We hope by now you’ve read our previous blog post about the wonderful Bath Christmas Market and that’s tempting you to venture over to the city.

There are plenty of other fun events and activities taking place in the city over the next few weeks that will also get you in that Christmassy mood. So, get that diary out, make a note, and book a day trip or a stay over in magical Bath.

• Bath’s Grand Light Switch On – Southgate – Wednesday November 16th

Happening this year down at Southgate with Father Christmas in attendance to press that all important button to illuminate the city, the entertainment begins at 4pm with the big moment occurring at 6pm. There will be a Lantern Parade, activities, music and stalls for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget The Royal Hotel is just around the corner from Southgate so pop in for a warm up with one of our Festive Cocktails or book a meal to enjoy with us afterwards.

FREE

• Bath on Ice and Glow in the Dark Mini Golf – Royal Victoria Park – Friday November 18th – Tuesday January 3rd 2017

Once again Royal Victoria Park will be hosting the skating and apres- fun where families and friends can enjoy skating during the day and into the night with warming food and drink provided on site. Lots of fun tunes will be played for you to skate to and in the evening the rink will be illuminated in a soft glow. If skating isn’t your thing, then a few metres away is Bath’s Crazy Golf Course which will be transformed with glow in the dark balls and festive lighting so that you can play into the evening.

TICKETS

• Walcot Street Winter Festival – Walcot Street – Friday November 18th – Monday November 20th

A new addition to the festive fun in Bath this year, the city’s own artisan quarter has chosen to celebrate the winter season with a fabulous new festival for all the family. Head along to this vibrant street for free film screenings, children’s activities, music and choirs, a Contemporary Art Exhibition, Auction day, Blow Dry Bar and even street projections as created by Fringe Bath.

FREE & TICKETED (See website for further details)

• Widcombe Craft Fair – St Matthews Church and Widcombe Social Club – Friday November 18th – Saturday November 19th

In it’s 10th year this gathering of fantastic local craftsmen and women is a great place to head to for something a little different as a gift for your loved ones this year. While you are over in Widcombe why not head along the Parade as well to enjoy the independent shops and businesses which will be full of winter wonderment. Situated mere minutes from The Royal Hotel, located just over the road from the station and the canal, Widcombe is one of Bath’s hidden treasures.

FREE

• The Guildhall Christmas Market – The Bath Guildhall – Thursday November 24th – Sunday December 11th

Running concurrently with the Bath Christmas Market, its worth heading away from the chalets on the streets of the city and into the warmth of the Guildhall Market on the High Street, where you can enjoy not only the permanent stalls here that sell everything from jewellery and leather goods to cheeses and books; but there will also be a Christmas market with stalls selling handmade crafts and warming gluhwein to keep up the festive cheer.

FREE

• Christmas at the American Museum – The American Museum – Thursday November 24th – Sunday 18th December

The American Museum up at Claverton Down are organising once again a series of festive celebrations throughout the coming weeks in the lead up to Christmas. Each of the rooms will be decorated with a different Christmas theme and there will be the chance to learn all about “Treasured Toys” from childhood Christmas’s past. A Craft Fair will also be taking place out in the Stables area the weekend of the 26th and 27th November; plus Father Christmas will be making a visit to the Museum on Sunday 18th December when you’ll have the opportunity to meet him in what is bound to be a winter wonderland.

TICKETS

• Moorland Road Christmas Lights Switch On – Moorland Road – Saturday November 26th

Head along to Moorland Road at the end of November and you won’t be disappointed – not only with the array of shops and cafes to enjoy, but on Saturday 26th from 2pm you can enjoy a fun afternoon of entertainment culminating in the Christmas lights being switched on at around 4.30pm. Father Christmas is being kept busy in Bath this year and he will be on hand to not only do the honours but also beforehand meet any little boys and girls who may want to tell him their Christmas wishes. Small gifts will be handed out for children aged 8 years old and under.

FREE

• Dorothy House Santa and Fairies Dash – Winsley – Sunday December 4th

The annual Dorothy House Hospice Care Santa Dash has had a bit of a shake-up this year and the Santa’s are going to be joined by festive fairies as well! So whether you decide you want to don some wings or a Santa suit, remember you’ll be having lots of fun on this gentle 5km jog (or run!) around the Winsley area whilst raising money for a fantastic cause. Children over the age of 12 are welcome to take part as long as accompanied by an adult runner as well. Even if you’re not taking part, come along and cheer the runners on and make a donation.

ENTRY FEE & SPONSORSHIP

• Aladdin – The Theatre Royal – Thursday December 8th to Sunday January 8th 2017

Bath’s annual pantomime this year is that of the mystical tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp. Granted 3 wishes Aladdin has to choose carefully, try and win the hand of the Princess, and not be swayed by the wicked magician, Abanazar. Expect music, fun and laughter for all the family in this popular panto starring familiar faces from stage and screen. Get ready for audience participation too…”he’s behind you!” Fuel up beforehand with our Pre-Theatre Fixed Price Menu in our Brasserie Brunel – from only £9.95 for 2 courses, £12.95 for 3 courses (available 12-noon until 7pm every day).

TICKETS

• Kingsmead Square Mini Christmas Market – Kingsmead Square – Saturday December 10th

Once again Kingsmead Square are pulling all the stops out with their fabulous Christmas Market. Within this bustling square where you can enjoy lovely independent shops, designer goodies, and fantastic food, there will be an array of stalls selling handmade goods and produce, many from local (and very talented) Bathonians. A pop up bar will be in attendance organised by the Square’s very own underground mixology magicians, The Dark Horse; plus Father Christmas will naturally be paying a visit.

FREE

• Winter Festive Wreath Making  – The Gainsborough Hotel – Tuesday December 13th

If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at making your own winter wreath for your front door or hearth, then here’s the opportunity. This workshop is run by local award winning floral designer Johanne Wood and she will be taking you step by step through the creation of your festive decoration. A two-course lunch at the Five-Star Gainsborough Hotel is included in the ticket price and you will of course be taking your floral creation home with you.

TICKETS

• A Camerata Christmas – Christ Church – Saturday December 17th

A delight for the soul, Bath Camerata come together once more to wow you with secular and non-secular festive music that will delight and uplift you throughout this special evening. Led by conductor Benjamin Goodson, you can relax and get into that Christmas spirit with this wonderful Baroque choir. Hot mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards.

TICKETS

• Midnight Mass – Bath Abbey – Saturday December 24th

Celebrate the coming of Christmas and Christ in one of the most iconic buildings in Bath – Bath Abbey. Here you will be able to reflect on the year that’s been and the year ahead as well as rejoicing in the true message of Christmas. Even if you aren’t religious, the Abbey is a safe and quiet place to simply reflect and everyone is most welcome to join the Bishop, choir, and congregation on this special evening. It truly is a spectacular way to get into the festive mood and see in Christmas Day. Services are available in the other churches and chapels around the city. Plus the Abbey will be providing Shoppers Carols on December 3rd and December 10th during the Christmas Market; as well as other masses and choirs during the Advent period.

FREE

The Royal Hotel, Manvers Street – Tel: 01225 463134. Email: info@royalhotelbath.co.uk

All information correct as of November 2016. For full details of times, prices etc… please check the websites of each venue/event.

(Photographs copyright businesses/places mentioned, plus copyright The Bath Chronicle, In Bath Magazine, @widcombe_bath, Joe Price)