Go on a magical adventure this December and discover the city of Bath at Christmas. Dressed head to toe in Christmas trees and twinkling lights, paired with the sweet smell of mulled wine, the Georgian city never looks better than when it’s decorated for the season. Skate in the city centre, be transported to the Alps and check out the award-winning Christmas market that will give you all the festive feels. Once you’ve discovered medieval Bath at Christmas, no other city will compare.
1. BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET 2018
Bath Christmas Market is regularly voted as one of the UK’s best Christmas markets every season because it’s just that good. Mainly set up around the stunning Bath Abbey, this market sadly won’t be open right up until Christmas Day (only until 9th December), but if you’re in the city beforehand, you simply have to check it out. Over 160 festive chalets are set up for 18 days and spread over the beautiful Roman streets of Bath to bring gorgeous gifts, Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, jewellery and way more. The vast majority of the wonderful stall owners actually come from Bath or the southwest and create their products totally by hand making your purchases all the more meaningful.
Visit Bath Christmas markets’ Lodge on Stall Street to indulge in the foodie offerings and warm up with your hands around a cup of mulled wine. When in Bath for the festive season, a mooch around the city’s award-winning Christmas market is simply a given.
2. CHRISTMAS TREE CAROL TRAIL
Take a festive stroll around Bath on the Christmas Tree Carol Trail, created for 2018 by the Bath Business Improvement District. There are ten trees around the city that have been put up, each decorated uniquely in the style of a Christmas song. Explore the city, follow the trail and try guessing the tune to win a prize!
3. BATH ON ICE
Get your skates on and book a slot at Bath on Ice to really get in the Christmas spirit. Glide around the biggest ice rink in Bath this December during the day or under the twinkling Christmas lights in the evening with a group of friends or with that special someone. A one hour slot will cost £10 which includes skate hire and it’s not ice skating without a mulled wine after, so head over to the bar afterwards to warm up and indulge.
Not big on skating? The Glow in the Dark Mini Golf course next door is another great, wintry pop-up put on by Bath on Ice.
4. CYCLE OF LIGHTS
Enjoy a colourful light display powered by pedaling public in this innovative art installation just in front of Russell & Bromley on Old Bond Street. Four stationary bikes are set up ready for anyone to hop on and cycle to illuminate the Cycle of Lights and create one of the most festive displays in Bath for 2018. Check it out until 22nd December from 4-8pm everyday.
5. ENJOY ONE OF THE BEST HEARTY SUNDAY ROASTS IN BATH
Get all the warm and fuzzy feels this Christmas and indulge in one of Bath’s best roasts in a traditional British pub. When the weather turns cold, nothing beats feasting on a hot roast dinner with all the trimmings and a glass of red wine in front of a fire to feel the cosiest you might ever have been! Bath does some of the tastiest Sunday dinners, sourcing ingredients fresh from the nearby countryside.
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6. APRES SKI BAR AT ABBEY HOTEL
Be transported to the Alpine mountains at the Apres Ski Bar at Abbey Hotel. Wrap up warm in a thick, fluffy blanket with a hot mulled wine or Christmas cocktail in Bath’s most festive bar for this Christmas. The winter, alpine chalet vibe with be sure to satisfy all those winter cravings until 22nd December.
7. KINGSMEAD SQUARE FESTIVE STREET FOOD MARKET
After a super successful launch last year, the Kingsmead Square Festive Street Food Market is back for another season of Christmassy street treats! Every Thursday to Sunday until Sunday 9th December, the beautiful, Georgian Kingsmead Square will be taken over by the smell of street food from around the world, mulled wine and cider plus awesome live music by local bands. Expect Cantonese dumplings from Ah Ma’s Dumplings, melted cheese and Alpine-style tartiflette from Raclette Raclette, crispy chilli squid from South Street Kitchen and way more culinary delights.
8. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT SOUTHGATE BATH
At any time of year, SouthGate Bath is one of the city’s best places for a spot of shopping. However, this Christmas, it’s being transformed into a winter wonderland. Cosy cabins, forest glade and snowy woodland animals will create the feel of an enchanted Nordic forest while you go from shop to shop. Head to SouthGate on Thursday evenings as the shops all stay open for late-night shoppers to get their Christmas presents sorted up until 8pm. It’s the most magical Christmas shopping experience you’ll get in Bath!