With so much to experience in Bath this Christmas, you'll need more than a flying visit.

Every year at Christmas, Bath sparkles with glittering lights and the streets are filled with festive spirit. Soak up the festive atmosphere with Christmas lights, fantastic food and independent shopping. From magical city illuminations to special artisan treats and a fantastic programme of festive events, the city has united across arts and culture, retail and hospitality, to allow you to discover the magic of Bath this Christmas.

From hunting for unique gifts at Bath Christmas Market to exploring the Christmas lights that illuminate the city, plus many more festive events, there are so many ways to enjoy Bath at Christmas this year.

Marvellous makers and markets

The 2026 edition of Bath Christmas Market will return from 26 November to 13 December 2026. With twinkling chalets spread out across Bath’s picturesque Georgian streets, it's the perfect place to do a spot of Christmas shopping. From unique homeware to personalised presents, Christmas decorations, handcrafted jewellery and more, you’re guaranteed to find something special for your loved ones. 

Shires Yard offers a range of independent and flagship shops, as well as some great bars and restaurants for you to relax in once you've hit the shops. Head to SouthGate for high street brands, or to the quirky side streets and 19th century shopping arcade The Corridor for even more shopping options. The top of town along Walcot Street and Bartlett Street is the place to go for artisan goods and antiques.

Fantastically festive events

Bath's unique venues and iconic buildings play host to a multitude of festive events.

Don't miss The Roman Baths during your trip to Bath this Christmas. Explore ancient waters and unique treasures, enjoy a drink from their pop-up bar every weekend, and find Roman-inspired gifts in the museum shop. 

Get your skates on at Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. With 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! You'll be transported to a winter wonderland, with atmospheric lights, festive music, glow golf, and a cozy alpine bar serving seasonal food and drink. 

Don't miss a day out with the National Trust's Bath properties Prior Park and Dyrham Park this Christmas, where you can enjoy everything from festive family trails to an encounter with Father Christmas himself. 

The festive season is ideal for nostalgia and introducing little ones to childhood favourites, so what better time to book for this year's Theatre Royal pantomime. 

Beyond Bath there are some incredible festive events to look out for, including Winter Wonderland at Wookey Hole. This very special event includes three amazing Christmas experiences wrapped up into one magical day out, including 100,000 Christmas lights adorning the caves, a visit to Santa's North Pole Grotto, and a spectacular Christmas-themed circus show.

Also be sure to check out Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, featuring an illuminated trail and interactive displays among the magnificent trees.

• More Christmas events in and around Bath

Sample Bath's food scene

Bath's fantastic food and drink providers are ready to welcome you back for some festive feasting. From restaurants and gastropubs serving up warming seasonal fare, to cafés and tearooms perfect for afternoon tea, the city's foodie scene is well worth exploring this winter.

Many of Bath's bars and restaurants are doing festive specials and traditional dishes, from Christmas-themed afternoon teas to set menus with all the trimmings. You can even book in for lunch on Christmas Day at some restaurants around the city.

Green Park Brasserie will be hosting free live music to enjoy while you dine four nights a week, while you tuck into Christmassy specials.

Why not tuck into some tasty street food whilst wandering around the city in December? Take your pick from the mobile food traders at Bath Christmas Market, ready to keep you warm with succulent pulled pork, Christmas deli food and festive chocolate brownies!

• Sample Bath's food and drink scene

Plan a festive getaway

To really make the most of your visit, why not book a stay, and make your trip one to remember for years to come? From boutique bed and breakfasts and grand guesthouses to stylish self-catering apartments and affordable hotels, you certainly won’t be disappointed with Bath’s excellent selection of accommodation.

Christmas can be a busy time of year, so it’s the ideal opportunity to take some time to de-stress. Check in at one of the Bath and the surrounding area's many luxury spa hotels to unwind in indulgent facilities and enjoy some pampering treatments.

• Find somewhere to stay in Bath

Make Travelling Easy

Bath is a compact city, making it easy to navigate on foot, with a fantastic selection of public transport options.

Bath Spa railway station is based right in the city centre, just a short walk away from the main attractions - book your train tickets with Great Western Railway now.

Getting around Bath by bus is easy, with a number of routes from the centre to the city’s surrounding areas. First Bus is the largest operator, running a range of services from Bath Bus Station, based next to the railway station. 

The city has three Park & Ride services situated on each side of the city to suit motorists approaching from all directions, which operate seven days a week. Buses run into the city from all three Park and Ride sites up to every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just 10 minutes. All buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Plus, with all of Bath's Park & Ride services now operating until 11:30pm from Monday-Saturday, there's plenty more time to enjoy the city's inimitable festive atmosphere! 

Bath is just 20 miles from the M4 motorway, with excellent links from Northern England, Devon & Cornwall via the M5. Wales is just a short drive west along the M4 motorway via the Severn Bridge Crossing. 

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best areas for Christmas shopping in Bath?

You'll find a range of well-known brands and high street names in SouthGate Bath, including Marks & Spencer, Zara, SpaceNK, Hotel Chocolat and Oliver Bonas. Milsom Street is home to a great range of boutique shops, as are the surrounding streets of Green Street, Broad Street and New Bond Street. Walcot Street is Bath's artisan quarter, while Bartlett Street is a popular spot for antique hunters.

• Learn more about Christmas shopping in Bath

Which restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Bath?

A range of Bath restaurants will be serving lunch on Christmas Day, including Browns, Miller & Carter Steakhouse, and The Bathampton Mill. Several hotel restaurants will also be open to non-residents, including The Bird Grill and Emberwood at The Francis Hotel. 

• See our full list of restaurants for Christmas dining

Which attractions in Bath are open on Christmas Eve?

Many of Bath's top city centre attractions are open on Christmas Eve, including The Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath on Ice, The Jane Austen Centre, Bath World Heritage Centre and No.1 Royal Crescent - these attractions may be subject to earlier closing times, so please check their websites or social media for the latest updates.

Which attractions in Bath are open on Boxing Day?

In Bath city centre, you can visit Bath Abbey and Bath on Ice, which are open as usual on 26 December. Just outside the city, you can visit Prior Park Landscape Garden and Westonbirt Aboretum are both open on Boxing Day. You can also visit Bath's grandest sites during this period, including the Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge.

Where are the Christmas lights in Bath?

Some of the top locations to see Christmas illuminations are on Milsom Street, Union Street, SouthGate Bath and Abbey Churchyard. 

Where is the best place to park in Central Bath at Christmas?

The long stay car parks on Charlotte Street and Manvers Street will both be open over the whole Christmas period.

• Find out more about parking in Bath

Is public transport still running in Bath over Christmas?

Local bus services will be running but with a reduced service over the Christmas and New Year period, with no bus services on Christmas Day. Check the latest timetables on the First Bus website, or plan your journey with Travel West.

Great Western Railway services will be finishing earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, completing their journeys by 21:30. There will be no National Rail services on Christmas Day as usual Saturday 26 December. Normal service will resume from 27 December.