I know, I know, it’s early but I’ve started booking some festive activities as we have family visiting this Christmas. So I’ve been gathering lots of lovely outdoor Christmas activities, some completely free and others paid for. There might be a few wonderful festive indoor options too.
Bath’s Christmas Light Trail – This one’s become a Christmas tradition, a wander around Bath following the lights trail, followed by festive drinks. Some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings are brought to life with magical illuminations. Simply follow the map around the streets.
Last year we combined it with Carols in the Circus. The Salvation Army gather in the centre of The Circus to sing carols accompanied by brass instruments. Carol sheets are handed out so you can sing along. Really gets you in the festive spirit and the dramatic backdrop of The Circus is pretty incredible. Wrap up warm & take mulled wine & mince pies. Join in this year on Friday 16th December from 7pm.
Another festive favourites, and free, is a trip to Whitehall Garden Centre for a wander around their Christmas displays, which are pretty incredible. Nearby is Lacock goes to town with decorations around the beautiful cotswold streets, a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit.
The Elves’ Swapshop 5 Old Bond Street, Bath, BA1 1BW. Firmly at the top of our list this year. Meet the Christmas elves and swap an old toy for an up-cycled treasure at the Elves’ Swapshop. Children can bring along an old toy which they no longer use, but that another child will love, pop it in the amazing Elf-O-Matic toy upcycler, start the machine, then stand back and watch the magic happen! Book your ticket here.
Bath Christmas Market From Thursday 24th November – Sunday 11th December 2022, the picturesque streets of Bath are transformed into a magical, festive experience. Meander through the streets of Bath adorned with over 150 twinkling chalets and discover some of the best crafters that the South West and beyond has to offer.
Christmas Market in Wells – The Market will run on Saturday 17th December 2022 (9am – 3pm). Alongside their regular Saturday market they have an additional offering of stalls on the Bishops Palace Green, making it a must visit market in the build up to Christmas.
Frome Christmas Town Celebration. Frome’s yearly Christmas celebrations are always popular and a great treat to kick off the season. The event in the town centre features a lantern procession, carols, Father Christmas and his grotto, festive food stalls and of course the lights switch-on.
CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATION TRAILS & WINTER WONDERLAND
The Enchanted Garden of Light at The American Museum – has a new illuminated trail this year, from 1 to 31 December. Our visit to see the illuminated trail last year was magical. The light’s were spectacular and certainly elicited a wow around some of the corners. This year there’s a new trail where families and friends will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious magical colour. Book your tickets here
The Festival of Light, Longleat Selected dates from 5th November – 8th January.
We absolutely loved this spectacle of lights, it big and it’s spectacular. There’s lots of people but plenty of space too. There’s a lot going on with a show, a train ride, santa and animal attractions but it’s also quite pricey. This winter’s theme is The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl. Meet all of your favourite characters from the Roald Dahl stories. Continue the adventure with the Enchanted Christmas Tree show, the Santa Train and the popular animal attractions! Book your tickets here
Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum 25 Nov – 21 Dec, open on selected evenings – 4.00pm – 9.30pm
We had a great time at the Enchanted Christmas last year. The fairground was a big hit with the kids, there’s a helter skelter, ferrous wheel and train ride, and they made it round the pretty long forest trail enchanted by the theatrics and shows that lead you round the forest.
This year you’re invited to witness the wonder, hilarity and general commotion that comes with playful elves creating Westonbirt’s spectacular illuminated trail. You may even find yourself joining in to help! With new light displays to discover and mischievous elves to meet, this is Enchanted Christmas as you’ve never seen it before…
MORE CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND & LIGHT TRAIL OPTIONS
Cotswold Park Farm Enchanted Light Trail
Christmas at Bute Park, Cardiff
National Trust Stourhead After Dark Illuminated Trail
Hope Nature Centre’s Winter Wonderland
VISIT SANTA
I’ve not taken mine to visit Santa but I’ve started compiling a list based on recommendations:
Bath City Farm meet Santa comes highly recommended
The Bishops Palace in Wells is also apparently really lovely, traditional and authentic. You have a one to one with Father and Mother Christmas and they’re amazing.
Cotswold Airport are doing a grotto onboard their ex BA B747
Avon Valley has a great Santa’s grotto.
CHRISTMAS SHOWS
Bath Tub Orchestra can be found around Bath this Christmas. They’ll be at the Bath Christmas Market, Bond Street on 29 November 6-7pm and Larkhall United Reformed Church in Larkhall 10 December 7:30pm
Music for Miniatures another favourite of ours to take the children to and there’s a few dotted about, not just in Bath.
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS
The Bath Green House Christmas Wreath Workshops or this is one is top of my wish list Dried Wreath Workshop
The Bath Flower School Christmas Wreath Workshops (& all their other dreamy flower making courses)