Christmas in Bath: What festive treats are in store this year

Bath is wonderful all year round, but the historic city really sparkles during the festive season. Christmas in Bath, when the atmospheric Georgian streets are adorned with fairy lights, music and market stalls, is truly magical.

All within a short walk of the city centre, Panda Sanctuaries’ Bath holiday homes are a perfect base from which to enjoy the season’s festivities, from the iconic Christmas market to carols in the abbey.

Here is our round-up of the best things to do during Christmas in Bath 2019:

Bath Christmas market

Drawing visitors from all around the world, the Bath Christmas Market which runs from the 28th November to the 15th December is arguably the best place to get festive in the UK. With over 150 sparkling wooden chalets lining the Georgian streets of Bath city centre selling handcrafted presents, decorations, jewellery, food and drink, you won’t be short of Christmas gift inspiration or festive snacks. With local makers and designers showcasing their wares, you can shop here happy in the knowledge you are supporting Bath’s local traders. If you really want to treat yourself, perhaps indulge in the Bath Christmas Market Experience which includes a delicious two-course Champagne lunch at The Ivy Bath Brasserie and a trip to the Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath on Ice

Get your skates on because the ice rink is back this Christmas in Bath from the 15th November until the 5th January. This year Bath on Ice’s rink a whopping 1000 square metres of ice, so there’ll be plenty of room to show off your moves – or enough room to fall without knocking over a crowd of people. With adult tickets at £11.50 and children £10 to glide around the rink for an hour, you’ll be well deserving of a hot chocolate, with a shot of Baileys for the adults, afterwards.

Glow-in-the-dark mini golf

Fancy yourself a Tiger Woods in the making? Well this Christmas in Bath try your hand at glow-in-the-dark mini golf located in Victoria Park from the 15th November until the 5th January. You can enjoy a round of golf with a difference – a beautifully illuminated 18-hole adventure golf course with glow in the dark golf balls. Pick up a club and enjoy some festive competition for just £7 for adults and £6 for children. Come and try something new this Christmas!

Carols at Bath Abbey

‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ to Bath Abbey for Christmas carol services throughout December. The string of festive services start with two Advent Carol Services on Sunday, 1st December then continue with regular informal ‘shoppers carols’ in the run up to Christmas Day. On Sunday 15th December the Abbey will host a Christmas meditation with organist and Bath Abbey’s director of Music, Huw Williams. For classical music lovers, the Bath Choral Society’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah will take place on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December.

Christmas pantomime

Be enchanted by the much loved fairytale Beauty and the Beast as you’ve never seen it before at this year’s Christmas panto at Bath’s Theatre Royal. Winner of the best script at the Great British Pantomime Awards, with Coronation Street star Wendi Peters playing Fairy Bon Bon and Eastenders’ Nick Wilton returning to Bath as the pantomime dame after his memorable performances in Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Snow White, this is not one to miss. Showing from 12th December to 12th January, a trip to the panto will be an evening brimming with singing, dancing, laughter and colourful costumes.

Or if you want the enjoy a fairytale without the ‘it’s behind you’s, grab tickets for a heartwarming musical version of Rapunzel at the egg theatre, showing from 6th December to 12th January.

There are of course many other treats on offer this Christmas in Bath – this is just a taster. If you want more information and advice on where and how best to enjoy the festive season in Bath, please don’t hesitate to contact our team who are always happy to help.