Bath Voice News: the city’s preservation charity trust gives details of its Christmas events

This information is from the Bath Preservation Trust.

A Georgian Christmas unwrapped: festive magic at No.1 Royal Crescent, Beckford’s Tower and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath

Experience immersive storytelling, candlelit evenings and live music across Bath Preservation Trust’s historic houses this Christmas

20 October 2025, Bath – This festive season, Bath Preservation Trust invites visitors to celebrate Christmas in true Georgian splendour at three of its historic museums: No.1 Royal Crescent, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Beckford’s Tower. From traditional decorations and immersive storytelling to live seasonal music, visitors can enjoy a rich programme of festive events steeped in history, beauty, and atmosphere.

Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent

Step into Christmas as the Georgians once knew it with “12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas”, running from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 (open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5.30pm). This immersive experience brings the grand rooms of the house to life through evocative stories celebrating the traditions of the season as they were enjoyed over two centuries ago.

The museum will be sumptuously decorated with traditional foliage – holly, ivy and yew – and adorned with gilded fruits, sugar sculptures, and festive flourishes. The scent of dried oranges and spices will fill the Servants’ Hall, offering an authentic multisensory glimpse into Georgian celebration.

Families can take part in an “Animals of Aesop’s Fables” trail, searching for owls, tortoises and foxes hidden throughout the house, and enjoy creative fun with festive crafts during the school holidays.

The holiday magic continues as Father Christmas sets up his grotto at No.1 Royal Crescent on weekends from 6 – 21 December, offering an unforgettable experience for families in the beautifully-dressed Georgian interiors. Adults looking to make something special can join a Christmas Wreath Workshop, learning to create elegant festive wreaths or design their own Christmas cards at a lino print workshop.

For those seeking an enchanting evening experience, the museum’s “A Candlelit Christmas” late openings offer the chance to explore the house after dark, illuminated by candlelight and filled with the warmth of Georgian hospitality.

“Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent is always a highlight of the year for both visitors and staff,” says 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, generously sponsored by Emery Brothers, will stand in front of the museum. Inside, the museum gift shop will be stocked with exquisite Christmas gifts, featuring brands such as Fable, Alison Gardiner and Clavis & Claustra. For one day only on Sunday 14 December, visitors can also find the No.1 Royal Crescent team at the Bath Christmas Market at Orange Grove, offering a curated selection of gifts and a hearty dose of Christmas spirit.

Keep an eye on the No.1 website for other exciting Christmas events yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, at sister museums Beckford’s Tower and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy:

Across the city, Bath Preservation Trust’s other landmark site Beckford’s Tower invites guests to a very special evening event: “After Hours with Feast of Fools” on Thursday 4 December 2025 (6pm–8.30pm).

During this special after-dark opening, the Feast of Fools quartet will fill the Tower and museum spaces with close-harmony folk songs – both traditional and contemporary – performed in a wandering minstrel style. Guests will explore the historic Tower as music and atmosphere intertwine in a unique experience. Two sessions will run throughout the evening.

At 19 New King Street, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy will be hosting a special stargazing evening. Guests will have an opportunity to practice stargazing with the Bath Astronomers, and to wander around the historic museum by night.

Christmas highlights at a glance:

At No.1 Royal Crescent:

At Beckford’s Tower:

At the Herschel Museum of Astronomy:

For tickets and more information, visit www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, www.herschelmuseum.org.uk and www.beckfordstower.org.uk, or follow @no1royalcrescent, @herschelmuseum and @beckfordstower on Instagram for festive updates.