Why not fill the gap between Christmas and New Year by getting out and exploring Bath? The city has plenty to keep you entertained long after the presents have been opened and the Christmas lunches eaten. Read on for some of our top picks… 

Soak up the history of The Roman Baths

Where better to visit in the cool midwinter than the home of Bath’s steaming natural spring water? Discover treasures from throughout the Baths’ history in the interactive museum, and walk in the footsteps of Romans around the 2,000 year old complex, where you can explore ancient chambers which once housed changing rooms and plunge pools. 

Image: The Roman Baths, credit Colin Hawkins

Discover Bath’s award-winning indoor museums and galleries

Stay warm while learning more about Bath’s rich history or taking in local artwork in the city’s award-winning museums and galleries. Find out how fashionable Georgian families lived at No.1 Royal Crescent, decorated as the house may have been back in the 1770s, or delve into the worlds of the city's two most famous female residents at The Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein. 

Venture into the unseen landscape with award-winning Bristol-based artist Gail Mason's colourful artwork at Victoria Art Gallery, then head across Pulteney Bridge to The Holburne Museum and enjoy exhibitions of artworks by Jann Haworth & Liberty Blake, Lucie Rie, Sarah Biffin and Gwen John. 

Please refer to the Jane Austen Centre website and the House of Frankenstein website for both attractions' opening times over the Twixmas period. 

Image: No.1 Royal Crescent, credit Bath Preservation Trust

Enjoy a festive show at the Theatre Royal

Bath’s Theatre Royal is presenting a range of festive productions through to the New Year, from its annual pantomime to magical children's shows. Audiences young and old will love local legend Jon Monie's latest pantomime Sleeping Beauty in the Main House, featuring West End star Neil McDermott, EastEnders' Nick Wilton, Sarah Jane Buckley and Maisie Sellwood.

Next door at The Egg, join Wendy, Peter and Tinker Bell in Neverland with Wendy: A Peter Pan Story, an adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic story by acclaimed writer James Baldwin. Also at The Egg, Midnight Mole, a heart-warming adventure for all the family, returns by popular demand. 

Image: Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal, credit Theatre Royal Bath

Go for a wintry walk around Bath 

Revel in Bath’s stunning beauty and stretch your legs after your Christmas indulgence with one of Bathscape’s scenic local walking routes, which take in most of the city’s key sights. Several routes encompass some of Bath’s finest pubs, where you can take a break for a hearty winter meal, such as The Pig & Fiddle, The Griffin or The Bath Townhouse. 

Image: The Royal Crescent in snow 

Dine out to live music at Green Park Brasserie

Feast on a mouth-watering selection of locally-sourced dishes while enjoying live jazz, soul, funk and swing music in the cosy surroundings of Green Park Brasserie every evening from Wednesday to Saturday. On New Year’s Eve, the restaurant will open into the early hours, with a spectacular six-course set menu accompanied by guest band the Harlem Rhythm Cats playing customers into 2024. And, if you're in the mood, dancing is an option. Book now to secure your place at Bath’s very own Hootenanny! 

Image: Live music at Green Park Brasserie, credit Green Park Brasserie

Go for a spin on the rink at Bath on Ice

Bath on Ice will be in residence at the Royal Victoria Park until 3 January, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy a session on the huge outdoor rink. With plenty of space to learn without clinging to the perimeter, or to show off your skating prowess, Bath on Ice is perfect for skaters of all skill levels. After spending some time out on the rink, make for the Moguls Alpine Bar and savour a selection of fabulous festive food and drink, as well as the popular glow mini-golf course for a quintessential winter experience. 

Image: Skaters at Bath on Ice, credit Bath on Ice 

Visit a Winter Wonderland

Immerse yourself in a stunning Winter Wonderland in and around Bath this Twixmas. Embark on a hand-crafted festive experience at the American Museum & Gardens, where you will find the Georgian Manor House festooned in hundreds of artisan decorations, and an 18-foot Nordmann fir Christmas tree bedecked with thousands of lights and unique ornaments taking pride of place in Central Hall.

Be sure to take advantage of the garden's extended opening hours and enjoy a wintry walk, while taking in the magnificent views over the beautiful Limpley Stoke valley. There's also festive food and drink available in the Deli, and one last chance to visit the landmark Brick America exhibition before it closes on 31 December, featuring 40 incredible LEGO models and mosaics created by artist Warren Elsmore, including a replica of Claverton Manor itself. 

Image: American Museum & Gardens 

Head to Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland for two special festive experiences rolled into one. Start with a tour of the cave network, transformed by over 100,000 lights, for a truly memorable underground adventure, then head to the circus and enjoy a dazzling Christmas-themed show inspired by the Grinch story. As if that wasn't enough, all of Wookey's other attractions will be open as usual providing hours of entertainment, including the vintage penny arcade, adventure golf, and 4D cinema, which will be screening a Christmas film. 

Image: Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole, credit Wookey Hole

Laugh and boogie your way into the New Year at Komedia Bath

Head to Komedia Bath for the ultimate New Year celebration. Kick your night off with a good laugh at the Krater Comedy Club New Year special, then welcome 2024 to the tune of classic pop anthems and guilty pleasures which will have you stomping your feet until the early hours at The Big Disco Party. Expect glitz, glamour, and plenty of surprises, with a professional photographer on hand to capture your midnight moments. 

Image: Komedia Bath auditorium, credit Komedia Bath 

Enjoy festive fun at Bath's National Trust properties 

There's plenty to see and do with all the family at Bath's National Trust properties this Twixmas. Explore the Georgian charm of Prior Park together on the ever-popular annual advent trail, with 24 doors lying hidden in hollow logs throughout the estate. Find each one to reveal Christmas pictures, riddles and songs. 

North of the city at Dyrham Park, step back in time and witness Christmas through the ages, with the house dressed in the style of five different eras. Start your journey in Tudor times, then work your way through to the 20th century. Outside, the 270-acre grounds will feature Christmas trees decorated with golden pears, as well as giant wooden presents in a discovery trail for families and a poetry trail for adults. 

Image: Christmas Through the Ages at Dyrham Park, credit National Trust 

Discover more Things to Do in Bath:

• 24 Things to Do in Bath in 2024
• Where to feast on a Sunday roast in Bath
• Four country walks in and around Bath