7 Reasons to Visit Bath This Winter

There’s plenty of reasons to head to the picturesque and historic city of Bath, England, in all seasons, but winter sees it transform into an inviting and joyful scene of festivals, markets and lights. Looking for more reasons to visit Bath this winter? Look no further:

© Visit Bath

Bath Christmas Market

Through Dec. 11, more than 150 chalets grace the city, selling handmade Christmas decorations, jewelry, artisan food and drink, toys, accessories, gifts for pets and more. Entertainers from local choirs and brass bands fill the streets as visitors peruse the stalls of local makers and designers not found anywhere else.

Adventure and Creativity Abound

Head to Royal Victoria Park and go ice skating on the outdoor rink with Bath on Ice. Through Jan. 3, this fun experience also includes glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Those with a creative side can try a Christmas candle-pouring workshop at PaddyWax Candle Bar, complete with a complimentary glass of mulled wine. Or visitors can opt for festive bauble blowing at Bath Aqua Glass.

© Visit Bath – City Pub Company

Enchanted Garden of Light

The American Museum & Gardens invites visitors to walk through the Enchanted Garden of Light trail. The trail traverses the grounds of the museum at Claverton Down, with light displays adorning the house, gardens and woodland.

12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas

This festive event returns to No. 1 Royal Crescent, telling stories and poems of the house-turned-museum. The old rooms are decorated for the holidays, allowing visitors to see how families at the time would celebrate Christmas.

© Visit Bath

Festive Food and Drink

At Abbey Hotel Bath, don’t miss out on its snow-topped Apres Ski Bar. This festive bar serves mulled wine, cocktails and authentic Alpine appetizers. At Green Park Brasserie, keep an eye out for live jazz nights and Christmas party menus.

Wreath-Making Sessions

Bath offers not one but three different places for visitors to make their own holiday wreaths. At Iford Manor Estate, book a festive wreath-making class with local florists, followed by lunch at Iford Manor Kitchen. City center bars like The Grapes and The Urban Garden also offer wreath-making sessions.

© Visit Bath

Festival of Wellbeing

Feb. 7–26, Bath launches the new Festival of Wellbeing, in which ReBalance Bath brings together venues, hotels, therapists and practitioners for a three-week celebration of wellness and Bath’s connections to thermal waters. Event highlights include aqua sauna at Thermae Bath Spa; guided meditation and sound baths at The Soul Spa; forest-inspired yoga; cold-water therapy at Cleveland Pools; and a meditation and writing workshop with Sentiya Yoga. The festival will also feature different talks covering a variety of topics concerning wellness, from reclaiming your brain to men’s health.