The Christmas experience atAvon Valley(3rd and 24th December) promises to be magical with ice skating, an adventure through the enchanted land, reindeer to feed, mini-train rides and tractor rides through the snowy forest. 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent See Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings in a whole new light, as magical illuminations take over the city from 17 th November. Following the trail ( find a map here) is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Bath at Christmas. Our animated ornaments are also staples of the Christmas novelty home. With homes that light up, characters that move, twinkling snow and the music box delights of the festive tunes playing, you’ll be transported to Christmases of yesteryear and relish every moment you spend in its spell. Get crafty for Christmas by making your own living wreath at a range of workshops across Bath.Usefresh foliage and a sustainable moss base at one of several workshops at The Grapes from 25th November until 10th December. The Urban Garden are also hosting three wreath making workshops on 26th November, 3rd December and 10th December. If you fancy combining a crafting session with a countryside jaunt, and Iford Manor are hosting several Christmas wreath workshops with lunch. Novelty doesn’t always have to be funny, of course. The little enchanting festive scenes we sell are always popular. Featuring skaters, wintry villagers and seasonal music, these scenes are an absolute treasure, with something new to see on every viewing. Needless to say, they’re loved by children as they conjure up everything that’s magical about Christmas.

Just outside the city, Father Christmas has lost his reindeer among the trees of Westonbirt Arboretum. Follow the illuminated trail to help find and reunite them with Santa, taking in the mesmerising light displays and stunning spectacles along the way. The trail is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 26 th November to 18 th December. Also make sure to look out for Miss Mistletoe welcoming visitors at Milsom Place– a hidden oasis of boutique shopping and restaurants away from the bustling festive crowds. There is extra sparkle in Abbey Churchyard, Kingsmead Square, Stall Street, Upper Borough Walls, Milsom Street, and many other city-centre spots. Find the interactive map here https://www.welcometobath.co.uk/bath-christmas-light-trail/ An easy way to add some novelty to your festive home is to bring in a fun statue or ornament that really brings out the ho ho ho. We’ve got snowmen, Santas, elves, humorous trinkets and all manner of comical animals and scenes that will delight the whole family. They’ll let anyone who sees them know you’re all about Christmas jollity, even if your napkins match your bath towels.

Learning to write

Experience the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas in this new immersive experience at No.1 Royal Crescent from 26 th November to 31st DecemberListen to poems and stories as you wander the rooms, which are dressed as they would have been during the late eighteenth century.

This year, The Festival of Light at Longleat promises to be even more extraordinary than ever as you step into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl. Meet all of your favourite characters from the Roald Dahl stories, with key moments from the iconic books brought to life, from The BFG, to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, to Matilda, The Twits and Fantastic Mr Fox. Father Christmas and his elves have joined the upcycling revolution! This year, they invite children to visit the fascinating Elves’ Swapshop at 1 Abbeygate Street, where they are collecting preloved toys to give them a new home. On Monday 12th December, Komedia is teaming up with Bath Mencap for Uproar! Christmas Special, a festive edition of their ever-popular club night exclusively for adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers. There are plenty of other fun Christmassy events to choose from, including a festive edition of Krater Comedy Club, The Ministry of Burlesque Christmas Cabaret, and The Wurzels Xmas Party. Mary’s Christmas at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein A world of enchantment, magic and good cheer awaits you at theAmerican Museum & Gardens from 1st to 31st December. Families will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure through spectacular light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour, with children under five years old able to attend for free. Visitors can keep warm with seasonal drinks and a banquet of festive treats.Combine a trip to Bath on Ice with a round of Glow Golf. The illuminated 18-hole adventure golf course has become a staple of the city’s winter calendar, with couples, families and friends challenging each other to a round with glow-in-the-dark golf balls. Some of Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings have been brought to life with magical illuminations this festive season. Head into the city centre from sundown every day until 31st December to discover the BathChristmas Light Trail. Go on another after-dark adventure at the American Museum & Gardens from 1stDecember up to New Year’s Eve. Spectacular light displays will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious seasonal colour, with sparkling reindeer guide the way through mesmerising tunnels of light. Lights are always part of the Christmas experience, but they don’t have to be flat and straight. Many of our festive novelty items light up, and some can be placed outdoors in all elements, so you’ve no reason not to give your Xmas novelty life a little illumination this year. You can delight your own family as well as passers-by, and isn’t that the whole point of the seasonal joy?