The annual festivities in the city of Bath may look a little different this year, but there’s still lashings of festive cheer to look forward to
Christmas in Bath this year will look a little different without Bath Christmas Market, but if you are planning a visit to the city, there will still be a festive atmosphere to soak up. From November 27 until December 20, you will find a variety of entertainment and events to enjoy, along with festive shopping in Bath’s boutique shops and high-street stores as well as seasonal food and drink in many of the city’s restaurants, cosy pubs, cafés and bars. End the day with a roof-top dip in the thermal waters of Bath Thermae Spa – where the view of twinkling lights against a backdrop of Georgian architecture promises to be breathtaking.
ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Kicking things off, Bath Festivals, in partnership with the Holburne Museum, will welcome artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry for an In Conversation event at The Forum Bath on November 28. Wander through the city’s streets and look out for festive illuminations on iconic Bath buildings, and pop-up street theatre with the Natural Theatre Company – between 10.30am and 5pm on the weekend of December 12 and 13, the nation’s pantomime and Christmas characters will add some socially-distanced humour.
The culmination of a six-week community lantern-making project will feature a spectacle of large mobile lanterns journeying along city centre streets on rickshaw tricycles, pausing for appreciation, animating spaces and bringing glimmers of light and sound to celebrate winter. The mobile lanterns will be out and about over the weekend of December 19 and 20 as dusk falls.
Twelve chalets selling Christmas produce, gifts and street-food will be dotted among the streets – look out for Bath Christmas Market favourites: Georgie Porgie’s Puddings, In a Pickle, Pollyfields, Somerset Lavender, The Bath Distillery, The Bath Soft Cheese Company, Upton Cheyney Chilli Company, Hoyti Toyti, Lick the Spoon, Limelight Bath, Straysparks and Ubiety.
On December 6, Bath Carnival will be bringing a mix of DJs, colourful costumes and décor to the city, and taking over 17 and 18 Milsom Street with their flagship festive window display, while Bath Spa University will be providing storytelling and festive entertainment on December 13. Look out for various solo performances from Bath Festivals at the outdoor stages, and visit No. 1 Royal Crescent between November 28 and January 3 for the Christmas through the ages display.
Bath Bach Choir has performed Carols by Candlelight every year since 1946 – a much-loved calendar fixture that marks the true start of Christmas. This year, the logistics may be different but the spirit is the same, as the choir takes over the Bath Assembly Rooms for two days of uplifting Christmas music, plus a bonus performance at St Mary’s Church, Bathwick. Each performance will last around 75 minutes with no interval, making it a perfect musical treat during your day or evening out.
Finally, don’t miss the show-stopping performance of The Snowman by Bath Philharmonia at The Forum on December 20.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
From well-known brands in the contemporary SouthGate area to award-winning boutiques, Bath has everything you need to get your Christmas shopping well underway. Venture off-the-beaten-track to the artisan areas of Walcot Street, Bartlett Street and Broad Street for independent shops, and to the hub of Milsom Place – a hidden oasis of shops and restaurants.
A CHRISTMAS FEAST IN BATH
Many restaurants, cafés and bars will be serving up a range of delicious Christmas treats over the festive period. Take your pick from welcoming gastropubs and independent restaurants to fine dining and festive afternoon teas in decadent surroundings or eat your way around the city with a food tour – sample tasty local produce from bakeries, breweries, cafés and farmers’ markets.
For further information go to visitbath.co.uk/Christmas
All events are subject to the latest government restrictions, and may be subject to change.
