What's On In Bath, December 2008

Christmas Shopping In Bath

December 2008
Christmas shopping in Bath has a great atmosphere with the city's christmas lights & street entertainers. You will find small boutiques and gift shops, art galleries and antique shops. At this years Christmas Market you will find a whole host of different stalls to give you great ideas for Christmas gifts. Located next to Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Markets

www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

Thurs 27 November - Sunday 07 December 2008
Bath Christmas Market, the internationally renowned festive gift market is set to go ahead, with the event growing in popularity year on year, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit.

Over 100 wooden chalets full of everything you’ll need to prepare for the perfect Christmas will occupy the Abbey Churchyard area, a magical setting in the shadow of Bath Abbey, next to the Roman Baths, right in the centre of the stunning Georgian city’s shopping district and just five minutes easy walk from Bath Spa rail station.

If you are looking for something extra special to make your Christmas perfect, Bath Christmas Market is the place you’ll find it, with all of the retailers selling unique, handcrafted items, many of which are made in the local area, giving the event a very individual identity. Festive food and drink, decorations, jewellery, accessories, crafts and children’s toys are all abundant, and with such a huge range of gift ideas any prospective present buyer will be spoilt for choice. Visitors to the market will love the festive atmosphere, created by the hustle and bustle of the market and added to by aromas of festive, warming food, served at the event to give weary shoppers a boost. Whether a mulled wine and minced pie as a warming snack, or something more substantial, there will be something to suit all tastes.

Bath Abbey hosts a full programme of Christmas services, including special, shorter ‘shoppers services’. The sound of carols echoing around the Abbey and drifting through the market creates an extra special atmosphere. This is complimented by a full programme of entertainment; carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that add to the festive ambience.

Alongside Bath Christmas Market, the Guildhall market in Bath is holding its own Christmas themed market (29th November – 9th December). Jane Austen fans will love the Regency Christmas at the Jane Austen Centre (1st – 30th November), and Chocoholics will be in their element at the Chocolate Festival at Shire’s Yard Shopping Centre (8th December - TBC). If you are seeking traditional festivities, the Roman Baths provide this in a unique setting with ‘Carols by Candlelight’ (19th-21st December). Families are well catered for at this special time of year, with special celebrations happening at many of the visitor attractions in the city and surrounding area. Children are invited to take part in a lantern procession on 6th December, making a stunning sight for any visitors as they make their way to Bath Abbey from the Holburne Museum. Santa specials are taking place on the Avon Valley Railway during December and Christmas at Claverton is the fantastic event at the American Museum in Britain, which is perfect for children (24th November – 16th December).

The Nutcracker, Theatre Royal Bath Main House

Tuesday 2nd December – Saturday 6th December 2008
Presented by Northern Ballet Theatre
Choreographed and Directed by David Nixon Music by Tchaikovsky

Enter the magical world of Northern Ballet Theatre’s utterly traditional production of The Nutcracker which charmed audiences and critics alike when it premiered in 2007. Colourful, sparkly and enchanting, with a blizzard of a snowstorm, spectacular costumes and Tchaikovsky’s famous score, this is a festive treat guaranteed to leave you and your family with a warm glow this Christmas.

Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath
Telephone: 01225 448844
www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Yuletide Bath

December 08
Alongside Bath Christmas Market, the Guildhall market in Bath is holding its own Christmas themed market. Jane Austen fans will love the Regency Christmas at the Jane Austen Centre, and Chocoholics will be in their element at the Chocolate Festival at Shire’s Yard Shopping Centre (8th December - TBC). If you are seeking traditional festivities, the Roman Baths provide this in a unique setting with ‘Carols by Candlelight’.

Families are well catered for at this special time of year, with special celebrations happening at many of the visitor attractions in the city and surrounding area. Children are invited to take part in a lantern procession on 6th December, making a stunning sight for any visitors as they make their way to Bath Abbey from the Holburne Museum. Santa specials are taking place on the Avon Valley Railway during December and Christmas at Claverton is the fantastic event at the American Museum in Britain, which is perfect for children.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Bath

18th December 2008 – 25th January 2009
Theatre Royal Bath
Directed by Chris Harris, Starring Colin Baker, Chris Harris, Susan Penhaligon and Special Guest Lewis Bradley in One of the best-loved traditional pantomimes. With Guest Star LEWIS BRADLEY
and Jon Monie, Marcus Knibbs and Dancers from the Dorothy Coleborn School of Dance. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

New Years Eve In Bath

click image above to view poster

31st December 2008
New Year's Eve Ball, The Assembly Rooms
Featuring live music from VIP and Disco. Sparkling reception sponsored by Gaymers Cider. ACES casino and photographer available. Food available to purchase. For further tickets and information visit balls2uii.co.uk
tel: 0844 415 4880

31st December 2008
New Year's Eve Ball at the Roman Baths and Pump Room
For further information visit www.bathvenues.co.uk
tel: 01225 444477

31st December 2008
New Year's Eve Ball, Bath Pavilion
For further information visit www.pavilionshop.co.uk
tel: 01225 330304

Jazz Concert

Friday 12 December 2008 @ 7.30pm
STEP INTO CHRISTMAS with AQUAE SULIS JAZZ The Mission Theatre, Corn Street, Bath. BA1 1UF One of Bath's leading quartets ASJ will once again be performing an annual evening of light jazz and popular music with a seasonal and festive feel at the delightful Mission Theatre. The concert will feature the group's regular singer Debbie Workman and guest vocalist Suzanne Bunyar. Tickets £8.50 (Concessions £7.50) From Bath Festivals box office 01225 463362 WildThymeMusic 01225 336161 and Aquae Sulis Jazz c/o Julie Purton 01225 317145