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.
Expect traditional decorations and immersive storytelling; 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 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–5.30 pm). 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.
Experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent after-hours on the
11 and 17 December. Open from 4:30 pm – 8 pm
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.
Learn to design, carve and print by hand a simple festive image in our Lino Print Christmas
Card Workshop to decorate Christmas cards and gift tags. (14 November 2026)
The holiday magic continues as Father Christmas sets up his grotto at No.1 Royal Crescent on weekends from 5 – 20 December, offering an unforgettable experience for families in the beautifully dressed Georgian interiors.
For book lovers and those looking for gift inspiration, why not try one of our festive book talks.
Twelve Days of Christmas with author Susan Stokes-Chapman, 19 November, 6 pm
Murder on the Royal Crescent with author Harriet F Townson: 1 December, 6 pm
The Austen Christmas Murders and The Christmas Tree Murders with authors Jess Bull & Katie Lumsden 8 December, 6 pm.
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 one of the most anticipated moments in our annual programme,” says Spencer Hancock, Chief Operating Officer at Bath Preservation Trust. “From immersive storytelling and atmospheric candlelit tours to the return of Father Christmas, visitors can enjoy a truly memorable Georgian Christmas experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with the history and traditions of the season.”
Outside, a magnificent locally sourced Christmas tree will stand in front of the museum. Inside, the museum gift shop will be stocked with exquisite gifts just in time for Christmas, featuring brands such as Wendy Yun Studio, Tea House Emporium and The Art File.
Visitors to Bath will also find the No.1 Royal Crescent team at the Bath Christmas Market on 8th December, offering a curated selection of gifts and our famous festive welcome.
Keep an eye on the No.1 website for other exciting Christmas events yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, at Bath Preservation Trust’s sister museums, visitors can enjoy a range of atmospheric after-hours experiences.
Across the city, Beckford’s Tower will open its doors after dark on 12 November and 4 December, offering a rare opportunity to experience this iconic landmark by night. Visitors can explore the historic tower and museum galleries before climbing to take in panoramic views across Bath, where the city lights create a spectacular backdrop against the evening sky.
These special evening openings offer a unique chance to discover the history, architecture and stories of Beckford’s Tower in a truly memorable setting.
Celebrate the Wonders of the Night Sky at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy
At 19 New King Street, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy will mark the birthday of renowned astronomer Sir William Herschel with a special evening of stargazing on Sunday 15 November, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Hosted in partnership with the Bath Astronomers, the event will offer visitors the chance to explore the night sky, enjoy expert-led astronomy talks, and take part in after-hours tours of the historic house where William and Caroline Herschel lived and worked. It promises to be a unique opportunity to discover the legacy of one of Britain’s greatest astronomers from the very place where he made many of his groundbreaking observations.
Visitors can also look forward to the museum’s final stargazing event of the year on Friday 11 December, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Weather permitting, guests will have the opportunity to observe the winter night sky with members of the Bath Astronomers and explore the museum after dark, offering a truly atmospheric experience in this remarkable historic setting.
Both events provide a rare chance to combine astronomy, history and heritage under the stars.
Christmas highlights at a glance:
At No.1 Royal Crescent:
• 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas – 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (Open Tuesday– Sunday, 10am–5.30pm). Tickets: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/whatson/main-museum- tours/
• “Animals of Aesop’s Fables” Family Trail – Free with museum entry (28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027), no booking required
• Christmas Lino Print Workshop – 14 November. Tickets: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/whats-on/
• Meet Father Christmas – weekends between 5 – 20 December 2026. Tickets: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/whats-on/
• A Candlelit Christmas: Late Opening – 11 and 17 December 2026. Tickets: https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk/whats-on/main-museum-tours/
At Beckford’s Tower:
• After Hours -12 November and 4 December 2026
At the Herschel Museum of Astronomy:
• Stargazing Celebrating William Herschel’s Birthday – 15 November 2026
• Christmas Stargazing – 11 December 2026 https://herschelmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/
For tickets and more information, visit http://www.no1royalcrescent.org.uk, http://www.herschelmuseum.org.uk and http://www.beckfordstower.org.uk, or follow @no1royalcrescent, @herschelmuseum and @beckfordstower on Instagram for festive updates.
