The festive season is upon us, and Hertfordshire is bursting with Christmas spirit! From Santa's grotto visits to dazzling light trails and everything in between, there is something for everyone in this winter wonderland.
So, prepare to enjoy mince pies, sip hot chocolate, and embark on a journey through Hertfordshire's most enchanting Christmas events. Discover the very best of what this charming region has in store during the festive season.
1. Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Dates: Select dates beginning 23rd November to 24th December
Address: Coursers Rd, St Albans AL4 0PF, United Kingdom
The Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm in St. Albans is packed with holiday fun and festive surprises. Start by meeting Santa in his grotto, where kids will get a key to his Toy Shop and pick out a gift from an incredible selection.
Kids can also create cuddly toys at the Create-a-Cuddle Workshop, decorate delicious gingerbread, and even send a letter to Santa himself.
The festivities continue with gliding along a synthetic ice rink, enjoying a short 3D film, singing along with festive shows, and taking a Magical Festive Woodland ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor.
You can also enjoy the festive funfair rides and meet the reindeer in The Farmyard for a truly spectacular Christmas experience.
2. Knebworth Christmas Fair at the Knebworth House
Dates: 22nd November to 24th November
Address: Knebworth House, Old Knebworth Lane, Stevenage, SG1 2AX
Knebworth Christmas Fair in Knebworth is the region’s biggest festive shopping event, offering various Christmas gifts for all ages and delectable festive food and drink.
With over 250 trade stands, you are guaranteed to find wonderful Christmas presents, including health and beauty, home interiors, arts and crafts, clothing, and so much more.
Sample the finest foods and drinks from across the UK in the festive food and drink section, with options like mulled wine, cheeses, and sausages to suit all tastes.
Bring your friends for a day filled with festive shopping, ensuring you can check off everyone from your Christmas list, including your beloved pets.
3. Redbourn Christmas Market
Dates: Sunday 1st December
Address: High St, Redbourn, St Albans
Kick off the festive season in style by visiting the charming village of Redbourn, where the Redbourn Christmas Market offers a delightful array of local crafts, great food, and festive entertainment.
This not-for-profit event, organized by volunteers for the community's benefit, features over 100 stalls filled with delicious food and beautiful crafts, making it the perfect place to find unique gift ideas. The funds raised are directly used to support the event and the Christmas light display in Cumberland Gardens.
Enjoy seasonal music from local talent who play your favorite carols and festive tunes, and participate in the Yule raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes from local businesses.
4. Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park
Dates: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December
Address: Station Rd, Shepreth, Nr. Royston, Herts, SG8 6PZ
Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park and enjoy a magical experience, including a 5-minute visit with Santa and a special Christmas gift. Additionally, you will receive a Child Winter Zoo Pass, valid for a future visit between October 1st and March 31st.
Please note that this experience does not include entry into the wildlife park (although required for the experience), but you and your accompanying guests can enjoy a discounted entry rate of £10 per person on the day, with at least one adult required per booking.
If interested, bring cash for the £10 donation to the 'Charity Elf' on the day - all funds raised support the hedgehog rescue program.
5. Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Dates: 22nd November to 24th November
Address: The Castle, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HR
Celebrate the start of the festive season at the Hertford Castle annual Christmas Market, set within the picturesque castle grounds.
The event features a diverse selection of Christmas market stalls offering homeware, crafts, jewelry, and more - making it the perfect place to shop early and support local businesses for your Christmas gifts!
The market also offers fairground rides and live entertainment for a truly festive atmosphere, along with food and drink stands serving seasonal treats. Do not miss out on this magical event that promises to get you into the holiday spirit!
6. Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park
Dates: Every weekend from 30th November to 15th December and every day from 16th to 24th December
Address: Aldenham Road, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3BA
Join in the festive fun at Winter Fest in Aldenham Country Park with the Winter-Fest Farm Pass, which offers a delightful adventure around the farm to meet the animals and enjoy festive music in the Dance Tunnel.
Be sure to participate in the Elf Hunt to win a prize and warm up in the indoor Play Barn while kids have a blast on the Bouncy Castle. You can also meet Christmas Pooh at select times and explore Giant Puzzles, Mini-Tractor Play, and various photo opportunities.
Do not forget to visit Santa's Magical Grotto, where you can help the Elf prepare for Santa's busy schedule, venture through a magical wardrobe to meet Santa, choose the perfect gift, and even write a letter to Santa to receive a video message reply. It is a memorable experience for the whole family!
7. Tring’s Christmas Festival
Dates: Saturday 30th November
Address: Akeman Street in Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, HP23 6AA
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season at Tring's Christmas Festival on the last Friday in November. The historic High Street and Victoria Hall are transformed into a sparkling Christmas Market, featuring an entertainment stage with live music in Church Square and an array of Christmas market stalls inside the Victoria Hall.
With over 10,000 visitors gathering to celebrate, it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a merry evening with family and friends. You can savor roasted chestnuts, experience the magic of twinkling lights, and shop for Christmas gifts while enjoying live entertainment.
This event provides a festive atmosphere that will surely get everyone in the holiday spirit and help you tackle your Christmas shopping in one go.
8. Warner Bros Hogwarts in the Snow
Dates: 16th November 2024 - 19th January 2025
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR
Prepare yourself for an enchanting 'Harry Christmas' at the Warner Bros. Studio in London as you experience Christmas in the Wizarding World!
During this magical event, the iconic Harry Potter sets are transformed into a winter wonderland, with filmmaking snow adorning the scenes. It is one of the best Harry Potter experiences in the world!
The Great Hall is adorned with gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, featuring a mouth-watering banquet, just like the end-of-term feast at Hogwarts. Christmas trees, flying witches, and inviting fireplaces decked with holly, mistletoe, and wreaths create a festive ambiance.
Explore sets like the Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory and the common rooms, adorned with authentic decorations and Christmas cards created by the crew during filming. Learn the dance steps from the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and discover how they used the invisibility cloak for on-screen magic.
Walk through the snow-covered Forbidden Forest, stroll down Diagon Alley's snowy shop fronts, and do not forget to visit the Christmas shop for a premium selection of holiday gifts and souvenirs.
9. Ashridge House Illuminated
Date: 29th November to 1st January
Address: Ashridge, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS
Ashridge House Illuminated is back for 2024, offering an unforgettable light trail experience for the whole family.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Grade II* listed gardens, this dazzling display features over 20 magical light installations, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. With thousands of twinkling lights to explore, the trail promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Visitors can also enjoy a festive feast at the vibrant food village, where you can warm up with mulled wine, sample local craft beers, and indulge in sweet treats like churros and waffles. Whether you are there for the lights or the food, Ashridge House Illuminated is a perfect festive outing.
10. Christmas Lights Event at Welwyn Garden City
Date: Saturday 16th November 2024
Address: The Howard Centre Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6HA
The Christmas Lights Event in Welwyn Garden City is a festive celebration with entertainment and activities for all ages. Father Christmas and his elves will make an appearance in The Howard Centre, offering a delightful story time session.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of street entertainment, including stilt walkers, fairies, elves, face painting, and costumed characters, alongside a magical elf car perfect for photo opportunities.
The event also features a fun fair, with rides catering to small children and thrill-seekers, available on the 17th and 18th of November.
A Christmas Lights Trail funded by local businesses adds a festive glow throughout the city, and attendees can also indulge in live music, tasty food and drink stalls, and an arts and crafts market, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
11. Christmas at Hertfordshire Zoo
Dates: 30th November to 24th December
Address: White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA
Hertfordshire Zoo (previously the Paradise Wildlife Park) transforms into a festive wonderland this Christmas, filled with twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and special experiences included in your day ticket.
Meet Santa at the magical grotto, where children can share their Christmas wishes, get a picture, and receive a small gift. Keep an eye out for the Grinch as he roams the zoo, adding his own humorous twist to the festivities.
Special animal talks and Christmas-themed enrichment activities showcase the zoo’s beloved animals getting into the holiday spirit.
And, of course, no visit is complete without indulging in the mouthwatering seasonal treats offered at the catering outlets, making it a perfect festive outing for the whole family.
12. Watersmeet's Christmas Market
Dates: Saturday 16th November 2024
Address: High Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1EH
Watersmeet's Christmas Market offers festive entertainment for all ages, with live music, carolers, and captivating performances creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal food and treats, and the market guarantees a snowy experience, adding to the holiday magic. Entry is free, making it a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit.
Additionally, the Watersmeet Theatre hosts live shows like The Phantom of the Opera on 3 November 2024 and The Nutcracker on 9 January 2025, providing even more opportunities for holiday enjoyment. You can purchase tickets online.
13. Christmas At Hatfield Park
Dates: Winter Walks and Workshops on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 1st to 22nd December and A Palace visit with Santa on Sundays from 1st to 22nd December
Address: Hatfield AL9 5HX
Christmas at Hatfield Park offers two enchanting experiences that capture the magic of the season. The Winter Walks and Workshops invite families to explore festive-themed woodland trails filled with handcrafted decorations created by the Park and Gardens Team.
Visitors can collect unique tokens as they wander through the wintry woods, adding a sense of adventure and discovery.
After the walk, the journey continues at The Motor House in Stable Yard, where these tokens can be exchanged for natural materials sourced from Hatfield Park, allowing guests to create personalized Christmas decorations as lasting keepsakes.
For those looking for a more historical and interactive experience, A Palace Visit with Santa offers a delightful tour led by storyteller Alex Shows. Visitors will be guided through the Old Palace, learning about its rich history and Elizabeth I’s childhood festivities.
The journey culminates in the cozy Lower Solar Room, where families can meet Santa by a charming fireplace, take photos, and choose a special Hatfield Park-branded gift, making it a memorable holiday experience.
It's the Most Magical Time of the Year!
Hertfordshire is a Christmas wonderland waiting to be explored. With so many festive events and Christmas activities to choose from, you are sure to create cherished memories with your loved ones in this enchanting region.
So, pack your warmest clothes, gather your close family, and embrace the magic of Christmas in Hertfordshire. Happy holidays!
Have you been to any of these Christmas events in Hertfordshire, UK? Let me know in the comments below!
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