A packed package of traditional fun and seasonal experiences, including details of a city light trail, have been launched as part of ‘Bath at Christmas’ – a festive programme to help the city sparkle and attract visitors this festive season.

Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bath Business Improvement District, Visit West, SouthGate Bath and Milsom Place are working together on the ‘Bath at Christmas’ programme.

Digital guides with features dedicated to the festive season highlighting what’s happening across the city in the run-up to, and over the Christmas period, have been launched.

Go to Bath BID: https://www.welcometobath.co.uk/christmas/ and Visit Bath: www.visitbath.co.uk/Christmas for things to do, where to eat and drink and places to stay. A virtual online Christmas Market launched on Monday.

The official Bath Christmas Light Trail Switch-On is in Milsom Street at 5 pm on November 25th, which will also see the launch of Thursday evening late-night Christmas shopping. The city buildings will be illuminated every day until December 31st. You can browse an interactive Christmas Light Trail map at: https://www.welcometobath.co.uk/bath-christmas-light-trail/

The Council is also working in partnership with Town Councils on their switch-on dates for Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham.

Radstock’s has already been confirmed for Saturday, 27th November and Westfield’s will be held on Thursday, 25th November at 6.30 pm.

Events include:

The Elves’ Swapshop alongside Share and Repair volunteers to mend old toys to be shared

• A touring artwork by UK artist, Luke Jerram, Museum of the Moon, will be at Bath Abbey (19th November – 26th December). Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents five kilometres of the moon’s surface.

• Bath on Ice (12th November to 3rd January) Get your skates on and head to Royal Victoria Park for some festive fun on the rink. Bath on Ice’s Moguls Bar will be serving delicious food, spicy mulled wine and hot chocolate; ideal to warm up and get into the festive spirit.

• Artisan Makers (26th November to 19th December)

A selection of local artisan makers will be on show in Bath’s Abbey Quarter displaying their unique crafts.

• Bath Artisan Market in Queen Square from 20th November until 19th December

• A Victorian carousel ride outside the Roman Baths

• Street entertainment and carol singing

• Weekend pop-up shops at 15 New Bond Street and 15 Cheap Street throughout November and December.

Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture, said: “I know many are looking forward to the outdoor events and entertainment happening across Bath at Christmas, and there will be lots of light and sparkle for everyone to enjoy. We want people to enjoy a safe and happy Bath at Christmas. We are encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the city and all it has to offer but also to be mindful that we still to take some precautions to reduce the spread of Covid.”