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Bath at Christmas is pure magic. The honey-coloured Georgian architecture draped in twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine drifting through cobbled streets, and that festive buzz that makes even the coldest December evening feel warm. Here's your complete guide to experiencing Christmas in Bath, from ice skating to festive cocktails.
Bath Christmas Market
Check In & Warm Up
No Christmas in Bath is complete without the Bath Christmas Market. Running from late November through mid-December, over 150 wooden chalets fill the streets around Bath Abbey, selling everything from handcrafted gifts to artisan food and drink.
Top tips:
- Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds
- The evenings are particularly atmospheric when the lights come on
- Don't miss the local Bath producers - perfect for unique gifts
Bath on Ice
Lace up your skates at Bath on Ice, the city's outdoor ice rink typically located in Royal Victoria Park. Whether you're a confident skater or clinging to the sides for dear life, there's something genuinely joyful about skating under the winter sky.
Open throughout December and into early January, it's the perfect afternoon activity before heading into town for evening festivities. Hot chocolate at the rinkside café is mandatory.
Festive Lights & Window Shopping
Take an evening stroll down Milsom Street and through Pulteney Bridge to see Bath's Christmas lights at their best. The independent shops go all out with their window displays, it's like a festive gallery walk.
The Roman Baths offer special candlelit evening tours during December, adding an extra layer of magic to the ancient site. Booking in advance is essential.
Christmas Theatre & Entertainment
Theatre Royal Bath pulls out all the stops for Christmas with pantomimes, festive shows, and seasonal productions. It's a Bath tradition that locals actually look forward to. The theatre itself is stunning, and the festive programming is always top-notch.
Check their December schedule early as the best shows sell out fast.
Christmas Theatre & Entertainment
After a day of markets and ice skating, there's only one place to celebrate the season properly: Sub13.
Whether you're planning your work Christmas party, a festive get-together with friends, or just want to escape the cold for expertly crafted seasonal cocktails, Sub13 is Bath's ultimate Christmas party venue.
Festive Cocktails on the Menu:
- Ginge All the Way - winter berries and spice combined with a good old slug of Gin - Beefeater Gin, blackberry liqueur, cranberry, apple, cinnamon.
- Silent Bite - think Christmas chocolate brownie - Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur, blackberry and raspberry shrub, whipped cream.
- Fizz the Season - The classic Christmas flavours of pomegranate and the warmth of ginger - Beefeater Gin, ginger syrup, pomegranate, lemon.
- Nutcracker’s Nightcap - raspberry and hazelnut are the perfect match for warming rum in this winter special - Havana Especial Rum, raspberry, cranberry, hazelnut.
Our heated terrace means the party doesn't stop when the temperature drops, and our live DJs keep the festive energy high all night long. It's Christmas cocktails with a proper atmosphere, no naff jumpers required (though we won't judge if you wear one).
