Families can step back in time and experience Christmas in true Georgian splendour this year, as Bath Preservation Trust unveils a season of festive celebrations at three of its landmark museums — No.1 Royal Crescent, Beckford’s Tower and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.
From immersive storytelling and candlelit evenings to wreath-making workshops and family trails, visitors are invited to enjoy the warmth, wonder and atmosphere of a traditional Georgian Christmas across the city’s most iconic historic houses.
Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent
Running from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas transforms No.1 Royal Crescent into a festive time capsule. Each grand room tells a story inspired by Georgian customs, with the house richly decorated in holly, ivy, yew and gilded fruit. Visitors will be greeted by the scent of dried oranges and spices, while in the Servants’ Hall, sugar sculptures and festive displays offer an authentic glimpse into celebrations of centuries past.
Families can follow the Animals of Aesop’s Fables trail, hunt for hidden creatures, and join in with creative craft sessions during the school holidays. Younger visitors can also meet Father Christmas, who will take up residence in the museum’s elegant Georgian interiors on weekends from 6–21 December.
For adults, there’s the chance to make something special with a Christmas Wreath Workshop (3 December) or a Lino Print Workshop (30 November), and an enchanting Candlelit Christmas evening on 18 December, where guests can explore the house by flickering candlelight.
“Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent is always a highlight of the year for both visitors and staff,” said Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust. “Visitors can step back in time to experience the atmosphere of a Georgian Christmas, from immersive storytelling and candlelit tours to the return of Father Christmas. It’s a celebration for all ages.”
Outside, a magnificent locally-sourced Christmas tree, sponsored by Emery Brothers, will stand proudly in front of the museum, while inside the shop will be stocked with gifts from brands such as Fable, Alison Gardiner and Clavis & Claustra. The team will also be at the Bath Christmas Market on Sunday 14 December, offering a curated selection of gifts and festive cheer.
Festive evenings at Beckford’s Tower and the Herschel Museum
Across the city, Beckford’s Tower will host After Hours with Feast of Fools on Thursday 4 December (6–8.30pm). The celebrated folk quartet will perform traditional and contemporary songs in close harmony as visitors explore the candlelit Tower, blending music and history in a spellbinding after-dark experience.
Meanwhile, at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, visitors can enjoy a special stargazing evening on 12 December, with members of the Bath Astronomers guiding guests through constellations and celestial sights above the Georgian rooftops.
Christmas highlights at a glance
No.1 Royal Crescent
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12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas – 22 Nov–4 Jan
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Animals of Aesop’s Fables family trail – free with museum entry
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Christmas Lino Print Workshop – 30 No
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Meet Father Christmas – weekends 6–21 Dec
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Christmas Wreath Workshop – 3 Dec
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A Candlelit Christmas late opening – 18 Dec
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Festive Afternoon Tea with Choux Box Patisserie – 19 Dec
Beckford’s Tower
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After Hours with Feast of Fools – 4 Dec
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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Stargazing Evening – 12 Dec
For tickets and more information, visit www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, www.herschelmuseum.org.uk and www.beckfordstower.org.uk.
Follow @no1royalcrescent, @herschelmuseum and @beckfordstower on Instagram for festive updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses as Bath’s historic houses unwrap a truly Georgian Christmas.
