Christmas in Bath: The Perfect Festive Weekend Itinerary

Planning Christmas in Bath, England? Here’s my festive weekend guide to the city—from Bath Christmas Market and afternoon tea at The Pump Room to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa, cosy pubs and the two hotels I’ve personally stayed and recommend.

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Bath has never needed much help looking good.

In spring, the parks start filling back out with flowers. In autumn, the honey-coloured stone somehow manages to look even warmer. And on a bright summer day, you can lose half an afternoon walking between Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent and the river.

But I don’t think I really appreciated how many versions of Bath there are until I went at Christmas.

I’d already been to Bath a few times before my Christmas trip, so I thought I knew what I loved about it. Then I came back in December and found the Georgian streets threaded with lights, wooden market chalets around Bath Abbey, live music drifting through The Pump Room and a very convincing reason to be holding mulled wine by 4pm.

And I loved that it still felt completely like Bath. The pale stone is still there, the Georgian streets are still there, but now you’ve got Christmas lights coming on by late afternoon, the Bath Christmas Market filling the city centre, afternoon tea when it’s already dark outside and a very good excuse to finish the day in a pub.

I’ve been returning to Bath since moving from the East Coast of the US to the UK in 2016—on my own, with my mum, with friends and through my travel writing—and that Christmas trip is still one I think about.

With that said, here’s the perfect festive itinerary to use for your trip.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: Christmas in Bath

Is Christmas in Bath Worth It?

Yes. Bath is lovely year-round, but I do think Christmas is worth seeing at least once—especially if you can stay overnight.

The market sits right among the same Roman, medieval and Georgian streets you came to see anyway, so you never really have to choose between “doing Bath” and doing the festive bits.

You can come out of the Roman Baths into Abbey Churchyard and suddenly be among the market chalets, walk through Bath Street once the lights are on, and still be in a pub for dinner without having crossed half the city.

Also worth knowing: the Bath Christmas Market is only one part of Christmas in Bath. The market itself only runs for a few weeks, while other festive events continue before and after it.

With that said, if the market is the bit you’re most excited for, I’d personally aim for one of the first two weekends of December.

If not, I wouldn’t write off later December at all—there’s still theatre, Abbey events, lights and plenty of festive food and shopping. Bath on Ice usually joins the mix too, so I’d check the current season dates alongside the market.

Bath Christmas Market: Dates, Times & What to Know

Bath Christmas Market

The Bath Christmas Market began in 2001 as a collection of local businesses and artisans and has grown into the city’s major festive event.

This year, it runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December, with more than 200 chalets spread through the historic city centre. The event is run by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

You’ll find it across the streets around Bath Abbey, Abbeygate Street and Bath Street, continuing north towards Milsom Street, and you can expect handmade gifts, jewellery, homeware, food producers, Christmas decorations, hot chocolate, mulled wine and plenty of food stalls.

On my own Christmas trip, local food was one of my favourite parts of browsing—especially getting some gift bits from Bath Soft Cheese.

And the best bit? The market is completely free to enter!

Accessibility note: Tuesday and Wednesday 10am–12pm are the market’s designated quiet-shopping hours, with no large-scale entertainment scheduled if you want a quieter environment.

Bath Christmas Market Opening Hours

• Monday–Wednesday: 10am–7pm
• Thursday–Saturday: 10am–8pm
• Sunday: 10am–6pm

And remember, if your dates fall after the market finishes, I wouldn’t rule Bath out!

The Perfect Christmas in Bath Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: The Classic Christmas in Bath Day

Morning: London to Bath

If you’re coming from London, this is one of the rare Christmas breaks where I genuinely wouldn’t bother with a car.

Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bath Spa station in around one hour and twenty minutes, and the station is only a few minutes from the Christmas market footprint.

Compare London–Bath train tickets here, or use my full London to Bath guide if you’re comparing train, coach, car and organised-tour options. If you’d rather not explore independently, my Bath day tours from London guide compares the guided options; for Christmas, I still prefer the train because you can stay in Bath after dark.

Since it’s such an easy journey from London, Christmas-market weekends can fill up quickly, so I’d book your train sooner rather than later.

Late Morning: Drop Your Bags at the Hotel

For your Christmas stay in Bath, having a charming base is definitely a plus. No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath is my pick for character. It spreads through three Georgian townhouses on Great Pulteney Street, and this is where I stayed for my own Christmas trip.

It feels especially good in winter because you get all the odd art, Pantry treats and townhouse interiors before stepping straight back onto one of Bath’s grandest streets.

Read my No.15 by GuestHouse Bath review if you want the full room, breakfast and spa breakdown.

For the easiest arrival, Hotel Indigo Bath is the other one I’d look at. I’ve stayed there too, and it’s roughly a five-minute walk from Bath Spa station.

My Hotel Indigo Bath review has the full stay if you want to compare the two.

Around Noon: Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room

If you’re arriving around lunchtime, I recommend The Pump Room Restaurant for your first proper stop.

The room has been at the centre of Bath’s social life for more than two centuries. In Georgian Bath, visitors came here to drink the spa water, hear music and—most importantly—see who else was in town (which you can often see in Jane Austen’s Bath).

Today, afternoon tea still comes with live music from the resident pianist or Pump Room Trio, including finger sandwiches, savoury bites, plain and fruit scones with West Country clotted cream and strawberry jam, alongside pastries and cakes (check their Christmas menu!).

I’d reserve The Pump Room ahead for a Christmas weekend. I’ve also got a full afternoon tea in Bath guide if you want to see what else is around.

Early Afternoon: Roman Baths, Bath Abbey & Jane Austen

Post-tea, I’d keep the rest of the afternoon pretty central.

The Roman Baths give you 2,000 years of history, and on a first trip, they’re still the sight I’d make time for. Be sure to book your tickets early, especially on a busy December weekend.

Next door, Bath Abbey is glorious with fan vaulting and stained glass—bathed in Christmas lights for the season. This is also where you’ll find the first bits of the Christmas market!

Late Afternoon: Bath Christmas Market After Dark

By this point, I’d stop trying to squeeze in another attraction and just enjoy the market.

By late afternoon, the city is already dark enough to enjoy the lights, and the loveliest stretch is around Abbey Churchyard, Bath Street and the surrounding lanes, then up towards Milsom Street.

While here, you can browse dozens of independent Bath traders selling everything from local cheese and food gifts to ceramics, jewellery, decorations, hot chocolate and mulled wine. And of course, have a mosey around the Abbey, tree and chalets.

Evening: Dinner at The Pig & Fiddle

For dinner, I’d finish exactly where I did on my festive Bath day: The Pig & Fiddle.

It’s a central pub on Saracen Street with seasonal pub food, Butcombe beers, cocktails and a lively atmosphere. I had fish and chips on my trip, and after a few hours outside at the Christmas market, pub food was a Christmas dream.

If you want something more restaurant-led, use my best restaurants in Bath guide.

Day 2: Georgian Bath, Ice Skating & Thermal Water

Morning: The Circus & Royal Crescent

The next day, it’s time to see the Georgian side of Bath.

The Circus and the Royal Crescent are lovely in winter, and if you fancy going indoors, No.1 Royal Crescent is a great house museum to add in and learn a bit more about Georgian Bath.

You can also do a winter stroll through Royal Victoria Park after!

Read my full things to do in Bath guide for more bits to get up to, and my Bath walking tours guide to explore more Georgian architecture.

Afternoon: Books, Independent Shops & Something Warm

Back in the centre, I’d leave a little time for the places outside of Bath’s Christmas market.

Topping & Company Booksellers is one of my favourites for its café and gifts, while Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights is brilliant if you want staff recommendations or one of its Reading Spa experiences.

I’ve got a full Bath bookshops guide if you want to make more of a literary afternoon, plus my favourite cafés in Bath for somewhere warm in between.

And if you saw something at the market the night before and decided you actually do want it, this is an easy time to loop back…

Late Afternoon

Bath on Ice

Next head to Bath on Ice, which is basically the city’s answer to a winter wonderland.

Think large ice rinks, festive music, Glow Golf and an alpine-style bar if you’re feeling an early tipple.

See what’s on this year here!

Early Evening: Thermae Bath Spa

I can’t think of a more Bath way to finish a winter weekend than getting into the city’s naturally warm thermal water while it’s cold outside.

Thermae Bath Spa gives you the indoor Minerva Bath, Wellness Suite and open-air rooftop pool and is 100% worth doing in my opinion, especially with the contrast of a chilly UK day.

A standard session is two hours, and early evening is my favourite time for it to catch twilight over the city. Reserve ahead for a Christmas weekend!

P.S. – You can check current Thermae Bath Spa sessions here, and my full Thermae Bath Spa review has everything I wish I’d known before going.

If You Only Have One Day for Christmas in Bath

If you only have a day, I’d do your trip like this:

1. Take the direct train to Bath Spa station.
2. Have afternoon tea at The Pump Room.
3. Choose the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey or Jane Austen depending on what you haven’t seen before.
4. Spend late afternoon and early evening at the Bath Christmas Market.
5. Finish with dinner at The Pig & Fiddle.

For a normal non-Christmas day trip, my one-day Bath itinerary is more sightseeing-heavy. But for Christmas, I’d deliberately leave more ‘nothing’ time for the market and lights.

Where to Stay for Christmas in Bath

No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath

No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath — Best for Character

I stayed at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath on my Christmas trip, and I still think it suits Bath particularly well this time of year.

The hotel sits inside three Grade I-listed Georgian townhouses on Great Pulteney Street, with individually designed rooms, modern art, record players, Pantry treats and an on-site treatment spa. It also puts you a few minutes from The Holburne Museum, which Bridgerton fans will recognise as Lady Danbury’s house and find again in my Bridgerton filming locations in Bath guide.

Check No.15 prices & availability or read my No.15 Bath review for more.

Hotel Indigo Bath — Best for Bath Spa Station

Hotel Indigo Bath is a very practical one if you’re coming down after work on Friday—you can step off the train and be at your hotel in just a few minutes.

It’s around a five-minute walk from Bath Spa station and still central enough for the market, Roman Baths and Abbey. I’ve personally stayed here too, and I will say its Georgian building with Bath-inspired rooms makes it far more interesting than the location alone suggests.

Check Hotel Indigo Bath prices & availability or read my Hotel Indigo Bath review. Or my best hotels in Bath guide for more options!

Other Christmas Events in Bath

The market gets most of the attention, but there’s usually plenty happening elsewhere in Bath over Christmas too.

Bath on Ice at Royal Victoria Park

Bath on Ice usually returns to Royal Victoria Park for the festive season with ice skating, Glow Golf and an alpine-style bar.

Christmas at Theatre Royal Bath

Theatre Royal Bath always makes a lovely evening add-on at Christmas. This year’s main pantomime is Beauty and the Beast (from 10 December to 10 January).

I’d especially keep it in mind for a later-December trip, once the Christmas market itself has finished.

Christmas Music at Bath Abbey

Bath Abbey also has seasonal concerts and services each Christmas. This year, their calendar includes Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight.

Family Christmas Stops

There’s usually plenty for families beyond the market too. This year, Father Christmas’ Grotto at The Holburne Museum runs from 27 November to 23 December, while No.1 Royal Crescent has 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas on from 28 November to 3 January.

The programme changes every year, so be sure to check each once you know your dates.

Christmas in Bath After the Market Finishes

Theatre Royal Bath’s Christmas programme

The only thing to watch with a later-December trip is the market date, because it doesn’t usually run all the way to Christmas (for example, the Bath Christmas Market ends on Sunday 13 December this year).

Personally, I’d still happily come later in December if the market wasn’t the whole reason for the trip. You’ve still got the Christmas lights, afternoon tea at The Pump Room, Theatre Royal Bath, Bath Abbey, Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent and Thermae Bath Spa. And if Bath on Ice is running for your dates, even better.

Top Tips for Spending Christmas in Bath

• I wouldn’t leave the hotel until the last minute. Christmas-market weekends get busy, especially if you want a particular room at No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath or the station convenience of Hotel Indigo Bath.
• Be sure to pre-book…The Roman Baths, The Pump Room and Thermae Bath Spa. If skating is part of your plan, I’d add Bath on Ice too.
• Wear shoes you can actually walk in. Bath is wonderfully walkable, but the winter pavements, cobbles and hills are real. Wear comfortable shoes!
• Wear layers! And bring one more than you need, trust me.
• The train is the best way to get to Bath from London. The market is only around five minutes from Bath Spa station. Compare London–Bath train tickets. But if you’re driving, you can check out parking at Bath’s Park & Ride.
• The Christmas-light dates can change year to year. Always be sure to check the event calendar before your trip.
• Saturday afternoon is busy. The market itself is quietest Tuesday and Wednesday, so for pure weekend shopping, be sure to go earlier to shop properly and come back after dark for the atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on Christmas in Bath

I already loved Bath before I saw it at Christmas. But going at Christmas made me appreciate just how different the same city can feel depending on when you come.

There’s the Abbey lit up after dark, mulled wine around the market, a lovely festive tea at The Pump Room after coming in from the cold, and fish and chips at The Pig & Fiddle to end it all.

Have the loveliest Christmas trip!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Christmas in Bath

When Is Bath Christmas Market?

This year, the Bath Christmas Market runs from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 13 December. The dates change each year, so I’ll update this guide when the next season is announced.

What Time Does Bath Christmas Market Open?

This year, Bath Christmas Market is open 10am–7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am–8pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am–6pm on Sunday. I’d still check the official site before travelling in case anything changes.

Is Bath Christmas Market Free?

Yes. Bath Christmas Market is free to enter; you don’t need an admission ticket.

Where Is Bath Christmas Market Held?

The market spreads through Bath city centre rather than sitting in one square. The main footprint runs from Abbeygate Street and Bath Street around Bath Abbey, then continues north towards Milsom Street. It’s around a five-minute walk from Bath Spa station.

How Long Is Bath Christmas Market?

This year, the market lasts 18 days, from 26 November through 13 December inclusive.

Is Bath Christmas Market Open on Christmas Day?

No. This year, the market finishes on 13 December, well before Christmas Day. Later in December, you’ll still have Christmas lights, seasonal theatre, Bath Abbey events, festive dining and the usual Bath sights. Bath on Ice is also returning in November!

When Are the Christmas Lights on in Bath?

It changes each year, so check the latest dates here.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Bath Christmas Market?

The market recommends Tuesday and Wednesday between 10am and midday for quieter browsing, but if you’re doing a weekend, I’d visit close to opening for shopping and again around dusk for Christmas lights, hot chocolate and more of a festive atmosphere in my opinion.

Is Christmas in Bath Good for Families?

Yes. The market itself is family-friendly, while Father Christmas’ Grotto at The Holburne Museum, Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent and Beauty and the Beast at Theatre Royal Bath add plenty beyond shopping. Bath on Ice is also returning in November.

How Many Days Do You Need for Christmas in Bath?

I’d say two days. You can absolutely do a lovely Christmas day trip, but a weekend gives you time for the Royal Crescent, independent shopping and Thermae Bath Spa without racing between them. If Bath on Ice is running for your dates, you can fit that in too.

Can You Visit Christmas in Bath From London?

Very easily. Direct trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa take around one hour and twenty minutes. For the Christmas market, I prefer the train to an organised day tour because it lets you stay into the evening for the lights and market without being tied to a coach departure. Compare London–Bath train tickets or read my London to Bath guide.

Does It Snow in Bath at Christmas?

Sometimes, but I definitely wouldn’t build the trip around it. In UK fashion… expect cold, damp British winter weather and take any actual snow as a very pretty bonus!

Plan the Rest of Your Bath Trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bath guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Bath itineraries and planning

• The Best Things to Do in Bath, England: Roman Baths, Georgian Streets, Jane Austen & More
• 2 Days in Bath: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary (From a Frequent Visitor)
• One Day in Bath: The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary (With Map & Tips)
• How to Get from London to Bath: Train, Bus, Car or Tour?
• Christmas in Bath: The Perfect Festive Weekend Itinerary

What to see and do in Bath

• Bridgerton Filming Locations in Bath: A Self-Guided Walking Tour + Visiting Tips
• Jane Austen in Bath: Places to Visit, Her History & the Perfect Literary Day
• The Best Bookshops in Bath, England: A Literary Day Out for Book Lovers
• The Roman Baths in Bath, England: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

Where to stay in Bath

• The Best Hotels in Bath, England: Where to Stay, From Georgian Townhouses to Spa Hotels
• No.15 by GuestHouse Bath Review: Is This Characterful Georgian Hotel Worth It?
• Hotel Indigo Bath Review: A Jane Austen-Inspired Stay Near Bath Spa Station

Tours, day trips and experiences

• The Best Walking Tours in Bath: History, Bridgerton, Ghost & Food Tours
• The Best Bath Day Tours from London: Stonehenge, Windsor, Lacock & More
• The Best Day Trips from Bath: Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Oxford & More
• Thermae Bath Spa Review: Is It Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
• The Best Boat Trips in Bath, England: Sightseeing, Prosecco Cruises & River Avon Views

Where to eat and drink in Bath

• The Best Restaurants in Bath: Where to Eat, From Local Pubs to Georgian Dining Rooms
• The Best Cafés in Bath: Coffee, Brunch, Bakeries & Beautiful Stops I’d Recommend
• The Best Afternoon Tea in Bath: The Pump Room, Jane Austen & More