Christmas markets in and around Bath

Image - Bath Christmas Market

3. Book a memorable experience

From wine tasting to comedy shows in the city's top restaurants, Yuup Bath have plenty of ways to keep you busy this winter! Try your hand at waffle making, a gin workshop or even sheep herding! These experiences also make the perfect Christmas present, so nab your loved ones a voucher for an experience to remember.

Tickets are also now on sale for the Belly Laughs comedy events at bars and restaurants across Bath in January, which make a great Christmas present too! 

• More Bath experiences

Image - Yuup

4. Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Seek out delectable seasonal dishes and treats at Bath’s restaurants and cafes, many of which have special seasonal menus running throughout December and through to the new year. 

Sink your teeth into sumptuous seasonal dishes at Green Park Brasserie and award-winning pizza on the heated outdoor terraces of neighbouring sister business Bath Pizza Co, accompanied by live jazz, funk, soul and swing music four nights a week. Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of both venues, and make festive memories you'll never forget with friends and family. Green Park Brasserie is also offering a special six-course menu on New Year's Eve, and live music throughout the night to play you into 2024, with optional dancing - be sure to book your table as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! 

• New Year's Eve events in Bath

Image: Green Park Brasserie

Savour a spot of innovative Christmas indulgence with the delightful creations of Heavenly Desserts, enjoy yuletide tipples and festive afternoon teas at The Ivy Bath Brasserie, The Roseate Villa, Montagu's Mews and The Francis Hotel, or tuck in to a mouth-watering Christmas lunch with all the trimmings at one of Bath's luxurious boutique hotels. 

Image - Heavenly Desserts

5. Go to see a pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath

For festive frivolity at its finest, book tickets for the Theatre Royal's fabulous family-friendly annual panto, Sleeping Beauty from 7 December to 7 January. This year's brand new pantomime promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained! Bath favourite Jon Monie will play Lester the Jester alongside stars Neil McDermott, Nick Wilton, Sarah Jane Buckley, and Maisie Sellwood. 

Image: Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Bath

6. Learn about Saturnalia at The Roman Baths

There's plenty of festive fun to be had at The Roman Baths this Christmas. Young history hunters can learn more about the Roman holiday of Saturnalia with a special trail through the museum, where you'll find out how the Romans enjoyed holiday time, gift giving, and decorating. Meanwhile, adults can stop by the pop-up bar alongside the Great Bath, which will be serving a selection of drinks including 'mulsum,' a delicious Roman drink made with wine and honey, Bailey's hot chocolate, mulled wine, Champagne and more. Other highlights include a family crafting session on 16 December, where young visitors can create a Roman pantomime character and mini theatre, as well as the on-site shop, which will be fully stocked with glittering Christmas gifts and decorations. 

7. Meet Father Christmas at Milsom Place

Milsom Place is home to Father Christmas' Grotto this Christmas, so be sure to visit for an interactive festive experience the family won't forget! Much more than your usual Grotto, you'll first help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story about how they plan to make this Christmas the best ever, then meet the man himself and receive your very own gift. 

Image - Christmas tree and lights at Bath Abbey

8. Follow a Magical Light Trail

See Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings in a whole new light, as magical illuminations take over the city from 16 November to 2 January. Following the trail is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Bath at Christmas.

Just outside the city, the woodlands of Westonbirt Arboretum will be lit up in spectacular fashion, with sparkling lights, festive sounds and dazzling installations. Follow the illuminated trail through the trees on a magical, after-dark adventure. The trail is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 23 December, with a relaxed session available on Saturday 2 December. 

Image - Westonbirt Arboretum - Credit Paul Groom 

Sticking with the outdoor theme, Bath's beautiful National Trust properties and gardens have a range of activities and trails running throughout the festive period, as well as crafting sessions and a chance to meet some Christmas characters.

Be sure to pay a visit to the historic Assembly Rooms, which will be opening its doors this festive season to offer you a moment of peace just a minute's walk away from the bustle of Bath Christmas Market. Take in the beauty of the ballroom decorated with Christmas trees twinkling beneath the chandeliers, and stop for a while in the Great Octagon, where you can create your own decoration for the community tree, and write the all-important letter to Father Christmas. 

Image: The Assembly Rooms

This year, The Festival of Light at Longleat returns with more life-size lanterns than ever before. Follow the trail and marvel as scenes from the pages of iconic stories are brought to life before your eyes, including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Winne the Pooh, and many more. 

Image: Festival of Light at Longleat, credit Charlotte Harris

9. Skate at Bath on Ice

Bath’s favourite ice rink Bath on Ice (open until 3 January) returns to Victoria Park with 1000 square meters of smooth ice, a glowing array of atmospheric lights with music to set the wintery scene, and a cosy bar area with seasonal drinks to transport you to a dreamy winter wonderland. 

Image - Bath on Ice

10. Explore a Winter Wonderland

Enjoy three Christmas experiences for the price of one at Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland. See over 100,000 lights transform the caves into an enchanting underground adventure land before visiting Santa's North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet Santa and take home a present from Santa and the Elves. You'll then be able to watch a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show, which this year is inspired by the Grinch story. 

Image - Wooky Hole

Head to a winter wonderland of a different kind at the American Museum & Gardens, where the Georgian manor house will be festooned with beautiful decorations. Get the perfect Christmas family photo in front of the stunning 18 foot Nordmann fir tree centrepiece bedecked with thousands of lights and unique ornaments, try one of the special Christmas workshops, visit the Brick America LEGO exhibition, and savour festive food in the on-site Deli. As if this wasn't enough, there's also a range of fun activities for all the family to enjoy, including a Christmas concert, festive storytelling, and Santa's Cinema. 

Image - American Museum & Gardens

11. Meet the Christmas characters at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park

The Christmas experience at Avon Valley promises to be one of the most magical in the region. Enjoy festive ice skating, a Christmas Nights light trail, a chance to meet Santa and the resident reindeer, and miniature railway rides on the Elf Express. 

Image - Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park 

12. Experience a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent

Experience the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas as the immersive experience at No.1 Royal Crescent returns from 18 November to 31 December. Wander the rooms, which will be dressed as they would have been during Christmases in the late eighteenth century.

Image - 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent

13. Bring Xmas to Life at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

Stop by the award-winning Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein for an alternative Christmas experience this December. Enjoy a free glass of Victorian mulled wine prepared by one of the attraction's character hosts before you begin your immersive journey back to the 1800s across four floors of a 300-year old Georgian townhouse. Discover the compelling story of Mary Shelley and the inspiration behind Frankenstein, one of the most influential novels of all time, written during the author's time living in Bath. You can also treat your loved ones to an unforgettable experience in the Victor's Lair and The Shallows escape rooms, challenge one another to solve the mystery of the Body in a Suitcase, and find the perfect Christmas gift for the gothic literary lover and Franken-fan in the gift shop. 

Image - Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

14. Dance the Night Away at Komedia Bath

On Monday 18 December, Komedia Bath is teaming up with Bath Mencap for Uproar! Christmas Special, a festive edition of their ever-popular club night exclusively for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. There are plenty of other fun Christmassy events to choose from, including special Christmas & New Year editions of Krater Comedy Club, The Ministry of Burlesque Christmas Cabaret, and The Wurzels Xmas Party.

Image - Komedia

15. Make your own festive wreath

Get crafty for Christmas by creating your own wreath at a range of workshops across Bath. 

Fashion your own unique wreath at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa on 11 December, where you can reward your efforts with a delicious afternoon tea or lunch. There are more wreath making workshops and festive foodie treats at No.15 by GuestHouse and The Bath Priory Hotel throughout the season too. 

16. Head out on a festive tour

Go for a Christmas adventure with a day tour from Bath. Experience the magic of England's picture-perfect rural towns at Christmas with In & Beyond Bath's Cotswolds Charm & Festive England tour, offering you the chance to enjoy breathtaking views, wander ancient streets, visit an artisan Christmas crafts market, and enjoy lunch next to a fire at a charming country inn. 

Mad Max Tours are operating their short winter tour over the festive season, including early access to Stonehenge followed by a visit to the beautiful National Trust-owned village of Lacock, where several scenes from the iconic Harry Potter films were shot. 

Bath Insider Tours, Galahad Tours, and City of Bath Guides are all operating their usual day tours from Bath. Discover destinations including Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Somerset villages, and many more!  

Discover more ways to enjoy #BathAtChristmas:

• Christmas markets in Bath
• Ten Ways to Make the Most of Bath at Christmas
• The Bath Christmas Gift Guide