We’re reaching that time in the year again! Christmas is slowly creeping up on us, with cards and decorations appearing in department stores, Christmas chocolates in the supermarket aisles and stores launching their seasonal deals.
 
Why not give yourself something to look forward to during the coming months, and book a stay one of our fabulous boltholes near a Christmas Market? Throughout November and December, Christmas Markets are the perfect way to kick-start festive cheer and stock up on unique gifts for your loved ones.

To get into the spirit of things, we’ve come up with seven of our favourite things in Bath at Christmas.

1 Bath Christmas Market

 
It goes without saying that Bath Christmas Market is unmissable. In the centre of this beautiful Georgian city, between November 24th and December 11th, it’s one of the largest festive events in the UK and certainly the most beautiful, set against the backdrop of the magnificent floodlit Abbey and Pump Room. Bath Christmas Market fills the elegant Georgian streets with over 170 traditional wooden chalets selling unique and often handmade Christmassy gifts. There are also delicious foodie stalls serving tempting mulled wine and cider, as well as pies, slow cooked pork and waffles.

2 Entertainment

Image courtesy of Theatre Royal Bath

There’s a lively programme of street entertainment and carol singers alongside the beautifully decorated market chalets, making this a truly British delight, complete with piping-hot bangers served fresh from the food stalls and panto performances at the venerable Theatre Royal. This year’s Aladdin production from December 8th to January 8th promises to be a magical affair with a huge amount of fun for all the family. Why not tie it in with a pre-theatre meal and make a big night of it!

3 Après-Ski Bar

Image courtesy of Abbey Hotel Bath

Over the past three years the Après-Ski Bar at the Abbey Hotel has become an integral part of the Bath at Christmas experience. A great place to rest weary feet and a magical wonderland for children who get to play in the purpose-built snowglobe, this little slice of the Alps is perfect for steamy mulled wine and hearty cuisine from the slopes. It’s open from November 24th 2016 to January 8th 2017 between 10.00am and 11.00pm.

4 Bath Guildhall Market

If time allows, pop into the Bath Guildhall Market which has its own seasonal specials, including chocolate wine, chutneys and other tempting treats for under the tree.

5 Bath on Ice

Image courtesy of Bath on Ice

Get your skates on in Royal Victoria Park’s ice rink. Bath on Ice is the place to be from November 18th 2016 to January 3rd 2017. And, if you’re looking for something different that’s fun for ALL ages, make sure you try the Glow in the Dark Mini Golf magical night time course!

6 Bath Artisan Christmas Market

Bath Artisan Christmas Market takes over Green Park station on Sundays (November 20th, December 11th and 18th 2016) sprinkling its up-cycled, vintage, art and food stalls with seasonal jolliness.

7 Thermae Bath Spa

The rooftop pool by night; image courtesy of Thermae Bath Spa

Why not end the day with a dip in the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa – worth it for the view alone? There’s something so special about floating in the open air rooftop pool under the stars and watching the steam rise off the natural thermal spa waters into the wintery air. A blissful way to relax after a hectic day of Christmas shopping.
 
In Bath at Christmas, Saturdays are very busy, so book a mid-week break instead if you can, use one of the many Park & Ride facilities or take the train.

Where to stay

Henfield Barn, has spa facilities, indoor heated pool and a new BBQ hut

For your Bath at Christmas experience, our Bristol cottages, North Somerset cottages and Cotswold Lake Lodges are perfect. Sleeping 2 – 25, all offer mid-week breaks and can start from as few as two nights’ minimum stay.
 
Whichever Staycation break you choose, there’s no need to miss out on the festive fun!