A Magical Family Visit to Father Christmas Bath

Our visit to Father Christmas Bath’s grotto at the Holburne Museum was pure festive magic from start to finish, the kind of memory that will sparkle in our children’s minds long after Christmas Day has passed.

As we approached the Holburne Museum in the heart of Bath, the festive buzz in the air was instant and infectious. The grounds were already brimming with joyful families, warm seasonal smells from the café, and excited giggles as people queued for their special session.

Father Christmas’s grotto is open from 28 November to 23 December 2025, with multiple sessions (Thursday – Sunday) starting from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and extra shows on weekends and closer to Christmas to make sure everyone gets their magical moment.

Once inside the experience, we were greeted by magical elves who are all professional actors and musicians. Right away it felt like stepping into a storybook. The enchanted setting whisked us straight to Father Christmas’s cosy North Pole living room, complete with elves gently waking him up and sharing their brilliant plan to make this Christmas the very best one yet.

The children were captivated throughout the 20-minute performance, joining in, listening to songs and a heartwarming tale, and grinning from ear to ear when Father Christmas himself appeared. The personal meet-and-greet felt warm and unhurried; the kids chatted with him, asked all the important questions, and even took their own photos with him and his musical elf, Sprinkles, memories we’ll treasure forever.

What made the experience truly special was that every member of the family, kids and adults alike, received a thoughtful little gift, crafted lovingly by the elves. Seeing the children beam with delight as they opened theirs was pure joy.

Afterwards, we headed to the Father Christmas Café, where we savoured cosy hot chocolates (marshmallows for the children, and a little seasonal treat for the grown-ups). It was the perfect way to linger a bit longer in the festive spirit, talk about our favourite parts, and refuel before exploring more of Bath’s twinkling Christmas delights.

This experience was:

• The perfect festive treat for families
• Engaging, theatrical, and wonderfully interactive
• Full of unforgettable moments and photo opportunities
• Ideal to round off with seasonal treats at the café

Whether your little ones are Father Christmas fans already or just love the magic of Christmas time, this visit is a heart-warming, joyful highlight of Bath’s festive season.

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