3 min readBath is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland this festive season as 12 giant sculptures of Raymond Briggs’ beloved character The Snowman arrive in the city centre as part of a spectacular public art trail.
Running from 19 November 2026 to 28 January 2027, the free Walking with The Snowman Trail, produced by leading public art specialists Wild in Art and created in partnership with Penguin Ventures, will invite residents and visitors to explore Bath while discovering 12 uniquely decorated Snowman sculptures located across the city.
Image: Walking With The Snowman Sculpture Trail
Each sculpture has been individually designed to represent one of the verses from the classic Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas, creating a memorable festive experience for families, friends and visitors of all ages.
Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Snowman to Bath this festive season. This much-loved character has captured hearts for generations and we’re excited to create a trail that encourages people to explore our beautiful city, discover new places and enjoy a little flurry of festive joy ahead of the Christmas market opening. We hope the trail brings families together, encourages people to spend time in Bath and creates magical memories during the most wonderful time of the year.”
As well as bringing festive cheer to the city, the trail will support local charity Bath Play Project, which champions every child’s right to play through a range of inclusive play-based services for children and families across Bath and North East Somerset.
Visitors following the trail will be able to make a donation to the charity by scanning a QR code located on the base of each sculpture.
Caroline Haworth, Director of Bath Area Play Project said: “We are very proud to be the local charity being supported. We began in 1979, one year after Raymond Briggs wrote The Snowman. The beautifully illustrated book is wordless, and therefore fully inclusive which is our core ethos alongside our vision that every child has the right to play, supporting and enriching children’s wellbeing. Our staff advocate for, listen and respond to children’s voices, embedding these principles using the power of play as a catalyst for positive change.”
To help visitors make the most of the experience, an interactive trail map will be available online at welcometobath.com. Printed trail booklets can also be collected from the Victoria Art Gallery, the Bath BID office and Wylde Jewellers, where participants can begin their Snowman adventure.
Thomas Merrington, Creative Director at Penguin Ventures, said, “It’s heartwarming to see the city of Bath embrace The Snowman in such a wonderful way this festive season. From the spectacular sculpture trail and exhibition to a live musical screening and opportunities to meet The Snowman himself, there are so many magical ways for fans of all ages to experience this much-loved story.”
Families will also have the exciting opportunity to meet The Snowman in person on 19 and 21 November, thanks to appearances provided by Rainbow Productions. Visitors will be able to pose for photographs with the iconic character and celebrate the launch of the trail in true festive style.
Bath BID would like to thank the organisations whose support has helped bring the trail to life, including Victoria Art Gallery, Thermae Bath Spa, Wylde Jewellers, Bath Abbey, SouthGate Bath, The Apex City of Bath and Visit Bath.
The Snowman celebrations don’t stop at the trail. Visitors can also enjoy a host of themed activities and events across the city, including The World of The SnowmanTM exhibition running from 20 November 2026 until 28 February 2027 at Victoria Art Gallery, and Bath Philharmonia’s performance of The SnowmanTM at The Forum on 19 December.
Whether you’re ticking off all 12 sculptures, meeting The Snowman in person, supporting a local charity, or simply enjoying a festive day out, Bath promises a winter experience filled with festive wonder for everyone this season.
