Bath Abbey at Christmas 2021
Festive Tower Tours
Come and join the wonderful people over at Bath Abbey for great festive fun throughout December and Christmas. One of the many events and activities Bath Abbey is holding is that of the Festive Tower Tours, not for the faint-hearted. Visitors can climb the mighty 212 steps to the top of the tower to marvel at the awe-inducing views, including up-close looks at the Abbey’s bells, ringing chamber and clock.
When you’ve successfully completed the climb, you’ll be received with a delicious free mulled wine or hot chocolate to sip while you peruse the landscape. Festive tower tours are available on Tuesdays through to Saturday, times vary. Tickets: Adult £10, Child (5-15 yrs) £5. Special 2 for 1 offer for Discovery Card holders. Please ask about tickets and times at the Abbey’s Orange Grove entrance, Welcome Desk or Shop.
A Baroque Christmas at Bath Abbey
Saturday 18th December 2021 : 7 PM – 9 PM
Enjoy an evening of classical Baroque music featuring Vivaldi’s Gloria and Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit. Bath Abbey’s Choirs are joined by the amazingly talented Rejouissance playing historic instruments. Directed by Huw Williams, there are carols for the audience and a feast of glorious Christmas music from Venice and Paris. Tickets are available from Bath Box Office, along with further details.
Christmas Services
24th December 2021
Bath Abbey’s traditional Christmas services begin on Christmas Eve with the Carol Praise service at 4 PM and 6 PM. Guests are invited to this informal service with classic carols including and interactive rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, so be prepared to make some moves. If previous years are anything to go by, the Abbey is expected to reach full capacity, make sure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.
At 4 PM There will be a Christingle Service at the Abbey’s sister church, St Michael’s Without (opposite Waitrose), which is a family favourite. All are welcome, no need to reserve.
After the Christingle service, Holy Communion service will take place at 5:50 PM at St Michael’s Without, which all are welcome to attend.
Unfortunately, Midnight Communion, which some may call ‘the main event’ is a ticket only service that has had all available tickets allocated.
25th December 2021
Join Bath Abbey at 8 AM for the quiet hour, a tranquil service of Holy Communion without music and using traditional language.
At 9 AM the Abbey is open for family communion to celebrate Christmas morning with the theme of ‘God with us.’ This is an informal service, suitable for all ages.
From 11:30 AM, the day’s services are drawn to a close with the sung Eucharist for Christmas with traditional music with the Abbey’s Choirs.