Image: Nick Smith Photography for Clair Strong Interior Design
Christmas in Bath is a very magical time indeed. This city of ours really knows how to celebrate the festive season. Here are some of the best events this year.
Bath Christmas Market (Nov 26th – Dec 13th)
Widely touted as one of the best Christmas markets in the country, this 18-day shopping event is always a treat for the senses. There are hundreds of traditional wooden chalets selling all kinds of goods; from handmade gifts to decorations and food, it’s the perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere romantic, so be sure to plan a whole day to visit.
What I really love about Bath’s Christmas market is its focus on British craft – the vast majority of the chalets sell British made items, and a lot of these come from across the South West. There is a strong local emphasis which really adds to its appeal.
Christmas at the American Museum (Nov 26th – Dec 20th)
The American Museum in Britain (located at Claverton Manor) pulls out all the stops for Christmas. This year they are celebrating winter traditions with a host of events and festive displays.
The period rooms will be redisplayed to feature different seasonal pastimes, including a Thanksgiving feast and a family warming itself after a winter sleigh ride. Meanwhile, the Christmas shops will be selling a range of Christmas gifts.
There will be a Christmas Craft Fair on November 28th and 29th, a unique Christmas Concert on December 5th and the Holiday Homecoming event on December 20th. For more information, check out the American Museum’s website.
Bath on Ice (Nov 20th – Jan 3rd)
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without ice skating! The real ice rink appears in Victoria Park on November 20th. There will also be an indoor Ice Lounge Bar serving mulled wine, hot chocolate and pizza.
Perhaps even more exciting is the arrival of a new Christmas event: glow in the dark mini golf! The adventure golf course at Victoria Park will be lit up and families can play a round or two with glow in the dark golf balls. This runs alongside the ice rink and will open on November 20th.
The Festival of Light at Longleat
Longleat’s enchanting Festival of Light is an absolute must-see. Hundreds of illuminations (some measuring up to 20 metres in height) transform the estate into a magnificent Winter Wonderland. This year the theme is centred on two Chinese dynasties and will see Chinese myths and legends come alive. The event also features ice skating and the Santa Express alongside the usual wildlife safari and festive events in Longleat House.
And More…
Including the Holburne Lantern Procession (Nov 19th), the Bath Christmas Grotto (Nov 21 – Dec 24), Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent (Nov 23 – Dec 13), the Christmas Concert at Bath Abbey (Nov 25), Christmas at Hartley Farm (Nov 28 & Dec 5) and so much more. Click here to discover it all!
