Make a visit to the Roman Baths a relaxing part of your festivities this winter. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and discover the ancient winter traditions that have inspired our modern celebrations, meet characters from the past, and set off on a family trail themed around the Roman festival of Saturnalia.
Art lovers can also take time out at the Victoria Art Gallery to explore the stunning Surrealism in Britain exhibition, make a Surrealist-style yuletide decoration, and admire the Christmas tree in the foyer, which will be festooned with decorations inspired by a painting from the collection.
Take time out and discover winter traditions at the Roman Baths
A visit to the Roman Baths promises a relaxing escape from a modern Christmas. Experience the hot steam rising above the Great Bath and meet Roman characters getting ready for the festival of Saturnalia. Saturnalia was the most popular holiday in the Roman year and marked the winter solstice from 17to 23 December. Described by Catullus as ‘the best of days’, it shared many similarities with modern-day festivities: it was an occasion for celebrating, visiting friends, decorating homes with greenery, lighting candles, and exchanging gifts.
The Roman Baths will take inspiration from these ancient traditions with wreaths, greenery, decorations and lit torches around the Baths. At weekends a pop-up bar by the Great Bath will add to the festivities, serving mulsum – a delicious Roman drink made with wine and honey – plus hot chocolate, Baileys hot chocolate, mulled wine, Champagne and soft drinks.
Young history hunters can take part in a Saturnalia trail around the museum and baths, and find out how the Romans enjoyed holiday time, gift giving, and decorating their homes just like we do today.
On Saturday 16 December from 11am to 3pm, there will be a family craft session, ‘He’s behind you!’, where young visitors can discover the story of pantomime’s beginnings and create a Roman pantomime character and mini theatre. Included in the Roman Baths admission price.
Shoppers searching for unique Christmas presents should head to the Roman Baths shop to browse the glittering range of gifts and decorations inspired by feasting and luxury, from warming honey mead and decadent gold chocolate coins to artisanal ceramic tableware and apple spice-scented bathing treats. The shop will be open until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during Bath Christmas Market.
Enjoy a feast of festive dining at the Pump Room Restaurant
The Pump Room Restaurant will offer a choice of seasonal dining options, from Christmas afternoon tea, to festive evening dining by candlelight, and takeaway ‘Stew in a Box’ and ‘Mac in a Box’ (macaroni cheese) from the Christmas Market chalet.
A spectacular New Year’s Eve Ball will be held at the Roman Baths and Pump Room on Sunday 31 December, from 7pm to 1am. The evening starts with a torchlit canapé reception beside the Great Bath, followed by an indulgent four-course meal with wine in the Pump Room, and then a chance to dance the night away and welcome in the New Year in style. £175 per guest. Book here
Must-see Surrealist art at Victoria Art Gallery
The Victoria Art Gallery will display its annual Christmas tree in the foyer. This year, the decorations will be inspired by the painting Adoration of the Magi, a treasure from the Gallery’s collection, which featured in a prestigious exhibition at Berlin’s Gemaldegalerie earlier this year.
There will also be a free family activity at the Gallery, ‘Top of the Tree’, on Sunday 17 December from 11am to 3pm. Get inspired by the When Dreams Confront Reality: Surrealism in Britain exhibition and design a surreal decoration fit for the top of the tree. Free, drop-in activity. The Surrealism exhibition is ticketed.
Don’t miss the chance to find the perfect gifts for art lovers in the Victoria Art Gallery shop. With jewellery, books, craft sets, and toys inspired by art, it’s just the place to find a unique and special gift. For the first time, bespoke prints, mugs, bags, and homewares featuring some of the gallery’s best loved artworks will also be available exclusively online from the Bath in Time archive at bathintime.co.uk.
For more information, visit www.romanbaths.co.uk or www.victoriagal.org.uk.