Plans Announced for Bath at Christmas 2020

Bath is united across tourism, hospitality, retail and culture to illuminate the city with a festive programme of events dedicated to residents and visitors to Bath in a safe welcoming environment.

Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bath Business Improvement District, Visit Bath, Bath Festivals and organisations throughout the region have come together to bring the magic of Christmas to Bath.

Bath BID will begin the festive activities with two Early Bird Christmas Shopping days, on 12th and 19th November, with entertainment around the city centre, and a range of promotions available to shoppers. There will also be times dedicated to those people in need of a little more time and quiet to feel welcome in the city centre shops, with dedicated Compassionate Christmas Shopping from 10am to 12pm on 10th and 17th November.

Some of Bath’s most iconic buildings will come to life with festive illuminations and while the award-winning Bath Christmas Market will not be taking place in its traditional form, its spirit will be celebrated by 12 chalets around the city centre selling locally made gifts and treats, the same number that came together to form the very first Christmas market in Bath in 2000.

The cultural and festive programme begins on the weekend of 27th November and will run until 20th December. Each weekend will involve different arts organisations running events, in the unique buildings and open spaces of our beautiful city. All events will be planned following the government guidelines on the pandemic.

Bath Festivals open the programme in partnership with The Holburne Museum, in conversation with Grayson Perry in the Forum, talking about his remarkable career.

Bath Carnival and ArtSeen will be creating lanterns with community groups and schools, which will animate the city. There will be lanterns attached to rickshaws in a cycle promenade around the city streets.

Open-air stages in the city will have students, local musicians, story tellers and poets entertaining residents and visitors.

The Forum open their doors on the final weekend culminating with Bath Philharmonia performing The Snowman, accompanying Raymond Briggs’ animated masterpiece for a moment of charm and beauty in the run-up to the holiday season. The full programme of events will be announced in the coming weeks.

All events are subject to the latest government advice and restrictions and may be subject to change. All visitors should adhere to the latest guidance when travelling including the use of face covering and social spacing and are reminded to ensure that reservations are made in advance for travel and specific events to avoid disappointment.

There are lots of ways for Levy Payers to get involved in the festive activities. If you would like Bath BID to send you our Bath at Christmas Opportunities document, please get in touch - [email protected].