A programme of traditional festive events and experiences to help enhance the “magic” of Bath at Christmas is set to be announced by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners.
The popular carousel outside the Roman Baths in the city centre | Photo © Hans Christiansson / Shutterstock.com
The local authority, alongside Bath BID, Visit West, SouthGate Bath and Milsom Place, is working on a revised ‘Bath at Christmas’ package, following the cancellation of the annual Bath Christmas Market.
An extensive digital guide with features dedicated to the festive season will highlight what’s happening across the city in the run-up to, and over the Christmas period.
Already-announced plans include:
- The independent Bath artisan market in Queen Square
- Traditional Christmas celebrations around the Abbey Quarter
- An illumination trail of the iconic and historic buildings of Bath
- A number of festive stalls in Kingston Parade and Abbey Green
- A Victorian carousel ride outside the Roman Baths
- Street entertainment and carol singing
This year the city will not be seeing the large-scale Bath Christmas Market that has been held in previous years, with Brexit and Covid-19 being blamed for the postponement.
A virtual Bath Christmas Market will instead be launched online to give stallholders who were offered a place at this year’s event the opportunity to sell their goods.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, said: “I want to thank all the city partners for supporting Bath at Christmas. We are working together to make sure people can discover and enjoy the magic of Bath at this special time of the year.
“We want people to know that the city has a great Christmas offer for residents, visitors and local businesses over the festive period.”
Allison Herbert, Chief Executive of the Bath BID, said: “Last year, we worked in partnership with Visit Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council to bring the magic of Bath to Christmas despite difficult circumstances, which was a triumph of collaboration in adversity.
“This year, the challenges are different, but the partnership approach is the way we will overcome the obstacles once again.
“Bath is always a wonderful place to spend time, and we will be helping to ensure that it’s even more magical this festive season.
“We will be inviting Father Christmas to join us for the celebrations, and many of Bath’s iconic buildings will be illuminated to guide you around the city.
“Bath’s fantastic range of places to eat and drink are all keen to welcome you back, and there are some exciting new eateries to discover in the city.
“Bath is also the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping, with a fantastic mix of high street favourites and independent gems. We hope that people will take full advantage of having so much choice on their doorsteps!”
Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism, Visit West, added: “Bath is such a beautiful destination for visitors, and the added festive atmosphere makes it very special.
“There are some exciting events coming to Bath this winter, including the inspirational ‘Museum of the Moon’ in Bath Abbey and spectacular ‘Enchanted Garden of Light’ at the American Museum & Gardens, providing new reasons to visit.”
David Rowlands from Milsom Place said: “We are looking forward to installing our scheme of Christmas illuminations and decorated tree welcoming visitors to Milsom Place at the heart of the Milsom Quarter.”
