Alex Valentine
25th September 2023

‘Twas a few weeks before Christmas, and after quite the year,
Visit Herts was searching for some festive cheer,
We searched for christmas events that would bring us some joy
And the businesses gave us gifts worth more than any toy!

We hope our Christmas events leave you merry and bright,
So Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night…

Can you tell we're getting in the Christmas spirit?! Here's your guide to Christmas events in Herts this festive season...

'Tis the Season at St Albans Cathedral

What isn’t happening at St Albans Cathedral this Christmas? From carol concerts, to The Snowman Tour which brings the beloved The Snowman and Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers films to live through award-winning music from the some of the finest UK musicians, there’s a whole host of events to generate that festive spirit within this year! 

Christmas at the Cathedral

Christmas at Hertford Castle 

Hertford Castle is being transformed into a magical wonderland this Christmas as it hosts a Christmas market in the grounds. Grab your mulled wine and peruse stalls of crafts, homeware, jewellery and more, while soaking in the magical atmosphere and tucking into festive treats. 

A Christmas market

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Abbey Theatre

Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan have stepped through the wardrobe into the snowy world of Narnia, and it's up to them to help Aslan save the magical world from the icy grip of the White Witch. Join them this Christmas and enjoy a delightful family play, perfect for some festive fun in St Albans. 

Theatre and fun

Christmas in Paradise 

Santa is coming to Paradise Wildlife Park and he'll be there throughout December! Take little elves to visit his festive grotto and snap a photo with the bit guy in the red suit. Once you've met Santa, travel through the fairy light tunnel and discover the park bedecked in decs and complete with a 20ft Christmas tree!

Wild about Christmas

Christmas at Knebworth House

Bring on the Christmas list as the Christmas Fair at Knebworth House is the perfect place to start! Enjoy a weekend of festive fun with gifts galore and food and drink to add a sparkle to the season. And, for the little elves, their Dine with Santa events are the perfect festive treat for the whole family. 

A festive weekend

Magic at Hatfield House

There’s an exciting celebration going on at Hatfield Park this Christmas! For the first time, the beautiful manor house will be hosting Fantastical Christmas Revels, a celebration of Hatfield Park’s role in Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood. Venture through traditional yuletide merriment, see Tudor festivities, and immerse yourself in a sparkling Christmas fit for royalty. This trail through the gorgeous grounds of Hatfield Park will treat you to Tudor melodies, memories, and even the chance to glimpse the iconic Queen Elizabeth I as she welcomes her guests.

Let the festivities begin

Tring Together Festival 

Are you making a list and checking it twice, because the Tring Together Christmas Festival is coming to town! The High Street will be filled with smells of roasted chestnuts, rows of twinkling lights, live music and Christmas stalls. Get merry and enjoy the magic of Christmas at Tring Christmas Market. Live entertainment for the adults and visits to Father Christmas for little ones will be sure to get everyone in the spirit,  and late night shopping and festive market stalls means you might be able to get all that pesky Christmas shopping done at the same time!

Check it twice

Jingle all the way in Stevenage

Let’s start the season with a little sparkle, shall we? Stevenage will once again decking the halls as the Christmas lights will be lit for the first time on 25th November. While on the 18th November, the Bowling Green will be lighting up the tree and celebrating the season with live musicians and even a celebrity guest appearance! 

Stanborough Park's Christmas Polar Penguins

From 22nd to 31st December the search is on in Stanborough Park as little ones are needed in the search for the Polar Penguins! Enjoy a festive walk through the park, and search for those festively named penguins in a magical afternoon that's free, fun and perfect for a little memory making. 

The penguin march

Sleeping Beauty at Watersmeet Theatre

There's nothing like a panto to set the season off with a jingle. Head to Watersmeet Theatre for the ultimate fairy tale of good vs evil as Sleeping Beauty is brought to life. There'll be fun, laughter, music and dance, and a sprinkling of magic with audience participation. Ready to see a spectacular show full of surprises? Oh yes you are. 

Perfect panto

Hemel Hempstead Christmas Present Trail

28th November 2023 - 2nd January 2024

Round up your little ones and head out on a free Christmas trail! Spot the 8 giant presents located throughout the Marlowes and up into the Old Town, and use the letters to decipher a word. Guess right and you could be in with the chance of winner a £200 gift voucher! Looks like Christmas has come early!

More information can be found at the Customers Service Desk in the Marlowes Shopping Centre and the library in the Forum.