Festive dates for your diary
/Starting this month - there is a host of festive venues and activities to enjoy in Bath! Here’s a selection to get you in the mood!
Christmas lights - Bath
16 November
Kicking off the festive activities, the warm glow of twinkling Christmas lights will signify the start of the late-night shopping offer across the city.
Christmas lights - Bristol
15 November
This year enjoy more festive lights, festoons and Christmas events in the city centre.
17 November
A spectacular theatrical Christmas light switch-on at the Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Not forgetting the Mall’s Winter Wonderland which opens on the day.
Nordic delights at SouthGate Bath
15 November - 7 January
Head to SouthGate Bath for what is billed as a magical Christmas shopping experience! Step through the magical wardrobe and enter the enchanted Nordic forest, complete with cosy cabins, forest glade and winter woodland animals.
Bath on ice and glow in the dark mini golf
16 November 2018 - 6 January 2019
Get your skates on and head to Royal Victoria Park for a spin on Bath’s festive outdoor ice rink. This year’s Bath on Ice is set to be bigger and better than ever – the rink will be a massive 39% larger. When night falls, head to the Mini Golf Course next door to enjoy some glow in the dark mini golf, before grabbing a wood-fired pizza and a festive tipple at Moguls Alpine Bar.
The Lodge
22 November - 9 December
At the epicentre of Bath Christmas Market is the pop-up Lodge in Stall Street. Brought to you by Bath Ales and Framptons Café Bar and Kitchen, The Lodge offers a rustic and festive atmosphere to relax in. Enjoy locally-brewed beers and warming mulled wines as you unwind after a busy day!
Après Ski Bar at Abbey Hotel
21 November – 22 December 2018
No, you’re not in the Alps, but you’ll feel like you are at the Abbey Hotel’s Après Ski Bar! Step into the snow-topped Alpine lodge or snuggle up outside under a woolly blanket and enjoy hearty food and a steaming mulled wine.
Bristol Christmas Market
9 November - 23 December
Located in the very heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 50 unique stalls, as well as entertainment from the likes of Santa and reindeer visits in December. Visitors can enjoy heated seating, delicious drinks and live music in our Jäger Barn Bar, and also try their hand at the much-loved sport of curling for some competitive fun.
Bath Christmas Market
22 November - 9 December
Regularly voted as one of the most popular Christmas Markets in the UK!
As you wander around the Market, keep an eye out for charming recycled-plastic decorations. This year, Bath Christmas Market are working with Christine Leech, Creative Director of Marie Claire Runway Magazine, to transform discarded single use plastics into creative Christmas decorations, with the help of local pupils of Widcombe Junior School.
Discovery card holders can use their card to obtain discounts and offers on produce from stallholders.
Festive family artisan market
Saturday’s throughout Bath Christmas Market
Queen Square will host a Festive Family Artisan Market. From a Kids Café and festive storytelling to Christmas arts and crafts workshops and face painting, there will be plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. With glass-blowing demonstrations from Bath Aqua Glass, tasty street food and local makers from Bath Artisan Market, there will be lots of activities on offer for adults too!
Shoppers’ carols at Bath Abbey
24 November, 1 and 8 December
Rest your weary legs and enjoy some festive cheer at one of Bath Abbey’s shoppers’ carol services. Enjoy an informal service with traditional carols.
Bedminster lantern parade
6 December
The annual Winter Lantern Parade will light up the streets of Bedminster, starting from the Tobacco Factory for the first time. Lanterns are expected to come in all shapes and sizes at this truly magical event.
Lantern parade - Bath
9 December
The Walcot lantern parade is happening again this year. There is an opportunity to attend a free workshop and make a lantern and then be in the procession. More details here.
Kingsmead Square festive street food market
Thursday - Sunday throughout Bath Christmas Market
Some of the South West’s most exciting street traders will come together at Kingsmead Square for a seasonal street food market. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal and sip on a glass of mulled wine or cider whilst enjoying live music from exciting local artists.
Peter Pan at Theatre Royal Bath
7 December - 7 January
This year's pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath is J.M. Barrie's much-loved tale of Peter Pan. Starring Paul Nicholas (Eastenders, The Real Marigold Hotel, Just Good Friends), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty), and Bath favourite Jon Monie, and featuring flying and exciting special effects.
Much-loved carousel
From 14 December
Enjoy a whirl on the beautiful Victorian caraousel, which returns outside the Pump Room on Stall Street in December.
Carols by Candlelight
19 December at St Michael’s Without
20 and 21 December at the Pump Room
Bath Bach Choir’s much-anticipated annual festive event: three evenings of joyful Christmas music-making, conducted by Nigel Perrin and including carols from local children’s choirs and young virtuoso instrumentalists.