A winter wonderland
Ted o’neill takes a look at why Bath is feeling so festive and finds lots of activities to put you in the mood for Christmas
BATH is set to become even more magical this Christmas as our city’s picturesque Georgian streets twinkle with decorations. Meanwhile, choirs will sing carols by candlelight and the aroma of roasted chestnuts will fill the air.
There are many ways that residents can embrace the spirit of Christmas in Bath: they can shop for presents at Bath Christmas Market which celebrates its 20th year, go for a spin on the outdoor rink at Bath on Ice or catch a lively performance of Aladdin at Theatre Royal Bath.
Here’s just a glimpse of what you can enjoy...
Festive shopping
From Thursday, November 24 to Sunday, December 11, the award-winning Bath Christmas Market will return to the city centre streets for 18 days of festive cheer.
Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas as you browse over 150 chalets of handmade Christmas decorations, bespoke jewellery, artisan food and drink, toys, accessories and gifts for pets.
Many of the chalets at Bath Christmas Market are local makers and designers you won’t find on the high street.
Various entertainers from community choirs to brass bands will fill the streets with music and festive joy during Bath Christmas Market, local school children will be singing their favourite Christmas songs and Bath Abbey will be opening their doors for Shoppers’ Carols.
Wander off the beaten track along the many cobbled side streets to explore independent shops such as Honey Willow Jewellery, Always Sunday Townhouse, an emporium of homeware and gifts, The Silver Shop of Bath, The San Francisco Fudge Company and Topping and Company booksellers.
Look out for Miss Mistletoe, too, welcoming visitors at Milsom Place, a hidden oasis of boutique shopping and restaurants away from the bustling festive crowds.
Alternatively, head outside of the city centre to Newton Farm Shop for a special evening of shopping.
Christmas experiences
Take a break from shopping with a visit to Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. Go for a skate on the outdoor rink or play a few rounds of Glow in the Dark Mini Golf which is running from now until January 3.
If you’re feeling creative, try a Christmas candle pouring workshop with a complimentary glass of mulled wine at Paddywax Candle Bar, or festive bauble blowing at Bath Aqua Glass on Walcot Street.
The American museum and gardens will present their Enchanted Garden of Light trail through the spectacular grounds of the museum at Claverton Down, where you can be transported into a magical after-dark adventure with light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour.
A little further outside of Bath is the gorgeous Iford Manor Estate, where you can book a festive wreath making session with local florists followed by lunch at Iford Manor Kitchen, while city centre bars The Grapes and The Urban Garden will also offer wreath-making workshops.
Christmas at the National Trust’s Prior Park will run throughout December with a festive trail for all the family to enjoy.
12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas returns to No. 1 Royal Crescent – step inside this beautiful museum and see all the rooms dressed-up for the festive season.
Enjoy all the celebrations a family of the time would experience through storytelling and poems as part of the house’s immersive experience.
On Saturday, December 10 at Victoria Art Gallery, children can enjoy an ‘all-wrapped-up’ creative art session to make a self-portrait with hats, gloves and scarves.
Alternatively, book a magical toy swap session at the Elves Swapshop – bring along an old toy and Santa’s elves will put it into their special Elf-o-matic upcycler machine, then you’ll be given a pre-loved toy.
eat, Drink and Be merry
At Green Park Brasserie, set within the distinctive setting of the old railway station, customers will find Bath Pizza
Company and this independent casual-dining restaurant serving local produce and cocktails.
Look out for live jazz nights and Christmas party menus at the brasserie.
Stop by The Bird where the snowy woodland sprigs strewn with fairy lights, flickering candelabra and draped Bavarian rugs at the Alpine Lodge and Bar tucked behind the hotel are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood.
Rest weary feet after a busy day of shopping at the snow-topped Après Ski Bar outside Abbey Hotel Bath, which will be serving mulled wine, cocktails and authentic Alpine appetisers, or try new restaurants Coppa Club and The Architect for festive set menus full of seasonal food.
For elegant dining, book a festive candle-lit dinner at the Pump Room Restaurant, or for a classic Bath foodie experience, treat yourself to a Christmas afternoon tea at Roseate Villa Bath, Sweet Little Things, The Ivy Bath Brasserie or The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.
And most of all, make sure you enjoy yourself and have a very merry Bath Christmas 2022.