4 min readThis winter, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Victoria Art Gallery invites visitors to step into The World of The Snowman™, a family exhibition celebrating the artistry and animation behind one of Britain's most beloved stories, in partnership with Penguin Ventures.
Image: The World of The Snowman, credit Snowman Enterprises Ltd 2025
Running from 20 November 2026 to 28 February 2027, the exhibition explores how Raymond Briggs' picture book became a festive phenomenon enjoyed by generations around the world.
First published in 1978, The Snowman™ captivated readers with Briggs' distinctive coloured-pencil illustrations and wordless storytelling. It went on to inspire the classic 1982 animated film, whose hand-drawn artistry and memorable imagery have become an enduring part of the festive season.
Bringing together original book illustrations, animation cels from The Snowman™, artwork from The Snowman and The Snowdog™ and hands-on family activities, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover how these beloved characters evolved from page to screen.
Visitors to the council-run gallery in Bridge Street can explore Briggs' original artwork alongside the work of the animators who brought his characters to life, revealing the extraordinary skill behind both films. From intricate pencil drawings to painstaking hand-drawn animation, The World of The Snowman™ celebrates the artists, techniques and imagination that have helped make The Snowman™ a much-loved part of British culture.
Nathalie Levi, Senior Curator at Victoria Art Gallery, said: "The Snowman™ is instantly recognisable, and has become a cherished part of Christmas for generations of families. This exhibition celebrates the illustrators, animators and storytellers who transformed Raymond Briggs' original drawings into characters known and loved around the world. We're excited to share that creative journey with visitors, while encouraging people of all ages to pick up a pencil, use their imagination and create something of their own."
Alongside original artwork and film material, visitors can step into the story through a range of family-friendly activities. Young visitors can follow a Spot the Socks trail through the gallery, dress up in wintry costumes, enjoy weekly Toddler Thursday Story Time sessions and get creative with workshops inspired by The Snowman™ and The Snowman and The Snowdog™.
From snowy Christmas cards and snowman mobiles to festive wrapping paper and half-term crafts inspired by winter wildlife, there will be plenty of opportunities to make, play and explore. Throughout the exhibition, families can also create their own snow globe creature to join a special community display, becoming part of the exhibition itself.
Visitors can also meet Joanna Harrison, storyboard artist and animator on The Snowman™, at a free drop-in event on 16 December (2pm-4pm), included with exhibition admission.
The exhibition will coincide with Walking with The Snowman™, a free city-wide sculpture trail delivered by Bath BID in partnership with Penguin Random House and local businesses. Featuring individually designed Snowman sculptures across Bath's streets and public spaces, the trail will extend the magic of the exhibition into the wider city and encourage visitors to explore Bath throughout the festive season (running 19 November 2026 to 31 January 2027).
Visitors can also enjoy Bath Christmas Market (26 November – 13 December), which brings more than 200 chalets, festive food and seasonal entertainment to the city centre each winter. Together the exhibition, trail, and wider festive events programme will create a unique Snowman-themed experience across the city.
The winter celebration of The Snowman™ forms part of Bath & North East Somerset Council's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality cultural experiences for residents and visitors, supporting the local economy and strengthening Bath's reputation as one of the UK's leading cultural destinations.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "The Snowman™ has delighted generations of families and remains one of Britain's most cherished cultural icons. We're proud to bring this significant exhibition to Victoria Art Gallery, giving residents and visitors the chance to discover the remarkable artistry behind the story while enjoying a unique programme of family-friendly activities. Together with the city-wide Walking with The Snowman™ trail, this exhibition will help make Bath an inspiring destination for culture, creativity and festive experiences throughout the winter season."
Whether visitors come to see original artwork, discover the craft of animation, enjoy hands-on family activities or explore the city in search of giant Snowman sculptures, there will be opportunities to experience this much-loved story in new and unexpected ways. Nearly 50 years after Raymond Briggs first introduced audiences to The Snowman™, The World of The Snowman™ offers a fresh look at the creativity, imagination and craftsmanship behind a character that continues to capture hearts across generations.
The World of The Snowman™ opens at Victoria Art Gallery on 20 November 2026 and runs until 28 February 2027. Bath & North East Somerset Discovery Card holders and local university students can visit for free.
