It can only be Bath at Christmas...

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, 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 for unique gifts at Bath Christmas Market to exploring the Christmas lights that illuminate the city, plus many more festive events, there are so many ways to enjoy Bath at Christmas this year.

Marvellous makers and markets

Bath Christmas Market returns from Thursday 28 November to Sunday 15 December. With twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian streets, it's the perfect place to do a spot of Christmas shopping. From unique homeware to personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and more, you’re guaranteed to find something special for your loved ones. 

Milsom Place offers a range of independent and flagship shops, as well as some great bars and restaurants for you to relax in once you've hit the shops. Head to SouthGate for high street brands, or to the quirky side streets and 19th century shopping arcade The Corridor for even more shopping options. 

Treat a loved one to handcrafted silver jewellery from Icarus Jewellery, located on the historic Pulteney Bridge. The top of town along Walcot Street and Bartlett Street is the place to go for artisan goods and antiques.

Fantastically festive events

Bath's unique venues and iconic buildings play host to a multitude of festive events.

Don't miss The Roman Baths during your trip to Bath this Christmas. Explore ancient waters and unique treasures, enjoy a drink from their pop-up bar every weekend, and find Roman-inspired gifts in the museum shop. 

Get your skates on at Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. With 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! You'll be transported to a winter wonderland, with atmospheric lights, festive music, glow golf, and a cozy alpine bar serving seasonal food and drink. 

Don't miss a day out with the National Trust's Bath properties this Christmas, where you can enjoy everything from festive family trails to an encounter with Father Christmas himself. 

The festive season is ideal for nostalgia and introducing little ones to childhood favourites, so what better time to book for this year's Theatre Royal pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? 

Beyond Bath there are some incredible festive events to look out for, including Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole. This very special event includes three amazing Christmas experiences wrapped up into one magical day out, including 100,000 Christmas lights adorning the caves, a visit to Santa's North Pole Grotto, and a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show.

Also be sure to check out Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, featuring an illuminated trail and interactive displays among the magnificent trees.

• More Christmas events in and around Bath

Sample Bath's food 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.

Many of Bath's bars and restaurants are doing festive specials and traditional dishes, from Christmas-themed afternoon tea in an igloo at The Bird, to set menus with all the trimmings. You can even book in for lunch on Christmas Day at some restaurants around the city, including Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.

Green Park Brasserie will be hosting free live music to enjoy while you dine four nights a week, while you tuck into Christmassy specials such as bacon and brie arancini, rosemary stuffed camembert with sourdough, or pigs in blankets with honey mustard dip.

If you're looking for something to grab and go, try one of the new winter stews from Eat a Pitta, which has many vegetarian and vegan options.

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!

• Sample Bath's food and drink scene

Plan a festive getaway

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 to de-stress. Check in at one of the Bath and the surrounding area's many luxury spa hotels to unwind in indulgent facilities and enjoy some pampering treatments.

• Find somewhere to stay in Bath

Make Travelling Easy

Bath is a compact city, making it easy to navigate on foot, with a fantastic selection of public transport options.

Bath Spa railway station is based right in the city centre, just a short walk away 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 surrounding areas. First Bus is the largest operator, running a range of services from Bath Bus Station, based next to the railway station. 

The city has three Park & Ride services situated on each side of the city to suit motorists approaching from all directions, 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 10 minutes. All buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. 

Bath is just 20 miles from the M4 motorway, with excellent links from Northern England, Devon & Cornwall via the M5. Wales is just a short drive west along the M4 motorway via the Severn Bridge Crossing.