Residents are being invited to visit the Roman Baths as part of their festive plans this year, finding out more about ancient traditions and meeting characters from the past.
The Roman Baths | Photo © Bath & North East Somerset Council
Families will be able to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and set off on a trail themed around the Roman festival of Saturnalia.
Art lovers can also take time out at the Victoria Art Gallery to explore the Surrealism in Britain exhibition, make a Surrealist-style yuletide decoration, and admire the Christmas tree in the foyer, which will be festooned with decorations inspired by a painting from the collection.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “Bath is a wonderful place to spend time over the festive season, with colourful illuminations and the famous Christmas Market – and a visit to the Roman Baths or Victoria Art Gallery makes an unforgettable addition to a winter day out in the city.
“There’s lots happening and we look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy all the creative and fun activities we have planned over Christmas and New Year.”
Visitors to the Roman Baths can experience the hot steam rising above the Great Bath and meet Roman characters getting ready for the festival of Saturnalia.
Saturnalia was the most popular holiday in the Roman year and marked the winter solstice from 17th to 23rd December.
Described by Catullus as ‘the best of days’, it shared many similarities with modern-day festivities – it was an occasion for celebrating, visiting friends, decorating homes with greenery, lighting candles, and exchanging gifts.
The Roman Baths will take inspiration from these ancient traditions with wreaths, greenery, decorations, and lit torches around the Baths.
At weekends, a pop-up bar by the Great Bath will add to the festivities, serving mulsum, a Roman drink made with wine and honey, plus hot chocolate, Baileys hot chocolate, mulled wine, Champagne and soft drinks.
Young history hunters can take part in a Saturnalia trail around the museum and baths, and find out how the Romans enjoyed holiday time, gift giving, and decorating their homes just like we do today.
On Saturday 16th December, from 11am to 3pm, there will be a family craft session, ‘He’s behind you!’, where young visitors can discover the story of pantomime’s beginnings and create a Roman pantomime character and mini theatre.
The Pump Room Restaurant will offer a choice of seasonal dining options, from Christmas afternoon tea, to festive evening dining by candlelight, and takeaway ‘Stew in a Box’ and ‘Mac in a Box’ (macaroni cheese) from the Christmas Market chalet.
A New Year’s Eve Ball will be held at the Roman Baths and Pump Room on Sunday 31st December, from 7pm to 1am.
The evening starts with a torchlit canapé reception beside the Great Bath, followed by an indulgent four-course meal with wine in the Pump Room, and then a chance to dance the night away and welcome in the New Year in style.
The Victoria Art Gallery will display its annual Christmas tree in the foyer. This year, the decorations will be inspired by the painting Adoration of the Magi, from the Gallery’s collection, which featured in a prestigious exhibition at Berlin’s Gemaldegalerie earlier this year.
There will also be a free family activity at the Gallery, ‘Top of the Tree’, on Sunday 17th December from 11am to 3pm.
Get inspired by the When Dreams Confront Reality: Surrealism in Britain exhibition and design a surreal decoration fit for the top of the tree.
