Things to do in Bath this Christmas 2026

Christmas Dinner Cookery Course – Bath College

Where: Bath College, Somer Valley Campus, Radstock.

About: Get ready to serve up a festive feast with Bath College’s beginner-friendly Christmas cookery course. Across three practical sessions, you’ll learn to plan, prepare and present a Christmas dinner, including seasonal side dishes, traditional desserts and accompaniments.

You’ll cook roast chicken during the course, with tips on preparing turkey also provided. Alongside cooking techniques, you’ll develop menu-planning and timing skills to help Christmas Day run smoothly. Please note that this course involves meat-based dishes and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Dates: Wednesdays, 25th November–9th December 2026, 1.30pm–4.30pm.

Price: £54 full fee; £27 co-funded or free for eligible fully funded learners.

How to book: Find out more and apply here.

Stourhead Christmas Trail 2026

Where: Pick up signs near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

About: Christmas at Stourhead returns for 2026, transforming the world-famous gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland. Follow the magical after-dark trail through twinkling lights, immersive seasonal sounds and stunning installations, including the Sea of Light, Fire Garden and much-loved Winter Cathedral.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, warming hot chocolates and mulled wine, plus a magical glimpse of Father Christmas. Perfect for families, couples and friends looking for an unforgettable festive evening in Wiltshire.

Dates: 27th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027

Christmas Features: Illuminated light trail, Lasers, Festive music, Christmas adventure activities.

How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Stourhead 2026 HERE or by clicking below.

Christmas at Whitemead Forest Park

Where: Whitemead Forest Park, Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4LA

About: Santa visits, cosy glamping and a good old-fashioned “oh yes it is!” Whitemead Forest Park has plenty to get you into the Christmas spirit. Make a day of it with Santa’s grotto, an Elf Workshop, a festive treasure hunt and illuminated adventure golf. There are free carols around the Christmas tree on selected Sundays, too.

For even more family fun, catch Cinderella, taking to the stage from 20–22 December, with tickets priced at £9.50 for ages two and over.

Fancy turning your visit into a festive escape? The Santa Glamping Experience starts from £199 for a family of four, including a MegaPod stay, Santa visits for two children, marshmallow toasting, adventure golf and access to the leisure facilities.

For an evening with friends, festive tribute and party nights include Robbie v Bublé, an 80s party band and a 90s celebration, with a two-course festive meal included. These events are for ages 18+.

Dates: Selected dates throughout November and December 2026; activity dates vary.

Christmas features: Santa’s grotto, glamping breaks, Cinderella pantomime, Elf Workshop, festive treasure hunt, illuminated adventure golf, carols and festive party nights.

Suitable for kids: Yes, excluding the adult party nights.

How to book: Explore Christmas at Whitemead and book here.

Christmas in Bath FAQs: Top Things to Do, Events, and Family Activities

What are the top Christmas activities in Bath?
Bath’s festive highlights include the Bath Christmas Market, ice skating at Bath on Ice, and National Trust Christmas trails.

Where can I meet Santa in Bath?
Visit Santa’s Grotto at the Bath Christmas Market, No.1 Royal Crescent Museum or at the Holburne Museum.

When is the Bath Christmas Market in 2026?
The market runs from Thursday, 26 November to Sunday, 13 December 2026 in Bath city centre. View more information here.

What are the dates for Bath on Ice?
Bath on Ice is open from 20th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027 at Royal Victoria Park.

Are there Christmas performances in Bath?
Yes—Theatre Royal Bath hosts pantomimes and concerts, and Bath Forum offers festive music events. View all the best ones here.

What other festive events happen in Bath?
Enjoy Christmas trails, workshops at National Trust sites, and seasonal festivals throughout the city.

Where can I stay during Christmas in Bath?
Bath offers hotels and guesthouses near festive attractions, including boutique stays and luxury options.

Attend a Christmas wreath making class

Where: Different locations around Bath including Bath College and Royal Crescent.

About: A Christmas wreath is the most traditional and well-recognised Christmas decorations you can own, but have you ever tried making your own? Bath’s Christmas creators are putting on a host of festive wreath making classes for you to get involved in all over the city throughout December as experts guide you through the process on how to make your own Christmas floral decoration to hang from the front door.

This is a perfect adult Christmas activity with many venues also providing Christmas drinks and nibbles to enjoy whilst you work away.

Price: Various but averaging around £40pp.

Suitable for children: No

Christmas shopping around Bath

Where: Check out the various shopping areas around Bath HERE.

About: Bath is renowned for its brilliant shops, and even without the famous Christmas market this year, there is still plenty of chain and independent shops to visit in and around Bath this Christmas full of excellent Xmas gifts for friends and family. 

Spend an afternoon exploring Bath’s various shopping areas including SouthGate, Milsom Place, Walcot Artisan Quarter, and more before heading out for a festive meal into the city’s culinary scene.

Price: N/A

Suitable for children: They may get a bit bored!

Sip a cocktail at Bath’s Christmas bars

Where: Various bars around Bath including Abbey Hotel, Sub 13, Boom Battle Bar, The Architect and The Canon.

About: Catching up with friends and family over Christmas cocktails and drinks has never felt so good after we were unable to do so last year. In 2025 Bath’s bars, pubs, and restaurants are playing host to the festive crowds throughout the city with plenty of venues transforming themselves into winter wonderlands and serving up delicious Christmas drinks to enjoy late into the night.

Watch our video below on Bath’s best Christmas bars and get out with friends and family to celebrate the start of the best time of year!

Price: N/A

Suitable for children: No

Stourhead Christmas Light Trail

Where: Pick up signs near Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD

About: Christmas at Stourhead returns for 2026, transforming the world-famous gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland. Follow the magical after-dark trail through twinkling lights, immersive seasonal sounds and stunning installations, including the Sea of Light, Fire Garden and much-loved Winter Cathedral.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, warming hot chocolates and mulled wine, plus a magical glimpse of Father Christmas. Perfect for families, couples and friends looking for an unforgettable festive evening in Wiltshire.

Dates: 27th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027

Christmas Features: Illuminated light trail, Lasers, Festive music, Christmas adventure activities.

How to book: Buy tickets online for Christmas at Stourhead 2026 HERE.

Christmas at Westonbirt

Where: Westonbirt

About: Plan the perfect get together with friends or family! With new light installations and even more festive magic, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s an evening out with friends, family or someone special, make memories that last a lifetime. Discover the magic of Christmas at Westonbirt this winter.

Dates: Friday 27 November 2026 - Thursday 31 December 2026

Features:

• new trail, new lights, new memories to be made
• explore Westonbirt’s breathtaking trees in a whole new light
• catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way
• festive fairground rides for added seasonal fun*
• delicious food & drink stalls serving winter warmers*

How to book: Click HERE

Ice Skating at Bath On Ice

Where: Royal Pavilion in Royal Victoria Park, Bath

About: Skate beneath the Christmas lights in Royal Victoria Park, warm up with a festive drink at Moguls Alpine Bar, grab some food and finish your visit with Glow Golf.

Nestled in stunning Royal Victoria Park, experience the magic of winter at Bath on Ice. Glide across our spacious, real, ice rink surrounded by twinkling lights and music. .

With student nights, limitless skate sessions and themed days, the 2026 season is set to be a magical one!

Moguls Alpine Bar

Whether you’re looking to cosy up after a skate or just looking for somewhere to soak up the festive atmosphere - head to their Moguls Alpine Bar. With a menu of mulled drinks and hot chocolates at the bar alongside a delicious hot food menu - there’s something for everyone. 

Glow Golf

Playing golf at night with glow-in-the-dark balls adds a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience. When you book you’ll select a 15 minute window for your booking. Please arrive at the start of this window and they will get you on in order of arrival time. The course takes approximately 1hr 20mins to complete. 

Dates: 20th of November 2026 - 3rd of January 2027

Price: 

• Child: £14 (Available for children under 12 years)
• Adult: £16.50 (Available for 18 years and over)
• Concession: £15.50 (13yrs - 17yrs, student and Senior citizen  *ID Required)
• Family: ££53.50 (2 adults and 2 under 12's or 1 adult and 3 under 12's)

Suitable for children: Yes

Better Bath

Where: Bath

About: Better Bath has a range of facilities and activities to keep yourself and your children entertained throughout the Christmas break!

• Puttify - Europe's first furtistic mini-golf experience, Puttify is an exciting, high-tech mini-golf course fun to all ages and skill levels.
• Holiday Activities - From swim school to football and tennis, find a variety of courses and holiday activities to keep the kids occupied and active.
• Soft Play - Soft play is great fun for little ones and gives them time to let their hair down, play with new friends but most importantly, enjoy themselves!

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Where: Gloucestershire - Approx 1 hour drive

About: The Cotswold Motoring Museum may look small from the outside, but inside it’s packed with surprises! Explore over 60 vehicles across seven galleries, discover the country’s largest collection of enamel signs, and enjoy hundreds of pieces of motoring memorabilia spanning 1911 to 1985.

Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or looking for a fun family day out in the Cotswolds, the museum offers a fascinating journey through motoring history that’s bigger and more impressive than it looks!

Enjoy a winter walk around Bath

Where: Various locations around Bath including Bath Skyline, Sydney Gardens, Dyrham Park.

About: The winter frost is here but don’t let that stop you from getting out into the great outdoors and taking in the wonderful sights that Bath has to offer at winter. Wrap up warm in your big winter coat, put those walking boots on, and head out on a festive stroll around some of Bath’s best walking routes. From Bath’s scenic Skyline to Sydney Gardens, there is plenty of easy-to-access winter walks for you to take a trip on around Bath this Christmas.

You can even watch our video showing the best winter walks around Bath below as we take you on a multi-stop trip around the city’s best routes or read our article HERE.

Price: Free although some National Trust properties require an entry fee.

Suitable for children: Yes

Visit Santa at one of Bath’s grottos

Where: Various places around Bath. Click below to find out all the places where you can meet Santa in Bath.

About: Santa is hard at work preparing for his trip around the globe on Christmas Day but he is making a special stop in Bath this Christmas to say hello to all the boys and girls of Bath. Find out where to visit Santa at one of his cosy grottos in Bath by clicking HERE and book your visit to meet Father Christmas. 

A sit-down with Santa will definitely be at the top of the kids’ list for things to do in Bath this Christmas so find out more and don’t miss out!

Price: Various

Suitable for children: Yes

Dine festive for a cosy Christmas meal

Where: Find out more about festive dining locations in Bath below.

About: In the build-up to Christmas there are plenty of excuses to meet up with friends, family, and loved ones for a delicious festive meal. But where should you go? Bath is home to a range of excellent restaurants across a variety of settings, but there are a few destinations that are at the top of the list if you want to enjoy a first-class Christmas meal in the city.

Check out our pick of the best festive dining venues in Bath HERE or by clicking below and trust us when we say that you won’t be left disappointed - or hungry!

Price: Various priced locations around Bath depending on your budget.

Suitable for children: Yes

Stay in luxury at Bath’s best hotels

Where: Variety of hotels around Bath including Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton, and many more.

About: If you’re visiting Bath from afar or live in the city and want a break from the confines of everyday life then a much-needed overnight stay at one of Bath’s best luxury hotels could be the perfect thing for you this Christmas. Bath’s hospitality scene boasts some of the best hotels anywhere in the UK and with Christmas, just around the corner, the majority of these venues have spared no expense in decorating themselves for the festive period.

Check out our pick of the best hotels in Bath by clicking below and book your overnight stay in the city.

Price: Various depending on budget

Suitable for children: Yes