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 grab your mince pies, sip on hot chocolate, and join us on a journey through Hertfordshire's most enchanting Christmas events. Let's explore the very best of what this beautiful region has to offer during the magical Christmas period.
1. Christmas at Paradise Wildlife Park
Dates: Every weekend from 2nd December and every day from 20th December to 24th December
Address: White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA, United Kingdom
Experience the magic of Christmas at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, where your kiddos can meet Father Christmas and share their Christmas Wish List with him. Santa's Grotto entry is included with your day tickets, and you can catch the big man every weekend from December 2nd or every day from December 20th to 24th. Do not miss the enchanting winter wonderland with a festive fairy light tunnel and a beautiful array of Christmas decorations throughout the park, including a large Christmas tree. You can also visit Santa's reindeer in the scenic Woodland Walk for an extra dose of holiday cheer!
2. Christmas at Ashridge Estate
Dates: Select dates beginning 19th November to 24th December
Address: Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4 1LX, United Kingdom
Embark on a festive woodland walk at Ashridge Estate, where you can experience the magic of Christmas amidst the natural beauty of the countryside. Join in the enchantment with an immersive live production of The Nutcracker, offering children the opportunity to meet Father Christmas and receive a small gift, along with plenty of photo opportunities. Enjoy hands-on festive workshops to craft holiday treasures and indulge in seasonal delights at Acres, Ashridge's premier restaurant, or savor a quintessential twist on a festive afternoon tea with homemade cakes and savories.
3. Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm
Dates: Select dates beginning 24th November to 24th December
Address: Coursers Rd, St Albans AL4 0PF, United Kingdom
Santa Spectacular at Willows Activity Farm in St. Albans offers a magical winter wonderland experience where children can meet Santa Claus in his grotto and receive a key to Santa's Toy Shop, where they can choose any gift from the hundreds stacked from floor to ceiling. Kids can also create their own cuddly toys at the Create-a-Cuddle Workshop, decorate tasty gingerbread, and write a letter to Santa. The festivities continue with crafting a Christmas Eve Sleigh at the Toy Workshop, enjoying a 3D film, singing along with festive shows, and taking a Magical Festive Woodland ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor. Do not miss the chance to glide around the synthetic ice rink, enjoy the festive funfair rides, and meet the reindeer in The Farmyard for a truly spectacular Christmas experience.
4. Fantastical Christmas Revels at Hatfield House Hospitality aka Hatfield Park
Dates: 30th November to 31st December
Address: Great North Rd., Hatfield AL9 5HX, United Kingdom
Wander through the stunningly decorated Stable Yard with festoon lighting and ambient music, and explore unique, independent retailers for special Christmas gifts. Enjoy delicious drinks and treats in the Coach House Kitchen, including mulled wine and gourmet beverages, while local choirs spread holiday cheer through carol singing on select evenings. Do not miss the delightful Mally's Gin and Pizza Bar, offering delicious food and drinks from a beautifully converted horsebox, and explore the pop-up gift shop with locally sourced items and a limited edition Felt So Good tree decoration depicting the Rainbow Portrait. Complete your experience with wonderful wintry woodland walks and take in the sight of a 30ft beautifully decorated Spruce Tree on Palace Green.
5. Knebworth Christmas Fair at the Knebworth House
Dates: 24th November to 26th November
Address: Knebworth Park, Stevenage SG1 2AX, United Kingdom
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 jewelry, children's gifts, and more. Sample the finest foods and drinks from across the UK in the festive food and drink section, with options like cheeses and sausages to suit all tastes. Bring your friends for a day filled with festive shopping, ensuring that there is something for everyone, including your beloved pets.
6. Redbourn Christmas Market
Dates: Sunday 3rd December
Address: High St Redbourn, St Albans, UK
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, fabulous 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. Enjoy seasonal music from local talent with your favorite carols and festive tunes, and participate in the Yule raffle for a chance to win amazing prizes from local businesses.
7. Christmas Lights Event at Welwyn Garden City
Date: Saturday 18th November
Address: Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6NS
Get ready to kick-start the festive shopping season at the Christmas Lights event in Welwyn Garden City. The town is adorned with an array of Christmas lights funded by various businesses, creating a dazzling spectacle. Join Santa and his elves for a special storytime, and enjoy street entertainment featuring elves, stilt walkers, fairies, face painting, characters, and mascots, with the added bonus of a Magical Elf car offering free photo opportunities. The event also includes a fun fair with rides for both children and thrill-seekers, as well as live entertainment from local singers, DJs, and dance academies. Savor a variety of delicious food and drink options, from Punjabi Shack to Traditional German Sausage and more, and explore the arts and crafts market for unique holiday gifts and treats. This celebration will surely put you in the festive spirit!
8. Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park
Dates: 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December
Address: Station Rd, Shepreth, Royston SG8 6PZ, United Kingdom
Meet Santa at Shepreth Wildlife Park and enjoy a magical experience that includes a 5-minute visit with Santa himself 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, 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. Do not forget to bring cash for the £10 donation to the 'Charity Elf' on the day, as all funds raised support the hedgehog rescue program.
9. Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Dates: 24th November to 26th 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!
10. Winter Fest at Aldenham Country Park
Dates: Every weekend from 25th November to 17th December and every day from 18th to 24th December
Address: Aldenham Rd, Radlett, Borehamwood WD6 3BA, United Kingdom
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 meet Mrs. Claus, 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.
11. Tring’s Christmas Festival
Dates: Saturday 25th November
Address: High Street and Victoria Hall
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, a fun fair on upper High Street, 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.
12. Warner Bros Hogwarts in the Snow
Dates: 11th November 2023 – 14th January 2024
Address: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom
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 the invisibility cloak was used 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.
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? If so, let us know in the comments below - we want to know about your favorite one! If you have not gone, is it on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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